I can't Forget her

Spending time together

Spending time together

“Wake up didi” I felt myself being shaken by someone and with a groan. I whacked the person’s hand away. I was too sleepy and being woken from it was something I never appreciate.

“Aisha! Wake up. I asked Myra to wake you up” mom said ripping the comforter off me. Heading to the washroom, I took shower and got ready for school.

I went to the dining hall for having breakfast and as I sipped in my orange juice I heard Myra’s voice “Didi” she smiled at me....I smiled back at her.

“Don’t you think you forgot something?” She asked innocently.

Confused with her question, I turned my gaze right and left trying to remember if I really forgot something and suddenly my eyes glanced on the calendar....It was 12th Feb., Myra’s birthday.

It was me who used to her up every year at 12’ midnight and gift her a bunch of chocolates wishing her happy birthday but this time I forgot her birthday. All the things that happened yesterday left me tired and I forgot my baby’s birthday. I was feeling very sad for not remembering her birthday and for not wishing her like every year.

“Happy birthday Myru” I said as I hugged her tightly.

“Thank you didi” She kissed me on my cheek happily.

“Ok...Bye...I am getting late; I will get you chocolates in return. Bye mamma, Bye auntie” I said and slammed the main door.

I was really upset that I forgot Myra’s birthday. I kept walking and I saw Ishaan waiting for someone and I knew that someone was me.

“Hi Ishaan! You are here. Are you waiting for someone” I asked him just to begin the conversation.

“No!” He smiled and continued “I had some work here”

“What work did you have?” I asked.

“I am here to pick someone up, not someone actually she is my friend and I am being her body guard for a few days” He said and winked.

“Oh! That’s extremely sweet of you” I laughed.

“Okay then, let’s go” He smiled.

As we began walking together, I felt that everything was different..I was different…Ishaan was different and the entire world to me was looking different. I loved his company. It was weird that how a single incident changed my thinking about him. On our way we talked about several things like his family, my family, he shared some of his cute childhood memories. I got to know that he was an extremely stubborn child. But that stubborn kid has now grown up into a sweet guy. I was feeling weird of how my thinking about him has been changed from annoying, monstrous to a sweet guy. I told him how I forgot Myra’s birthday....and with these talks we reached school. We went to classroom and sat on our places.

                                         *****

Ugh Physics. I threw my books on the table and gained a glare from our physics lecturer. I rubbed my eyes, I still wanted to sleep. Even though I love the subject but I hate first lessons.

Everyone was chatting, I sighed once again, and this was so boring. I was missing Riya and I needed something interesting to make me feel energetic and distract myself from boredom. Joseph sir shushed us down, staring at everyone in anger until everyone shut their mouths and there was pin drop silence in class.

“You have your new physics lecturer here. Please introduce yourself Ma’m” He said all cheerfully.

My eyes went to her. I didn’t know we were getting a new teacher. Maybe I was too bored that I didn’t concentrate.

“Hello students! I am Rajitha, your new physics teacher. I want you all to know that I am very strict and I want pin drop silence in my class. I want you all to be punctual and put all of your concentration on my lecture” she said strictly.

“Darn! She sounds strict” I said to myself.

Without even asking for introduction of students she started her lecture. I was feeling too sleepy today. I looked around and saw Ishaan looking at the board. He noticed me and raised his eyebrows. We shared smiles and I turned. I didn’t know what was wrong with me today but I was feeling too lazy and sleepy today.

“Hello Miss!” Ma’m shouted at me.

“Where are you? I already told you that I don’t want any distractions in my class”

“I am sorry Ma’m” I apologized.

“What did I teach you just now? Explain me.” She yelled at me.

Not knowing what was she teaching and what to say I just gave a tight lipped response. I turned my head to the sides and Ishaan was mumbling the answer.

“Get out of my class” She shouted.

“Ma’m I am sorry” I said in a shaky voice.

“No missI made it very clear in the beginning of my class that I want all of you to concentrate on my class. So, just get out” She stressed at the word get out.

I took my books and left the class. I felt very humiliated. This was the second time I got a punishment from teacher and this time I couldn’t blame Ishaan because it was my fault. I felt a lump in my throat and it begins to hurt. That’s the feeling I usually get when I am about to cry. But my throat kept hurting.

“Hey” Ishaan suddenly appeared in front of me smiling. I was amazed to see him.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I know you are trying harder not to cry and that’s why I am here to make my new friend smile” he had a bright on his face.

