Parallel Love

16.

Rome fidgeting doesn't get you anywhere.

Rome bit his lips trying to pump some courage into his body. With no avail, he still found himself fidgeting before Gun's house.  He was debating whether he should ring the bell or not.

Earlier he had found the courage to inquire Tay about Gun's residence and almost with an adamant determination got Tay to lead him there. But at the most important moment he could feel his courage  leaving him.

He wanted to know more than anyone, how Gun recognized him because he didn't have a slightest memory of meeting Gun personally.

Rome you need to talk to him. Rome patted his cheeks , his sweaty palms only added to his nervousness.

When his hand reached the door bell, he was interrupted with loud voices from inside. The one with the most annoying voice threw upon the door while saying something unpleasant.

To that Gun retorted from behind him. "It's over Mark. You are making me go insane. I wanted you g
to help me. Help Off move on with life. But you always belittle him... It's unbearable..Aren't you my best friend?''

When their eyes met Rome, both went silent. It didn't last long.

"So we have an imposter here.'' Mark said with his usual sarcasm.

"Mark'' Gun said looking straight into his eyes with a determination that is peculiar only to him

'"I don't even want to call you my friend anymore. Just leave.'' 
Rome gasped at the seriousness of Gun's tone even admired it.

Unable to bear the manner in which he got treated, Mark walked away stamping his feet in rage.

As long as he is away from Gun's life.. Rome breathed in relief for a second.

Rome followed Gun into his residence, without knowing what to say and how to behave. For a pretty long time, they didn’t converse.
Rome waited patiently as Gun was stirring the coffee, with his back to Rome. Rome wanted to end the silence by starting the conversation but as soon as he formulated the correct words Gun began.

“I have met P’Pick.”

A mere statement and Rome's mind went haywire.

Flashback

The cold of the evening was bothering Gun as he sat near the window just to read a few chapters from his favourite novel. He stood up grumpily with the intention of closing the window and getting back to his novel.

His cat was particularly jumpy from the morning. It curled near Gun’s legs and with its constant meowing and wanting for attention disturbed Gun since the morning.

“Cardamon, stop” Gun reprimanded his chubby brown cat. As if getting upset with Gun’s reprimanding tone, Cardamon at once jumped out of the window.

“HEYyyyyyyyyyyyyy” Gun could not  help but yell and run after this mischievous creature.

He relentlessly followed the cat but his pet ran with an unbelievable speed and soon disappeared into some forsaken alley. The road became clear as soon as Gun reached the end of the alley.

The shops on either side of the road weren’t suspicious, infact they had a very familiar aura and suspecting nothing, Gun called on the cat several times while moving forward. He stopped to catch some breath.

He was on the verge of giving up and going home. He took a step and found himself unable to move forward.  Something bigger than him was gripping on to him with superhuman strength. He attempted to release himself and finding it difficult, he turned to give his angry look that no one could resist.