Late Latif Luke

By Ashley Raji

This is the story of late Latif Luke. Late Latif Luke was always late in his life. Legends say he was even born a month late on the 10th month instead of 9th.

Late Latif Luke was always late. He started to talking when he was 2. He started walking when he was 4.

Late Latiff Luke started his kindergarten when was 8. They say Late Latif Luke was late to school every single day consistently.

That’s a record for a place you visit for 12 years straight. Needless to say this tradition was continued in his college life too.

Poor Late Latif Luke by this age it had become a title for him to be a Late Latif. But our story starts when Late Latif Luke went to Delhi for an MBA.

As expected Late Latiff Luke was the last one to fill the admission form. Even though he scored pretty decent in the entrance exam this mistake cost him his dream college.

Poor Late Latif Luke had to settle with the second best choice. And as expected started the cycle of Late Latif Luke being late to classes.

But unlike his school or bachelor days this time Late Latif Luke was given a strict warning to be on time or face consequences. Thanks to his roommate Late Latif Luke was on time for college for the next of the sem.

One bright Sunday morning Late Latif Luke was late for church. He woke up late. He took a shower late. And his old busted bike made him even more late.

Late Latif Luke reached the church late. He Got Scolded by the Priest and had to stay back till late. By the time Late Latif Luke reached his PG it was way past the Lunch hours he quickly grabbed a plate from the kitchen and jumped on the left over food on the table.

Late Latif Luke seems to enjoy his late lunch as he slowly and gradually eat his food. By the time he finished house help had already left.

He was late again. Poor late Latif Luke was late again and now he had to clean all the dishes by himself.

By the time Late Latif Luke finished it was already evening. Late Latif Luke sat on the sofa picked up the news paper and started going through the news.

Yes it was a bit late for anyone to read a newspaper at this time but this was Late Latif Luke’s weekly schedule. Unfortunately, this time Late Latif Luke didn’t get the chance to read his paper cause as he started reading he was interrupted by his roommates leaving for somewhere.

Late Latif Luke asked them where they were going; they said they were leaving for an open mic in a nearby café. Late Latif Luke was filled with excitement.

As he hadn’t played his guitar since he came to Delhi and thought this was a great opportunity for him to plays his strings. Late Latif Luke asked his roommates to wait for him while he dresses up and tune his guitar for the event.

His friends knew waiting for Late Latif Luke was being late them self, but they waited for him none the less. As expected Late Latif Luke and his friends reached the venue late and the show had already started.

But this in this show he saw a little angel, an angel who would become the reason for him to be not late anymore.

Angel named Gloria, and un the less Late Latif Luke found glory in every think she did. There was glory in the way she walked, there was glory the way she talked and specially the way she smiled.

Late Latif Luke couldn’t get his eyes off her from the moment she got on the stage, read her poems and got off, his eyes were as if glued on her. Late Latif Luke was snapped out of his dreams when his friend shock his shoulders and said to go on stage when the host asked who wished to perform next.

Late Latif Luke got on stage, played a song, got a bit of appreciation from the crowd, and got off the stage late. Late Latif Luke looked around one time, two times, three times, trying really hard to find the poet who performed before him.

It seems Late Latif Luke’s Eye sight was also a bit late to traces that she was standing right next to him. It was in the fourth attempt that he realized that she was just beside him.

Late Latif Luke looked eyes with her and responded in a bit of a surprise but maybe a bit late, as it straddled her too. Late Latif Luke’s heart skipped a beat, or maybe say beat late than usually.

There was a smile and a Hi from her, but Late Latif Luke was late again lost in her eyes he took more than 8 seconds to reply to her hi by the time she was already on her way to greet her friends.

Poor Late Latif Luke missed the only chance he had to talk to the girl of his dreams. He was very unhappy with his habit of being late, but none the less life goes on!

Late Latif Luke and his friends reached back to PG late. They slept late; in fact Late Latif Luke didn’t even sleep the whole night dreaming of the angel he had just met.