“Really” I asked.

“Are you planning to stand here the whole class?” He asked.

“What else can we do?” I asked sadly.

“Let’s go to the play ground” He smiled mischievously.

“Play ground?” I said raising my eyebrow.

“Yes” He smiled.

“No....” I said.

“Why???” he asked.

“Come on! There won’t be any problem. Trust me” He insisted.

“Ok...” and we went to the play ground.

He sat on the empty swing and I made my way to the swing beside him. I sat down on the swing and I could feel his intense gaze on me as I made myself comfortable on the seat.

“Why were you sent out of the class?” I asked in perplexity.

“Because I didn’t answer her question” He said giving a plain expression.

“Ohhh! I am sorry last time I scolded you badly for being sent out of the class and this time you are here just to accompany me. Thank you” I said sadly.

“It’s okay! I am a very good friend. That’s what my friends say about me” He said moving his hand through his hair.

“By the way, there is something missing” He said pointing a finger on my face.

“What?” I asked with an edge in my voice.

“Your smile” He smiled.

I smiled and he said “That’s better”

“What’s your favourite pastime?” He asked.

“I love reading quotes and poetries.” I answered.

“Oh yes! Your diary that you hide from everyone in which pen down all your favourite quotes and poetries” he replied.

“Yes!” I smiled.

“You know what Aisha, even I love reading poetries and quotes.” He said.

“Oh really.....” I asked with my eye wide open.

“Yes” He answered.

“You know whenever I read a new quote or poetry that I love, I share it with Riya but she finds all this stuff too boring” I said.

“Oh! I didn’t know that Riya finds all this stuff boring. But anyways you can share it with me. I love it and even I will share it with you.” He said with a smile.

“Okay” I replied.

“Let’s play a game...” Ishaan said.

“What game?” I asked.

“So, the game is...I will tell you a word and whatever strikes your mind first you have to say that...Okay?”

“Okay” I smiled.

“Rain” He said.

“Dance” I replied.

“Friend” He said.

“Riya” I replied.

“Life” He said.

“Family” I replied.

“Roses” He said.

“Love” I replied.

“Love” He said.

“Trust” I replied.

“Ishaan! Enough, I will question you now and you will have to tell whatever that comes on your mind.” I said.

“Okay” He smiled.

And we continued the game....

“Friend” I asked.

“Aisha” He replied.

“Really” I looked at him surprisingly. I didn’t know that we have become such a good friends in just 3 days.

“Yes” He smiled.

“Dream” I asked.

“Aisha” He replied.

I raised my eyebrows in confusion and then continued the game....

“Rain” I asked.

“Aisha” He replied.

I laughed... “Ishaan! Please, don’t spoil the game...Say whatever that strikes your mind” I said.

“Aisha! That’s what I am saying. What can I do if you are the one on my mind” He smiled in flirtatious manner.

“Such a cheesy line it was Ishaan” I said giving him a fake smile.

“But I mean it” He gave a plain smile.

His smile....damn! It looked like the loveliest thing on planet. The sad feeling of being punished was completely shrugged off and a smile lit up on my face.

“Aisha! A quote for you....” He began

“When I get to hear you laugh, when I get to cheer you up and When I fight with you...These are the times I thank God that I am alive....” He said...

I smiled at him because I genuinely believed his words. He was looking different today, he was sounding different, there was a beauty and genuineness in his eyes, and he had a spark in his smile. I was noticing everything about him. Was he the same guy I hated till last week?

My heart was beating faster; it was beating so fast that I was scared that it would explode. I had butterflies in my tummy…I never felt anything like this ever before…. I didn’t know what was happening to me. I found a very good friend in him or may be something more than that.

I kept looking at him and I wish the time would stop right here. I was trying to figure out if there was anything wrong with me but I couldn’t think of anything except Ishaan. This week is special because I found a really good friend. A friend who cares and a friend who knows how make me happy, a friend who is there for me. I never thought that such a day would also come when I would start liking everything about Ishaan but the day has come. His goodness, his madness and his pure soul has finally changed my thinking about him…. I was thinking of Riya’s words that Ishaan isn’t a bad guy and you will realize it one day. I was drowning in my own thoughts and didn’t realize that I kept staring at him.

“Aishaaaaaaa!!!”  He said snapping his fingers.

“Are you okay? What happened?” Anxious, he questioned.

