ME IN YOUR LIFE

A TRIBUTE.....

In my life there are lot of things which were very significant and there was always someone behind it.

I remember listening to a quote somewhere. I don't remember who told it but it made a great impact in my life.

It goes like this....

"Live even after your death but don't die while you live. Live your life during every minute of your life."

Here I am living every moment of my life. This was possible because of some people. I consider this book as a tribute to those people. First is my dad. He is my greatest inspiration. I don't have the guts to go talk to him. He is so great to my eyes. I am what I am because of him. Then come my friends. It is a tribute to them. Praveen, Karan, Madan, Vamsi, Vikram, Dheeraj, Vishal (the small one).

In spite of their classes they spent time to read and correct me.

Then comes my ever inspiring economics teacher MR. P.Syam Kumar.

I never really had interest in writing but it is after reading the books of Chetan Bhagat, Sydney Sheldon, Durjoy Datta, Rick Riordon and John Green.

It is a tribute to all of these people.

Finally I cannot forget my English teachers. Hats of to them. I was so damm weak in English. I literally flopped every exam. From that level I went to being called a walking dictionary. So thanks a lot teachers.

"You see things that are and say why? But I dream things that were never and say why not?

-George Bernard Shaw

"Do what you believe in and believe in what you do. All else is a waste of energy and time."

-Nisargadatta

"It's not what you do once in a while, it's what you do day in and day out that makes the difference."

-Jenny Craig

"Always be remembered for the life you lived and not the money you made. You should be willing to work hard for it."

-Avicii.

"Dedicated towards the youth of the world who can make the difference in the future"

"Dedicated to bring out the difference between "affection" and "love" to you"

"Dedicated to my parents and friends who are always there for me in every situation of my life"

#Preface

First love teaches you love but second love teaches you life.

-Karan Raja.

"I really wanna share a lot of things with you but...." I said sipping a cup of coffee.

"What do you mean by BUT? Your mom told ok for our relationship, so what is it now? You frustrate me from the beginning. Aaron you are so cruel." She said with a puppy face.

"Come on Rose don't flatter me with the puppy face again"

"Did you say FLATTER? OMG YOU SAID FLATTER FINALLY. Aaron I love you so much" she said and kissed me.

The entire crowd was looking at us. I was blushing hot red. Some people were gossiping "GROSS YUCK SICK YEWW"

"Fine if you promise me not to kiss again in public I will tell you surely. Promise." I said looking straight into her eyes.

"Fine tell me" she said excited.

"Fine RJ here it is....

#back to past –one.

#1

Bloody hell Dheeraj.

"Our education system is seriously awkward. Do you agree with me?"

Hi it is me who asked that awkward question.

We cannot go directly into anything. So let me introduce myself and the situation I am in okay listen up.

My name is Aaron Henry Christopher. I study in high school.

Wait I know it sounds so American when I say "high school"

But sorry it is not gonna go that way because I am right now studying in class eleven in some corner of Tamil Nadu, a state in India. I am fifteen years old. Wait if I am fifteen that means my hormones have just started working to make me a man.

Wow, I am gonna grow a beard. But right now the beard does not matter.

I am a stout fifteen year old who is the deepest of troubles possible on earth.

Fine introduction over let's get back to the topic.

"So, what do you think Dheeraj?" I questioned mocking my friend.

"Aaron dude you cannot mock our education system" said Dheeraj with a grin face. Our education is the most important aspect of our life. We have to get good grades in twelfth and go to a good job and marry a nice girl and have loads of kids.

"You know what Dheeraj" I said catching his cheeks.

If you think of life in such a way I will reduce one expense for you.

"What are you saying Aaron?" questioned Dheeraj.

"I'll tell you, I guess you don't have to go to a hospital for a family planning; I mean a vasectomy you know why? because I am going to cut your penis right here." I told him.

"Shut up you fool" replied Dheeraj.

This is Dheeraj. One of my best friends in my hostel. He is heck of a different guy.

I always look out to him in studies.

"Aaron have you completed you accounts home work?" asked Madhan.

This is guy with a lot of concern is my friend as well. I mean my best friend.

He is there with me in all the frames in my life (though he joined late).

"Yes Madhan" I replied.

"Dude by the way maddy I heard you got a new girl hmm who is it dude?" I questioned him.

"Aaron I have so many which one are you asking about? Anyways if there is anything serious I'll tell you in the hostel." Madan replied.

"Hey Madan did you see Karan?" I asked him.

"I don't know buddy incase I see him I'll tell him"

Fine there is nothing more to say about him, he is a playboy. Literally, I mean it.

My team in all deeds was Karan, Madan, Dheeraj and many more.

So now you should have got a basic understanding about me right?

To jolt it down....

-I am in class eleven.

-I am fifteen year old.

-I study in a residential school.

-I am a commerce student.

-I lost hopes on love.

-I was cheating every girl I come across.

Fine if I have to put all the above in one place I get school. Yeah a school. Wonderful I'll talk to you about my school first.

Wait though I might start from my school I may end up any where.

God knows where but.

Yeah school is one of the best places where you can ever be in.

I liked all the schools where I was studying.

I enjoyed all my life, but school life was totally different.

In a school basically we get friends, teachers, girlfriends, enjoyment and trouble.

Talking about my school I don't know if it is the worst place or the best place on earth. Anyways welcome to Guam public school (I don't know what the hell it meant).

Situated in the outskirts of the steel city of the state of Tamil Nadu. Where the water is the most salty. The girls are the most pathetic. On top of that it is filled up with stupid people who call themselves great!

And how did I end up here is one big big big Question yet to be answered.

Anxious to know how? Let us now look back in time.

#back to past one.

I remember on the date 14-03-2013 I became a free bird after completing my class ten board examinations. I guess all of us have seen birds caged in many houses under the title "pet".

Am I right?

So, I was going to be caged in a hostel in the title being "education".

Frankly speaking hostel life is fun.

Wait let me make one point clear.

Hostel life is fun in a school but not in a fucking factory. Yeah it is a factory not a school. As my school principal always says "there should be holistic education". They should be running schools not factory you get that.

Have I made myself clear?

Yes, in the place where I study the students get up in the morning "study". After taking bath "study". After breakfast study. After lunch "study". I am sorry there is no games so no enjoyment. Let us skip that part. After tea break "study". After dinner "study". After sleeping remember your "math formulas"! Blabber in you sleep and freak your friends out. I mean, fuck you I have nothing more to say. No offence.

Fine let us get back in track.

After completing my tenth god knows if I had actually passed!

But fortunately my mom's wish came true!

I passed my tenth with grades of 7.6! I know 7 is just 3 lesser than 10 but it is "250" marks lesser so I am a damm weak student!

Are the marks being poor because of my old school?

No, I don't think so because my old school was a heaven under a hill.

Yeah literally a hill. I swear to you. It is Glazebrooke International Residential School. In short GIRS.

Man it was worth its name as I cherished my six year stay there.

But as the old proverb says what comes has to go.

Like the old proverb, GIRS went away from me. My half yearly performances in tenth were so pathetic that I became a liability for that school. I tried my level best to stay there.

But the principal was like "Aaron is a very good boy we do want him in GIRS but since his half yearly performances were poor we have to take him out I am sorry"

God damm it. It is freaking me out.

She herself said we want him and she throws me out.

So as a boy of fourteen (dude use your common sense. I know you are thinking I told fifteen but this was in tenth so one year less. Think baby think) I am forced to take my first major decision that is to choose my school.

I tried searching for a school everywhere.

Name anything internet, paper, pamphlets, etc but I could not find a good school which will live up to the standards of GIRS.

But, one day in the newspaper I found an advertisement of a new Dominos branch opening near my house.

I was so excited I wanted to be the first customer. I loved their choco lava cake.

But unfortunately right below it I saw an advertisement of a school.

That was Guam public school (I did not know what the hell it meant). My dad had sharp eyes he immediately saw the advertisement and told me to call the school management to enquire about the school.

All these days I was searching for a school because it's because of my performance I had to come out. My dad did not want any tension.

I called the school office number and the PA of the principle picked up the phone.

"Hello is it Guam public school (I did not know what the hell it meant)" I said with a grin voice.

"Yes sir tell me what do you want" replied the PA.

"I want to apply for admission for class eleven in your school" I said with little tears in my heart.

"Sir you can apply in our website or you can approach the school. Please feel free to do as your convenience" replied the PA in a mechanical voice.

Here right now in this situation I forgot to remember the quote "all that glitters is not gold"

You know the reason why?

Initially in the internet it fooled us next...

I went with my mom and dad to see the school.

The infrastructure was brilliant. The school had a ground (OMG can you believe it!) the buildings were pretty attractive.

Now you get the reason why I reminded you of the quote?

As soon as I entered the school campus there was mixed emotions in my mind. The reason I don't know why?

I went straight into the office.

"Hello I have come here for admission. Can I have the admission form please?" I said with a smile on my face.

"Sir please come and sit down and take your time. The form will cost 5000 Rs.

Fill it up and come back when you result comes."

"Sir I don't think I can come when the result comes" I replied back not looking at his ugly face. (I hated him for no reason)

"Sir we cannot do as you wish."