And naturally, Late Latif Luke and his roommate woke up late and got late for college. Well time passed on and soon it was time for Diwali vacation.

But as expected Late Latif Luke was yet again late to book his flight ticket. And unfortunately had to wait 2 more days to catch a flight home.

But never did Late Latif Luke knew that this was a blessing in disguise. In an empty PG Late Latif Luke sat in an complete silence, the PG with no one else in it seemed a bit scary.

But all of Late Latif Luke’s fear was vanished with the sound of a notification on his phone, Late Latif Luke stood up and lazily walked towards his phone kept on the table. But all his laziness was gone as soon as he read the name on the messenger chat.

“Gloria Fernandez”.

A name Late Latif Luke had almost forgotten was in his DM, The message went, ‘Hi This is Gloria, You remembered we performed on the open mic last month, Just wanted to ask did you receive the picture from the organizers yet? They had told us it will be ready in a week but I haven’t received them yet.’

Late Latif Luke’s face was covered with a smile that reached from one ear to another, He couldn’t believe his luck that she was texting him.

He replied to her that neither had he received the pictures nor did he receive the gift card they had promised. They had a few messages back and forth, and it was the end of their chat.

But was it?

Just a few minutes later Late Latif Luke received another message from her side,

‘Hey there is another Open mic tomorrow would you like to join me? All of my friends have gone to their home town to celebrate Diwali. Don’t wish to go alone.’

This was more than enough to make Late Latif Luke jump and dance in ecstasy. He was going to meet her again, and that too tomorrow.

He replied her yes and started preparing for the next day, this time he didn’t want to get late. But is that even possible?

Poor Late Latif Luke was late again this time. His busted motorcycle didn’t help the situation too. He kicked the starter for what seemed like an eternity but the bike didn’t start.

It was at the last that the motorcycle showed some mercy on Late Latif Luke and started. He drove his bike as fast as possible.

He reached the venue an hour late. He was pretty sure Gloria would be angry on him. He try searching her everywhere but couldn’t find her anywhere, this time he made sure to look on the ones standing right next him too.

It was when he saw back at the entry gate of the venue he saw Gloria coming running inside. As soon as she saw him, she started apologizing saying she has this bad habit of being late.

This brought a shine in Late Latif Luke’s eyes; this was surely a divine intervention! She was a Late Latif too.

But there was something off about her, she was looking far weaker and tired than before. But that though didn’t bother Late Latif Luke for long because the host started the name calls.

The evening was great; all the performers including Gloria were at par. Both Gloria and Luke enjoyed each other’s company a lot.

Soon the show got over, and it was time to go home. Late Latif Luke had no wish to go back home but he had to so he can sleep early wake up early and catch his flight.

But then came the biggest crisis on Late Latif Luke. Gloria asked if he could join her for a movie day after tomorrow.

He hadn’t told her yet that he was going home, and gave the same old excuse every Indian ma has ever given, “ I will try “.

For anyone who was aware of this term knew that “try” was a synonym of “no”.

As soon as Gloria heard this, her smile was gone. All the glow and radiance she had till that moment was now gone.

It was obvious for Late Latif Luke too but he couldn’t do much about it. From the venue till the home she had the same cloud of gloom over her.

Even while saying bye she had no energy in her. Late Latif Luke was not sure if he had made a mistake but he had to go home the next day and he will go home the next day.

He will right?

…

Late Latif Luke woke up with the sound of his alarm that he had snoozed thrice already. And for the fourth time when he stretched his hand towards the clock he stopped, opened his eyes wide, looked at the clock and realized he was already way too late for the flight.

He panicked stood up from the bed, and started pacing backing and fourth in tension. But the cat had already left the bag; soon his panic-stricken face was turned into a smile.

Did Late Latif Luke ‘MISS’ his flight or …???

After a long call with his parents, on which he was scolded for an hour or so, he was tired. Thankfully his parents were well aware of the Late Latif Luke’s triads so they forgive him nonetheless.