I was out of my wonder land and replied “Yes! I am fine..”

“Are you sure?” he asked for confirmation.

“Oh God, please help me” I pleaded closing my eyes.

“Aisha...” He called me again.

I briskly opened my eyes and hesitantly replied “yes”

“Are you sure you are okay?” he asked again.

“Yes” I replied.

“Ishaan” I heard a voice calling him. We turned and it was Sumit, Ishaan’s friend.

“What are you doing here? And dude! Why didn’t you answer her question? You knew the answer right? The other day you were explaining me this lesson and today you didn’t answer such a simple question in class.” Sumit asked curiously.

“Dude, let’s go...” He said with an extra emphasis on Go.

“Let’s go Aisha” He looked at me and smiled.

I smiled in return and we walked into the classroom and on my way I kept thinking of Sumit’s words. Ishaan knew the answer, he was already thorough with the topic. But still he was sent out of the class for not answering a simple question. This was quite strange.

“Did you really find her class so boring that you choose to leave the class without answering her question? I mean it seemed like you wanted her to send you out of the class” Sumit said.

“Boy! Keep your mouth shut” Ishaan replied.

Now this was very strange. I kept thinking about Sumit’s words and realized that Ishaan wanted her to send him out of the class. But why was that? A smile flashed on my face when I finally understood the reason. I knew it was because I was standing out and he was out to accompany me. Such a pure soul he is. I looked at him and smiled.

He looked at me and raised his eyebrows....

We reached our classroom. We had back to back classes as usual. In the lunch after having my lunch I looked for Ishaan. But he wasn’t found anywhere.

“Where does this boy disappears?” I mumbled while looking for him here and there.

“I am here Aisha! Right in front of you” he jumped in front of me from nowhere.

“I wasn’t looking for you” I said quickly.

“Ah! I know you were looking for me” he said looking into my eyes.

I smiled and turned my back to him and began walking. He followed me and as we reached our class we made ourselves comfortable on our seats.

     ****

The bell rang and all the students packed their stuffs and left.

I went down and waited for Ishaan. He came from behind and patted on my head. A sudden smile flashed on my face.

“Ishaaaan” I looked at him and smiled.

“Aisha! The girl who was extremely irritated, who hated me and who kept fighting with me on every little thing is smiling when I patted on her head. I am surprised” He said raising his eyebrows.

“Yes! Because she realized that you aren’t such a bad guy.” I smiled.

“Oh! So your thinking about me is changed. I want to know what you used to think of me and what you think of me now” He asked curiously.

“I used to think that you were the most irritating, arrogant, ignorant and stubborn guy but I was wrong. You are a sweet, caring and an awesome friend” I replied with a smile.

“Oh! Thank God, your perception has changed. By the way, you were the only one who hated me. I was never used to this you know. I had girls since childhood who used to be around me praising me and trying to be my friend but you were the only one who hated me and made me think there was something wrong in me. I am glad that you changed your thinking.” He said.

“You know I used to fight with Riya every time she praised you or took your side or said anything good about you. I thought she was being blind and wasn’t able to see your bad side but it was me who was blindfolded with hatred and now I realized that you are an amazing person. I genuinely want to thank you for everything you do for me. It’s just been 3 days that we have been friends but I feel that we are friends since ages. Thank you Ishaan” I said.

“Pleasure is all mine, and I don’t want you to be so formal with me. We are friends now and this is my responsibility to take care of you. But I can’t stop doing one thing” He said making a puppy face.

“What” I asked.

“This” He said pulling my ponytail.

“Outch! Ishaan” I yelled.

He laughed seeing me getting angry. I too laughed. His laugh, his smile everything seemed contagious. I wish things would never change. Wow! Seriously wow! It was. I knew I was feeling something different but I was unsure of what it was. Unsure of my feelings I kept walking. There was only one thing that I was sure of, I loved his company, his extremely caring nature, his smile. I loved it all.

“Do you feel pain and a kind of lump is felt in the throat when you have the urge to cry?” he questioned.

“Yes! Do you feel the same?” excited, I asked.

“Yes!” he replied.

“Wow! I thought I was the only one” I chuckled.

“By the way, have you ever cried?” I asked.

“Hahaha! What a question? Obviously yes.” he chuckled.

“Yeah....but! Guys don’t cry right....” I said.

“Yes! We don’t cry often but we do” he replied.

“Oh! Have you ever cried for being punished?” I asked.

