As long as you love me.

4

"Arthit"

The name rolled out of his tongue and he liked the feeling of it.

A name which he had taken Many times inside his mind but rarely outside.

A name which he had wanted to call out ever since his school days, but couldn't.

And a name, which Phana had every intent of keep calling for the longest time possible.

Hence, a little excitement and a little nervousness and a hint of desperation.

He was rewarded by the said person's immediate attention and a shy goodmorning, as if waiting for him.

Phana took a seat on the bench and Arthit followed, albeit a little far apart..

" Am not rabid"

"What!!! No!!.. it's just that...."

" I don't smell either"

"What...ofcourse not!!"

"Then??"

"It's just that...."

"Just what...?"

"You are a superstar .......and am just me....I know my place"

It's true, people behave very cautiously around big people. phana sighed, he should have known that. It was just, that he was blinded by his happiness on seeing Arthit again.

What should he do now? To make him feel at ease?

" You know......"

"…........?"

"I still remember you from school. And you still look the same"

"Oh", Arthit looked surprised.

"Even back then, you had liked gardening so much...and you still do!"

"................"

"..............."

Why wasn't Arthit saying anything? Had he said something wrong? What should he do now? Phana started fretting a little.

"I remember you too"

Phana's head snapped in Arthit's direction," you do?"

"How could I not?"

"That's great", phana couldn't suppress his smile.

But what did the previous sentence meant? It could have any number of meanings. Which one was it?

"......."

"......"

They have become silent again. Was he that boring? Phana wondered that about himself.

"The marigolds...."

"Yes"

" I will plant them today...and you can see them bloom in 2 momths.."

"Is it?"

" Yes"

" Then I can't wait to see them bloom"

"Is there anything else you want to see??"

Phana thought for a moment , he need to pick up his interest on plants again which he had picked up due to Arthit.

" I'll tell you...... tomorrow"

"Huh....okay"

Then phana got up to leave, smiling.

He will be seeing Arthit tomorrow too.

--------------------------tbc------------------------