Md Humayun Kabir

Part - 1 1 I can't believe this! The man in the VIP stand had to pinch himself to make sure that he was not in a dream. This is a wonder kid! He went agape in wonder. Mukul bagchi, a six feet stout figure in his mid fifties, had been seated on the VIP box of state cricket stadium, looking through his gold rimmed spectacle intensely down the ground. As the stadium whistles and roared with applause, his face brightened up at the prospect of a great finding. As the little kid in the ground hits a boundary, he wanted to shout too. But he had to resist his emotions. He had to focus on every kids playing out there in the middle. He was expected to be appeared calm and an impartial selector. As a junior state level coach, his job is to find scattered talents and train them. His cell phone started ringing suddenly. Irritated he looked on the screen, it reads Mr shankar, chief selector. He picked up and said Hello Mr shankar , The chief selector from the other end said, Mr mukul, as you know that on the basis of your recommendation the state under 17 team will be selected. These boys are our future. The BCCI is very serious to build a strong back up line. The state board has been ordered to nurture the emerging talents with utmost care. After these inter state tournament the national under seventeen squad will be announced. That's why these selection and tournament has become much more significant. We need the best team possible. And I hope I can completely rely on you. Yes definitely Mr shankar. In fact I am watching the practice match here and believe me I never have seen a cricketer having such power in mere defensive shots. And that is too in such a tender age. I am telling you this kid is our best find in this season. This is a wonder, a star in making. Mukul couldn't see the wrinkles on Mr shankars forehead. He paused for a moment and said; Mr. Mukul, do we need a raw batsman at this moment? Mukul has been in this position for one and a half years. He was well aware of the fact why the previous coach was sacked. The condition was either you put the chief seclector shankars son anuj in the playing eleven or resign. The coach had chosen the latter. Mukul knew the selector wouldn't like to have a competitor to his son. But he is determined to do his duties impartiality. 2 Rehan was just getting ready to leave the ground after sealing a comprehensive win in the inter school annual tournament. He scored a stroke full century. He was happy and content with his performance. He looked behind as someone patted him on his shoulder. Well done. This was a great knock. Thank you, sir. I am Mukul Bagchi, the state junior coach. Hello sir, Rehan managed to say. I wonder how you just flick a ball for six. Effortlessly. It doesn't seem you are putting too much power on the shot. I don't know. I just try to hit the ball with the middle of the bat. Rehan shyly said. You would be delighted to hear that we are considering you for the state junior trial camp. Rehan was spell bound. He couldn't utter other than a small “thank you “. He remained still for a long time to gulp down the news. You have gifted talent. You nurture that well. I can see a great future for you. Keep it up. Rehan would felt lonely in every situation of his life, be it anything sad or happiness. He would speak to his friends or be quiet. Rehan, Abdul and Sonu are school buddies. Rehan spoke so much less than necessity that once he was mistaken to be a dumb. Except cricket no other stuff attracts him. Sonu was a couch potato who would not leave the comfort of his cozy bed unless the house was set on fire. And Abdul was the leader of the group. He could speak to principal satyanan on his eyes to whom even the other teachers fear so much that they would prefer to face Osama rather than speaking to him. He would occasionally disappear for a few days and later his whereabouts could be traced by the photos he would upload on Instagram with stunning background. He was very cautious not let anyone speak peek into his obsession with pornography. When he would not be doing anything else, he would visit various site. So he needs no one but everyone needs him. Rehan was excited to share the good news. In the evening he went out for Abdul. They lazily walked down the footpath for a while and sat down on a bench in the park. Not much people were around. This park is a bit outside the busy city. It became quieter in the evening. It was darkening. They sat there quietly. After a while Abdul patted him and said, bro you will make it big one day. So you know that Mukul sir met me today. The whole school knows by now. And I am very happy for you. But your real struggle has now started. You have no idea Rehan, this world is so harsh. You lose your grip and it hits the stumps just like in cricket. Okay, you are being philosophical. I am some time. And sometimes I am intelligent too. They both laughed. They were walking back to home. The street light was showing their way. Rehan asked, you are a hard nut to crack. Sometimes I don't understand you and you seem to me depressed. If there is anything, you can tell me. Abdul sighed and said, life is a bitch bro. Let's not talk about it. They walked silently. After a while Rehan said, I just wanted to know if it’s true about your mom as people say. It’s okay if you don't want to speak about it. Abdul felt shy for the first time in his life. He laughed shyly, may be just to cover up the uneasiness. Rabin understood. He tried to steer the conversation to other direction. He thoughtfully said; look at the brighter side of life. If a few things not going as expected, there still hundreds of positive stuffs are going well in life. You understand me so well. That's why I like you. You are a good buddy Rehan. I pray you become a famous cricketer one day. And once you become famous, recognize me as your friend and that will be my biggest gift from you. You back me up and I will do my bit. I will always be there for you no matter what. And you also don't get affected by negativity. I know things are not going well in your house. That bitch, your aunty, is such a selfish woman. Rehan sighed. Abdul put his hand his shoulder and drew closer. Don't worry bro, you will be a star one day. He kept his head on Abduls chest and wrapped his hand around him. And then that day in the darkness of night both friends cried in silence. 3 Rehan’s father died when he was in womb of his mother. In the childhood when he would see his friends were embraced and cuddled by their father a sigh of grief would choke him. As he was growing up recovering the scar, his mother also had passed away when he was just six years old. His paternal uncle at that time came forward to take care of him and Rehan started to live with his uncle siddiqullah in Guwahati. In no time after departure of his parents, he found out his grievous loss. He realized the truth as to why he was adopted. His aunties melting voice was how much out of affection and how much for the enormous property he inherited was not any hazy to him. The cock would be usually fast asleep when Rehan leaves bed. He would get up, sweeps the lawn, portico, the house and water the flowers. He would switch on the oven, place the jug, pour five cups of water and let it boil while kneading the wheat to make parantha. This is the usual routine for him with rarely any exception. Once the breakfast is done, he would wait for his uncle to come home from mosque after offering fazr namaz. Siddiqullah is a pious man if the greed part were overlooked. He was the treasurer of many local societies and mosques. The man seems talkative and social but only outside of the house. Being affected with Vertigo, his face looks horrible. His face dotted with two distinct colors making him look ugly. He comes only to sleep from shop and speaks except for necessity in the house. For him, it is a relief his wife not being around. In her presence his nerve gets colder and he prefer avoiding her as much as possible. If there were a award for minimal verbal connection between spouses, this couple had the greatest chance to win the title. On urgencies, he would bypass his message through niece Rabin or his only son Bablu. Rehan