Anantha Age 18

I finished my lecture today. I was walking on campus when I saw something or I can say someone. My eyes widened in shock but I froze. My knees got weak. I almost fell. I recognize the face clearly.

Nihal

My mouth whispered. I stood in my place, his eyes searching for something. not me. I know. Then suddenly his eyes turned to me. Like me his eyes widened.

But he looked confused. He came in front of me running. He looked at me then he stumbled on his feet. He took a step back. I got confused. He looked around. And started to walk. Why? I asked him.

He turned and looked at me. I saw his eyes telling me to follow him. I don't know why I started following him. My mind was telling me not to go. but my heart wants to go. I want some answers.

him walking i’m following. like this we reached an abandoned park. No one was there. He was texting someone. Then he stopped in the middle of the park. And turned. His eyes are telling something I can't figure out.

I stopped in my place looking at him. deciding what to do? Why is he here? He used to be my friend. We used to be so close. Sharing notes and tiffin. I’m seeing him after years.

I walked to him. stopped in front of him. two stepped far. I was about to say. and I froze again. I just blinked. and he was gone. I felt something on my foot. I look down.

He was touching my feet. Why? Then his shoulder started to shiver. Then I realised he was crying. I was shocked. I couldn't move. I can hear his voice now. He started saying.

“I’m sorry Anantha. I’m so sorry. you have suffered alot because of my brother” he said. and my eyes started to burn. his brother who broke me and left me on the street to die. and he apologized for sins he didn’t do.

“I tried to find you. But I couldn't. I'm sorry. Please” he was still apologizing. begging for forgiveness. on my feet. crying. I thought. he shouldn’t like this.

“Nihal” I said his name and he looked up. his eyes were red. Tears were coming from his eyes. The nose was red too. I was going to question him. Now I know my answers.

“Don’t be sorry.” I said with a low voice. He was just looking at me. I gave him my hand. He took it. and I felt something disgusting. I should control this. It's been years, but I still can’t let people touch me.

He stood in front of me. He got taller than me. He got more handsome with time. Sharp jaw. Casual shirt and jeans. He is changed but has the same eyes with so much emotion.

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We were sitting on a bench in Abandon Park. He was sitting beside me. in two stepped distance. When left his hand earlier. And rubbed my palm on my jeans. He figured it out. I don't like being touched.

so we are here sitting without talking. It's been almost an hour since he cried on my feet. He was still inhaling long breaths. I think his nose is blocked from crying. like always. I almost smiled at the memory.

“So what are you doing here?” I asked him. curious about him.

“I came here to study. I don't want to live with them so I applied here” he said, still looking down. I admire him. He didn’t look at me. He is still guilty.

“Okay.” I said. I don't know what to talk about, so I shut my mouth. Then he started speaking.

“You know when I found it was him. I hit him hard. and then my parents locked me in my room. After a while, I tried to find you. Everyone said that you and your father died in a fire. here in maharastra. but i know there was something they were hiding. So I waited for the right moment. When I got the chance I came here.” he said in a low , calm voice. His hiccups were almost gone.

“If I can't find anything I can still live here without them. I had decided. I went to the burned house. i never thought i’d see you here. he said. and then he looked at me. with those brown eyes. I looked at them. no lies.

“I have some proof,” he said. I widened my eyes. How did he know that I want revenge? I just let it slide and nodded my head. I got my friend.

I nodded my head. He smiled for the first time. We were sitting and talking. I didn't tell him what I was going to do. But my hear

t felt a little peaceful. I got my friend back.