REWINDING US

Ch3: Stupid logics

Location: Manali

Manik

After the 4-days long trip we were finally on our way back to Delhi. I was never this impatient to go back home. But this time I felt I just have to rush or I would lose something extremely important once again.

We were travelling back by a Volvo Bus. Everyone was so tired that nobody had the energy to even talk to the other. We quietly sat on our seats listening to music and enjoying the scenic beauty of nature.

There is so much beauty all around us to see, touch and hear. Nature is so miraculous because it is always changing. No matter how many times you look at something, it appears to be different every other time.
I sometimes stare at the sky and wonder why we have made such a mess of things. Life is so simple. Accept what you believe in. Say out loud if you like someone. Stop worrying about what might happen, just live in the moment!

There was a time when Nandini and I were both like this. We lived in our present not caring about the future. But then I grew up, I changed. I met new people and started caring about how others would think about my choices. And Nandini, she too began to base her life decisions on other peoples opinions. It's true that the change in me proved to be good for me, I learnt a lot of new things. I became a lot more responsible. I got to know the seriousness of life. I decided a definite goal in life. I was able to make my family proud. But in the process of achieving all this I gave up that one person who would have supported me in all my ups and downs. That one person who would have stood by my side no matter what. That one person who would've never let me fall and would've always showed me the right path.

I gave up on Nandini and by the time I realised how wrong I was, it was too late. We had damaged our relation beyond repair. And I couldn't have let anything similar happen to her again. I knew she would never trust me again and forget about her, I myself didn't have faith in me that I won't hurt her again. So I let her go. Let her move on.

(FLASHBACK)

"Maniiiikkk.. sun na..I wanted to ask you something" Soha came to me as soon as the teacher left and we got the next half n hour free. I saw Nandini's book in her hand.

"Bol? And give this to me" I asked her snatching the book from her. I somehow didn't like anyone else carrying my Nandu's stuff. So I took it and started scribbling something on the last page. Irritating her by damaging her belongings was my favourite past time. The angry look that she would pass me on seeing it was my all time favourite. I smiled at my own thought which I'm sure didn't go unnoticed by Soha.

"Oohhh possessive han. I understand, after all you have all the rights on her things"
She said teasing me. I didn't know where this conversation was headed but I was somewhat loving it.

"Of course, we've come very close to each other in last two years. You know we were in the same section right, we became the best of friends. And we still are." I replied genuinely.

"Oh just best friend. I thought you also feel something more for her like she does."
I was stunned on Soha's statement. What does she really mean. My eyes shot open and I looked at her totally confused.

"What do you mean? Did she say anything to you?"
I didn't know from where a different kind of excitement ran through me as if I was waiting to hear this from a very long time.

"She likes you Manik. In fact she said she loves you"
I guess I was not on earth after listening to those words. I was flying. Flying high in the sky.

"God! Sohaaaaa. This is the most amazing news ever. You know I, I have always liked her more than a friend. But I thought that she only considers me her best friend. In fact I thought she likes that guy in her class..what's his name.. oh! Forget it. I don't believe this. Soha are you sure? You're not kidding right?"
I don't think I for once took a breather in between the whole sentence. I kept on saying things without thinking, without caring. It was an amazing feeling. I just wanted to run up to her and tell her that she isn't alone in this.