accepted his fate and regarded himself as a servant of his uncle's home. So he doesn't feel bad about anything. As he is ordered, he serves. He sometimes feels his uncle has a soft corner for him. But he had so much fear of his wife kalima that he never dared to show it. After having breakfast, when Siddiqullah walks back to shop, his wife kalima would still make various dhun through her nostrils. Rabin tiptoes to her room, makes the toothpaste and the brush handy on bedside table. Arrange the chappal if that was displaced and walk back to the storeroom cum his abode. This was a tiny room stuffed with worn-out suitcases, dusted books, old torn out quilt, rations on one side. Woods of various sizes piled up under the two and a half feet ram shackled bed. One man can hardly stand on the floor leaving the bed. When cat and rats epic war commence suddenly in the night, Rabin gets alert as to prevent falling on him the wrecked bamboo ceiling. The first day when he entered room, he was convinced that the days of hell have started. Stepping here at first being frightened of the little inmates in the darkness, he soon realized, not just cockroach, uncountable rats and occasionally special visitors crowds the space, as the night darkened even more the room, the unbodily creatures floats around here. As the gathering takes over the place, his little heart thumps so hard making him think he is going to die. But once the dawn breaks, fear of his aunty kalima prevails. Gradually, he became numb, unmindful of anyone's presence in the night in his little living space. Fear evaporated. The Floating spirit, rats, cockroach even the darkness became his companion. He talks with them and never get tired or loses patience over not having a response. The shape of the spirit changes, but they are so vivid that he strongly feel them around. He keeps chattering about his past, his dream of becoming a cricketer. Being abused or beaten by kalima aunty doesn't hurt him anymore. He accepted his fate and adjusted with it. At first, sometimes, when he would protest, slapping, or hitting with the bamboo stick meant for the cat, would intensify mercilessly. Blood oozes out and swelled from the lashes. Locking the rusted tinned door he would sweeps his hands smoothly over the bloodstained wound and weeps. As the night draws its curtain, he would quietly climb up the water tank and sit on it. Through the bent branches of leafy mango tree he would look up the star studded night sky. The vast dotted blinking sky absorbs his pain. He feels light. As it true as everyone say that those who dies they become star. He searched the starry firmament. Which star would be his father? Is the one seems brighter looks through the lower branch is his mother? Is she saying hi to him? Are they not aware without them how he is feeling? How lonely and helpless he has become. No one cares for him. There was no one to ask if anything he wanted. He looks up and every time tears roll down his cheek. 4 There is high possibility of being it alike if the DNA of Hitler and kalima were examined. So it is no wonder the characteristics would have strikingly resembled. She is in mid forties. It takes her great effort and energy to move her enormous figure. As she wobbles around, she looks more like of a pregnant duck, except the fact that the flesh of a whole swan can be found in her neck itself. But even her greatest critics would not deny the fact that despite having overweight, she doesn't look as bad. Bablu is her only child. He studies in class eight. If you see face from a distance it may appear to you that flesh hanging in his cheeks. One do not have to be a specialist in mind reading to know that eating is his favorite hobby. Saifullah is around sixties but doesn't look so. Despite having a menacing face he is liked for his mild behavior. When Rabin is constantly being nagged by his wife kalima and son bablu, he doesn't like it. But he kept quiet since he cannot face his wife's outrageous eruption off her mouth. So when rabin entered the house into kalima aunt’s sarcastic remarks, Saifullah couldn't utter a word. Your father left us binding a cactus in our throat; we neither can swallow nor vomit out. You should be thankful to him as he left an enormous wealth which you are enjoying now; he wanted to remind her but kept silent. No maa, he doesn't care what you say. He is such an arrogant and ungrateful boy. After breakfast, I have some clothes to wash. So do not go out with that monkey. Kalima aunty declared. It was Sunday. Rehan got up early and made breakfast. Auntie, I wanted to go to practice, Rehan slowly said. Bablu slap on his neck. Mom, do you know he is future Sachin of our country. As he laughed out loud, parantha spitted out of his mouth. What you are up to really? Give a hand to your uncle in the shop. This cricket rubbish won't feed you. Rehan do not protest to anything she says. He believes strongly in his heart, things will turn brighter for him if he can play well in the ensuing season. That's why he doesn't bother to take anything seriously. Aunty kalima side glanced as Rehan walked in after the practice session. Mockery, taunting and teasing doesn't affect him as much anymore. He kind of accepted his fate. He knew where he is and what he had to do. Life is not that easy! Bablu jibes, Sachin is here maa. What can I do for you, sir? It’s not new to him so he stayed calm. Bablu got agitated seeing him not reacting. He pushed him so hard he fell on the floor. As usual Kalima stepped in the scene when it goes out of control. Apparently he knows by now, his aunty encourages his son to bully to get rid of him. I feel worried about your future. The way you are roaming around, with that brat, it's going to ruin your life. Cricket won't help. Why you even studying? How many times I told you give a hand to your uncle in his business. Do the daily chores. But you won't listen to me. Rehan felt like burning inside. How can people be so selfish? He remained silent. Now go to your room. I don't want any distraction while Bablu studies. 5 The refreshing news of joining a young madam has been whispering in the air since morning. Naughty boys imagination already been highly fuelled. Someone from back bench of class ten remarks seems like after days of starvation almighty has smiled on us. Class broke into laughter. Sonu dramatically said, in all male school surrounded by boring mustached teachers, a beautiful ma'am is like a raindrop in the desert. Rehan smiles and may be god himself smiled too. Sonu elbowed Rehan, making naughty gesture. I saw her in a flash while was walking beside the teachers common room. It was indeed a delightful view bro. I bet you never have seen anything so beautiful. Rehan tried to smile. Sonu is always energetic and full of life. He doesn't like Rehan nonreactivity and meekness. I bet you never have seen something so mind-bogglingly beautiful, Sonu whispered and made a naughty gesture raising his eyebrows. Rehan doesn't seem interested. But Sonu doesn't lose his enthusiasm so easily. Hey are you not excited? As in most occasions, Rehan just shrugged. I want to understand something very clearly today, are you an idiot or you act to be appear so? Just heck off, slowly but firmly Rehan said. Haven't anyone said how you suck as a companion? Then go to someone else and get your ass rubbed. Sonu burst out in laughter. The classroom was full of activities. Everyone in the class was energetically chatting and it was full of noise. So no one noticed or rather cared what he found so funny. You are really a showpiece. Annoyed Rehan try to focus on an article featuring Sachin Tendulkar in the sport page of a daily. The quarter page photographs of the cricketing legend seems so grabby to him. The records made by him designed in a pyramid shape. Rehan caressed lightly with the hand on the photographs and sighed. Are you even listening to me? What's your problem? Rehan asked irritated. I want to know something? What is it? Are you impotent? Rehan tried hard to resist a smack on his face. He instead socked hard on the desk. I think you need to go to bathroom and clean your pipes; Rehan gritted his teeth and said. This is indeed a great idea. Would