I stopped him before he could complete talking."Sir I'll talk to the principal can you make a call to him?" I requested looking at his frowning face.

He made a call to the principal and gave it to me. His voice was so hard but he used the highest possible English vocabulary.

"Hello may I know who it is?" asked the principal in a hurry.

"Sir, I am Aaron. I have come to the school for admission. And I want your opinion......."

"Mister what grade are you expecting in you tenth?"

"Sir I have no expectations" I replied pin pointing and opposing the question.

"Fine boy give the phone to the PA" he told me.

I gave the phone to the PA while he told me to fill the admission fast.

The principal was talking something over the phone.

All that I could recognize was that I got admission.

They gave e a prospectus about the school. I saw the title "GUAM public school". And the motto "we create young minds".

Wow nice name for the school (trust me it is a oxymoron) but which idiotic school would want to create young minds. I mean if we are studying in a school we are young. Why do they want to create young minds? Is it some human resource industry manufacturing people out? "I thought school was for education and not sex"

The biggest disaster of my life was about to strike. My admission got finalized. One of my family relations popped up from nowhere and told "Aaron don't worry it is easy to get admission. I have a friend who is in a head posting in that school."

After a few days my tenth results had come I went my mom and dad to get all the necessary details if I had actually gotten into the school.

I went straight into the office. I saw my admission paper was already signed by the senior principal. But I wanted to see him anyways. I went inside the office after a long wait. Initially I did not give my result to him but I was forced to. It was so stupid of me.

Already the paper was signed by the principal, why should I go meet him again? It was so stupid of me.

"Excuse me sir may I come in?" I asked with a slight hesitation.

"Come in boy give your admission paper and your tenth result" he said looking straight into my eyes.

I took the paper and the result and gave it to him. He first saw the admission paper.

"I have already sanctioned it why did you come again?" he questioned with a smile.

"Sir I thought"......... I stammered not able to complete my sentence.

He took my result paper and took a look at it. He was not the only one. There were four other people. The co-scholastic coordinator,

The school vice principal, the school headmistress, the academic coordinator.

The vice principal snatched the result paper from him.

"Sir" said a voice with a vile cry. "Sir he does not even deserve a seat here how you managed to give him math/biology?"

I knew I can't make it here because I got just 6/10 in mathematics with double up gradation!

"Boy your name is Aaron right?" questioned the principal.

"Yes sir" I replied with a stammering voice.

"Look I can give you a seat immediately if you are taking commerce but for biology I have to think thrice you get that" he told me with affection and care.

I did not think twice to give thumbs up.

"Look even I am a commerce graduate" he said pointing towards his name plate.

"Dr. Ganesh PhD commerce." The name plate read.

I remembered one of my long forgotten dreams of becoming a lawyer.

#Let us now look back in time.

#back to past two.

To be precise after my tenth exams had got over my dad took me to my native place. I always enjoy going there but not this time.

I was the only fucking teenager in the car!

OMG!!! I can't manage with these oldies.

They all teamed up against me. It was my dad, uncle, another uncle and my dad's brother.

The topic they chose to speak was so simple "Which stream I am going to take and what is my ambition"

When the question was posted to me I just had had one thought in my mind.

#back in the back to past one.

When I was a kid my mom always used to ask me "What do you want to do son?"

My answer used to be very simple that was to become a pilot. But my parent put that idea on flames. I mean literally put it on flames telling my size as a reason.

Then I decided I would become a chef but this is what the replied "Aaron you are already fat and if you become a chef you will become fatter. You were not born in a low class family to become a chef."

Then I decided I would do law and get into IAS. I stuck with the idea till the completion of my tenth but they cremated this idea for a short time.

#Let us get back to the past.

I told them I would do law. The asked an even simpler question "if I would abide the law or lie for money???" What the fuck.

How on earth a fourteen year old is supposed to answer that question? God damm it.

My aim went crashing like a plane with a monkey as a driver.

Fine let us go back way back to the office.

"Sir I am ready to take commerce" I replied with a smile on my face.

"Nice decision young man. I'll be always supporting you. Your communication skill is very nice. You can become a lawyer.

As soon as I heard the word lawyer my dream came back from the dead. From that very moment this topic "lawyer" just got stuck in my mind. He sanctioned the admission immediately. I walked out telling him bye so happily.

But, still tsunami flooded my heart. Earthquake crippled my mind as I went out of the room.

But I understood one more thing. God does not put a chocolate into your mouth directly. He will keep it in the locker. You have to take risk and steal the chocolate when your parents are not there.

I realized that my dad was totally not happy with my choice. I went and spoke to him. "Dad what is wrong if I do commerce?" I questioned him in a lowly voice. "Aaron you are not fit to study commerce. This is not your potential. You should achieve in your life. See there is no doctor in our family. You should become a doctor."

"Dad" I shouted in frustration. "I cannot become a doctor for the simple reason being there are no doctors in our family. I surely cannot sit and study that boring chemistry for five long years" I said as I spoke out of anger.

This was the first fight with my father after I grew up.

I could not control my tears. I started crying because I spoke to my dad like that. My mom consoled me. She told me to talk to my dad and understand his feelings. I did not speak to my dad for over a few hours. Finally I broke the deadlock of silence by telling that I will go talk to the principal and convince him for taking biology with mathematics. My dad was the happiest person in the world I could ever see. I realized that his happiness was my happiness was my happiness.

I went back to the school and convinced them. Though I did not feel good from inside I never showed it out.

But I knew every tale has a twist and every twist has a turn. I knew god had something else in store for me. If I was destined to be that, I will be that.

For my dad's convenience I spoke to some of my teachers and decided that I would be a pediatrician. I did not know what the hell was it but it sounded cool. I surfed through the net and found out that it means child specialist. OMG how the fuck am I suppose to treat a kid which cannot even speak!!!

How will I know which problem it has?

What if I kill it?

Am I suppose to have sex with my wife and gift it to the parent whose child I killed?....???????????

But thank god this debate need not go much longer.

As my dad wanted I took Mat/Bio. It was my first day class. I made a good impact though. But this was not going to last long because my first unit test was on its way to get me back to my dream.

You know the reason why?

I need not explain because the table will give you the answer.

Subject                   Unit test expectation             "RESULT"

English                               48/50                                   49.5

French                                46/50                                   48.5

Biology                               47/50                                  30

Physics                               42/50                                   40

Chemistry                          40/50                                    9

Math                                   35/50                       000000000000=0

I guess you understood what I meant.

After this disastrous "test" series like India against England in test cricket, I got smacked by my science group teachers.

There was only one rehabilitation center.

Welcome to my jail...sorry hostel. 

I was in room no 35 consisting of four people. I was one and the other three were Dheeraj, Abdhul and Somu.

As you know Dheeraj already I'll not tell about him.

But I'll tell you about Abdhul. To be straight forward, he is a shy guy who loves girls. He is always behind my girlfriend (I made a mistake of showing her photo) and he is a very good friend.

Somu is a cricket freak. All he knows is cricket. All he talks is cricket. Cricket cricket cricket what the fuck!!!

I always enjoy my stay in hostel because my room mates are so supportive.

One day in hostel I, Dheeraj and Abdhul were talking up to twelve in the night. Somu sleeps all day long. Out of a sudden our hostel teachers caught us and told us to sit and study. Studying was not a problem know why? We were not alone there were some more people out there as well. But there was this bloody bastard whom I could not take. Man I swear to god if I get a chance I kill him in the most brutal way possible. He had only one weakness that was my strength.

That is "English". Yeah! English. That bitch does not know English.

I tried to manage with him as much as possible. I kept quiet for a long time but he went across the line and he had it from me.

I tried to remember every thing from my Julius Caesar lesson and it struck out of nowhere.

"Sir what thy think of thou self may not what thy might should require as the great prophecy lies in thou mothers womb where your father penetrate for buying you thy "batard" (BASTARD) which in the land of napoleon is believed thou used thy upon unparlimentry language. I Thy hereby condemn you penetrate ban from doing for your other half."

I said looking at his face filled with all the oil of the Arabian land.

Know what he replied???

HANN what you say? "Again tell you boy".

"Sir what thy think of thou self may not what thy might should require as the great prophecy lies in thou mothers womb where your father penetrate for buying you thy "batard" which in the land of napoleon is believed thou used thy upon unparlimentry language. I Thy hereby condemn you penetrate ban from doing for your other half."

"What mean it boy?" He questioned me like a child who never understands anything,

"Sir it means I am sorry I won't repeat it again. It also means I am sorry sir". I replied to him trying to control my laughter.

"Okay boy now sleep go to you and repeat once again not okay. But if you repeat it I will take the principal to you and throw the school out of you"

This was my moment of cloud 9. Finally I could go sleep properly but there was a big problem. "Who the hell can go to sleep after seeing the face of an oily scare crow?"

Leave it anyways. Then in a few days I had my summer vacation. My entire mind was glued to the summer holidays. I finally left for the vacation but there was a big surprise waiting for me. This one was going to get me into a deep trouble. Yeah deep deep trouble.

..............................................................................................................................................

#2

I reached home in six hours. Yeah it was going to be a great time.

The one and only reason's being no board exams and my sister's marriage was coming up.

