A Story about my Classmate !!

I quietly open the door and try to sneak in. As my almost silent footsteps approach my room, I hear a voice from behind.

“Where were you?”

“Papa, I, uh, I…”

“Come, let’s take a walk,” he says even before I could finish my sentence.

Albeit, I am not even sure if I could have finished my sentence or not. But, papa, it’s late,” I retort. “Come, son. It’s about time we talk,” he says, taking small steps. I follow him.

We come out in the society park. It is empty. Darkness has crept in and silence has set its foot. I can hear mosquitoes buzzing and leaves rustling. A mild wind blows by. I look up in the sky. It is clear of clouds, so unlikely in a rainy season. The moon showers its crescent light on the ground.

“You have turned 19 now and there are things you should know of,” papa says. I nod.

“This point in your life, where you are standing at now, yes, this very point marks the beginning of how and what you are going to become in your life 10 years down the line. This point marks the beginning of you becoming a successful person or not.” He says with seriousness in his voice.

“I know, papa. I will do everything I can to make you and our family proud,” I reply.

“No, son, you should do everything you can to make yourself proud,” he replies.

I think I know what he means. “This age, it’s very distracting. You are going to get attracted to a lot of people. You are gonna wanna try new things. Amidst these, you will have to focus on what you want in your life and what you wish to become. It will be one hell of a difficult ride, but I want you to try anyway. Remember, son, don’t let situation and people influence you. It’s very important in life to have your priorities sorted out. You should know what is important to you and what is not.” He says.

“I understand, papa. I will keep them in mind,” I say.

“Soon enough, you will enter your college life. You have always been fascinated by the idea of college, but here is what you need to know: as fascinating and attractive as it may seem or sound, it is difficult. It will put you through some of your very hard times. At times, you may feel tired and discouraged. But, I want you to know that these are the times that define who you are as a person. These are the times which will help you become the man you want to or distract you from becoming the same. These are the times which will prepare you and mold you into a better or worse version of what you are. Now, what happens to you is what you choose for yourself: better or worse. If you choose the former, then, these are the times which will make you ready for your future endeavors. If you choose the latter, these will take you as far away from your goal as possible. So, face them and embrace them.” I stay silent. I don’t say a word. I just keep on listening to him. I don’t know if I will get this chance again or not.

“From this moment onwards, you are going to fall in love innumerable times just to realize that it wasn’t love all the time. Or maybe, it was? You will be confused. You will be broken. But, that’s okay. That’s completely okay. It’s okay to be confused. If you want surety, be confused first. If you want to be beautiful, be a broken soul first. A broken mirror reflects and scatters light more than a simple mirror. Getting my point?” He asks.

“Yes, papa, I am,” I reply. “I want you to have everything you dream of. I want you to become the person you want to. And on top of everything, I want you to be happy.” He continues. “Thank you, papa.”

“But, do you know the worst part of it all?”

“No, what is it?”

“I won’t be there to see any of it. Or maybe, it is the best part, considering the relationship you and I have been sharing for quite some time,” he says. “Why do you say so, papa? Why won’t you be there? Wouldn’t it make you happy to see me become the man I want to?”

He doesn’t reply. He doesn’t say anything. He stays silent. All he does is look at me and smile. “Say something, papa. Why are you silent?” I question. I see him vanishing into thin air. I reach out to grab his arm, but I can’t. It’s like, it’s like how water slips from one’s hand when one tries to hold it. “Papa, wait. Where are you going?” He is gone.

He isn’t with me anymore. My eyes are filled with tears. I can’t see him anywhere. It hurts. “Papa…pa…” I wake up with a scream and teary eyes, only to find him staring at me…from the photo hung on the wall.

© nomeee

Dont make him feel incomplete

Do not make him feel insufficient. The moment he starts to think that he's not enough, he stops taking efforts as well. This sounds illogical because when you are unable to provide something to someone, you try harder and not stop trying at all. However, in that case, you still have a little more left to give, but in his, he already empties himself before expecting something in return - and that's no less than your happiness.

"You're everything I need and want." Say it once a week.

He won't respond when you'll say it, but he'll feel accomplished. You'll see him treating you like a Queen. He wants you the way a vagabond wants a mere glimpse of the shore. He needs you. Perhaps like our eyes need tears - to stand abreast. You might think he's insecure, and he envies abysmally, but you don't see what resides in his bosom - the fear - which only manages to increase by the passage of time. He says hurtful words and several times makes you shed tears - your soul gets damaged - and you want to go away somewhere, but he doesn't stay happy either. It's inevitable. He's imperfect. If he heals you, he'll break you as well.

No matter what happens, stand by his side. Appreciate his efforts. Be well aware of the things which please him and which displease  - and if that's too much to ask for, then rethink.

© nomeee