you like to accompany me? Would you like to work with your mouth? Okay, if you like so… Don't you feel tired? Ashamed? I can't remember last time when I felt ashamed. But I think you can recall when did you mouth worked last time? And to whom? Unfortunately I can't. Dude, you are such a dick. Okay, if you say so then maybe I am. Do whatever you want but can't you see with your semen smeared eyes that I am trying to read something? Dude everyone knows how gentle and innocent you are, if ever they get to hear the discourses I happened to bestowed with, bloody their misconceptions would have gone. Rehan broke into laughter. So you are here to advertise it, He said. No bro, no, I am here to tell you that I'm proud of you and I feel how I am lucky to have an excellently talented bitch like you. Go to hell. You know I feel bored being alone. As known in the friends circle that Sonu is a rare kind of jerk and Rehan only companion in school. His funny bone never seems to be tired. He can never be offended, not even bullying on his slender figure and extra fare complexion. His upper part resembles a giraffe, tall and thin. After the lunch break students of the 10th class were settling down. Among chattering and noise Jagadish Sir got into the classroom. As Kusum stepped in behind him, boys went all agape. Draped in white salwar kameez she appeared to be jasmine flower plucked out of the garden - freshly beautiful. Strands hair on her forehead bounced as she tossed on to stage. She seems as though drenched in milk with a tinge of almond. She is an angelic beauty, Rehan thought. Ticking of the time stopped, as if the whole universe stalled. In his sixteen years, Rehan never felt so strangely-out of excitement or something else he could not figure out. He has seen many beautiful girls but with her, his madam, it’s something different. Confusing emotions evokes and filled his heart with excitement and joy. He looked at her. Her gaze randomly was roaming across the class. Lightly smile kissing her pink glossy lips. Her two deep eyes were flickering like a deer - sparkling, candid and zesty. As her glittering eyelashes fluttered, his heartbeat skipped for a moment. She looks surreal as the sun rays peeped through the ventilator and were dancing on her face. Lucky sun! Sighed Rehan. Jagadish ramble on a few minutes. No one listened. So I am leaving, madam. He said to madam. Turning to the class he sternly said, And you rats, cooperate with madam, If I hear anything adventurous you have done in madams class, won't spare you. To their great relief he left the class. Kusum turns and her eyes caught Rehan and she smiled. Rehan felt an electric shock animating his entire vein. He lowered his gaze. Tried to calm him down so as the sound of his thumping hearts would not reach her. She speaks finally, I am kusum Choudhury. M.A in English. I like chatting. So I hope we can connect well. Though I am assigned to teach you English, but you can ask me anything. It’s like beads coming out of her mouth as she speaks - so smooth and sweet. It reaches through eardrum and activates all the senses. Rehan got numb. He did not hear her calling. Abdul elbows him and he got up. Yes madam. What you were thinking so deeply. Rehan almost got a cardiac arrest as if she could read his brain, his dirty thoughts about her. He hung his head as if to prostrate and remained silent. May I have your name, please? I am Humaan Ahmed Rehan. She spoke couple of minutes more which Rehan had no clue about. He was lost in his thought. 6 Kusum prefers a serene place. Noisy polluted city is not for her. She finds most of the people in city with fake emotion and artificial smile. Everyone was busy, running after material gain. She doesn't like being in rat race. For her life is not all about racing. Sometimes it requires a break. Ironically in the sea of people, you may not get someone to express your feelings, no shoulder to cry on, there is no one to share your happiness with. She cannot think a life of just about breathing. She loves people with genuine emotions and honesty. The rustic simplicity and unconditional love, care of people touches her. That's why, when Jagadish showed her an apartment a bit away from the city crowd and noise, she didn't waste a second to choose. It's nearly two kilometers away from the school. Are you sure you want to stay here. Transportation can be an issue. Jagadish warned her. That won't be a problem, she reassured him. It was Sunday and Kusum was chilling out in his tiny two bedroom apartment. The bell rang. Kusum opened the door. Jagadish said, I thought visiting you on this idle Sunday to have a cup of hot coffee would not be a bad idea. Please come in, she said. From below down the crossroads, from where the street leads directly to Kusums building, under the electrical post, from a road side tea stall Rehan and Abdul saw Jagadish sir enters into the Kusum madam's room. It became a norm for Rehan to sneak to Kusums flat in every evening and Sunday. He would seat in the tea stall, sips tea and watch up to her apartment. Abdul would be always up for such adventure. Rehan could not stand to see the heart breaking scene as Jagadish entered Kusums apartment. He said, let's go bro. This man is being over frank. But you don't have to be sulky, I am sure she would not see him as an option for her life. And why do you think so? He did some favor settling her down. So she is being nice just out of courtesy. Otherwise, I even cannot imagine him standing beside her. You really think so? Yes, I am more than hundred percent sure. You are my real brother. Next Sunday we will go to her apartment. What? Rehan could not control his excitement. Tea spills out from his mouth. You coward! Cannot do anything yourself. Whatever it takes I will do. But wait, what if she asks about the purpose of our visit. Then say aloud you like her, simple. Rehan minced to say something. Boom! Balloon burst? Rehan remained silent. Abdul said, I will do think about it. I can rely on you bro, he said joyfully. They ordered tea for the third time. 7 Everyone had dispersed once the practice session got over. The surroundings were dipping in darkness. Abdul flatten out on the ground and meaningfully gazing at Rehan. Rehan sprinted round the ground until he drained out of energy. He plopped down on the ground closed by Abdul. A few minutes passed in silence. Rehan was lost deep in his thoughts. Abdul tried to thoughtfully scan him. He was trying to avoid direct eye contact with him. Abdul smiled and finally laughed out loud making Rabin a bit unsettled. What happened, Rehan asked? Abdul meaningfully continued to smile. Will you say something and stop this devilish smiling? Yes bro, how can you find my smile attractive when......? Abdul could complete his words and broke in laughter. I am going to slap you. Abdul remained silent for a while. Night sky was started to decorate with sparkling star. Bug was buzzing around constantly. Breaking the awkward silence Abdul said, bro do not think much. I know what you are thinking. It's not worth it I am telling you. What are you talking about? Don't act smart to me? You cannot hide anything from me. Rehan felt slightly embarrassed. Okay then tell me what is it I am thinking, he asked to be ensured if he was caught. What do you like about her, Abdul asked instead of directly replying him? Will you stop it you jerk, slowly and shyly he said. Even in this darkness I can see you are blushing. Okay, I don't deny that I kind of like her. Like as in crush? Rehan smiled shyly. 