There will be so many people. WOW! I could meet a lot of friends.

Wait I have this big doubt.

I'll share it wait.

Look, imagine you have so many friends who are so close to you and you love them so much. But once after a particular stage you have to depart away what do you do in such a situation?

I have been trying to find the answer but I find it hard. There is one more thing that is the difference between "LOVE & AFFECTION" I mean it's very hard these two questions. I felt it really hard. I always wished I could get answers for these two questions.

My sister's marriage was happening in my place. That is the sweet city of Chennai. I went home and realized that I am the kin and I have to undertake all the responsibility and do the work. My condition was so bad that I had no place to sleep.

I was the owner of the house but except me everyone was there.

If you see all the grannies were there in the hall. The entire grandpa's were in the bedroom. All the kiddos in another room and where the fuck is teens suppose to go?

As far as I remember there are very few of them. It can be easily listed Aaron that is me. My closest cousin VJ that is what I call him.

There are a few of them whom I don't talk to so I don't put them to my list. I guess that is it. OMG! I forget one person. As far as I remember she is the only person among my age group whom I know from my birth. She is the prettiest girl I have ever seen for a long time. That is my one and only Lynn.

Lynn this name makes me go mad. I know her for a long time. I remember seeing my photo gallery I my house when I was a child there is a photo of me giving her a kiss in her cheeks and lips.(Keep it really confidential)

It freaked me out when I saw that photo. Me kissing her! I always consider her only as a very close friend but statistics does not support it.

So coming back to the point, I tried to find a place to sleep and I could find none. I finally got a solution. I took a pillow and a mat and a blanket and went to the terrace. I was not alone. Mosquitoes partied with my blood. Flights as big as A380 flew past as I was close to the airport. I decided to pass the time flirting with my gf.

But time never supports a fruitful cause! (GOD DAMM!! I was out of balance)

Then within minutes I received my first call.

"Hey Natasha........." I started and concluded with "I love you bye T.C...."

Then the next call.

"Hey Sofia ..........." I started and concluded with "You are the sweetest angel I've ever seen bye sweet dreams..."

Then the next call.

"My Sweet little Yamini......" and conclude with "A thousand kisses good night"

That was all it. I was without calls for quiet sometime.

I was lying down all alone starring at the stars. Suddenly popped up an angel.

"Hey Aaron!!! What are you doing in the terrace all alone?"

Lynn questioned me.

"Hey. Hi Lynn!! I have no place to sleep so u know I am sleeping here......" I replied drooling all over my t-shirt.

"Do you mind if I join you...." She said blushing.

Though it was pitch dark I could see her pink cheeks glow. Oh god!!! She is surely mesmerizing. As I had told you before she was my only friend in my DAMM family so it is obvious I could not reject her request.

"surely Lynn" I replied.

She was wearing an amazing frock and a t-shirt I'd say. But frankly saying SHE WAS HOT!!!!

"So Lynn how did you do your exams?" I asked her.

"Aaron guess we have a competition and we kept a bet that who ever gets more has to be given a dairy milk silk chocolate? She said.

I guess this is what you call as falling into pit all by yourself.

I was thinking hard. I wanted to somehow get her to my side that is when my problematic cousin of mine comes to put me into trouble. I wanted to change the topic.

"OMG!!! What are you both doing all alone here?" questioned my cousin VJ.

He popped up from nowhere. I was astonished. You can say I was famished.

"Actually we were just talking" I said taking my eye away from him.

"Why the hell are you blushing for god sake? If you are just talking you don't have to blush you stupid."

"VJ I was just talking about exams dude. Nothing else don't think in a different manner okay." I said trying not to stir the situation up.

Then out of a sudden something really strange struck my cousin.

He decided to put me into absolute trouble. But the fact was it was something in my favor!

"You know what Lynn? Aaron has a crush on you. He kind of likes you a lot. He has shared it with me a lot of times. I swear." He made it as simple as that.

I was just standing still but she was blushing. He actually accomplished my mission! I wanted to thank him a thousand times. When I was about to open my mouth he spoke out again.

"Aaron don't you not like Lynn?" I was starring at him like OF COURSE DUDE YOU NEED NOT ASK ME!!! But then a part of my heart told me I should not cheat her. I was starring at her and she back at me. It was beautiful. I looked at her and said "I was I could have said that to you." She smiled at me and then WHACK. She slapped me on my face. "You don't have the guts to tell it to me?" she said smiling. It was a new beginning to my life. I held her by her cheeks and our lips locked. The only thought which was running in my mind was, "AM I MAKING A MISTAKE" in spite of having girlfriends I was kissing another girl. I felt I should not cheat her. She starred right back at me. She was very happy. I was very guilty. I told her "it's time you leave I'll see you tomorrow okay bye I love you.'' She looked back at me and left. VJ was starring at me astonished. I wanted to thrash him BAM BAM but also thank him. "Aaron don't you have another girlfriend?" He said looking astonished. "Yeah Vijay thank you for getting me into trouble" I said with a mocking face. "One way what you did is fine but then I feel guilty for ditching on my "ex's". How many more???

But never my good friend TROUBLE leaves me.

And then suddenly,

"Aaron enough of it. What the hell was going on for the past one hour? I thought you had another girlfriend and you smooched another girl? That too from our family! Vijay you are supporting him? I can't even think of it. You have so much guts? You are totally busted." I was still standing still in shock of what had just happened. I could not believe that my sister was standing right in front of me aware of everything what happened for the past one hour. OMG!

"Sas (that is how I call my sisters) Sas why are you here? Aren't you supposed to go sleep? You have your wedding tomorrow." I said trembling. "Oh my brother is so concerned about me. Am I in a dream? Let me pinch myself.

My very responsible brother I need to talk to you." She said starring right through my eyes. I could feel the rage in her eyes WHEW it was fiery. It could have burned me to ashes. I tried to be the nicest brother possible.

She snatched the phone from me and straight went to logs.

»NATASHA APPLE PIE

»SOFIA SWEETY

»YAMINI PUPPY

"Who are all these people and why the hell did you tell I love you to all of them?" my Sas asked astonished.

Then I said "Sas ill get you a diary milk silk tomorrow and I won't tease you after your wedding MOTHER PROMISE." I said with my eyes brimming with tears. "After my wedding the first thing we are having a talk. Now go to sleep. I have my eyes on you." She said as she walked down the stairs.

PHEW finally I got some relief. I had a mini heart attack. I am

caught. Yeah I am caught. I slept for about 4 hours. It was an unforgettable night of my life. I still could not believe I was caught. I got up at 6 in the morning. I freshened up by 30 minutes. I got ready tip to toe full suit. Being the kin I should not look bad. My suit was a navy blue park avenue. It looked great. And being the kin I am never free. They told me to go help the groom but before that I had another work I had to meet my angel. Lynn was helping my sister. I went inside the room. I was mesmerized. I winked my eyes at Lynn. She sent a flying kiss. I saw my sister and said "Sas please don't tell her that you know. And don't tell mom too. Remember the deal. SILK and no TEASING. Okay I have to go assist your hubby" I said as I left the room. My sister's future hubby was in a hotel 3 kilometers away from my home. I hated walking. I took the bike made sure I didn't get myself dirty and set out to the hotel. I reached in ten minutes as there was no traffic in the morning. I went inside and went to his room. He was wearing his blazers. I helped him suit up and made sure he got into the car and left behind him. I was really starting to hate it but then I will get sacked, sued and whatever you say, by my Sas if I don't do it so I have no other go. The wedding went on really well. It was calm and composed. I was flirting throughout the holy mass. She looked just too gorgeous on her silk frock and tops. She was shining in the lights. I guess everyone had an eye on her. But then she was mine only mine. The wedding went on smoothly but next was the hardest part. The reception. Imagine standing hours together collecting all the gift s from the bride and groom and make sure they are not sweating. Pose for a photo whenever the cameraman asks you to. Get water for elders. Though you are frowning inside you have to put up a big fake smile. Though you are hungry wait for every miser in your family to come and give their stupid cheap gifts. It went for just FOUR DAMM HOURS! Imagine a teen's state. Finally they told me I can go have lunch and within a second I went up cleaned my banana leaf for eating (it is our custom so don't wonder why banana leaf?) and sat down to fill my stomach. Lynn came and sat next to me. "Hey Lynn come to eat once again?" I said. "FOOL how can I leave you struggling in the stage and come and eat. I was waiting for you" she said. "I am mesmerized. Waiting for me! I am awestruck" I said. She was blushing.

The waiter came and served our food. The first thing he kept was BAKED BEANS!!! I wanted to walk right outside and BANG my head on the wall. Then suddenly I remembered something which happened when I was in 9th.

BAKED BEANS played a integral part in my life. I can never eat it.

"Lynn do you want to eat outside" I asked her. "I don't mind" she said. I grabbed her hand pulled her through the crowd and took her to a nearby restaurant. We ordered for some chapatti and biriyani.

"Aaron by the way what is wrong with you? Why are we eating here?" she asked me. "you really want to know?" I asked her. She just nodded.

#Back to the past TWO.

