Cordially, Yours!

-41-

She left the children in deep thoughts that lingered on her metaphorical sentences. She ran out of the library as if she had gone back to the night she stood in front of Dhruv and Manik's fight.

"Manik, you have to choose between her and us! And that's definite buddy! "

"Manik," she continued and cupped his face in the petite hands, "we know it, now and then. Wish you the best and you know where to find me."

Her past fastened and she grabbed on the hem of her muffler. Tears streamed down her face and the hallways swiftly past by. Hallway after hallway with no place to go or hide, she took turns unknowingly and ceased her chase when she found herself more alone than ever, farther away from where she started. Stairs descended in front of her. The white walls glistened on either side- somehow, the fire-escape was always her place to go.

She heaved a crying breath and slid down against the wall curling on the stair-edge. Her thoughts swirled down the memory lane to guilt. She questioned herself for pulling that stunt of that day. In all these what ifs, the school bell rang many times, the hallways echoed chirpy voices and faded into silence uncountable times. The dim rays peeked though the top window of the fire-escape and pecked Nandini's forehead. After all the crying, the sun felt relieving on her eyes. It lessened her headache. Knowing nothing, she got up with a swaying head and slowly made her way out of the school from the back door. She walked in utter silence and observed the setting sun. It's orange hues delicately mingled with the blues of the clouds. Her emotions were intertwined too just like the sky.

---

After an hour or so, Nandini was welcomed to a silent home. Luckily enough, a note that announced positively was left for this time. Aryaman and Mrs. Gonzalez had gone for a get together in a house two houses down the street and she was welcomed to join them for a jolly time. 

Sighing at their adventures, she dropped the keys on the dining table and decided for the contrary. She made her way upstairs ready to crash on her bed. The thud of her room's door was accompanied by a clattering thunder. She peeked outside at the once melting sky had turned dark, grim grey. History repeats, she exclaimed sarcastically and threw herself exhaustively in the bed. In split seconds, her eyes blinked themselves close and her thoughts wander off. A streak of white light took her way and suddenly, she was in a place of ecstatic happiness. Warmth filled her in.

"You can't catch me!" A small boy wobbled in front and teased her while stealing glances at her pace. 

"Nandu can't catch me, Amma! She is way too sloww!" A frown hidden among laughter echoed behind. 

"It's not like that, she's is Appa's fastest girl!" a well-built man with spectacles on his pointed nose said while secretively winking at a beautiful lady draped in soft, flow-y clothes and snuggled in his arms. 

"Twinkle, twinkle little star. How I wonder what you are?" A love filled voice rang and she felt a pat on her head.

" Appa, why do the stars twinkle?" She looked into the hazelnut colored orbs that held curiosity above within. 

"Kanna, 'cause they are far away!" 

" But, then why don't you twinkle when I see you from the tree-house!" 

"Cause I am big and still more near you!" 

"Really, so are the stars smaller than you and me?" 

"May be!" 

"Acha, but appa, you see, one day nah, I'll be so big that no star could out do Nandini Murthy!"