8 Abdul is a blabber mouth. Next day Rehan intentionally got a bit late to reach school to avoid any curious queries from Abdul. By the time he reaches the school compound Abdul had spread the word of having a crush on madam at the first sight. Through laughter, teasing and awful remarks from fellow mates when Rehan got to his bench, it was evident that Abdul had done it again. Abdul sat three benches back from usually where he sits. Rehan sat down on the first bench and looked back to Abdul. He was trying hard to not to laugh. When hundreds of devil died then almighty sent you to fill the gap, Rehan said to him. He could not resist anymore and burst out. You know some astrologer said once, I have a murder in my hand and his name starts with alphabet 'A'. What did he say about your love interests? Rehan thought yelling at him won't affect so he kept quiet and dipped in a sports magazine pretending reading it. Sonu pinched from behind, must be thinking of madam. I heard she will be the class teacher. Rehan had no word. But deep down inside he didn't feel angry to Abdul or any of them teasing him. Are you? Abdul added loudly from behind. He smiled as continued gazing at the magazine. Don't fall in this trap. It ruins people. Sonu inserted. Only loser thinks so, he wanted to blurt out. 9 I am not feeling well. There is something pinching my inside. I never felt like this. I dreamt a strange thing yesterday. I saw an angel coming down from hell. There was a stick in his hand splashing around light. He threw the stuff on me and I screamed. I felt like my whole body scorching in blazing fire. And then I saw a female figure, shady, unclear, in distance, laughing loudly. And the most important thing is that this face resembles somewhat like Kusum Madam. Today as she enters the classroom, I was shocked to the core. I felt like shivering. I am scared to the core of my heart. I don't know why I have these intuitions that this a bad omen, Rehan said. Abdul and Rehan getting out of the stadium, passed the supermarket, crossing the bridge, striding down the park reached their dimly lit street. So that was haunting you through the day? I cannot take it lightly. It had to somehow interconnected … with what? Well I won't lie. I have a crush on her.... So you are officially accepting that you like Kusum madam? And you will advertise it. Okay, I will try not to. Please, dude. Okay listen, if you find anything that relax you and make you happy, I am more than happy. But please do not exhaust yourself in thinking bad omen shit. Past the last streetlight, the old man on shed wrapped with sacks in the piercing December cold, holding breath to avoid the stanch from hipped garbage on road side, turning right, shivering, having no clue if it was out of cold or fear, when Rabin took to the golly path, it was already late enough to have his aunty Kalima bulged with fury. 10 Two weeks went by and Kusum settled well down. Chemistry teacher Jagadish trails her along like a loyal servant, in case she needs something so he had to be available all the time. He would not miss a chance to impress her. He initiated to find out a suitable apartment for her. He helped her in purchasing essential stuff and settling down. The Stuff, students everyone was supportive and amicable with her. No wonder numbers of secret admirers she gained among the students, if not all. The principal, one who was known for his stern behavior, seems to melts down in front of her. Some of the virile boys in the upper class felt jealous of Jagadish sir. Abdul was one of them. Failing multiple times in previous classes, he managed to get into tenth. Teachers were in agreement of the fact that he would need quite a few attempts to clear the board exam. He is famous in the school for all wrong reasons. Once he was caught red-handed leaking paper, though he boldly admitted, he could not chill out with his friends as they were too anxious about exam. So he initiated the bold step so they can relax and hang out with him. He even once narrowly escaped while walking off with principal’s wife's bra. Smelling bra and panty of beautiful girls is one of his secret passions. It would come handy in fancying and jerking off. He has distinct opinion on almost everything. In his view, mugging thick books is for average people. Having lost his father in childhood he had no strict guardian who can strictly imbibe values in him. The loneliness made him apathetic and pessimistic about life. He resorts to cigarette and later to alcohol once crossed adolescence. His father was a rich man having multiple business entity. Once he passed away her mom lost in posh lifestyle, bar and male friends and Abdul became as if her second priority. Rehan and Abdul get along well for their common liking to cricket.Abdul regards Rehan as a younger brother and try to protect him and keep him out of the evil habits he had fallen into. Why are you ruining yourself, Rehan would ask sometimes? You wouldn't understand. You hide something from me. Don't be so curious about others life. Just focus on your business. I don't encourage you for mugging but you can shine in cricket. You just think about that. And don't worry about me I will be fine. He remembers those awful nights after his father’s death when whispering of multiple male voices would be heard from his mother's room, subsequently tittering, chatting, flapping of fleshes and panting. It would spear his ear. He wanted to kill himself out of Anger and pain. He was enraged firstly but as days passed; his ear and senses got habituated to it. Gradually depression engulfed him and he started drinking liqueur, puffing weed - anything that can distract him. Being addicted to sex at a tender age, he would download porn on his mobile, watch every night and practice onanism until fatigue drained every drop of energy. Rehan , usually shy to express sexual urges, get thrilled and wonder at the same time on his expertise on the unexplored and forbidden world of sex. Abdul seems to know everything. Just eyeing on a girl, he can say how horny she is. Abdul well aware of a dark monster coexist inside him and he try to suppress the dark urges he sometimes strongly feels. The day he laid his eyes on Kusum, he fancied her. That night, he had not had to watch porn. He liked her, in his strange way. Kusum in Rehans arm is somewhat bearable as he could be around her any time he wants to but the scene of Jagadish sir with Kusum is disturbing for him. In fact anyone around her was irksome to him. 11 Rascal! Slipped out the word. Abdul and Rehan sat on the peak of a hill overlooking the vast greenery. As the sun lowering in the west zenith, these two little souls enjoy the splendid view. Both of them were lost in thought. As the words spills out of Abdul, Rehan had no clue to who this word was intended to. So he gave a baffling looks to him. What happened? How lousy this man is. Isn't he? Who? Abdul looked at him for a moment and said, Forget it. You don't have to mystify everything. Don't be curious so much. Rehan gave a dirty look and tried to focus on his thoughts. Life has never been easy for him but he tries hard always cope with the odd situation. He believed life gives everyone a chance. If one could capitalize it, he would be succeeded and accomplish his goal. He was grittily suffering all the hardship on a strong belief that life will certainly give him a chance. In that all long night Abdul restlessly tossed and turned. Sleep would not kiss his eyes. Every night jerking off sperm had become a norm. But as it seems that also would not help him calm down. He got out and sat on the railings of terrace, lit a cigarette and puffed till lungs filled up. He looked up. The starry night looks beautifully decorated. This looks the same as that night when his dad got a massive cardiac arrest and died. He was only nine. As the days passed his mothers male friend increased. They would pamper her and received expensive gift. Soon the family run business collapsed and number of private friends declined. But his frustration and abhorrence to his mother had not subsided. It became unbearable for him in his house and apparently one day he came out. Ever since he visits his home occasionally and speaks to his mom rarely. 