Strings of Fate

Chp 3

The next day during lunch break I asked her, "Shall I join you for lunch?" She said, "Okay" and we occupied a table. I grabbed her box and pushed my box to her and said, "Lets exchange our lunch today" before she could refuse I opened the box and started eating. You know it was sick and I felt like saying yuck; but since she'll feel bad I said, "Hmmm tastes good henceforth we'll exchange our lunch, okay" She didn't say anything but started to eat.

I asked, "How is it? She said, "Very tasty" I could even see a tear drop in her eye. I continued, "My mom prepares tasty food; I love all the dishes she prepares and I asked, "How about you?" Her face turned pale and few tear droplets fell from her eyes on the table. She was struggling to pretend as if she was not crying and without finishing her lunch she left the place. I thought she was missing her parents and I felt bad that I reminded her of them.

In the class I went near her bench and apologized if I made her upset. She said, “Its ok. I just need some space right now.” Saying that she left the place and went out of the door. I followed her because my bench was near to door anyways.
I went to her desk, returned her lunch box and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you"

She said, "It is okay" and started to write some record. I left the place in dismay.

At home during our dinner I told my mom about her. My dad said, "Naruto, bring her home one day, poor little girl she must be missing her parents"

I said, "But she doesn't speak with anyone dad, anyway I'll invite her"

My dad said, "Invite her for your birthday"

I said, "Hmm, that's a good idea dad" Turning towards my mom I said, "Mom, her hostel food is sick; please pack an extra box of lunch for her every day. At least she'll have one good meal a day"

She said, "Okay. Check what she likes, I'll include in the menu and prepare it frequently"

My parents were my friends and I used to discuss everything with them; there was nothing that I hid from them. My sister Aoi was also my best friend. She's studying in the 8th standard and I used to help her out in her studies, record works, sports, assignments etc.

As days passed on Hinata and I become friends and we used to have lunch together every day. I was the only person she would talk to among all the other students in the class. She never spoke anything else other than studies. Our 1st semester got over and a month's winter vacation was announced. Everybody had planned something or the other for the vacation.

I asked her, "Hinata when are you leaving to your native?"

She said, "I'm gonna stay in the hostel"

Perplexed I asked, "It is a month's vacation and you were feeling home sick you can spend some time with your parents"

Her face turned gloomy and said, "No, I'm not going" and she left the place.

I told my Mom about her vacation plans with utter displeasure. She was shocked but continued to say, "Maybe her parents are busy with their work or they must be abroad. Anyway your birthday falls during the vacation; invite her home"

I said, "Okay".

A week later I called her and said, "Tomorrow is my birthday and we have a small party at our home and I'm inviting you for that. Be ready by 4.00 pm, I'll come to pick you. Okay, take care, bye" and hung the phone even before she could refuse or accept.

The next day before I started I called her and informed that I started. She said, "I'm not coming don't waste your time"

I said, "I started, no excuse. Please be ready"
I reached her hostel and saw her waiting near the hostel gate in a black top and pink skirts and she looked like a fairy. I said, "You are looking like an angel in this dress"