“No! You know, punishments are fun” He smiled.

“Oh yeah...I got to know it today” I smiled back.

“Have you ever cried for a girl?” I asked.

“No...There is no girl who can make me cry” he said.

“I guess there was no girl who could make me cry” He  continued.

“So do you mean there is a girl now who can make you cry?” I asked curiously.

“Yeah....Maybe” He replied.

“Who is that girl?” I asked in a mischievous tone.

“You” he replied.

“Me? Why will I make you cry?” I asked in confusion.

“I don’t know” he replied.

“No. Tell me the reason?” I asked.

“You won’t understand” he replied.

“Why? I will understand.” I said.

“No! You won’t” he replied.

“Yes! I will” I said.

“No. You won’t” he replied.

“Yes! I will” I said.

“Bye” He said suddenly.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because we are here...” he said pointing at Renuka auntie’s home.

“Oh yeah” I smiled.

“Bye” he said again.

“Bye” I said and went inside.

I found Mayra standing in front of me. I promised her to get chocolates while coming home but it slipped my memory. I looked at her and she was so excited to see me. She was a wearing a white coloured knee length frock. She looked so cute...

“My princess, you are looking so cute.” I sat on my knees and kissed her.

“Thank you” She smiled cheerfully.

I knew she would ask me chocolates which I promised to get her. My heart was filled with guilt. What was happening to me? Firstly, I forgot her birthday and now I forgot to get her chocolates.

She hugged me tightly and said “Thank you didi”

“Thank you for the chocolates” She pecked on my cheek.

“Chocolates.......” I asked her in confusion.

“Yes! You sent chocolates by Shaan bhaiya right?” She replied innocently.

“Shaan bhaiya? Who is Shaan bhaiya?” I asked.

“Your friend” She replied.

“You mean Ishaan?” I asked.

“Yes! Yes! Shaan bhaiya” She replied.

“He came to me in the lunch time, wished me happy birthday and gave me the chocolates and said that you couldn’t come that’s why you sent him to give me the chocolates.” She said.

I smiled and said “Yes! I sent him”

She smiled and ran away.

     ***

I lay on my bed and had a constant smile on my face. I thought about everything that happened today and I felt today was such a beautiful day. Spending time with Ishaan has become one of my favourite things these days. It was just last week that I couldn’t stand him around me and now I loved his company. His name alone made me smile. He was such a nice and caring friend. I felt very lucky to have him in my life. He has been doing so much for me these days. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. I tried to fall asleep but he was constantly on my mind. The punishment, the game, the talks, the walk and the chocolates everything that he did for me today seemed to be so special. I could feel myself blushing, I didn’t know what was happening to me but I could feel myself changing. I was missing him now and I just wanted the night to pass soon so that I would get to see him tomorrow. How can a person become so special suddenly? I kept asking myself constantly. But I couldn’t find the answer. He has become special. The thought of him was enough to bring a smile on my face. Riya was right about Ishaan and now I know why all the girls go gaga over him. He had that charm in him which I couldn’t see all this time but now I can see his charm and I can feel it too. He not only had a charming face but also a charming personality that anyone can fall for.

“Am I falling for him” I asked this question to myself several times but I couldn’t come up with an answer or maybe I didn’t want to. I don’t know what all these butterflies in my stomach meant but all I know is that I love being with him. I love his company, his smile, his small and simple gestures and I basically love everything about him. What was this guy doing to me? He always had a strong impact on me. He used to be on my mind because of the stupid and irritating things he did and now he was on my mind because of the sweet things he was doing for me.

I couldn’t sleep and kept rolling to the sides. All I had were his thoughts on my mind. I remembered the first day he joined our school and how we had a fight over silly thing. The memories of sports week this year flashed on my mind and I laughed at how I hated him to the core for stealing Riya’s attention. I laughed reminiscing the week where I had to be his puppet and how he irritated me to the core. I kept thinking of how the things changed between us in just a week. I fought with Riya last week saying that Ishaan isn’t a good guy and I didn’t like their friendship. But little did I know that this week Ishaan and I would become so good friends that his thoughts won’t leave my mind. I was sure that Riya would be shocked to see us being friends. Ishaan, the name that made me frown till last week was now enough to bring a smile on my face. It’s just been 3 days and we have become such a good friends. His friendship was something that I couldn’t stop cherishing because what he was doing for me was enough to make me change my thinking for him and start liking him.