12 A few years ago in one cold night Abdul fled from his home and found him unconsciously lying on the street. Next day when woke up, he found himself in the railway station, shivering in the piercing cold. A boy, a bit younger than him came up, smiling, offered a cup of hot tea. He gulped down in one go. If you were laid there down the whole night, you would have become a chunk of solid ice out of this coldness. Thank you. By the way I am Rehan. My name is Abdul. But have you not gone to your house last night. Your parents must be worried about you. Don't worry about them; they can bless me from above wherever I go. Sorry buddy. Where do you stay here? Down the raynagar. I stay at my uncle’s apartment here. My aunty takes care of me well. Last night I forgot to bring my cousin back home from his tuition class. So they advised I must take a city walk for the night. They both laughed. Are you hungry, Abdul asked? Yes badly and I don't have a penny either. They burst out laughing. You don't worry. I will do something, Abdul said. He walked through the crowd and vanished. Half an hour later he appeared with a broad smile in his face, flipping two five hundred rupees currency in the air. Rehan was shocked. Have you stolen? He didn't reply. But looking at him he could not believe this boy can steal. He was impressed and relied on him completely. Let's eat something. They ate quietly. Abdul walked up to the over bridge and lit a cigarette. Do you believe I can steal? Sorry, I just asked. And it doesn't matter anyway. Okay, what can we do since we got some handsome amount of money? Abdul usually never give a damn what other people think. Neither had he asked anyone, anything. He does what he wanted to. But he always likes to know Rehans opinion. I have no clue. You say. Let's do some business. What! Not interested? No, I mean, what do you suggest? Let's go. He went to the bakery and brought various flavors of cakes with the money he had. It took just couple of hours to sell it all in the crowded railway station. After relishing delicious food in the restaurant and watching movie when Rehan headed for home in the evening, his mind flooded with various prospects of how Abdul managed to get that money. It is a mystery which Abdul revealed after years. He was amazingly well in tricking with cards. The card shuffling talent not only fed him when he had fled home but it brought the seed capital to open a mobile food trolley near railway station. But business weren't the priority initially, so when Rehan told him to take admission in his school to which he could not say no to him. 13 The universe seems dancing in joy. Rehan never felt so happy before. Something triggered in him and his perspective about life changed. Everyone around him is not as bad as he thought. Even Kalima aunty doesn't seem so crooked and unbearable anymore. Life is beautiful; it's just the difference of perspective. Going to school is fun and enjoying. The very prospect of going back to school would thrill him. When he goes back to his little den, he doesn't feel annoyed being cockroach, rat, and cat around - it appeared to him that everywhere as if life is being celebrated. The day Kusum madam steps in his class, all negative depressive thoughts washed out of his heart. As he hit the bed in the night, all the colorful thoughts flood his mind. The cheerful appearance of Kusum madam keeps playing in front of his eyes. Towards the dawn when slumber embraces him Kusum madam tiptoes to him and kiss his forehead. He gets out smiling. He would obey everything kalima aunty says. Once the daily chores done, he rushed to school. On the way to school he amazed, thrilled and felt shy to see Kusum madam again. What she would ask? How he could draws her attention he keeps thinking. One day he wrote a note. Just two line. Madamjhi, you have no idea how beautiful you are. You changed the way I used to look at my life. Thank you. He dared not to think this to be a love letter. He kept telling himself this was just a way of showing his admiration for her. How he respect her. This is just a thank you note for changing his perspective about life. In the lunch break when Kusum madam was nowhere to be seen leaving her side bag in the office, Rehan sneak into the teacher’s common room pretending to drink water. No one was in the office common room. This is the chance, he reminded himself. Accumulating all the courage, he slipped the note inside her bag and left almost running as if office building was set on fire. Next day was not any usual day for Rehan. His life could change forever he thought. He got into the classroom like a thief. He didn't dare to look around. A few minutes after the class bell rang, Kusum madam entered. Rehan was too nervous to look up at her. Through the whole class he tried to avoid eye contact with her. Sometimes he would steal a glance to see if he could read something on her face. No! She was indifferent. He wondered if she even had got the note. Heartbroken he got back home without talking to anyone after school. The nights had become most beloved, beautiful and trustworthy companion to Rehan. He would finish as quickly as possible the regular unwritten duties he was expected from and go to his little shelter. As he lock the cleat, he switches off the whole noisy and harsh world and dip into an unexplored deepness of amazing universe where he roams freely and uninterrupted by any of worldly limitations. He would build a kingdom with most expensive decor and design. The posh pool where he would swim, and on the lush greenery he would walk hand in hand with Kusum madam. As days passes he becomes more restless. A few days later he wrote one more note. This time it was a bit in details. Hello madamjhi, No wonder lots of people have been generous to compliment you on your look. And you deserve every bit of it as almighty left no stone unturned to mould into this beautiful shape. And I cannot say how small I am feeling even to write this note. But there is something I strangely feel about you that making me restless until I bring that to your notice. The day I saw you for the first time, I was awestruck. Until then I never had laid my eyes on anything so divinely beautiful. You look angelic and I am sure creator made extra effort to design you. The honey smeared words that flows from your mouth are enough to make my day. You remind me of the creator. You would be shocked to hear that I know. When I look at you, I come in connection with the almighty automatically and my eyes get moistened. Thinking of you in the night when the universe is in deep slumber makes my heart filled with joy and delight. No one in my heart placed with such devotion and reverence. Thinking of you makes me happy. When I see you smile my heart dance with joy. I cannot say what happened to me but I never felt such happiness in my life. I fall in love with life for the first time. I imagine one day I will be a great cricketer, earn lots of bucks and tour the world with you. Oh how ecstatic it would be! I know you will have a hitch to believe or even understand my words. I don't know how you will react. But if you ever find out who I was , please do not embarrass me. Like this, be happy and blessed always. Yours truly. Secret admirer. Next day she came in smiling. She placed the register on the table and scanned the class without uttering a word. Rehan side glanced at her. He could hear his own heart thumping. She took a few moments and spoke, who plays cricket well. Rehan dipped his head under the desk as everyone looked at him. She came in front of him and stood there hand crossed. Can you please seat properly? Rehan tried to raise his neck but it felt like it was threaded to a heavy boulder. So you aspire to be a cricketer, she asked. Rehan stood up with head hung. He brainstormed to find an answer but he felt hazy. So he remained silent. Madam, The DSA coach says he has a bright future in cricket, someone from back bench said. Okay, great. So are you a batsman or bowler? I open for my side ma'am, he managed to say. Keep it up. Please sit down. Nobody understood the mystery of asking him about cricket but inside Rehan felt like dying. She sat down and asked, So you play cricket well? I try to, madam. Do you see it as a career? I am very much passionate about it. This is the only thing I understand and interests me. You write well to, she said smilingly. 