It was my summer vacations 2011. I came home after a hectic one hour journey by flight. The worst part was someone FARTED in the flight. And it was stinking throughout the journey. I came home and straight went to bed. I had a nice sleep for one hour. Then suddenly my mom disturbed my sleep. "Aaron wake up. We need to go outside for a marriage." My mom said. "Mummy I want to take rest ma. I am no mood to go outside. Please let me take rest." I said covering up myself in the blanket. "Aaron I have not cooked food so we have to go there" my mom said determined to pull me out of the bed. With a lot of frustration I got up and went. It was a three hour journey to the reception hall. We bought a gift on the way and presented it to them. Then we waited for one hour to have lunch in the hall. After one hour we got through. As soon we sat down they served the banana leaf. Then came partially cooked rice followed by a way too salty cabbage dish and finally BAKED BEANS which smelled like garlic. I looked at my mom and said "you called me to eat this SHIT!"

My mom who is a pure vegetarian could also not bare the taste. It was on that day I took a promise that I will never go to anybody else wedding.

Back to the lunch time

"Oh my god Aaron you are an interesting person to be around with. I love you a lot. You have a story for everything." She said. "You don't know how much I struggle in every aspect of my life "I told her.

We had our lunch slowly flirting and playing with each other. I really felt good being with her. She kind of filled the void left by another masterpiece. We finished our lunch and went home. As soon as I went inside I could see my sister eagerly waiting for me. I gave a big smile and walked past her. She stopped me and said "I guess you don't want me to tell your mom".

Oh my god I don't want that to happen.

"Sas why don't you spend time with your hubby? I will tell you later." I said. "No you are telling me now." she said. "Fine then let us go up to the terrace" I said.

We both went to the terrace. The wind was blowing hard and warm. It was very humid. I removed my blazer and tie and hanged it on the wall. "Do you really want to know?" I asked her. She seemed to be very determined. "Fine I will tell you. I guess you know about my ex girlfriend right." I asked her. "Aaron you are talking about Natasha right?" she asked me. "Yes I am talking about Natasha. I am no more in touch with her. I don't know why Sas life played hard on me. I never got to be in a stable relationship. No matter what is it friends or girls I am always hurt. No one is there to give me company or support. I lost hopes on love. For the past four months I am going on cheating girls to come out of depression" I'd say Natasha was the fourth." I said. "What fourth? Are you serious? You are cheating girls?" She asked me astonished and shocked. "Lynn is the sixth." I said. "Sas I was very much not mature enough. I did not have the sense of difference between love, affection and infatuation." I told her. "Oh bro you have so much up your head" My Sas said. "Wait I will tell you everything one by one" I said as I wiped the tear from my eyes.

..............................................................................................................................................

#3

#Back to the past THREE.

I was a bright kid till my upper kinder garden. (U.K.G). my dad was not in India. He was working in Middle East. I completed the first three years of education without my dad being around. Then finally after four years after my birth he came back. I don't remember how it was but then when I went through the photos I realized that I hated him a lot because I did not know who he was. I was running around naked in the beach throwing the sand here and there. Now I love him a lot, but I hate looking at the pictures and I always ask my mom why she never made me wear any dress. Fine leave the dress we cannot do anything about it now. Then after my dad came back from Middle East he shifted me to St. Sebastian public school. This was the turning point of my life. Here is where I understood friendship, relationship and many more.

Being new and young actually I did not know what to do. I went with my mom and dad. We were informed to wait in the auditorium. The class teachers came one by one and took their students to their class. First students of L.K.G then U.K.G and I was the first person to be called from first. I waved to my mom and dad and left. I was made to sit in the first row. One by one every one came and sat down. In a bench two students are supposed to sit but next to me no one was there. After ten minutes the teacher briefed us about everything gave our notebooks and textbooks and told us to write our names.

NAME: Aaron Christopher.

CLASS: 1 SEC: A

SUBJECT: Math.

I got labels printed so I did not write my name. I just stuck it on the notebook. After few minutes the teacher told us to introduce each other. This was kind of interesting. Only a few notable names I could grasp. And they ended up being my best friends. First in the list was Jeffery next was Joel then Benofer finally Thareef. From that day the group used to be Aaron, Jeffery, Joel, Benofer and Thareef until the start of the second week into school. It was only during the second week my desk was full. I can never forget that day. It is on that day I got my best friend. It was English period. All of were busy sleeping unable to listen to rhymes. Then suddenly "Ma'am may I please come in?" someone requested. I was still sleeping. Our teacher pointed towards my bench and told her to sit next to me. I was still drowsy. "What is your name child?" asked the teacher. "Ma'am my name is Seema." She said.

Wow a pretty little Muslim. But during that time I never thought about her beauty but I was very happy that finally I got someone to talk to. She came smiled and sat next to me. After few minutes English period was finally over. The next period was art and craft.

Yes lovely I finally get to enjoy and talk and draw. The teacher came and told us to take our art note and start drawing what we like the most. I took out my drawing note and started drawing a peacock.

She was looking at me note and starring. "You draw really well" she said. Wow! That is a nice compliment. I shrugged a bit as she came close to me to see my picture. "Do you like it?" I asked her. "Yes I like it a lot. I don't have any friends here so can we be friends?"

I never thought a drawing could boost a friendship. That is not the matter right now. I got a great friend and I am very happy. I still cannot the time when I used to have lunch with her daily under the tree. Those were golden moments together. I studied with her from first to fifth standard. She was my best friend. We were a group of very close friends. If the class leader was writing names of those who were talking the following would be the list.

Aaron. Benofer. Thareef.

Seema. Joel.

Jeffery. Gayathri.

We had lunch together. Played together. Ate together and went home together. Some were very golden moments which I can never forget.

During our second grade we went on an excursion to Queensland, a theme park in Chennai. We had loads of fun sliding and swimming.

Going on so many rides but we were not permitted to go in some of them. The funniest thing about the excursion was after swimming I misplaced my clothes! I was searching all over the area and I could not get it. Finally I got my shirt and bag and stuff. I had everything except my shorts! I asked Jeffery, Joel and Thareef if they had an extra pair but their reply was NO! I was screwed. I finally managed to ask Seema for an extra frock which she fortunately had and lent it to me. I somehow managed to escape the eyes of my friends and boarded the bus. I put a towel in my lap to cover it. We reached school in one hour. My mom was waiting for me. When I went and stood in front of her she started laughing. Then Seema came and stood next to me. "Aunty Aaron is my best friend. I gave him the frock. He lost his pant. He told he will give it to me tomorrow. I will tell my mom that I gave it to my best friend." She said in such a pretty voice. My mom's heart melted. She caught her cheeks and told her thanks and patted her back. Seema smiled waved a bye to me and left. From that day till today my mom always teases me with her that a girl gave me her frock. We became greater friends from that day. Whenever my mom came to school to give me lunch she used to get it for everyone I mean the six of us. They used to tell my mom's cooking was great. I felt proud and I was very happy that I found great friends to be around with. I often went to Seema's house. After school we used to go in cycle together. We were one of the closest groups of people anyone could notice. In Sundays I used to visit Jeffery's house and we used to go together to Seema's house. Her mom became very close to us. She used to get snacks for me and I used to take snacks for her. During her birthday I'd be the first person to wish and during mine she'd be the first one. We did not have a single fight between each other. During exam time I used to come over and stay in her house. Her mom used to make amazing peanut butter sandwich. We used to spread blankets and make a small tent and we'd take torch lights and make figures out of shadow and played. Then suddenly she asked me "Aaron will you be my best friend forever?"

"Of course" I said.

"Pinky promise?" She asked me.

"Yes." I replied.

Then we interlocked our little finger and said,"Pinky promise."

We both fared somewhat well in all exams. I used to get good in all subjects except mathematics.

Two years passed by without awareness we were already in third. This was kind off the year we became closer. That year a new student joined our class. His name was Reno. That year I was appointed the class leader and the assistant class leader was Reno. When there is a free period we have to mind the class. We have to right the names of those who are talking. I never used to write anyone's name because I did not want them to get punishment. Reno was too jealous of me so the next period he told my class teacher that I was not writing the names. My class teacher hit me for that. He became my worst enemy from that day. One day while leaving school he was teasing Seema when she was waiting for me. I got very angry and I opened his bag and took his notebook and tore it. He took my lunch box and opened it and threw it on the sand. I took a pencil and scribbled on his shirt. He then spat on me. I got very angry and slapped him and the guard in the gate saw us and separated us. I took my lunch box put it in my cycle carrier and left.

"Why did u hit him Aaron?" Seema asked me.

"I hit him because he was teasing you and making fun of you" I said trying to remove the sand in my mouth.

"Aaron you will always be my best friend. I will never let you down" She said as she hugged me. The next day was 14th of November. It was children's day. I told her that I am going to wear something she told even she will. We left home and I was still thinking why she hugged me. I called Jeffery and told him what happened today. He told Joel, he told Thareef and Thareef told Benofer and he instead told Gayathri. Even the blue dress spread around. The next day I was the first one to come to class. I saw that the class was decorated by our class teacher. Then one by one everyone came the last one to come was Seema. It was a blue fever in our gang. We had loads of fun that day. Then we all went to Gayathri's house for the afternoon. Her mom was very friendly. She told that she was very happy that we all were there together.

