Chapter 11
Kevin hadn’t spoken to John after that incident. It took him a lot of courage to kiss him. He wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to satisfy John. But he wanted to try. But John didn’t let him. He started spending most of his time working and when he wasn’t he spent it drinking.
Jeffrey met him sometimes. They talked for a few minutes each time and then Jeffrey left. He felt as if Jeffrey was keeping an eye out for him. He had told Jeffrey what had happened in the campus park that day but Jeffrey didn’t respond. He chose to ignore it. Kevin badly wanted to know what John had said about that incident. But knowing Jeffrey, he knew better than to press him for information.
Occasionally, when Kevin was too drunk, he would ask Jeffrey about how John was doing. But Jeffrey would manage to steer the conversation into another direction. That only meant one thing – John was doing good and Jeffrey didn’t want Kevin messing with it. So Kevin decided not to pursue the topic.
He still didn’t know if he would ever turn bisexual. He still didn’t like boys, not in that way. But John was special. He was emotionally attached to him and that gave him the hope that they’ll be able to work it out. But it seemed to him like he had lost that opportunity.
He had been invited again several times to visit that campus. But he knew John would be there so he always declined. He wanted to respect both John’s and Jeffrey’s wish.
He hardly met anyone else. Occasionally, when he was too drunk, he would go along with a random woman to her house and spend the night. But it would always turn out him leaving early in the morning and never talking to the woman again.
His entire focus was now on his work. He soon started getting national level cases and they were too time-consuming to think about anything else.
He missed his dead wife and unborn kid but he mostly missed having John around. He was never good at making friends but the time spent with John was memorable. No one had been able to understand him as well as John did. But he had lost John. He had lost him several years ago. He wished he were gay or bisexual, atleast John wouldn’t have left him. And he cried.
Chapter 12
One year later…
Karan had finished with his graduation and had taken a place close by to the campus. John vacated the hostel room and moved in with Karan. Jeffrey was skeptical about it but soon gave in to the idea. Karan had been hired by a fast food chain to manage their business at the airport.
A few months into the job, he met Kabir. Kabir was also from India. Kabir was hired by a cosmetics chain. Karan and Kabir became friends. Having Kabir around made his pressure filled work atmosphere seem more manageable. Of course his heart always wanted to go home. To be with John for as many hours, days, months and years as possible.
John and Damien were sitting at the table and having breakfast.
“Morning love! Breakfast is ready for you. Have to leave early. See you in the evening! Ummah”
John read and re-read the note several times and smiled.
“You are so freaking lucky!”
John laughed. “How?”
“I have a girlfriend who doesn’t even know what a kitchen is! And you have a boyfriend who treats you like a prince!”
“Of course he should! I am one.”