13 After inattentive days in the school, Abdul opened a food trolley outside the railway station. End of the day after selling mostly tea, coffee and biscuits, the income weren't that negligible. Three weeks later. How was your day at school? Abdul smiled ear to ear and asked as he saw Sonu and Rehan nearing his shop. Sonu settled himself on a stool inside the shop. Rehan stood near the counter. You are not going to school for three days, All okay? Sonu asked as he took a biscuits from the shelf and bit. I am quitting. This stuff is not for me. Besides I think I need to give more time in the shop. What are you talking bro? Rehan was shocked At least clear the board exam, Rehan said. I thought about it. I don’t aspire to be an IAS officer. So what's the use of wasting time and energy? All of a sudden what happened? Sonu asked. You haven't even discussed once with us,Rehan inserted. I am trying to focus on business. Abdul said. It will be so boring without you in the school. Rehan said. You will be fine being madam around, Abdul tried to be funny. But saddened Rehan would not buy it. How is she? Abdul asked without looking at him. She might have found out it was me who dropped the letter in her bag. Are you sure? The way suspiciously she side glanced me and smiles, I feel like fleeing out of the class. You idiot, she started liking you. You are not picking up her hints. Don't say that I would die out of happiness. Be a man and express your feelings to her. She is my madam bro. If she gets angry .. Okay, that is even better for you, Sonu inserted. What! How so? If she slaps you, two things you gain. One, you win her sympathy, ninety percent love stories start with girls sympathy itself. They do something which they shouldn't have and then get closer out of guilt. And second one? Rehan asked. I am saying, you would not like it. Don't fish around. I am already tensed. You get her touch. You are such a cheap. 14 Over the time Rehan and Kusums small chattering lengthened gradually and rumors spread about their link up. Eventually it reaches to principal. He called her in and said, you should keep a safe distance from students. I don't want the institution to be affected by any of your unusual behavior with students. Please keep that in mind. She nodded and left the principal office. Rehan would go to Kusums apartment on every Sunday. It had become a norm for him. Even Kusum expected him eagerly. She would decline on the wall in her small terrace overlooking to the street and keep an eye while Rehan races towards her place. At first Rehan would be accompanied by Abdul and Sonu. He felt nervous being all alone in presence of Kusum. But as he got closer and visiting her had become inevitable, he started to enjoy the private moments with her. She would seat across the puffy sofa with her mug of coffee and most of the time he would be so lost in looking at her that she shyly had to remind him his coffee being cold. Kusum could not ignore the clouds that were hovering over. She wanted to have a chat about their relationship with Rehan. She felt so foggy. What is their relationship? What name should it it be given? She likes Rehan, wants to be a support for him. He likes her company, respect her. But defining their relationship was not easy. On that Saturday she caught him in the lawn of school. You meet with me separately that doesn't go down well with some people. I am actually short of words what to say.... Kusum minced her word. It may sound crazy but I feel so safe and secure around you. Life has always been hard on me. First, it took my father. Boys of my age would walk with their father, chatting, smiling. They would insist to buy toys, chocolates to their father. I looked from distance and cried. Life without your father is not easy. Mom followed my father after a few years. I became my uncle’s responsibility. Poverty and mockery is all I got in life. The day you came here, I felt reborn. I don't know why happiness filled my heart. I tried to forget all my pain and sufferings. I wanted to start afresh and fight the odds. Madam, I don't care what people say. But all I want to say that please don't leave me. Please. Rehan literally trembles to fight back tears. He felt numb. The world beneath him was swirling. He got hold of a pillar of the School baranadah. Kusum tried hard to remain unaffected. She gently said, don't think much about it, okay? I will be always there with you. Don't think much about what people say. Always be honest with your emotions. I like you because you are genuine. And forget about what people say. Concentrate on yourself, your game, your game. You have to fulfil your dreams. You accomplish your targets and people will stop talking about us, rather they will praise your achievements. I will the happiest person when I will watch you in the TV you are playing for the country. She turned her to him and tried to control on her emotions but she could not as tears rolled down her cheek. How helplessness this poor boy is! I could fight the world for him, she thought. 15 You are warned by principal, asked Jagadish? Why he would, Kusum said casually. Please don't pretend to me. It is clearly visible that you are being too friendly with Rehan. There is whisper all around the school. Principal is not happy about it. If things remain the same he might issue an official show cause. He sat down on the sofa in Kusum’s apartment. She tried to avoid eye contact with him. Tea or coffee, she asked. Tea, please. She walked away to her kitchen mostly to avoid him. You are not replying to me, Jagadish was loud enough to reach his voice to Kusum in kitchen. She remained silent in the course of making tea. She did not like him enquiring about her private life. He had some favour on her otherwise she would not have tolerated him. See I am not your enemy. You can share if there is something..... Jagadish stopped midway as he saw her coming back from kitchen casting a stern glance at him. I don't know how to react to this stupid conjecture. How can they cook up a story of a student linking with me? This is so ridiculous. And principal is reacting to those rumors. Oh my goodness. I can understand. But if you just keep a professional relationship with students then it would be better. Rehan is an orphan child. He is such a helpless boy. I give him emotional support. He plays cricket well. So I try to motivate him. Try to help him with his studies. If that begets any rumors, I don't give a damn. I understand. I can't believe it. And listen if I am having an affair with him why does anyone care? You visit me regularly and that could grab eyeballs too, she wanted to say. 16 It was Sunday. The scenic park was two kilometres away from the city. As Rehan and Kusum stroll in the boulevard of pine, he tapped her finger. It was feeling buttery - so smooth and soft. Heartbeat skipped for moment. She didn't withdraw her hand. Rehan gathered all the courage and holds her hand. She did not react. Bloods in my vein speeds up. It felt ecstatic. Rehan looked at her. He had never seen her so up close. He wanted to shout and say, Look! hey world I am the luckiest man on planet. They continued walking in the lonely park. He side glanced at her lips. A sudden surge of happiness and nervousness hit him electrifying his nerve. He tried to imagine the taste of her soft lips. What are you thinking? Breaking his chain of thoughts she asked, what are you thinking I know. He felt like unfolded naked in the street. I just.. Nothing particularly. He fumbles. She smiled, I know you are thinking dirty. No, not at all. So what about your state trial camp? It’s in next month. After the trial, the state under seventeen team will be selected for intra state tournament. You played really good in the friendly match between inter school tournament. I am not a follower of the game but I enjoyed your batting. I was amazed how you strike so hard. And that too against matured players. Keep it up. Thank you. Will see how hard you try. If you back me up, I will play for my country one day, he wanted to say. What do follow closely? I like reading and watching movies. I like travelling too. Being in the nature like this makes me feel good. And I like chirping of birds too. What about you? Except being humiliated in my uncle I like everything. Oh, don't be so harsh on yourself. Keep working on your goal. Take revenge on them by succeeding in your life. Okay? Why not all people think like you? If there were no darkness, light would have lost its significance. there is evil there that's why goodness has such value. Don't think about negative stuff. Just be positive and achieve your goal. Focus on your game. Rests are just rubbish. Okay? Yes madam. Every time I speak to you, I start feeling better. You pump me up whenever I feel low. All the negativity will be washed up the day I could taste your soft lips, Rehan thought. 