The Spark Theory

Feeling The Pain

WARNING: This chapter contains mature content and slightly offensive language. If you are under eighteen, then parental guidance is strictly recommended.

Its a quarter after one, I'm all alone

And I need you now

Said I wouldn't call but I've lost control

And I need you now

And I don't know how I can do without

I just need you now

-Need you now by Lady Antebellum

There are times when we have to face certain situations in life for which we would never be ready but when we come across them, we are more than ready for it.

Feelings of this unready readiness can be seen in the mind of an amateur ready to jump from a plane before his first sky diving experience.

It can be found in the scrawny kid standing at the edge of the tall diving board, ready to take his first plunge in that chlorinated pool.

A hesitant bride feels similar emotions when 'Here Comes the Bride' begins playing, signalling her time to walk down the aisle.

All of these people are more ready than ever before, but still not sure of their decision. They want to do it but the scaredy cat that resides in each one of us makes them slightly unsteady or should I say, unready.

What I had agreed to do just ten seconds before was definitely not of the magnanimity of the decisions I stated earlier. But my feelings were just the same. It's not everyday that you hear the biggest, deep down secrets of your friend/colleague/most handsome guy on planet.

I had uttered a small phrase 'I am ready' with a lot of guts ten seconds before but now, I wasn't so sure. I was still reeling from the shock that Devon agreed to share his life story with me. We weren't exactly best friends or lovers, for that matter. Yet, he decide to share with me a part of him that nobody had access to.

Devon's face had a faraway look on his face, just like Saru's when she had narrated her story. There was a minute but significant difference between the two. Saru's expression was neutral, numb to all her past sufferings. Whereas, Devon's face had contorted in a painful manner as if he would have to go through it all again.

We both were standing besides each other, our backs leaning on the car facing the edge of the road which was dotted with small wild plants, not clearly visible at night.

"My maternal grandfather was a very rich businessman. His name was Sir Jonathan Wilkinson. He was extremely rich and equally proud. He treated people beneath his social status like weeds that needed to be pruned from the garden of society. He had two children from his wife, Sarah. They had a son and a daughter christened Mariah and Donovan respectively. Both children were perfect and well-mannered. Mariah, my mom was five autumns elder to Uncle Don or as you know him, Donovan Wilkinson. When she went abroad to Oxford for her higher studies, he was still in school."

So far, the story was good. It wasn't scary or anything. It sounded more like a fairy tale.

"My mom met my father, Jake Roberts at Oxford. He was a very talented student and was granted admission with a fully paid scholarship. He always had a smile on his face. His charismatic persona attracted everyone to him. My mother was no exception. They both fell in love with each other.

My dad was intelligent but he wasn't rich. After graduating from college, he became a high school professor. When my grandfather came to know about my mom's relationship with a mediocre teacher instead of a handsome prince, he was infuriated. He declined their relationship. He asked my mom to choose between him and the love of her life. Needless to say, Mom chose my dad. My grandfather was enraged at her decision and disowned her from all his wealth and property. But Mom didn't care. My parents got married and lived happily."