LOVE OF MY LIFE

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5:

Arjun's pov:

There is a beautiful park on the way to her hostel. I asked her, "What is the in-time deadline in your hostel?" She said, "9.00 Pm" I told, "its 8.00 and we still have an hour shall we sit in the park for some time?" She said, "Okay" We sat on a bench in the park and the scene there was beautiful. Children swinging, running, playing, making noise etc. As we were watching a child who was running fell on the ground and started crying. Nethra stood up to help the child and before her the child's mother reached the child and took him and hugged him and pacified him.

She said, "The boy is blessed. You're blessed with good parents too" I said, "All are blessed with good parents" She said, "No, there are parents who hate their children" I asked, "Why would parents hate their children? It is strange and I can't believe it" She said, "When the parents hate each other they hate all that came out of that relationship; it includes children too" I asked, "Why would they hate each other?" She said, "Lot of reasons like ego, money, material, extra marital affairs, misunderstandings, lack of love and affection, hatred etc" I asked, "How do you know all these things?" She said, "It was and is a part of my daily life" I said, "I didn't get you" She said, "My parents hated each other and kept on fighting all day long and due to misunderstanding they are living separately for the past 6 years; after they got estranged my mom is our guardian. My sister Mithra and I stay in the hostel. They just send us money for our needs that's it. They call us or visit us very rarely" Her voice portrayed the pain and grief in her heart.

She continued, "As people say daughters love their fathers and sons love their mothers, Mithra and I love our dad very much but my mom says dad is bad and we should not talk with him. We called him secretly many a times and begged him to come and visit us. He didn't turn up even once till I joined the college. We hated him for that but still deep down my heart longs and yearns to see him even now. He addresses me as 'Neethu' and sometimes in my dream I hear him call me. When I wake up I find myself alone and cry sorely without a soul to console me" She asked me, "Arjun, Do you know what the most shameful thing on earth is?" Not Knowing what to reply I asked, "What?" She said, "Meeting your dad in the bus stand, street corners, shopping malls, restaurants etc. People give us a weird look and it's so awkward for loved ones to meet like that" I interrupted and as asked, "Why can't you meet him in the hostel?" She said, "The hostel's visitor timings does not suit his work timing and so he asks us to come to a common place. You know what, my dad does not know my 10th scores too it was 90% and everyone but my parents congratulated me.

She asked me, "Do you know why I behaved so badly on my birthday?" I shook my heads and said, "No idea." Hugging and caressing the teddy she said, "It's the dark day in my life. I regret being born on this earth. I haven't celebrated even a single birthday in my life. My parents are too busy quarrelling with each other that they forget our birthdays. This year on my birthday, I called my dad but he forgot it was my birthday and just enquired about my health and studies and disconnected the call. I felt bad that's why I behaved badly with you. Later I regretted for my behavior but of no use. My parents are good people individually but when they are together no one can be as bad as them."

Her eyes dampened with tears but she pretended as if she was not crying and said "Arjun, after seeing your parents I long for such parents. You are truly blessed. I am not as fortunate as you are" I felt very bad and said, "I'm sorry, don't feel bad. Shall I do what my dad does when I'm depressed?" She just looked at me without a clue. I wrapped my arms around her shoulder, patted her softly and said, "It's alright, everything's gonna be fine soon, cheer up" as soon as I told this she leant on my shoulders and started to weep. I continued, "I know it comforts and consoles. It's alright Nethra, everything's gonna be fine soon. It's time up. Let's move" We started from the park; on the way she said, "I feel so relaxed & light since I emptied myself of this burden that had controlled me for so long. Thanks. But I think I spoiled your day with my stories" I said, "You were always aloof and I knew there's something wrong with you. That's why when everyone in the class hesitated to talk to you, I kept on coming back even after you insulting me. I feel happy that you trusted me and let out your frustrations. Life will be good Nethra, don't worry. You can come home anytime you want. Just buzz me, I'll come and pick you" We reached her hostel. She smiled and said, "Thanks a lot. Bye. Thanks again for this lovely gift, what shall we christen her?" I asked, "What name you like?" She said, "Shall we call her Cuckoo?"I said, "oh lovely name, good choice. Bye Nethra, bye cuckoo"She patted cuckoo on her back and the recorded voice said, "Good day keep smiling" she smiled, waved her hands and cuckoo's hands together and said "bye Arjun" and left the place.

She walked lightly like a butterfly but I felt heavy like, like hmmm I really don't know what to compare to this burden to. My heart was so heavy and I realized the mystery behind her sadness is her separated parents. Poor little girl she has so much of pain. On this birthday I learnt a few valuable lessons of life - the value of a family, the need for love and people to share it, the importance of understanding, love and affection of parents and most important lesson is not to tease people with abnormal nature and characteristics. Some people are abnormal due to some medical condition or psychological factors. I took an oath I'll never tease or mock my fellow beings but to treat them with respect and dignity. As soon as I reached home I went and hugged my dad and told what happened. As usual my dad wrapped his arms around my shoulder and said, "It's alright dear. Everything will be fine with her soon" My mom was also there, listening to what I said and she said, "Poor girl, that's why she was sad. Till the vacation is over bring her home daily, she might feel bored in the hostel" The next three weeks she came daily to my home and I could feel the change and happiness in her. Adithi, Nethra and I used to play video games, chess, carom, badminton and watch movies. We had nice time together.

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