16 Rehan serves in his uncle's house satisfactorily and would come to shop. Abdul stays mostly at the station. He would just spread a sheet, lay there and sleep. On usual Sundays, Abdul would urge Rehan to go to practice rather than hanging out in his shop or hanging out with Kusum madam. He did not like meeting her. He felt jealous. He was happy if they are not together. Other than the matter of beautiful kusum, he truly liked Rehan. Even sometime he would argue to himself for being jealous about them. They should be together and he should be happy about it. He curses himself for his secret envious feeling for them. Should I give a hand to let you stretch your arms? Rehan said as Abdul kept washing the tea pot in his shop. You rascal go, I can manage. One day you play for India and make me proud. Blast off in the district junior level, so much so that the news reaches the IPL auction. Yes bro. Did you hear the highest bid this year? Sonu inserted. A boy from a village of Rajasthan headlines with highest paid domestic player. If I would have got just one chance I would have shown my class. You will I am sure, Abdul said. You have no idea what I go through in that house. I feel like crying. Don't worry, if the shop takes off, we will rent a room near the ground. That way your practice session won't suffer. And I also don't like to stay at my home. Living there seems suffocating. We know, Sonu said. Abdul sighed. He was always a tight mouth about his family and suffering. With broad smile on his face anyone can misinterpret him to be leading a blissful life. But under his fake smile, Rehan can spot the pain. He patted his shoulder, bad days will end soon bro, just have patience. You don't worry about me, I am fine. Not much time left to start the trail camp for this season. You need to focus on that. I know. Rehan said. 17 Happy seasons run faster. One year had passed since Kusum joined the Brilliant academy. final exam was over. She tried hard so as Rehan scores well in the final exam. Maths is a menace for Rehan. So she took extra tuition in her apartment for him. It’s not so far from his house. It was not sure how fond of studies Rehan wss but every evening, with huge enthusiasm; he would walk twenty minutes to reach her apartment. Rehan was never spotted happier as he strode down her place. He would take a while outside her room to compose him. He had to struggle to calm down his thumping heart. Then he gently reach for the bell as to show how natural is it for him to visit her. She would open the door, smiling. And his heart jumped up to his throat. He would try to divert the conversation. But she was so strict. Focus on your study, she coldly she said. Feeling a bit tired. Can I rest for a while? Okay, ten minutes. I will brew coffee for you. Thank you. He lay down on the sofa. In her carefully furnished room everything looks nice and diffuse good smells. After a while she came back with two mug of steaming coffee. A love symbol is engraved in her pink color coffee mug. She yearns for love. Please gimme a chance. Rabin wanted to scream. Madam, you look pretty sipping coffee, he remarks. Thank you. She was cold as ice. But that didn't deter him to explore further. What did you say to principal when he asked you to not to be so friendly with me. Rehan was desperately trying to spills tinge of love out of her heart. But she was too tight mouth to crack a word of love. Instead she warned what you are cooking in your mind? Look, if you let me down in your exam, I am not going to speak to you, ever again. Poor Rehan shifts all his focus and energy on studies. And it yielded in results. On the vacation after the final exam, Kusum head off to her hometown Agartala. Rehan felt his whole inside being pierced. When he was one year old his father dies. He could hardly remember his father. Few years later when his mother was in death bed, he hazily recall her saying to his uncle, please take care of my child. Bring him up as your son. His ancestral property remains with you until he is adult. He was playing a friendly cricket match in a ground nearby his house the day she died. He vividly remembers that day he blasted a half century. When he came back in sweat, he forgot his tiredness seeing the crowd in his house. His relatives cupped his face, kissed him and hugged him lightly. A makeshift was made with his mom's old clothes in the east side of their portico. She was laid on a charpai covering a white shroud. She looks rock solid. On her pale face strands of hair. She was given a bath as fresh water drops from her long hair. She never looked so horribly helpless. In an uncertain pain his inside had cringed. He shivered like a bamboo leaf. Someone had wrapped him up with a sheet. He didn't feel want of father under the warmth of his mother. Even on hard cushion less bed, he would sleep deeply wrapped in her arm. She sang lullaby until sleep prevailed him. When morning sunshine tickled on his face, she would sit beside him and combed his hair with her soft long fingers. He amused sometime as how creepy her fingers could took shape of. He tried to straighten them but once she opened, it went curvy. They both smiled. When she was carrying to grave, Rehan got numb. Tears dried up, just a sense of emptiness and helplessness soaked his heart. As he looked his relatives was shouldering her, he felt his tiny world got ripped apart. He was in complete shock. As the relatives left their house, he started to feel tremendous fear. The void without his mother seeps to register in his mind. In his nine years of life, he never slept without his mother. He still vividly remembers the first dreadful night without his mom. That night He could not sleep a drop. Towards the dawn fatigue overpowered him and he slept. In his dream, his mom floats around him, smiling. It was still dark when he got up and raced down to their ancestral graveyard. Nobody was in sight. He sat down near his mom's grave. How could you go so far leaving me alone in this world? That day onwards his life changed completely. He had no complaint to anyone no matter how bad one can be to him. He accepted his fate. But the day he saw Kusum, as if he had started living again. He never thought of being separated from her. But today as she leaves for her home, he felt as though a part of his heart was sliced apart. I didn't feel anyone so close to me after my mother's death. They sat on a concrete bench - away from crowd and noise in Guwahati railway station. She came closer and put her hand on his shoulder. I know. But I will be back as soon as school opens. And you can go to my home town Agartala. I will show you around. I will try to go. She wrote down her address on a piece of paper and handed it to him. And while I am not around, please take care of yourself. Practice regularly. I will. You know one thing, why I don't know but deep down in my heart I feel you will be a great batsman. People will cheer around you. Your photos will appear on the front page of every major daily. And I will feel so proud that day. There was a lump in her throat as she fights back tears. Rehan wanted to wipe tears and kiss her eyes. But he was not sure how she would react. She never indulged her emotions to him and drew a strict line between them. His eyes got moistened too. He looked away and hid his tears. He found it pacifying thinking at least there was someone in the world who wishes him to do well in life, who is concerned about him. Train was one hour late. Rehan brought two cups of tea and her favorite spicy biscuits. After long moments of silence he asked, madam, what do you like about me? You are innocent and honest. You have a god gifted talent and you're hungry to chase that. You don't want to ask me why I like you? Okay, tell me then. You are so pretty. Kusum tried hard to resist her smile. She looked away. And when you smile, my heart stops, as if the whole world stalls to see you smiling. Okay, you don't have to be so romantic, she said with fake anger in her voice. Rehan didn't stop there. He felt surge of energy rushing through his vein. You don't know how many times I kiss your cheek in my dream. Shut up. She slightly slaps him. Train had arrived at the station. It took a while to spot her seat. After the final whistle, train started picking up speed. Kusum looked around and planted a smooch on his cheek before rushing to board her train. 