THE FORGIVEN BITE

Better Left Unsaid - Part II

******

The building was considerably huge for a school library. Spread across approximately five thousand meter square area, our library had been awarded as 'Best Library of Educational Institute', because of its infrastructure and availability of around sixty-five thousand books, four thousand periodicals, catalogues, magazines, films, recorded sounds, and digital media-- all in different sections-and also availability of books on loan. The library was divided into many sections. One of them was the reading section which was situated on third floor. Using the beautifully articulated stairs in the heart of vestibule, I guided myself up towards the third floor. A huge name plate at the top of the door frame that read Reading Section welcomed me. This was a section where we could read any book from the library collections, sitting peacefully, but we couldn't borrow it home. For that there was different section.

Walking into the quiet, still library, I made my way over to the long table on the left side, which was occupied by few students. There were two long tables fixed on either side of the room with chairs properly arranged. The two tables were placed in such a manner that it formed an aisle in the mid, at the end of who was placed a table with piles of books, half-hiding the person sitting in chair behind it. Madame Librarian of this section, Ms. Morgan served in this school last eight years. Her auburn hair tied in a taut bun was visible. Wire-rimmed glasses were placed neatly on the brim of her nose, which she erected after every ten seconds. Her face was serious as usual. I had never seen her smile. She looked busy in typing something on her computer. But in between she raised her eyes from her computer screen and threw louder statement in the silent library to make the students lower their voices so others can focus.

Clerestory windows were incorporated into the west wall behind Madame Librarian's table, which gave a magnificent and outstanding look, while also bringing in a powerful light. Blank tapering windows framed in pietra serena, surmounted by pediments, and separated by either triangular or segmented paired columns were set into the ivory walls. The wide space between the tables and windowed walls was utilized for the four rows of huge bottom to ceiling wooden book shelves. These features gave a renaissance look to the room. Even the rest of the sections of the library were constructed with renaissance touch.

The library was quiet, peaceful. I could hear nothing, but the peaceful sounds of paper turning, the occasional hum of the copying machine and soft patter of feet on thick carpet. Sometimes buzzing or whispering sounds of students could be heard. But these sounds did not affect a bit to the tranquility of the library. In fact that is what makes it special, isn't it? This was the one of the reason I chose library to spend my time. The peace of mind you get here is unexplainable. It is the second place after church I would choose to relax and think about my problems. Sometimes it helped me to solve my problems, but most of the time it helped me to calm my mind. And of course I loved reading books; it took me to a completely different world, far away from my sucking-at the moment-life. Sometimes I would get my answers in these books. They are the awesome companion to the loner or lost.

I placed my bag in the chair and turned towards the book shelves that were divided into different sections. I grabbed the book from Mystery / Thriller shelves under Literature and Fiction section. The name Once Upon A Lie written in bold letters stood out on the blue cover. It was written by author Maggie Barbieri. It sounded interesting, so I proceeded towards my chair to read it. Though I was least interested in reading it right now, I still opened it and began; so much to cut my time.

I always got fascinated with the smell of books. I remember, whenever I used to get a new book, I used to open it and fill my lungs with its odor. These books leaked of smell of imagination, smell of old and new pages. It was overwhelming.

As I started reading the book, the image of the person whom I had been avoiding for the whole day started flickering in my mind consistently. There was another reason for skipping the classes. Steven. I had avoided him for the entire day till now. Of course we shared the classes, but I had managed not to come across him. But now as Ron had gone for his swimming practice and I, without any doubt would have to sit with Steven.