Under The Pink Evening Sky

4 | feel-good candies

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3rd,4th grade and 5th grade were Sana's most peaceful years. She had formed a large circle of acquaintances and friends, casual talk reigning their conversations. Her sister studied in the same block as her, ensuring that she didn't have to waddle a long distance to pick her up.

But, the main reason for her peace was the absence of Shrest. He was still her neighbor and he was still studying in the same school. But they were in different classes.

Sana exhaled heavily, as she sat on the swing gazing at the evening sky. It was a canvas of strokes of all vibrant shades of pink, purple, orange and yellow, scattered about forming a beautiful picture for anyone who cared to glance at it. The tinge of darkness at the seams of the horizon only enhanced it's beauty.

Sunsets were her favourite time of the day. It was perfect for ruminating and a few moments of solitude and peace.

She thought back to the time when she realized Shrest wasn't assigned to the same class as her. The online website for the school had published the list and she had checked it twice carefully.

After the realization, she felt the air transform into something more crisp and fresh. She felt the warmth of the sunshine embrace her. She felt the world to be a brighter and a happier place.

She had grinned like a maniac, quite near frightening her sister.

Sana glanced down at her feet, as it rubbed against the sand beneath her. It was the last day of 4th grade. Her last exam had gotten over in the morning. She hoped that luck favors her again, hoping he was assigned to some other class, this year too.

Letting out a soft sigh, she picked herself up and padded to her apartment on the first floor of the complex. As she passed by the neighbors' door, she could faintly hear the sounds of yelling. It had become an everyday thing after Shrest's elder brother had moved away for college.

She quietly retreated into her house and locked the door. Her mother wasn't at home, as usual. Her sister had gone out to play with her friends. So, it was only her at home.

She picked up a glass of water and her box of candies when she heard the yelling getting louder.

"You didn't even do well in general knowledge? Did you even study, Shrest?" Nina tossed his question paper on the table.

Shrest didn't answer, his head kept down.

"You already messed up all your other subjects and now this one too. Are you even going to get above 90 percent? I'm telling you, you will fail, if you keep this up."

Shrest looked to his left, his expression was that of forced nonchalance.

"Don't give me that look. Your brother has already left us to learn teaching, of all things. I want not one more word from you. You had better start studying for your fifth grade syllabus tomorrow. You will not be going down to play for 2 hours now. Only one hour will be allowed." Nina picked up her phone. Her husband sent her an exasperated glance. "Nina, let him play. 2 hours is not going to hurt."

"Bharat, Vineet used to-"

"Well, he's not Vineet. Do you understand that?"

"Bharat, you know how difficult it is, if you don't score well. He has to get into a good college for him to be able to reach the position that you're struggling for, right now."

Bharat rubbed his forehead. "And what if that isn't what Shrest wants to do?"

"Look, he can do whatever he wants as a hobby. For him to live well, he needs to earn well."

Bharat glanced at Shrest who watched them intently. He didn't want the boy to witness this argument.

"Shrest, do you want to go outside to cool down for some time?"

Shrest watched him carefully, before nodding. Then, he padded outside. Standing outside his house, he slumped against the adjacent wall and peered at the sky.

He missed his brother.

Vineet would always be there to defend him.

Shrest's glance wavered before settling on a bird tending to its nest. Why didn't Vineet ever call him? 

It had been 2 years since he had seen his brother. They had only talked once and it had been a hasty phone call.

Did his brother not want anything to do with the family?

Shrest had been vaguely aware that his brother and his mother were at odds. But was it to the point that Vineet wouldn't even call?

Shrest let out a breath.

Suddenly, the neighbor's door opened and a girl's head peeked out.

Shrest and Sana stared at each other.

Shrest decided to break the silence, after a few moments. "Why...What are you doing?"

The girl's head dipped and then she peeked again. This time, her arm was outstretched as she held a candy between her fingers.

Shrest blinked. "I don't want it."

Sana rolled her eyes. She, then, shoved it into his palm.

"Don't be stubborn." After a pause, she added. "It's strawberry flavored."

Then, she disappeared into her house, locking the door behind her.

Shrest stared at the candy for a while, before breaking into a grin.

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