18 Abdul saw Kusum smooching Rehan from distance. The flash of Rehan kissing kusum did not let Abdul sleep that night. He felt strangely about it. Why did his whole inner self get so bitter? His alienated behavior seems to be odd to him. He felt outrageous specifically to no one. He tossed and turned sides all through the night. As the sun rays peeped through the ventilator, he got up and sat on the bed. He is far better than Rehan. He thought. He felt pangs of jealousy in his heart. He deserves Kusum. Kusum belongs to me only, he thought. He cannot bear the sight of Kusum and Rehan together. Something needs to be done to get Rehan out of Kusum’s life, Abdul thought. That day in the evening Abdul reached Jagadish sir room. Before reluctantly ringing the doorbell, he revised very quickly in mind what he wanted to tell to Jagadish sir. Hey Abdul, Jagadish said as he opened the door. He was jolly man that even his staunches enemy would agree. He made coffee for Abdul. They drank coffee silently. After finishing the coffee Jagadish asked, have you come on a purpose? Actually sir I have but I don't know how to tell you this, Minced Abdul. Don't worry, just tell me. Abdul didn't have the courage to tell anything about Kusum. He never thought it would be so tough for him. He reassured himself that if he could get Kusums mind bitter against Rehan , he wins the battle. He just couldn't stand his friend kissing his crush. But it would be unwise to denounce to Kusum of Rehan’s infidel act straightaway. He even could be exposed and his lies could backfire him. So he came to Jagadish. That way the aftermath impact would not affect him directly. What is it about? Jagadish asked. It's about madam and Rehan, he said slowly. Okay, what is it? Jagadish now got all ear. Sir, Rehan is my best friend. So I was in a dilemma first whether to come to you or not. But I felt it so wrong so I had to say that to you. But please sir, make sure no one knows that I told you about this. Okay, go on. Actually he is addicted to pornography. Sometimes it drives him crazy. He is psychologically imbalanced. In fact his all family is weird. Multiple times I caught him being nasty with his aunty. He now fantasizes Kusum madam. And before things turn ugly I thought I should inform you so that you somehow could warn Kusum madam about his dark side. Oh my god. He looks so innocent. He could deceive anyone. Yes sir. He takes advantage of his innocent face. But please no one should know I told you this. I will take care of that. Thank you, sir. Half an hour later after narrating the cooked up story when Abdul got out of Jagadish’s room, he felt like lifting world Cup trophy. Three days went by. Actually I suspected it much earlier. You will feel bad for which I kept that to myself. Abdul said slow but firmly. What the hell are you talking about? Rehan had no patience and energy to crack any riddle. See the problem is you do not notice things that happening around you. Jagadish sir and Kusum madam - how they talk, smile.. Don't you get any indication? She once said he is just a friend and colleague. You believed that lie? As Abdul showed him from every angle that Kusum madam was indeed dating Jagadish sir and what she did and said was just out of sympathy, to motivate him to do good in exam - after all that was in some way her responsibility and nothing else, Rehan had to buy the cooked up story. The earth beneath him started to crumble, his head was spinning. The whole world got black out. He sat down on the footpath. Abdul pulled him up and said, you don't worry, and I will think something. Everything has a remedy. She cannot do this to me. Yes I know. But as long as I am with you Jagadish sir won't succeed in his plan. He is just flirting around bro. So what do you suggest? Only one thing we can do. What is it? But you have to show gut. Just say it out, I will bloody kill him. Exactly. What! Even in his unsettled mind the vision of literally murdering someone shocked him. We have no other option. But if you are with me, I will chalk out the plot, believe me no would know. Rehan paused for a minute to reply and said, I cannot kill him bro. But you can see him riding her? I am so sorry to say this. What did you say? Rehan was agitated like never before. He was shivering in rage. He stands in front of Abdul and knocked him to the ground. How you can say such word about her, Rehan shouted. Abdul did not lose his cool. He coldly said, bro, I said it so that you understand it. You cannot stand to hear a bad word about her how can you see her getting married to someone else. You go now and think about it. Once you make up your mind, let me know. Abdul said rapidly and vanished in the darkness of night. Rehan could not sleep that night. Kusums beautiful smiling face was floating in front of his eyes again and again. She cannot do that. He did not believe she could dump people specially him. He had such belief and respect for her. But why she would ignore him as if she did not know him. As the sun peeps in the eastern zenith, he got up, brushed his teeth and slashed some water on his face. His eyes were aching for not sleeping. He sneaked out of the house and races towards Kusum’s apartment. Going to her place so early would look odd so he aimlessly roamed around the street near her room. A road side tea stall across her apartment opened after a while. He sat on the wooden bench and ordered a cup of tea. Her living room is on the first floor of the building. He looked up and could not control his tears. He spent so much time on that room, on the terrace, declining on the railings. As he looked those spaces, it seems so alienated to him now. How much time he sat there thinking of her he had no idea. Street had become somewhat crowded, the shutter of all every shop were opened. He got up and dragged himself to her door. She opened the door on third ring. She looked at him for a couple moments. Come inside. Have a seat. She said and left the room. He obeyed like a robot. A few minutes later she came back with two cup of tea and some snacks on a plate. She placed that on the small table in front of him. He took the cup and without uttering a word he started sipping. He could not dare to look at her. As he finished drinking tea he placed the cup on the table and for a nano seconds he looked up at her. She was looking intensely at him. He could not read her face. Was it rage or something else on her reddened face? She spoke after a few minutes later. What happened to you? Why are you looking so horrible? Rehan dipped his neck to the ground to hide his tears. Did I say anything? No, somehow he could manage to say. Then why are you crying? Nothing Are you not in good term with Abdul? No, why madam? Rehan got a bit surprised in the reference of Abdul without any context. Let it to go. How's practice going on? I got selected for state trial camp. I was trying hard to focus on my game so as I could play well. I might pick up for under 19 World team. Besides IPL auction is nearing but without you I am just lost. I was a fool who misjudged you. I thought about it all through the night and I understood. She didn't mention the fake story made by Abdul. He was not bothered either as he was happy getting her back. But there is a condition. You have to work hard to make it to your goal. There is conspiracy and criticism haunting me like the ghost. I should not tell you this but I have to… If you can proof yourself and rise above the criticism, you make me win. You got it? Yes, I will practice harder and prove everyone wrong. With a solid determination when Rehan got out of Kusum's apartment. He felt rejuvenated, as if reborn. He felt like dancing. He was on the seventh heaven. Had he ever knew what a terrible game life is going to play with him?