After the call he went out had some brunch, came back to his PG, unpacked all the clothes as he was going to spend rest of the vacation in Delhi.

Then made the phone call he was waiting since morning. He dialed Gloria, the phone rang, she dint pick up the call.

He dialed again; the phone rang, on the last ring she picked up the call. And there was dead silence for the next 10 sec.

‘Luke: Hello? Gloria: What? (In a bit announced state) Luke: Excuse me? Gloria: What do you want Luke? (Slight anger can be sensed on the voice) Luke: Oh! I just wanted to say hi. Gloria: Hi! Is that it? Luke: No, I also wanted to ask which movie you want to watch? Its Friday tomorrow we might have to book earlier or else we might not get a seat. ‘There was a slight pause’ Gloria breath out a huge sigh, Smiled and giggled under breath and said. Gloria: Dude! I love you so much! I will text you the name of the movie in the evening. As of now I have to go, dad is calling me, Bye!’

There was a long silence after the call.

This may not be the first time Late Latif Luke heard someone say ‘I Love You’ but definitely this was the first time so many emotion had triggered inside Late Latiif Luke’s heart.

For the rest of the day Late Latif Luke had his wide smile on his face. The next day Late Latif Luke was all set to reach the Venue on time and was also super excited to meet Gloria again.

He dressed up nicely and mentally prepared himself for the day. But poor Late Latif Luke could never be on time enough if he wished to.

His old busted bike took yet another 100 kicks to start which took more than half an hour more of his time. By the time he reached the venue it was already the time for the interval.

Late Latif Luke tried of find her at the front hall, after failing to do so he texted her asking where she was. She replied she is still on her way.

Undoubtedly his starts ha found someone perfectly as late latif as him. As soon as he saw her walking in the venue entry gate his trademark smile was back on face.

But it was vanished the moment he saw that she was accompanied by someone. A young man was holding her hand and guiding her to him.

Who was he? Why is he holding her hand? Is he a friend? Is he a close friend? Is he more than a friend? Thousands of questions raised in Late Latif Luke’s mind. And for a sec even his heart was slightly broken.

But his hert break turned into confusion and then into slight worry when he saw the man dropping her off near main door where Late Latif Luke was standing, asking her to take care and leave while she was still thanking him.

The first thing Gloria did as she reaches was to hold Late Latif Luke’s hand tight so that she doesn’t fall. Breaking the silence Late Latif Luke asked, “Who was that? And what happened to you?

With an awkward smile she replied, “That was my Cab driver, I fell down while getting out of the cab and hurt my knee.” Gloria Pulled Late Latif Luke forward saying she don’t want to miss the movie even before he could ask anymore question.

That evening was as great as their first meeting, lots of laugh and lots of smiles but the pain and weakness was obvious on Gloria’s face. She constantly avoided the topic of her debility.

The day ended and it was time to go home, it was obvious it was a bit hard for both say goodbye for both as Late Latif Luke was going have his mid sems next month and she had to be onsite for her project.

They hugged each other with a promise to meet soon. Let’s hope it comes true.

…

Chilled December morning!

Late Latif Luke had finally completed his mid sems, and was ready to meet Gloria again.He Texted her, but didn’t get a reply!

He tried again in the afternoon, still no reply! Again in the evening, No reply!!

Tired after the whole day chore just when he was about to sleep, there was a notification on his phone.

‘Gloria: Hey! Sorry was busy for the whole day. Luke: Oh! Never mind, guess what mid sems are over! Let’s meet tomorrow? Gloria: I am a bit busy this week, sorry. Luke: No, it’s alright. We will try next week then. Gloria: Yeah, I will try my best to justify.’

The exchange of text ended abruptly, because just like Gloria even Late Latif Luke knew ‘I will try’ Always means ‘no’. Days turned into weeks and it was the end of December already.

Late Latif Luke had now almost forgotten Gloria’s voice, He hadn’t talked to her for so long. They had been texting all along but never a single call and every time Late Latif Luke asked her to meet she dodged the question.

