BIG-J

28

Stepping out of the airport, the fresh minty smell of the UK hit my nose. I spotted my mom waiting, and as I got into the car, she smiled and asked, "How was the trip? Did you like it?" Glancing at her, I smiled, knowing that, unlike last time, things were different. I was more mature and ready to face any situation or person.

I requested my mother to drop me off at the park. March's chill wasn't too harsh, so I entered the 24/7 store to grab a hot coffee and enjoy some time outside. I took a walk around, visited the beach, and then headed to the mall. Around 8 pm, I decided to head back home as it got late. On my way, I noticed a dimly lit bar that was crowded, and filled with cheers and screams. Intrigued, I decided to check it out.

Stepping in, I found a dimly lit, congested place with lights focused on a particular area resembling a ring. It turned out to be a boxing match between two contenders. While I wasn't a fan of such games, the spectacle was rare, so I decided to stay.

A striking guy with black hair, and brown eyes, covered in bruises and tattoos on his arms and legs, displayed incredible speed and skill. His movements were clean and swift, capturing all my attention. The opponent stood no chance against him. However, when he glanced into my eyes, everything froze. It was James.

Time seemed to stand still as I was shocked into silence. He continued to stare at me, and the opponent seized the moment, landing a powerful blow. "JAMES OUT!" the commentator shouted, snapping me back to reality. I witnessed James getting knocked out and, overwhelmed, ran outside the arena, desperately grasping for air.

I thought I had moved on, but this unexpected encounter rattled me. Fear crept in, and I knew I had to head home quickly before things became even messier.

James's POV:

I was on the verge of winning the match, just one more punch, and he would have been knocked out. But then, there she was – the most beautiful brunette with olive skin, glasses, and brown eyes. Anushka had returned. I couldn't believe it; everything else faded away as we locked eyes. I missed her touch, her presence – everything about her.

Time seemed to freeze, leaving only a black void with Anushka and me staring at each other. It was a moment I never wanted to end. However, her expression shifted to worry, bringing me back to reality. But before I could react, BAM! I found myself on the ground, my eyes barely open. Anushka turned into a silhouette, and as I closed my eyes, darkness enveloped me completely.

Waking up in a room with my eyes clouded, I see the nurse coming towards me, saying, "Hey, you're finally awake. That's good. Someone was waiting for you." Shreya enters inside, and we both smile at each other. Even though I broke up with Shreya nearly two months ago on the day Anushka left, we made sure to remain good friends. She enters with a comforting smile and remarks, "You finally lost your game, huh?" She laughs, and I roll my eyes.

Shreya looks a bit serious and continues, "Anushka is back. You should tell her before it's too late, James." I sigh; so, after all, the person I saw was her. I look at Shreya in silence and reply, "I'll speak to her after I get out of the hospital." She sighs, gives a small smile, and leaves. I sit there, looking out, observing kids playing outside.

Life is so beautiful – you fall in love, expecting to get over it, but the moment they return, you find yourself falling in love all over again.

I decided I had to text her, taking my chances, even though she never responded to my 25+ calls, I later discovered from Shreya that she had not taken her phone. I sighed and texted, "Anushka, I know you saw me, and I saw you too... If you truly feel something for me, come tonight to the beach, the same spot."

Closing my phone and looking outside, I sighed. Oh, how I wished sometimes I could go back to being a kid, where life was peaceful, and I didn't have to worry about money, school, or work. If only... I sighed once more and closed my eyes, hoping for the best.