The title does injustice. You’ll know that soon enough.
I’ve been fortunate for some really great acquaintances. There was this friend, senior friend to be precise, really great guy. Smart, intelligent and charismatic. Back in college we called him God of the code. A true inspiration for me. He wasn’t much of a stud, did not so well in initial college years but by the end astonished everyone, whether with academics or that dream placement at THE MNC. He had this crush on this girl and so did she. But you know how rags to riches guys are- all work and no play.
In case you’re wondering why all the past tense, you’ll know.
I first met him in my pre-final year. Didn’t heard or knew much about him initially. Only that he’s just another senior. But in his final year he was like the senior. So, he falls in love with this girl. There was a time we were really close, and he told me about this incident involving him and her, I’m just going to pen it down verbatim:
She: I’m sorry. I can’t control this anymore. We’re here today and tomorrow we won’t be together. I just want you to know that I love you.
He: Your words weaken me women. Tell me why? Why all of a sudden and that too when it’s all over. Where were you all these years? Where were you when I was lost and confused? Where were you when I was a failure?
She: I was always there, waiting for you. Yes I was lost too and chose someone else over you but I waited. And I’m still waiting.
He (lighting up the cigarette): Why now? I’m over you. I don’t believe in love or crush or any of that shit.
She: But I do. I’m sorry but I love you.
He: Okay. Listen and listen carefully. If tell you I don’t love you that would be a lie. I fell in love with you the first time I saw you in the introductory class. I still remember the innocence of your eyes. I remember those four years dreaming about you- me and you. And I love you too. But the truth is: you and me; we cannot be one.
( There is a long pause while the tears leave the edges of her eyes and swiftly make a way through her cheeks. )
He: If you really love me, then listen carefully. Do you really think we can be together? Do you think society would let us. No, I’m not afraid of what they would do to me. I’m afraid what they would do to you. I love you and you love me. But we cannot love each other. You want reasons. I will give you reasons. We don’t share a state, or religion, or culture. Go damn it! We don’t even share our mother tongues.
She: But we share a soul.
(PERIOD.)
It was a period not just to their arguments and counter arguments but to their lives to. The guy talks to his orthodox Hindu parents about the Keralite muslim girl. And the girl to her parents. Who obviously force them not to see each other again lest they would disown them. But they do. And you can guess the rest. The girl’s parents force her into a marriage against her wishes. And she did what women in love do, dies a quiet death while her way down the 13th floor of the wedding hotel. And when this comes to the knowledge of the guy, he loses it all: his life and his soul, everything. He wasn’t found at his office or home that day. Or anywhere since that day.
And the rest is history.
P.S. You might like this also: http://trivialexperiments.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/sweet-talk-1-0/