But this time Late Latif Luke was determined to meet her anyhow.

He texted her,

‘Luke: Listen I know we became friends in really unforeseen circumstances. And I really don’t want to interrupt your work. But I really wish to meet this time. My college is throwing a new year’s party I would love to see you there please say yes!’

Late Latif Luke waited for the whole day for a reply but the only text he got at the end of the day was.

“I will try”

He knew exactly what this means. Poor Late Latif Luke had loosed all hope to see her again any sooner.

Soon it was the last day of the year. Half heartedly and only after being forced by his roommates Late Latif Luke was convinced to go to the party.

Sad and disappointed Late Latif Luke actually took twice the time he does to get ready and leave. This made him and his roommates even more lately, well this was the last opportunity for him to be late this year he had to give his best.

As soon as they reached the party hall his friends dispersed into the crowd, Late Latif Luke was in no mood to join them. He chose a corner seat and sat there among few people who were already sitting there.

As soon as he sat there and shoved his face in his phone, he heard the person sitting next to him say: “You still can’t find people next to you, do you?”

Late Latif Luke turned around and found Gloria sitting right next to him. He was shocked that he didn’t see her early but you can’t blame him for that.

She was completely changed, she looked far thinner and skinny than she looked last time plus she was wearing beanie cap which made her really unrecognizable.

Late Latif Luke jumped in ecstasy when he saw her,

‘Luke: You came! Gloria: Of Course I came. I wanted to meet you from such a long time. Luke: You look different, and what’s up with this beanie. Gloria: well I guess my keto diet is working, and I was trying so new looks on me do you like it. Luke: amm yeah, you always look good in everything. I really like your cap too. Let me see. (He stretches his hands towards the bennie and grabs it) Gloria: NO!!(She jerks back making the cap to slid off her head and revealing her new boy cut) Luke: (in a stupefied tone) you had a hair cut? Oh god! Don’t tell you have also made a tattoo or piercing on your body too. Man have I lost my Gloria in just 2 months, you seems like a completely new person to me. Gloria: Don’t be all sentimental now! Quick let’s take a picture of us, I want you to remember this moment forever. Luke: You mean both of ‘US’ should remember this moment forever right?’

Gloria stopped for a moment, stared right into Lat Latif Luke’s eyes for and stood there for few moment.

And replied “Yes”.

That moment was confusing for Late Latif Luke also as that reply was a bit too late for him too. Not giving much of an attention he proceeded to ask his friend to take few picture of them.

After taking the picture, Gloria quickly hurried and picked all her stuff up to leave.

‘Luke: Wait where are you going? Gloria: its 31st I spend my new year with my family every year. I came because I know this really matters to you. I am sorry can’t spend more time with you. Dad’s already waiting for me outside, I have to go. Luke: Alright! But make sure you meet me next year! Gloria: I wish sweetheart, I wish.’

She hugged him tight, waved him a goodbye and left. Late Latif Luke was sad that she left, but he was also happy that she came to meet him at last.

Rest of the night was great for him, as he had his friends did a countdown to the New Year and partied till morning.

…

New Year brought new hopes and hankering in our Late Laitf Luke’s life. He was looking forward to finally completing his MBA and stepping on to his corporate life.

But something he was more excited about was spending more time with Gloria this year. But sadly that didn’t go as planned.

He tried to contact her few times but it seems she was no more responding to his message or calls. Late Latif Luke waited and tried again and again to contact her in no avail.

Yet again, days turn into weeks and came the end of January. But there was no sign of Gloria in any instance.

…

One fine Sunday morning Late Latif Luke had is usually Sunday schedule, He woke up late, got ready for church late, his bike made him even late more late, he reached church late, which made him got scolded by the priest, eventually which made him come back home late.

And as usual he had his Sunday Lunch late. He yet again had to clean all the dishes by himself. And finally he sat down on his sofa to read the news paper.