That was another unforgettable year as friend. It was fourth next year. There was nothing very special in our fourth. It was the same old story. But fifth was something totally different. All of us joined for our Christmas play in our school. Joel got to play the role of Joseph. Seema got the role of an Angel. I mean it suited her because she was beautiful. I got the role of shepherd along with Benofer. Jeffery got to play as a king and Thareef got the best part audience. This was a very special year because, I failed for the first time in mathematics, it was the year we all took a photo together and the hardest thing was I was going to leave after that year.

The play went on smoothly. The next big task at hand was our annual exams. My performance had come down. My parents planned to put me in a residential school. The only one who protested to that idea was my grandfather but he passed away. It was the start of the trickiest phase of my life. During the month of February my parents took me to Bangalore to admit me in another school. That was Glazebrooke International Residential School. GIRS to be precise.

I had an entrance exam and a interview and I passed both of them. I got admission. The strangest thing was that the school was 100 acres and right in the foothill. I never felt I was going to miss home.

The trickiest part was yet to happen. Know what is it? Tell my friends that I am going to leave school. I acted very normally in front of them but I called them after our last exam to our daily hangout place. I was stammering. I was in tears. Joel was the first to realize. "Aaron why are you crying?'' he asked me. "Guys" I said.

"I got admission in a residential school in Bangalore. I leaving next year. I won't be back for I guess three years only for vacation I'll be here." I said as tears rolled down my eyes. Everyone was in tears. I told each of them that I'll see them during the holidays but I never knew it will be the last time I'll meet Seema. I went to her hugged her told her "Pinky promise. I will be your best friend forever. I will never love you". We did a pinky promise. Our little fingers interlocked but it lost the strength and courage to bare the loss of best friend. But I could not believe it would be the last time I'd be hugging her. I walked outside the school took my cycle gave one last glance back and left.

..............................................................................................................................................

"I wiped my tears first and now you are wiping you tears" I said mocking my sister. "Aaron I am very sorry for being so rude with you." She said. "Come on Sas you have all the rights" I said. "You know I have another girl. Her name is Shri Harini. I call her S.H in short."

"Is she a girl in you list" She asked me. "No" I said denying her. "She is my Sas. Very close just like you very pretty too!"

"Aaron did you meet Seema ever again?" questioned my sister.

"Yeah during my sixth summer holidays I went to her house but there was a different family. They told they shifted to Hyderabad. I had no number to call her; I had no contact about her in fb also. So I just forgot about her and now you just dug out all the information" I said looking disgusted.

"Was she pretty? Can you show me her photo?" my Sas asked me.

I took out my phone showed her the photo of the photo which only focused on both of us together.

"She looks so beautiful and slim and how did you wear her frock?''

She asked me.

"Now if you are going to mock me like this I'll not tell you" I said glancing at my Sas.

"If you are not telling me then I am telling your mom. It is very simple." She said smiling.

"Tell me what next?" she asked me.

"The next person is Kruthika. She was my classmate in glazebrooke. I was with her for one year. And she left school." I said.

"Tell me what happened" my Sas hurried like she was going to make it into a movie.

"Yeah I'll tell you."

..............................................................................................................................................

#4

"Aaron Christopher."

"Present ma'am" I replied.

First day in GIRS was not that bad. I was just back from a lecture from a teacher. There was something which happened last night. I did not want to talk about it. But skipping it is like skipping a beat.

Last night GALLA :)

05-04-2008

My parents dropped me in the hostel unpacked my stuff arranged it in my cupboard, wrote my roll no in everything and then LEFT.

I was sitting in my cot thinking what was going on. I realized that I was all alone in a school 300km away from my home.

WHANNN I started crying. There was nobody to console me. In my dorm there were 12 people and I know none. Finally someone came to talk to me.

"Are you a new student?" asked Ishaan. (Why did he talk to me?)

AUTHORS NOTE: Wondering who is Ishaan? I'll tell you. His name is Jaisiv. He is my best friend till date. We changed schools but we are still in touch. He is a great person to be around with. Even I did not that he was going to play a integral part in my life. Fine you will know about him more as you go by.

"I asked if you are a new student?" asked Ishaan again.

I was still crying. But then I finally spoke.

"Yes" I replied.

I looked at him. He looked at me. He put his hand out and said"I am Jaisiv. You can call me Ishaan."

I was still crying and starring at him as tears rolled down my face.

"I am Aaron" I said crying.

"Bye Bye" he said and left.

So that is what you call as consoling. I started crying again. Then I tried something wild which are scientifically not possible.

EXPERIMENT 1 CHOKE YOURSELF TO DEATH.

I guess all of you would have studied in your junior classes that you cannot choke yourself to death. But then I am a stupid. I tried to choke myself by strangling my neck with a towel. I was unable to breath. I was blue as a blueberry. Ishaan came to my room. He saw me strangling my self. He came to me slapped me took my towel folded it kept it in my cupboard and left. Wow I guess that is what you call friendship or was it anything else. Then I started crying again and went to sleep.

EXPERIMENT 2 DROWN YOURSELF.

I guess what you all will be thinking right now.

I will go to a well or I don't know swimming I might also go to the swimming pool and drown in six feet. But the problem was I was way too stupid to do that. I filled a bucket full of water and put my head inside. Oh my god! I am going to drown. I am going to drown. All that which happened in the end was I slipped head first and rolled around like a pumpkin and got my t-shirt wet and of course a big lecture from my French teacher.

BACK TO CLASS

"PHEW" I said looking at Ishaan.

"I will never ever try to suicide once again. I am very scared of those lectures and I am indebted to you Ishaan." I said giving him a smile.

The best part was Ishaan was my class mate and I am in sixth "A".

It took me a week to settle down. I fell in love with GIRS. I was allotted in Neptune house. The red house. It kind of was weird being named as planets. But then I was very happy after the first week. I did not have many friends. Only people who were good in English got friends. Only people who look good got friends. People who wear Nike and Adidas also get friends but not the common people like us.

I had basically a few friends in sixth. I can name them Ishaan, Abilesh, Shree Ram, and Saravanan. Majority of my friends joined only in eighth.

So why I got very little friends????

I am fat.

I am not wearing Nike or Adidas.

I am not good in English.

I had only a few talents. I had no stage fear. I can act really well. I can lie. Ahh you might say being untruthful is bad but you need that to survive. I am serious.

Unlike other schools in GIRS we have one month of schooling in April and two months holiday. So I was eagerly waiting for holidays. As for now one month was quiet bad. I got mocked by everyone possible and I went for every extra class and the most interesting part was I put on 10 kilos in a month. That means food was fantastic!

I slowly started interacting with a lot of people but I never spoke to any girl.

And 1 month I somehow managed it. It was kind of great but I never really understood that I was becoming pathetic in studies.

When all this was going on around my moment of ultimate change was on its way. The school election was coming up. It is a custom in GIRS to conduct election for class leaders just like the real election in our country except the part that there is no corruption. My closest friend Ishaan provoked me to stand for our class. With his advice I stood for the election. I chose Lion as the symbol. People thou teased me "ELEPHANT IS TAKING LION" I did not care. I never cared about winning but somehow it struck. I had won it and then I realized my co class leader was a girl. I never cared about her. It was just one day together. I did not speak a word to her. I was numb as a statue. The only thing I knew about her was her name is Kruthika.

After that it was vacation. It was the time when facebook was going viral. So as soon as I reached home I got my self an account. My first friend was Ishaan and my small group of friends. Then exactly after three days of vacation I got a friend request from someone.

WOW! Me! Getting a friend request! No way! I went and checked, and it was KRUTHIKA!!! I immediately called Ishaan.

"Hey Ishaan you there?" I questioned him through the phone.

"Yes stupid tell me bonda" (That is how he calls me and it means a dish made from lentils and vegetables).

"Hey stop calling me a bonda and isn't KRUTHIKA the girl in our class" I said.

"Yeah the class leader right Aaron?" He questioned me.

"Yeah my co leader. Should I accept her friend request?" I questioned him as if it is a crime.

"Go on. Accept her request. Be a good friend of her. Forget us and go to hell" he screamed in the phone.

"Come on Ishaan don't do this to me I'll be your friend forever." I said trying to convince him.

"Do as you wish." He said as he cut the call.

Does he not have the courtesy to tell bye. I looked at the phone once again and kept it down and accepted her friend request.

BOOM!!! Nothing happened.

12-05-2008 MY FIRST EMOTIONAL ENCOUNTER WITH SEEMA.

It was a sunny day in Chennai. The heat could melt the coal tar. It was so hot. I took my cap my cycle and looked outside directly to the sun and hoped I could meet her. I told my mom I was going to meet my friends and left at exactly 12:03. Yeah! Morning. It was vacation so it is morning. It took me exactly 10 minutes to reach Joel's house.

I was literally shouting like a dog Joel a hundred times outside his house just to realize that this bitch was sleeping.

I straight went inside his house, knocked him out of the bed, made him dress up and in ten minutes he was riding in his bicycle next to me to Seema's house. Thareef's dad's office was next to her house and fortunately Thareef was in his dad's office. We three went and knocked her door hoped to see my best friend for five years. Imagine three boys going to meet one girl! Weird!

