I was so caught off guard by the proposal. I couldn’t find the right words to say. My mind was racing. I wanted to say something meaningful, something that truly reflected how I felt, but everything seemed to get lost in the confusion. I should make a clear rejection and I must not hurt her. I stayed silent, unsure of what to say next, hoping that the words would eventually come to me.
"I don't do relationships these days. Last time when I did wasn't gone well."
"Ok. I respect your decision."
"Why do you still believe in love?"
"People aren't the same."
"Optimist.."
"Haha Hey Sals.. remember the first time we hung out?"
"When did that happen?"
"Seriously You don't remember at all?"
"I have a bad memory."
"But still stuck to your past." she murmured.
"Ah?"
"It was Diya's marriage."
"Oh yeah I almost forgot. It was really a worst experience."
"Ahaan I never thought I would be there."
"Yeah me too. Actually Rimma forced me to go. She believed it might be helpful to get along with others but it didn't work."
"So you do remember."
"Yeah.. I never planned to get inside the temple but you dragged me inside."
(Back to that day)
After work we were getting ready to attend the wedding. I dressed down than others and was judged for that too. I always dressdown. The school arranged a vehicle for all the staff. We visited the nearby temple as we had some hours before the wedding.
The temple stood gracefully, its ancient stone structure bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. At its entrance, a serene pond stretched out, its calm water reflecting the temple’s towering spires and intricate carvings. Lotus flowers bloomed in clusters, their vibrant petals adding a touch of color to the tranquil scene.
Everyone took pictures near the pond. I did the same with Nanas. I felt my energy draining already, and it's getting hard to focus or engage. I just want some quiet space to recharge my social battery.
I sat near the pond to enjoy the view and my solitude. I heard someone calling out a different name but a familiar voice.
"Hey Sals! long time no see."
"Yeah busy days. Uhhh Sals?"
"That's the nickname I chose for you. Your name begins with SA and you always enjoy solitude. SA+litude, saltude, Sals, Sals sounded just unique like you."
"Unique? Just different."
"That's what makes it unique."
"I have a name already."
"Congratulations on that but I'll call you Sals!"
"You won't listen, would you?"
"um um." She nods.
"I didn't see you in the bus."
"Oh! yes I came here by scooter."
"I see I never knew you were married."
"Hey! she's not my kid one of our colleague's."
"Haha."
"Teasing is your love language I guess."
"Not at all you are just a troll material."
"Ahhhhhhh." (fake cry).
"Hehe."
"You aren't going inside?"
"Nope. I'm fine here."
"Come with me." She pulled me inside.
"Hey slow down."
"Let's take a selfie before that."
"I don't like to be in photos."
"A single picture won't harm you. Come closer."
(We took some pictures. Somehow I always tolerate this woman. That wasn't me.)
As usual she talked non-stop. We returned to the entrance near the van. She left saying bye. Somewhere in the corner of my heart I wanted to go with her but I didn't say anything. I turned back often to check if she followed behind but I couldn't see anyone.
We reached the marriage hall. I found a corner seat to hid from everyone and of course to save my energy. The next time saw her, she was on the stage to take picture with the couple. I didn't go there because I hate group photos more than a selfie. Everything is done. We returned to the dorm. Finally I can take my breathe, uff! I hit the bed.
*Phone rings*
Give me a break man! I didn't plan to pick up until I saw the name on my screen.
"Hey Sals!"
"Hello!"
"You sound unusual. Are you excited on my call?"
"But you sound usual."
"How?"
"Delusional."
"Hmph. What are you doing?"
"Just lying on bed. I feel lower than usual. Need someone to hug."
"Hug that big Nana of yours."
I expected a different answer. Like 'You can I don't mind'
''No thanks."
''Get yourself a boyfriend then or maybe a girlfriend.''
"Nah."
"So tell me. What is it? Man or woman?
"Woman maybe."
"What's your type?"
"I don't exactly have a type. I believe in those magical moment of GVM movies."
"Why are you so not interested in love when you can love someone that much?"
"If I do, I'll let the world burn for them but unfortunately that person will become my world. Ironic isn't it?"
"What do you mean by that? Will you hurt them?"
"Nope but that's how it is. Somehow they'll get hurt."
"You are not doing it for yourself huh! You are an Idiot." (Idiot that always think about others)
"Let me be."
"What if someone is willing to burn? Will you burn along with them?
"Such person doesn't exist."
"Someone must be there. Someone to match your craziness because you do exist."
"I don't think so."
"I will stick around to see that then."
"U can. Why did you call me anyway?"
"Yeah I almost forgot. Do you know art master Sahil?"
"I do. What's with him?"
"He sees you. He asked your contact to me at wedding. Should I give it?"
"Tell him to ask me in person."
"Ok. I wonder why he is interested in your out of nowhere. Did you talk to him by any chance? No you won't. You didn't even talk to girls."
"Uhh! Actually I did once in the night of annual day."
"I see. I never knew."
"He just needed some help to pack and dispatch stuffs we used for stage decor. Nana asked us to help so we all did."
"Yeah those two were not his type but he won’t fall just because you helped him. Something is fishy. Tell me everything about that day."
End of chapter
stay tuned.
Looking forward to your comments.
So that I can know that you are actually reading.
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