But he was shocked to see Gloria’s picture. But his heart dropped when he saw that picture was under obituary Section.

His hands shaking and he started sweating. It was unbelievable for him to see her picture there, how could this happen?

He started crying while reading the details on the obituary. It was posted by her church and it said ‘Rest in peace our dear daughter Gloria who lost her long fight with cancer, Funeral services at 1:00 PM’

Late Latif Luke looked at the watch it was already 1:30. He picked up his bike keys and ran out of his PG without informing anyone anything or even caring to dress up in funeral attire.

He stared to kick start his bike praying to god that he don’t want to get late this time. Fortunately the bike started in just couple of kicks.

Late Latif Luke rode the bike as fast as possible all the way to the cemetery. He just wished to see her one last time.

While on his bike he kept cry and thought about all the time he had spent with her.

He was now finally able to connect the dots her going unresponsive again and again, her being weaker and weaker every time he saw her. She losing her hair everything made a perfect sense.

The only question he couldn’t understand was, why? Why did she not say anything to him? Why hide such a thing?

Soon he was at the entrance of the Cemetery. He saw that everyone was going back after the service.

Late Latif Luke knew what this mean. He sprinted to the freshly dug grave and saw that it was too late.

The gravediggers had already filled it. There were only two people there Gloria’s Mother and Father still looking over their Child’s grave and moaning.

Late Latif Luke was once again late!

He fell down to his knees and cried his heart out. He cursed himself for being a ‘Late Latif’. He rebuked his habits and promised on Gloria’s grave that he will never be late again.

While he was still cry he felt a hand touch on his shoulders. He wiped his tears and looked back, it was Gloria’s father.

‘Gloria’s father: You must be Luke. Luke: Yes sir that’s right. Gloria’s father: She asked me to give you this when she was on her dead bed.’

Gloria’s father put his hand in his pocket picked out a piece a folded paper and handed it to Luke and walked away with his wife.

Luke with his trembling hands opened the paper and started reading.

‘Dear Luke,

I know you would he here right next to my grave when I am gone. I made sure that I force Uncle George enough to put my most beautiful image on all the newspapers in Delhi. I hope I am looking my best in those.

Luke, I really wish to apologies to you. I am sorry that I lied to you so much. I lied to you about my weight loss and weakness that occurred due to my medication. I lied to you about my hair loss wish was the result of my chemo. I lied to you about me being on-site while I was in hospital go through my treatment. I lied to you about falling out of the cab as it was just a random accident.

But I have a reason for that sweetheart; I have always been a person who lives her life at its fullest. But the moment the news of my cancer was addressed by my family and friends everything changed.

I was flooded with over care, empathy and sympathy from everyone I know. I really didn’t want them to feel sorry for me. I was feeling like I was in a prison of my device. I could find a simple reason to stay happy.

Until I found you. You never showed me sympathy. You gave me a reason to forget everything and smile. You gave me another reason to live my life at its fullest. You showed me its ok to be late it’s ok to be clumsy & life stops for no one.

You gave me strength when death was rattling my cage. You gave voice to my thought when I could hear my own voice fading. You taught me to breathe free when each of my breath was getting hard. Your phone calls held my spirit high, even when I could hear the voice of my mom crying outside the door.

Thank you for everything Luke. I know you would have wished to see me one last time. But you were the one who gave me a new life; I couldn’t make you watch that same life leave my eyes. I guess know you know why I said to take a picture so that ‘YOU’ could remember the moment forever.

Promise me you will keep that picture forever. Promise me you will live your life just the way you are minus being late all the time. Promise me you will carry my legacy inside you are never forget about me ever.

At last I just want to say one thing, Goodbye! Miss me till your last breath and I loved you more than I have ever loved anyone before or will ever love anyone ever again. You see I am already dead, that means I mean it, HAHA.

Best wishes my best friend, see you on the other side. BYE!!!!!!!

Love, Gloria’

That was the last day Luke was every late in his life. From that day onwards. He was not a Late Latif anymore.

By Ashley Raji