Salim and Kayal #Watty's 2016 # YourStoryIndia #ProjectWomanUp

One Touch

Kayal's POV

Even though I asked Salim so many questions, instead of answering me, he bent down. He took my bag and carried it. I said, "I am just going to drag it. I will do it by myself Salim."

"Have you ever seen me wearing Chudithar or saree?"

"What??? No."

"In that case rest assured that I am not going to flick your bag."

"Uff."

"To answer your questions, thank you for keeping up the promise and returning safely, even though you are bruised. I hope you get well soon. I am fine. All the Professors asked for you. I have taken notes. I will share it with both of you once we reach college. I had bread and jam this morning. Now you tell me, how are you? How is your health?"

"I am fine Salim. Every now and then I get some mild fever. As with my back ache, I am having my pain killers."

"How about Sara?"

"She is also fine. She got a nightmare last night. Otherwise she is fine."

"Okay. I am sorry, but I have to ask you this. Did you cry?"

"That night after calling you, I cried a lot, for Jaanu, for Jaanu's parents, Stalin Anna, for Sara and then ultimately for me. I am not saying that my tears are some magic potion. But it helped me a lot."

"Good to know that."

"I forgot to tell you on that day, thank you so much for being there. I felt really better having you by my side in all those tough times. "He then gave his soft smile and nodded his head. By then we reached a cab. Salim got in the front after keeping my bag in the back. Sara and John were following us. John was holding Sara's hand tightly. Sara sat in the middle. John asked us, "So what happened over there?" "John, it is a long story. We first need to be fed food before that. Before eating, we need to take our bath as well."Salim said, "By the time we reach our campus, our lunch session might be over. I will buy lunch from a restaurant here. You can eat it after reaching hostel."

John said, "Great. After that let's meet in that new café. We will come and pick you up."

Sara and I said "Okay."

I then said, "My Uncle will be coming to pick us up in the evening. We will be spending our weekend in my Uncle's place."

John asked Sara, "Will you feel comfortable there?"

She replied, "Sure. Kayal's Aunt is a Psychiatrist. I think it will be really helpful if I can get some counseling sessions or therapy from her."

John instantly agreed.

*****************************

When we reached our hostel, it felt really weird to stay there without Jaanu. It was very bad. So, to escape the pain both of us got ready fast and packed our bags to leave for the café and then to our Uncle's place. In between we had our lunch. Salim, Harneet and John were waiting outside for us. John took Sara's bag. Salim took my bag. Arguing with Salim is waste of energy. So, I let him. And as a matter of fact, I am so tired that in addition to my bag, I will agree if he carries me as well.

Sara and John ordered some cake. Salim was fasting. Harneet had some cookies. I ordered some cappuccino. To sit in between people who can eat like whales and still keeping up with his fast must be really hard. When I got my cappuccino, there was a tissue paper in it saying, 'This too shall pass'. I asked John, "By any chance, did you tell about Jaanu's death to the Chef?"