Someone opened the door. I thought it would be Seema or her mom in her veil but it was a old grandfather who had ash smeared all over his body.

"Thareef isn't Seema a Muslim?" I questioned Thareef looking shocked.

"Dude might be her distant relation." He said giggling.

"Kids who are you all? What do you want? Why are you here? Do you want some alms? Wait I will go get them." The old man said and he was about to leave.

I looked at Thareef and Joel. Tip to toe they were good. OMG! Did he say ALMS!!! We were not beggars.

"Grandpa we are not beggars we came looking for our friend who lives here." We said in a chorus voice.

"Oh I see. You came looking for your friend. The Muslim family right? They moved last week itself. The only thing I know is they are in Hyderabad." He said shattering my heart.

How could she go without even telling us? She broke the pinky promise. That day I decided never to trust another girl but that was not going to last long. This was the starting point. There was a lot more to come it is just the beginning of sixth.

I reached home by four. I went straight opened the laptop and the first thing I typed was

I searched through for Seema but I could not find her. I was broken. I called Ishaan and told him everything. He tried to console me but in vain.

The next thing I noticed was a message from Kruthika. I opened it.

KRUTHIKA SWEETY MESSAGED YOU

"Hey hi this is Kruthika thank you for accepting my friend request. BTW I am in USA so I know you cannot stay up all night to chat nor can I so let us fix a common time 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning. Okay looking forward to finally talk to you. Your profile is so blind. I cannot know anything about you."

What the hell does she want of me? I could not understand a single thing which she told me. The only thing I could understand was I have to wake up at 7:00 to talk to her. Go to hell. Who the fuck wants to talk to her.

I never cared about her for four days nor did I go to facebook for four days. When I open after four days I realize I had 5 messages, four notifications of people becoming my friends and one friend request. I opened the message first.

KRUTHIKA SWEETY MESSAGED YOU

Hi thought you would come online but then u did not it is fine. How r u???

I am gud. Still dunno who it is its Ur co class rep..... Anyways if u come online do reply... Bye J

7:01 am

Hi I saw you did not see my message thought u had some problem wid Ur internet it's Fyn. JJJJ

7:28 am

How could you get so frustrating ur stupid you cant see even single time do you know how to operate this stuff????

8:12 am

I've had enough I dunno I don't care abt u I don't wanna talk to u.

7:00 am

JP JAISIV MESSAGED YOU

Hey hope you are having FUN with her I guess u got her mobile no and talking all day long I did not want to disturb you so I did not call you and soooooo sorry if u wasted your time reading instead of talking to herJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ

4:30 pm

The first thing I did was calling Ishaan.

He picked it up after five rings.

"Hello..." he said laughing.

"**********************************" I replied.

"Come on Aaron don't abuse so badly. Have some consideration for me" he said.

"OH I see you need consideration. What wrong did I do to you? You tease me so much with that girl? Wait one second she has sent me a message, wait in line" I said as I put Ishaan on hold.

OMG! If she is in USA it is about midnight there right now.

Why is she so desperate to talk to me? What the hell does she want? I was wondering what the hell was wrong with her. Is she gone nuts? I wanted to conclude this forever.

But a thought always told me that she wanted to be my friend. Yes a friend. She does not look like a girl who acts like a slut going behind every boy in the class. She was nice. I always heard people gossiping that this boy likes her that boy likes her. What the hell is love? Why do they go behind girls like dogs behind their tail? Fine I'll be a friend. I thought I should never love anyone. It is a crime. I opened her chat to talk to her.

KRUTHIKA SWEETY:

U DER????

Yeah I am der.

Hi how r u?

Yeah I am gud

Are free now?

I am always free so

What now???

I asked u to come for

Chat at 7 rit now its 12

In your time. I just wanted to

Be your friend. U don't have

To ignore me.

I am sorry. Forgive me

I am just a shy type. I don't

Like to be in the company of

Girls. That is y I ignore.

Come on Aaron u r a gud guy

Tat is y I wanna b Ur friend unlike

Sum wannabe's who just say love and all

I don't trust it even seniors r lyk tat

Fyn I gotta go n sleep bye TC

Talk 2 u tmrw.

Yeah surely bye TC gud night.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

She was not that bad. I can be her friend. I kind of started missing her. From that moment my girl jinx went away. This was a start of the next saga. The next stint. From that day I found another best friend after Ishaan. That was Kruthika.

Then not a single day I missed chatting with her. Just to chat with her I used to get up at 6:00 in the morning. Though I sleep off at 12:00 that does not matter right now.

Every single day I longed to talk to her. I found her as one of the best pals.

It was during these days I felt really happy for being away from home. I forgot to call Ishaan itself. All that I did was chat with her and think about what I spoke to her. I was starting to loose my mind. I used to sit in front of computer 24×7. I was finally able to understand what is to show affection towards someone else.

I was feeling wonderful. I showed a lot of affection towards Kruthika.

#5

THE KRUTHIKA SAGA..........

KRUTHIKA SWEETY:

KRUTHIKA U DER????

Hey Aaron I am der watchu

Doin? Hows lyf???

All is good. I was waiting

For u to come for chatting

OHH Dont tell me u waiting 4

Me no ways btw watchu doin

SO jobless waiting 4 me

Oh sum1 is mocking me aw

It hurts. I want to tell u

Something. Can I???

U need not ask

I have never got a friend

Like this so will you be my . Frnd Forever? I am serious.

Of course wat kind of question

Is this r u stupid? Did u hit Ur

Head somewhere? Ill be Ur frnd forever.

Promise? Because a girl told

The same thing and left me.

Ok I won't leave you. Bye I gotta

Sleep bye gonna miss u

Bye sweet dreams.

I did want to be cheated like how Seema cheated me so I took a promise from her. She kept her promise. She always had time for me. I could name the only people who were my friends. The whole vacation I was chatting with her on facebook. The internet bill was soaring high. I forgot that I had something called holiday assignment. I never cared about it. All that I wanted was talk to Kruthika or Ishaan.

I just shut the computer down and my phone calls out loud.

"Hello?"

"Aaron Ishaan here. How are you? After talking to Kruthika you forgot your only friend Ishaan is it? STUPID!!!"

"I did not forget you" I said giggling.

"Fine anyways how is life?"

"Gud bro. No worries." I said.

"Fine Aaron don't talk too much. Study and complete your holiday assignment. Fine I have to go bye bye" he said and cut the call.

It is after that I realized that I have something called as HOLIDAY ASSIGNMENT.

I immediately signed into my fb.

*********

I opened Kruthika's chat

KRUTHIKA SWEETY

Hey krut I guess u dont mind if I call u krut.

Btw can u do my holiday assignment please.

I beg u I have no time. I promise ill do anything

U say. J I promise.

Yes finally one big burden was over. I hoped she would complete the holiday assignment. My hopes came true. The next day the first and the only message were from her.

KRUTHIKA SWEETY

HEY Aaron no problem ill

Complete it but you have

To do me a favor! Get two

T shirts from adidas and a

Shoe too. It will suit u a lot.

That message was the turning point of my life in terms of dressing and making me good looking. I went to my dad that day and asked him to buy me two t-shits and shoe from adidas. Without hesitation my dad got me.

My mom though was very angry at me. She used to tell ask me "WHAT WANT TO SPEND 50000 IN FIVE MINUTES?"

She used to hate it whenever I ask for adidas.

From that day I never preferred any other brand than adidas. My expense just soared like desert heat. I was spending a lot. My mom and dad started getting a lot concerned about me. They thought that something was wrong with me.

There is lot of such crazy things which happened from the times I spent with her. It is because of her I started applying gel and changed my hair style. My dad literally used to kill me. He used to chase me around the house and beat me. It was because of her I never studied.

It was the first time I left everything and spoke to a girl. It kind of made me feel proud. It was funny I was interacting with her more than my best pal Ishaan!!!

.............................................................................................................................................

"That is all?" asked my sas disgusted.

"So you want me do more wrong? OHH!! My dear Dharini you want your brother to dig his own grave" I said smiling.

"How dare you call me by my name? I am going to thrash you. I will tell everything to your mom" she said frying with anger.

"Come on you cannot blackmail me like that" I said with swollen eyes.

"Then better tell me everything" she said smiling.

"Fine it is my fate ill tell you" I said banging my hand against my head.

..............................................................................................................................................

THE KRUTHIKA SAGA CONTINUES............

"Aaron are you coming for the tour?" she asked smiling.

"I wish I could not but since you are asking I will come" I answered her smiling.

"Why what is wrong with you? Why you cannot come? Any problem?"

"You are the biggest problem. I regret saying it but my parents will thrash me if they come to know I am going with you to the tour"

"Why what happened?" she questioned me astonished.

"I was talking to you the whole time. I never studied. I was always online. My dad's internet bill went high flying and phone bill went somersaulting. By mistake I left my fb online and went to my friends house and then my dad read through all the conversation and then took me to the garage and took a PVC pipe and played cricket with me"

"You played cricket only right so what is wrong with that?" she said smiling.

"First I never understood a thing you said and now you don't understand what I say. Playing cricket here means I was the ball and the PVC pipe was the bat!" I said with an attitude.

