The very next day, I went off to Naxalbari, the only place I knew I could find some much needed solitude. Sid was annoyed by my unannounced departure, but I didn't reason with him. I didn't have the heart for argument anymore. Infact, I didn't have the heart for anything in particular. I began spending my days avoiding conversations with my family members and keeping my conflicted mind distracted through books. I read day and night. Whatever I could lay my hands on. The words displayed on the pages took me away from my torments, although momentarily. As soon as I would close the cover, my thoughts would rush in to haunt me. The sheer agony of my screaming mind was too much to handle and all I craved for was a moment of static peace. Thats when I received a text message from Kavya.
It was about a week after my departure, when one morning I picked up my cell phone and saw her message displayed upon my screen.
Kavya: DHRUUUV! Where the hell are you man?
Me: At Granny's!!
Kavya: I know that, you dumbo. BUT WHY???
Me: I um....I just had to come. They insisted. Couldn't refuse.
Kavya: I see.
Kavya: So how have you been? I haven't seen you since soooo long.!!
Me: Yeah. Almost feels like eternity.
Kavya: Just right. There's so much to catch up on. I have a loooot of things to tell you.
Me: Really?? Like what?
Kavya: You'd know if you had been here, idiot.
Me: Cummon....
It took her sometime to reply, but she eventually did.
Kavya: Remember last time, when we had our little talk?
Me: I guess, are you refereing to that walk?
Kavya: Yeah. Just that. Remember I told you how I liked someone...
Me: Yeah, what about him?
My heart beat faster as my fingers pressed the 'send' button. I knew what her reply was going to be? I had been dreading this moment all along. Could I bear it? I had to. But did I possess the strength? Only time would tell. I felt my mouth run dry and a heavyness lay its cluchtes upon my chest. It was becoming hard to breathe. I needed to get out of the room and have some fresh air. But, the phone was still in my hands. I just couldn't let it go. Its illuminated screen kept me in my place, as I waited for the inevitable.
Kavya: Well...I guess, I should have told you sooner. But, you had to know anyway. So, here goes. Its Sid.
Me: What????
Kavya: I didn't tell anyone about it. Not yet. Please do not tell anyone. If my mom finds out, she'll kill me. You're the only one who knows about it Dhruv. Promise me you won't tell anyone.
Me: I promise. Moreover, who do I have to tell?
It was correct in a way. I had no one.
Me: But please tell me, you told him atleast ?!
I do not know why I chose to be ignorant. Even uttering my best friend's name seemed to be hurting me. What had I gotten myself into.
Kavya: Yes. He knows. I had told him before. That's a long story. You need to hear all of it. Why aren't you here. There's so much I've to tell you. When are you coming back.
Me: From the likes of it, not soon. Mom and Dad are coming over this weekend, which means my stay gets extended. But I wish I was there.
Kavya: Wish you were here Dhruv. It'd have been such a blast. Sid, me and you. All three of us, together after so long.
