Until I found you

Part 18 "Take me"

-- It's very late. I'll take my leave now. I need to study again. (Daisy)

As Daisy was about to leave, Zayn called her back.

-- One minute, Daisy. (Zayn)

When Daisy stopped, Zayn ran to the balcony, grabbed a small jasmine plant in a pot, and handed it to her.

-- This is for you. (Zayn)
-- But this is... (Daisy)
-- I bought it a few days ago because I liked it. Actually, I really like jasmine flowers. I didn't have anything else to gift you right now, so I thought I'd give you this. Keep it with you and take care of it. (Zayn)
-- But why are you giving me your favorite plant? And why do you need to gift me anything? (Daisy)
-- I have many other plants. Besides, I'll feel better if it blooms under your care. So, I'm giving it to you. I don't really understand the need for reasons. (Zayn)

Taking the pot from Zayn, she said,

-- These days everyone likes roses, sunflowers, frangipanis, palash flowers, and you like this small jasmine flower? (Daisy said with a slight laugh)
-- Sometimes, you know, simple things can surpass extraordinary ones! When this small plant blooms with beautiful jasmine flowers, their fragrance will mix with you, and the flowers will remain white and pure like the stars in the night sky. You'll see, it will feel much more special than any popular rose or sunflower. (Zayn)
-- You are really different. (Daisy)
-- That's why I'm alone! (Zayn)

To change the subject, Daisy asked,

-- Are you going to college tomorrow? (Daisy)
-- Yes. I need to collect a few last things from the professors for the final year. Then maybe I'll go only during exams. I joined in the middle of the session, so it might be a bit difficult. After that, admission to the university for my Master's! (Zayn)
-- So if you're not at this college, we won't see each other anymore. (Daisy said slowly)
But Zayn clearly heard that.

-- I'm your neighbor, ma'am. Come and see me whenever you feel like it. Your friend will be here. (Zayn)
-- Good night. (Daisy said with a smile)
-- Good night. (Zayn)

After she left, Zayn stood by the door. As Daisy looked back at his door before entering her room, she saw him standing there. Seeing her, Zayn smiled and waved 'bye' with his hand. Daisy smiled back and went inside.

When she checked her phone inside, Daisy saw about ten missed calls from Erica. The phone had been on silent mode, so she didn't notice the calls. Quickly putting the plant down, she called Erica. It was twelve-fifteen at night.

As soon as the call was received after a few rings, Erica spoke in an excited tone,

-- What's going on, Daisy? I've been calling you for so long! Don't you worry me? Where were you? (Erica)
-- Sorry, sister. I was a bit busy, so I had put my phone on silent. Very sorry, sister. (Daisy)
-- I was so worried here! I was wondering if you were alright. (Erica said worriedly)
-- Eri, your sister is very strong. By the way, have you had dinner? (Daisy)
-- Yes. And you? (Erica)
-- Me too. I'm going to study now. (Daisy)
-- Study now? Then what were you busy with that you didn't answer the phone? (Erica)

Realizing she had spoken at the wrong time, Daisy thought to herself, "I'm in trouble..."

-- Hey? Why aren't you speaking? (Erica)
-- No, no! I was just...

At that moment, Daisy's eyes fell on the jasmine plant that Zayn had just gifted her.

-- I was actually fixing a plant. (Daisy)
-- Fixing a plant? What plant? Where did you get a plant? (Erica)
-- Actually, when I was returning from college today, I saw a jasmine plant and liked it so much that I bought it. I was just setting it up in a pot and placing it in the balcony. (Daisy)
-- Wow! You’ve started taking care of plants there? Take care of yourself too. (Erica)
-- I definitely will, sister. You take care of yourself too. (Daisy)
-- Alright. (Erica)

After ending the call, Daisy looked at the picture of her and Erica on her phone's wallpaper and said,

-- Sorry, sister. I had to lie to you today. But if you knew the truth, you might misunderstand me. But when the time comes, I will introduce you to Zayn myself. Even though I promised you, I can't convince my own heart, sister! You know, the time spent with him feels special on its own. I don't even notice how time flies when talking to him! Talking to him feels like talking to someone very close. I know I might be overthinking because we are just friends. But someone once said that a boy and a girl can never be just good friends, and maybe they were right.

I'm trying very hard, sister, believe me! I'm trying to convince myself not to become weak for him in any way, but... (Daisy)

Thinking this, Daisy sighed deeply.

As soon as Daisy left, Zayn went to his room. Though he fiddled with his books, he couldn't concentrate on studying. His mind kept drifting away on an unknown current. He opened his diary and started running his fingers over the lyrics of one of his favorite songs. Suddenly, he began to hum,

Where the butterflies are, fountains of color
Where the suns decorate the neighborhood
Where the bees are whimsical
Dispensing love and charity
Where the days will be delightful
Flying lanterns in separation
Will you buy me a flute from the fair?
I am whimsical every day
Take me, take me
Take me, dreamy magician
Wherever you go, wherever you wish
And make my home

Sometimes situations place us in such moments where we truly become disoriented, losing our sense of right and wrong. We think if we go one way, the other will be flooded, and if we try to balance both, the boat will sink. We all desire a successful life, but in seeking that successful life, we forget to consider our whimsical self. We don't want the dreamy magician in our lives who can color our colorful dreams. We consider some wrong people and wrong decisions as fate, thinking we love wrongly.

But how will we come to the whim of finding the truth if we don't love the wrong?

To be continued...
Written by Porna
(Hope you like it!)