"You are a ball there is nothing wrong with that!" she said smiling.

"Kruthika you are smiling and teasing me but if you had seen what happened there........... Know what even my dog could not bare to see it" I said.

"Why?"

"Yeah next day in the morning it came and started barking at my dad when he was sleeping. He got scared. One way thanks a lot now if anyone hits me my dog will take care of them but it charges too much for it and it hates it when I don't talk to it and talk to you"

"You are such an interesting person Aaron. Why what did your dog do to you?"

THE DOG TALE..................

"I was talking to you and watching a film remember?" Mom and dad were out for a marriage. As I told you before I hate going for marriages. I was all alone with my dog.

Pattu by name my dog is an Albanian affected Doberman which was as fat as me and eats more than me. We consider it as a family member because he acts just like me!

Once my mom told another person that she has two sons, then that person asked me where my brother is and I was like I AM THE ONLY SON. Then she asked my mom and she pointed out to Pattu. Then that person started laughing and ended up getting bit.

He cares a lot about prestige. He was kind of intelligent but way too lazy.

Let us not drift away.

So I was talking to you and eating popcorn. I was so immersed in talking to you I totally forgot about the popcorn. At about 7:30 we started talking and completed at 7:45 and the popcorn was all by itself for 15 minutes. When I reached out for it all that I could gather was my fucking dog's saliva. I gave it a stare. It got up wagged its tail and pushed me its milk and rice pedigree! Though it tasted good still I can't eat dog food!

"Then from that day I realized it hates you."

It is my companion in all deeds. For example stealing cookies, money from mom's kitchen box and most important sleeping all day long. It loves me a lot. If someone hits me it will bite them.

..............................................................................................................................................

"Do you always have something like this up your sleeves?"

"What are you talking krut?" I questioned her with awe.

"You are so sweet to me Aaron. You always keep me smiling" she said grabbing my cheek.

"WHEW don't do that in the class"

"BTW let us not shift away. What about you coming for tour?" she said looking straight into my eyes.

"Wait I have an idea!" I said smiling.

"I can make Ishaan talk to my mom and convince her" I said holding Kruthika's hands.

The next moment we both were at Ishaan's feet.

"I am not talking to your mom" said Ishaan smiling.

I could feel his motives. He was having an evil idea.

"Ishaan I will give you 4 dairy milk chocolates. Plus I will be in your room in the tour. I will do whatever please tell my mom" I begged him.

"Yes. Under few conditions" he said smiling.

"What the fuck are the conditions?" I questioned him.

#1- don't stay with me in the tour.

#2- buy me 4 dairy milk chocolates each.

#3- after coming back to school don't speak a word to her.

#4- instead of flirting get fit.

"What the fuck don't do it are you insane Ishaan? Get the fuck out.

You want to suck on 8 fucking chocolates and you don't want me to talk to her" I said grinning.

"Then I am not telling your mom" he said softly.

"Aaron it is fine any ways exams are there after the tour we can't talk anyways. BTW you need to get fit so workout and don't worry I'll give him the chocolates." Kruthika said consoling me.

He finally spoke to my mom and she accepted. We all packed our stuff. I took a thousand rupees pocket money. It was finally the day of our tour. The national capital Delhi was waiting for us. We boarded our bus to reach the Bangalore airport. All the boys in one bus and the girls in the next. It was one of the most memorable tours of my life because it transformed my life to come.

"Aaron you are in seat no 12 next to you is Alex following him is Kevin and Haran and Shree Ram and after him is Abilesh." My teacher was shouting to all of us.

Though our teacher was shouting none of us paid any attention to him. We were busy looking at flights land and takeoff.

I was busy searching for krut and she was busy showing off her new ear rings. I gave her a brisk smile and went about getting my bags tagged. It was 3 hour long flight. I was sitting in between Akshay and Alex. All these guys were all really good friends of mine.

The best part of the flight was our school forgot to order food for us and we had to buy our own food and the whole flight was filled with my classmates. All of us were non-veg scape goats and our school was fully vegan. By law we were not allowed to eat non-veg but all of us were hogging.

Finally after 3 hours filled with turbulence, fun, pranks and many more we were in Delhi. We straight went and boarded in to our rooms. It was a four star hotel. I had an amazing room but amazingly bad room mates! One guy snores, one guy drools, one guy is a porn addict. I finally managed to shift with Alex and Akshay and Kevin. All three guys were walking encyclopedias. They watch discovery instead of cartoon network and they sit in library instead of playground.

On the first day we went to Rajpath and Red fort. There was a guide he was telling lectures about each monument.

It was way way to BORING! Finally they took us back to the hotel for lunch and we had one hour rest.

This one hour was going to change my life forever.

The full class was going around making prank phone calls to everyone but I don't know how krut got to know my room no but she called me.

"Hey Aaron how are you?" she said.

"I am great how was the tour till now? You know I was starring at you the whole time and you did not even see me" I said grinning.

"Sorry Aaron I was admiring the architecture of India gate and red fort. I will anyways meet you during shopping time we will go together." She said.

"Fine bye my room mates are suspecting something bad. So let us...." I said.

"Yeah bye" she concluded.

Then suddenly....

"Hello mister how are you doing" said my so called best friend Ishaan.

"Hey Ishaan what a surprise that you are coming to our room" asked Kevin.

"No I tried calling you up but then line was busy so I came to see who was talking" he said smiling.

"I was talking" I confessed.

"No problem you talk but then in day after tomorrow's shopping time you should buy me something." He concluded and left the room.

I concluded that day that he was a true friend because he always invests my money. I was in a big dilemma. A gift for Ishaan, mom, dad and Kruthika?

I have bloody just 1000rs and I have to buy for everyone and what about me?

So started allotting money for each person.

#MOM-250rs

#DAD-250rs

#ISHAAN-100rs

#FOOD-300rs

---------

900rs

---------

So 100rs for krut.

I was totally waiting for shopping to come. The whole tour was extremely boring and finally on the last 6 hours we got shopping.

I went rampaging into every shop in my sight trying to bargain. I kind of made history. I was the only guy in the whole world who tries to bargain in a fixed price shop.

I finally got a nice pen for my dad and a mug and a card for my mom. For Ishaan I got him a slipper. Finally instead of spending on food I spent it on buying a valet. Finally I bought Kruthika a pair of earrings.

During the last day of our tour we had a small get together and during that time I gave her the earrings. That moment changed my entire life. My approach towards girls. My mindset about girls. My life as a whole.

"Aaron instead of buying these cheap earrings you can die" she said.

I was astonished. I was shocked. I was like go to hell mood. Imagine we buy something with so much love and they do this. She took out a bag and gave it to me. I opened it and found a t-shirt from adidas, a metal strapped watch and sunglass. I stood there shocked.

After coming to the room I did not speak a word. Kevin and Alex were practicing kung fu. I was sitting and starring at the window. This insult was running all over my head.

"Aaron these slippers are really nice man WOW" Ishaan said looking at the slippers I gave him.

This is the difference of approach between friend and girlfriend.

"Hey thanks Ishaan" I said.

"Aaron why are you sad?" he asked suspiciously.

"Nothing Ishaan" I said.

"No man. You are not this type of guy! You are funny, you keep laughing and you enjoy every moment of your fucking life." He said shouting with concern.

That day I understood the difference between friends who are true and friends who are just with you time pass. I was really pissed of at Krut.

What Ishaan wanted happened. I never spoke to her after the tour. Though she spent some bucks for me it did not matter. Through one of my friends I returned it back to her. I could not bare the insult. I kept thinking over it and lost my exams. I had to find a way to convince my parents. My grades were down to hell. I got so less even I could not bare to look at it. I was last in the class.

Finally after some struggle I cleared my final exams and it was the last working day. I was standing all alone next to the hostel door waiting for my parents.

I was totally shocked at what

Happened recently. I was still recovering.

"Hey Aaron come outside someone wants to talk to you." My warden said.

"Yes sir" I said and walked out.

Krut was waiting for me. I tried to ignore her and walk past but then before that she called me.

"Hello I was the one who wanted to talk to you" she said.

"Look I have no time to waste. I have a lot of work to do. Tell me fast." I said turning away from her.

"Aaron you can look at me for one last time." She said.

To my surprise she was wearing the ear rings I gave her. I was looking at her shocked.

"Look Aaron I have it from the time you gave me. I wore it thrice but you did not take notice. Look I really like you a lot. Sorry I should not have spoken to you like that but I want you to spend money freely not put a budget for every thing if you don't have money you can always borrow. I really love this. This is the best gift I have ever got." She said.

"Really" I asked astonished.

"Yes but then this is the last time we can talk like this. I am leaving school. I am leaving India. I am going back to states. I am not going coming back. I might never. I want you to do me one favor. I want you to keep this watch on my remembrance." She said.

I could not believe I was actually standing there. I was so dreamy. I was holding the watch she had given me. She pulled my cheek for one last time. Gave me a hug. And left.

I was still dreamily holding the watch. The only thing which was coming to my head was this.

I have never got a friend

Like this so will you be my . Frnd Forever? I am serious.

Of course wat kind of question

Is this r u stupid? Did u hit Ur

Head somewhere? Ill be Ur frnd

Forever.

