Whispered Wishes: The Magic of Childhood Dreams

8

Somewhere in Bangkok, Mew's motive was to follow Gulf. Where ever Gulf went, Mew tailed him. The art exhibit, radio station, and even to schools where Gulf was called to give motivational speeches. Mew never spoke to Gulf. He would simply stand and observe him from a distance. He would watch how happily Gulf interacted with everyone, how he played with the children, and how he inspired them to dream and follow their passion.

One day he was looking at Gulf lost in thoughts when a kid pulled his hands.

"P'...Aey P'....P'Gulf is calling you." He pointed to Gulf who was looking at him with annoyance. Mew was surprised as he didn't realize Gulf too was watching him. Damn, he was careful. For the first time in life, he felt nervous. The innocent baby face of Gulf made him feel things, he had never felt before.

"Hi", he said awkwardly.

Gulf was in no mood for small talks. "Why are you following me?"

"I wasn't following you...I was following...him." Mew pointed to Gulf's friend Drake who had just walked towards them.

Gulf's friend Drake looked at him and raised an eyebrow and mouthed "wow". Gulf rolled his eyes while Mew introduced himself. He started talking with Drake. Drake was amused but nevertheless spoke to Mew who invited him for a café nearby.

At the café Mew and Drake were talking leaving poor Gulf all to himself. He didn't know Mew but he didn't like the way Drake was laughing at Mew's jokes and stroking his arm. Drake was even more fascinated when Mew said that he is a bike racer. He was telling stories of race and motocross tracks that intrigued Drake.

Gulf cleared his throat. Drake looked to his friend and nodded. "Umm...I will go get the menu." Drake went to look for the menu leaving Mew and Gulf.

"You called on my radio show, didn't you?" Gulf's question caught Mew offguard.

Seeing Mew flustered Gulf smirked. He knew he was right. "Didn't you say you will pull up a surprise and visit me....and never did?"

Mew didn't say anything. He just kept quiet when Drake appeared. "There are so many dishes to choose from. Can you help me choose?" Oh boy.

While Mew and Drake looked up the menu, Gulf was smirking internally. What a weirdo.

__________________

Saint's heart sank as he realized that his hopes of getting closer to Zee were once again dashed. Zee had returned from the United States, but instead of being more open and expressive, they seemed to have reverted to their silent and reserved self. It was frustrating for Saint, as he had believed that he got closer to Zee. But he was wrong.

Saint's only happiness were his cousins - Mew and Toptap. He spent most of the weekends and free time with them. It was during one of those times. Mew, Toptap and Saint were sitting in a café munching when Mew asked.

"So, what did Zee bring for you from USA?"

"Ummm, chocolates", Saint said.

"What? Isn't that something you give to neighbors or kids?", Mew questioned.

"Shall we go?" Saint didn't wait for the other two to respond and started walking away.

"What happened to him?" Mew asked to Toptap who too had no idea what was going on and was equally surprised by Saint's demeanor. They both knew something was not right with Saint's marriage. But they also knew he will let them know when the time is right.