SHADOWS OF DUSK

I was so damn sure that she won't show up again because no one ever would've taunt her like that. Next day I entered the class as usual expecting my senior to be there guiding the students but I found her with that girl from yesterday. 

"Good morning!" She waved her hand joyful.

"Morning everyone!" She smiled as I include her. I was not being nice to get but maybe I was a bit guilty about yesterday.

"Why are you wearing pants instead of saree?"

"I help with the choreography for the event."

"I see. So you are not teaching here?"

"I do teach Science for Grade 5. It was not the plan but I like being around kids."

"Just as I thought."

"You mean you were thinking about me."

"In your dreams. I meant you can match those kids mischievous energy."

"Hmph"

"Wanna dance with me?"

"Hell nah!"

"Then just keep your eyes on me." She winked.

She chose a popular song and hinted at the students of the class to follow her. I locked my eyes without flinching, challenging her silently. 

I envy the way she moves through life like a wild breeze—untamed, unbothered, yet never unkind. She follows her own rhythm, laughing freely, dancing without permission, and in doing so, she invites the world to do the same. To watch her is to remember that life is meant to be lived, not measured.

She extended her hand inviting me. I shook my head to refuse. She sat next to me when she was done.

The senior asked, "By the way, ."How old are you Sam?"

"I'm 22."

"I see. can you guess my age?"

"30+" (mockingly) 

She is not a typical beauty. She is fluffy, dusky skin toned yet carries an undeniable charm.

"Do I look that old to you?"

"Hey what's wrong with 40. I am 40. how do I look?" - senior 

"You are fine as wine my dear." I winked.

"I am just a year older than you, 23. I'm leaving. Will be back at noon. I'll take you on a campus tour." 

I guess my senior has something for me. Soon after she left, 

"Do you wanna ask me anything? I can see that look on your face."

"She came here for you."

"Did she tell you?"

"No. I haven't seen her for months. She was also a junior of me when she was a newbie. This is sudden. Also we spoke about you more than us". 

"Maybe you are misunderstanding the situation."

"She asked if you are being reserved with me as you are with your roommates."

"She might be curious if I have any friends here."

"Yeah. Maybe she wants to build friendship with you as you two are of the same age."

"Yes. It should be."

So tell me Sam. Do u have any problem with your roommates?"

"What? No, it's not about them. It's about me. They mostly discuss tv shows, instagram memes, movie directors and stuff that I'm not much into. I watch anime and netflix series which they don't."

"I understand. You are left out of convo then."

"Besides. I gave up on socializing as it does absolutely nothing but be a waste of time and energy."

"Do you miss your home by any chance?"

"Nope."

"You speak beyond your years, child. I don't know what you have gone through in your past but you can talk to me whenever you are ready."

"Last time when I tried, it didn't go well."

"I understand. Just remember that I am all ears."

"Sure thing."

"Now I get why she was that curious about you."

"And why?"

"You don't fit in."

"Is this a compliment or..?"

"Yes. I just mean that you are different. Come, let's get on to the job."

"Yeah"

At noon. Students left for the lunch break. I was laying on the desk out of boredom. 

"Hey! Come on wake up. There is no time for a nap." 

She grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the class. While walking..

"You actually came just for this."

"Nah. I was checking all the team if they find any difficulties with the dance steps. Knowing that you are also on the same floor thought of taking you with me."

I was about to believe what she said.

"I'm kidding. Of Course I'm here just for that. I made a promise, didn't I?"

"Spare me. Just take our senior."

"I want you. She is too old for that."

"Not like me. I have joint pain already." I sighed.

"Quit nagging already." She never gets tired.

Somehow I went along with her.

"Are you investigating me?" 

"No. Not like that. I am curious about what type of people you are comfortable with." She panicked.

"Did you find anything?"

"Nothing really." 

"Don't forget to mention when you find it. I really wanna know that too." 

Her gaze changed softly. 

After checking the entire classes on the floor, she dropped me back saying.

"You can now enjoy your solitude."

She leans in, her warm breath against my ear, "Until next time."  She whispered. 

This woman is crazy. I rushed to the entrance in the evening to report for the day and leave to avoid meeting her by any chance. I sighed as I felt relieved and pulled the exit door open. 

From behind, "Looking for someone?" I'm busted.

"Yes but that someone is not you."

"Yeah I know that much already. Give me your contact." She held out her phone like fate itself had already decided—no question, only expectation. 

But I must deny it.

"Well that's not how you're supposed to ask."

''Yes it is. I don't want to give you an option to refuse because it's the weekend. I wanna touch.. Uhh! I mean I wanna be in touch with you." 

Her gaze was heavy, unblinking—brows firm, lips set, posture unyielding. A presence that did not ask, but demands. She closed in that made me hold my breath.

I gave her my contact in the end. Huh! I am such an idiot. She left waving her hand. I've gone back to my room got changed and left to the dinning hall to have tea. I've connected to my airpods listening to my favourite songs and leaned on the table for a while. I almost fell asleep then suddenly a notification got me up. My mind was still foggy. I rubbed my eyes to check who it was.

Heyy!! It's me, Rheara.

I had no idea who the hell was Rheara. I read and ignored it.

*text pops*

I just reached home, just wanted to check on you.

I realised. I am quite more comfortable in text than in person so it was easier for her to know more about me. We shared common interests in music and movies. She talked non-stop. Then, without missing a beat, she sang her favorite song again and again, each note a playful repetition that somehow made her even more endearing.

It's strange how time can transform the things we once despised—like that song I loathed when it first blared through the airwaves, its repetitive tune grating on my nerves. Yet here I am, finding a strange comfort in its familiar chords, each note now laced with nostalgia and an unexpected fondness I never could have anticipated.

Then we hung up to prepare everything for tomorrow's big day. 

*Text message to someone*
I think the girl I told you about is trying to be friends with me. Not sure what to do with her. Hope you are doing well. Looking forward to your reply.

Evening of the annual day. 

I was allotted to assist another staff who was responsible for the children of grade 4 with their costumes and makeup. I didn't notice that Rheara hadn't shown up today since I was busy. It doesn't affect me much. 

What actually did is when I entered the washroom, I saw a woman's reflection in the mirror. Her skin is kissed by the shadows of dusk. With a graceful motion, She cups her hands and lifts the cool, silken liquid to her face. The droplets scatter like fleeting stars, tracing the curve of her brow, her eyes closing as the chill whispers against her skin. Her breath deepens, and for a moment, she is both timeless and transient, as the water dances in her hands and the world holds its breath. Her reflection ripples, merging with the night, as if the water itself has become a secret she alone understands.

All these thoughts reached my mind as the water from her hand reached her face.

End of chapter 

stay tuned.

Looking forward to your comments. 

So that I can know that you are actually reading.