I'll Stay,Forever.

By Ameya P P

Random thoughts flashed her mind as she was unlocking the door of her room. He was just an ordinary guy. But what made her dive so deeply into his eyes? Why did he act so indifferently to all the masti that happened in college? And why did she have to notice him standing away from all the parties and celebrations? She, who had no interests in checking out boys or falling in love…too matured for her age…whose only goal was to find a merit seat in a desired college…why did she bother about this guy? She undid her hair, took a long shower, ate and set for bed. She was an orphan and that thought least bothered her because she never felt the need for a family. Amidst all struggles she faced in life, she never had time for commitments. She stayed at a house in a well-protected colony for ladies who are working, college going. Etc. She was surrounded by a lot of women who were left alone either by choice of by fate. On weekends, she did random jobs and earned some money. She ate little and her stomach got used to it. Nevertheless, she dreamed…of a better college for higher studies, a good job…a family? Well, she didn’t really know if she needed one or not. But for now, she was determined to speak to the boy the next day.

The next day she went to college, but was disappointed to find the boy nowhere. He was not of her same class but the same batch. She searched for him everywhere. It was then she realised that she didn’t even know his name or department. She hoped to find him the next day. But she didn’t see him for the next two weeks. Within this time, she had almost forgotten about this boy. But after two weeks she happened to pass near the Principal’s office and saw him waiting outside. He was accompanied by a man. She guessed it to be his father. Now why was she standing there watching him? And she never understood why this boy’s affairs mattered to her so much. At once she thought of going straight up to the boy and speaking to him. But she waited. She saw him enter the office with his father and came outside a few minutes after. She sensed disappointment in his face. In front of her eyes, she saw him get inside a sleek, black metallic car. At once she knew he was well-off. Amidst this, she missed the opportunity of talking to him. She thought of leaving the thoughts about him and minding her own business.

Next day was a normal day at college until she found him walking towards her at the library. For once she thought she was dreaming. But no. He came towards her and asked “What do you want? Why are you following me?” She was too stunned to speak. But somehow she gathered courage and said “Hey! I am Malvika, a commerce student here. I am really sorry but… I felt like talking to you…I don’t know…I sensed some kind of pain inside you… I was just curious about you standing alone from the rest.” “See, I don’t want to meet or talk to anyone. Please don’t interfere in others business and mind your own. I need you to stop bothering me”, he shouted at her and left. Why did he behave so rudely to her? She became so sad. He could have atleast been friends with her. But it was then she realised that, at a glance she had noticed that his right wrist was bandaged. Did it imply that he had tried to commit suicide or what? No Malvika…What all are you thinking? It must have been something else.

She started seeing him frequently in the campus most of the days after the incident. But whenever she saw him, she turned her eyes away from him. And he noticed it too. She told some of her friends about him but they were least interested in it and considered her to be childish. Next Monday, she saw him waiting for somebody at the library. Was he waiting for her? No way. She went and sat down at a corner and started writing her assignments. And then what happened? He came, sat opposite to her and said “Hey! I’m sorry for behaving so that day. I was not in a good mood.” She pretended not to hear it. Was this guy apologising to her for raising his voice against her after all what she did was show a concern towards him. He continued “I know you may be pissed. But I said nah…I’m sorry. Malvika, right? I am Darsh, student of Economics. Will you pardon me or shall I leave?” She replied with an “it’s okay” and got up to leave. Suddenly, he stopped her and asked “Can we be friends?” Oh Wow! Now what happened. Malvika smiled and left.

The next few days were the best part of Malvika’s life and probably Darsh’s too, she guessed. They talked and talked for hours. Darsh constantly reminded her of how powerful a young lady she was and this made her so proud of herself. Darsh once invited her to his home. Malvika found it to be not a house but a bungalow. Such a big house with a beautiful lawn and best architecture. Malvika met Darsh’s Mom and Dad who looked surprised by Darsh’s behaviour. It was for the first time in two years that Darsh brought home any of his friends. They were so caring and loving that for the first time, Malvika felt the coziness of a family. And Darsh understood that she missed having a family of her own during lunch. He wanted to cheer her up so he went outside to get her ice-creams which she loved. During this time, Darsh’s mother sobbed and said “It has been two years since we saw our son happy like this. And we don’t know how long can we see him like this.” Malvika did not understand. His Mom took her to his room. The room was filled with trophies and medals. Seeing a photograph of Darsh with a basketball, she understood that he was a professional basketball player and all these trophies were a result of his hardwork and passion. But he didn’t tell her all these. She felt angry at Darsh for not letting her know such a big thing. Before she could ask, his Mom said “My son cannot play anymore. Two years back, he was diagnosed with a rare heart disease and the doctors told that his health would worsen day by day. He could not play thereafter. The fact that he could not play anymore devastated him. Basketball was his life. My cheerful beta stopped talking to anyone thereafter. He made no new friends and started shouting at us for no reasons. He would sit at his room alone for hours. Initially he cried but now his eyes are no more left with tears. At times, he would wake up frightened from sleep and cry. That was when he tried to commit suicide six months back. It was by sheer luck he escaped. And four weeks before he attempted again. We don’t know what to do. Are we cursed so much that we have to see our son dying in front of us?”, the mother unable to withstand her tears, weeped. “We tried every method to make our son happy during the last days of his life. But, we could not. Thanks child. Thankyou for making our son happy.” Malvika felt her heart shattered into pieces. She was numb. What Darsh saw when he came back was his mother weeping. At once he understood everything. “Shhh!! There you go again. You have narrated your sob story to her also. Now this girl will also…Oh God!” “See I don’t want any sympathies, okay?” he told Malvika. But the girl only said “Come, let’s go for a ride.” Darsh was happy on seeing her reaction which was unlike the rest of the others. Malvika was determined to be with him till his last breath. She needed him so badly. Was she in love with him? Was it all for bad? She knew that reality was what it was but she had been a fighter throughout her life. She tried her best to make Darsh the happiest. They spent all the time together. She was always there for him. They talked, laughed went out, ate together, enjoyed sunsets together. With Malvika, Darsh never found himself a patient. The girl became a part of Darsh’s family. Darsh’s parents considered her their own daughter. Darsh was enjoying all these with a heavy heart.

One day Malvika came to his house as usual. Darsh wanted to surprise her that day and he gave her a small gift. Malvika unwrapped it and it was the framed photo of her favourite picture of them. She was overwhelmed with joy and hugged him tightly. The whole world paused and they kissed each other. They could feel each other’s heartbeat. It was their moment and they were the happiest. Darsh held her hands, placed his head on her lap and laid there. She gently stroked his hair. Malvika blushed and said “Darsh, I love you…Darsh…Darsh…are you asleep?” No reply. She held his hand and shook him. At once, she knew. Thus, he slept peacefully in her lap.

By Ameya P P