Promise? Because a girl told

The same thing and left me.

Ok I wont leave you. Bye I gotta

Sleep bye gonna miss u

Bye sweet dreams.

So this is what you call as life?

.............................................................................................................................................

"Aaron you are lame. DEAF, DUMB, STUPID" my sister said screaming right through my ears.

"You don't dream of just like that"

"What! I was dreamy?"

"Yes you were. I was talking and you did not care to listen." She said.

"I am astonished." I said.

"Aaron look there at the telephone tower. You see a girl's heart is at the top of that tower. To conquer it is not a easy job. You should try harder. But then when you conquer it you will have full signal. She will never leave you." She said.

"You see this is called as fate. I am wasting my time listening to your stupid advice instead of spending time with Lynn." I said snaring.

"You keep forgetting that you are under my mercy so please continue." She said shutting me up.

"Look have some consideration for your damm brother" I said pleading.

"Can we go somewhere else? The heat is killing me. I am in a bloody full sleeve shirt and pencil fit pant"

As I got near the stairs I saw Lynn running down the steps. I knew something was wrong. I ran leaving my sister. I ran after her. She went inside the bed room and started crying.

"Aaron what happened?" my sas enquired.

"I guess Lynn overheard us." I said.

My sas somehow persuaded her to open the door. Finally it was three of us sitting in the bedroom. I was starring at the floor and Lynn at my sas.

"Lynn did you overhear what we spoke?" my sas asked.

"Lynn I am sorry "I interrupted.

"No Aaron its fine I heard the whole thing" said Lynn.

"Anyways know what even if you guys go on to love truly you cannot marry each other because you both have the same blood if we see by our family tree she is like a daughter to you so you guys don't start any sort of this of right now." My sas pointed out.

"I know it." said Lynn.

"What you knew it."

"Yes"

"Then why the hell did you let me kiss you?" I asked distressed.

"Baby I got to know it only today morning. I came to talk to you but you were busy with Dharini sas. I thought of walking back but then you were like" I lost hopes on love. For the past four months I am going on cheating girls to come out of depression" then I started listening to your conversation. I really want to be with you forever. Not as a lover or wife but as the greatest friend. Every decision you take you should consult Me." said Lynn.

"Aaron she is the best friend you can get." My sas said.

I looked at Lynn gave her a big hug and I was in tears.

"Aaron I won't be like Kruthika or Seema. You will always be my baby." She said comforting me.

"Wish everyone could be like you." I said smiling.

"You pervert" my sas said.

"So what happened after that" Lynn asked.

"Do you seriously want to listen?" I asked.

"Or we are telling your mom" said sas pointing to Lynn.

"Fine this is kind of funny but there are girls like this too. This one was also at glazebrooke and I only laugh when I think of this."

I said giving a smile.

.............................................................................................................................................

#6

It was all square again in my life. "I am single and ready to mingle" policy.

My best friend Ishaan made sure I come out of every shitty stages of my life. He made sure I was happy. I was ready to move on."

It was time to take the next step in this journey life.

In GIRS it was a new year. Same friends + new friends and loads of new things.

It was a tradition in GIRS to organize a summer camp for students at the start of the year so it was there year also.

We had loads of activities.

-Rappelling.

-Flying fox.

-Kayaking.

-Hiking.

-Camp out.

The above were just some of the activities. I was the point of entertainment through out the camp.

I tried out all the activities but I just did not complete it.

The best part was rappelling. I volunteered to go first. I wore the harness got my safety cap and stood near the wall and looked down. It was all fine. I went down but not rappelling down but through the stairs. I just did not rappel down. I climbed over the wall and came back. Haha I am scared of height. I just did not pee. I was otherwise all wet with sweat.

I have a given a brief illustration. You see there are some things which you just cannot do.

The tower was about 80 meters tall yeah just 80 meters.

OMG! It is 80 meters. Like I told you before I did get down but through the STAIRS.

Like Ishaan always says I was fit only for something related to food. I was like a mini bean bag. Ishaan always tells I am rolling not walking. I though did not care but still it hurts.

The camp went really well. I really excelled in cooking and food hunt.

I always wonder how Ishaan could tell every thing about me so correctly.

I think he is a wizard. (Actually sounds stupid)

"Aaron tomorrow the new students are coming" said Ishaan.

"Yes and what are we suppose to do about it? Eat some pizzas? I swear to god if we can then I am coming" I said.

"Why are you so focused on eating?" he said.

"Look the management wants some old students to help them in helping the new students out so you wanna join me?" he questioned.

"When have I told you "NO" when you ask me something. I am in" I said.

Our work was very simple. We had to simply guide everyone. When someone asks you "Where is the bathroom?" you say where it is.

When someone asks you "Where is the girl's residence?" you say it is there. When someone asks you "How is this work?" you say fuck off.

Yes I'd say fuck off but not for long.

It was around 12 noon. I was guiding some people how to go to the dining hall.

"Can you tell me how to go the girl's residence?" someone requested.

The sun was shining at its full might. I could not see her face. The only thing I remember is she was wearing a full brim hat. A pink top and jean.

"Yeah go straight and take the first turn to your right and the brown stoned building is the girl's residence." I said.

"Fine thanks." She said.

"It's my pleasure" I said.

I never really thought about her or even cared about her. I was so normal until my best friend came searching with trouble.

"Hey Aaron how is it going?" he asked.

"Don't stir me up you bitch." I said.

"Hey look at that girl with that brim hat in her hand. She looks beautiful." He said pointing towards her.

I turned and looked at her. The only word which came out of my mouth was WOW! I could not resist looking at her. She was like a lone star in the darkest night. She was like the only sun in the whole solar system. I was starring at her like as if my eyes were stuck on her.

"Hello mister you just got ditched by a girl" he said snaring.

"So what Ishaan? I like her. I guess she will be nice to me." I said.

"Note down and keep it. She is not fit for you. You will be a laughing stock again. I can't look after you when you go mad." He said.

"First of all Ishaan let me make one thing clear. She did not ditch me. She was forced to leave. She still cared for me a lot."

"If she cared for you so much then she could have made up some reason and stayed back. Leaving you is ditching you. Even then if she cares for you then stay in touch with her and never leave her." He said.

"But"

"What but? Put your head inside my butt." He teased.

"Look I have no information about her. No address, no contact nothing." I said.

"Then what the heck were you doing with her on facebook? What chatting sex? So you better text on facebook and stay in touch. You are not going behind another girl" he said.

"Fine I will try to talk to her if she does not respond then I will propose that new girl." I said.

"Aaron I am going to tell Hendricks sir" Ishaan said.

"Yeah whatever." Said I.

Hendricks sir is like our brother. He is a computer science teacher. So if we are missing the first place anyone would probably visit is computer lab. It was our temple. It was our abode of entertainment.

If they permit us to bring our beds to the computer lab we'd be the first.

From festivals to examinations we are always there. It was ultimate fun. From checking Goal.com to Cricinfo.com we do everything there.

We were a gang. We were brothers. We dance together for school programs. We eat together. The inseparables.

It was lunch time. I was just about start my search for the girl with the brim and pink top. Hendricks sir came starring straight at me.

"I want you to meet me at the lab at 3:00 sharp." He said and left.

I grabbed Ishaan by his waist and carried him to the Lab.

"What the hell is wrong with you Aaron." He said.

"Why did you tell Hendricks sir stupid" I shouted.

"I don't want you to go behind every freaking girl you come across" he shouted.

"I LIKE HER" I said.

"Aaron let me be very frank with you. She does not suit you by any chance. She will make a mockery out of you. Get that into your head." He said and walked away.

"Yeah get out. I don't need you. I wish you all the best." I mocked.

But that day I lost my only friend. I never really felt for it. Every action has a reaction and mine was worse. It came a bit late but still.

I went to the computer lab. Hendricks sir was waiting for me.

"Aaron what happened?" he questioned.

"No problems sir just a small fight." I said.

"With whom?"

"Sir with Ishaan." I answered.

"I thought you guys are good friends but you people fight with each other. Look we all are together. No one fights with each other." He said.

"Sorry sir I'll go apologize to him." I said.

"By the way Aaron you are too young to get into any serious relationships. So don't take too much into your head."

"Sir I don't understand" I said.

"Stop thinking too much about girls." He said.

"Okay sir I will not. By the way sir is the song ready for fresher show?" I enquired.

"Yeah Aaron if you are not going to compromise with Ishaan you aren't in It." he said.

"Fine sir."

I walked inside my room. Ishaan was sitting in the corner turning away from me. I went closer to him and held his shoulder. The next moment I was in the floor with my face flat. I got one punch straight on my face. My face became blue. I was struggling to breathe.

"Bloody bitch a girl values more than me?" he shouted.

I was still lying on the floor struggling. It was after a minute did Ishaan realize that it was something serious. He called Alex, Kevin and Shree ram and rushed me to the school clinic.

I don't remember much after that. I got up after an hour. I was lying down in a bed with my warden and my friends around me. I was given a oxygen supply. I slowly got up and removed the mask and asked Ishaan what happened. He told me to keep quiet and sit. Then in a minute the doctor came.

"How are you Aaron?" he questioned.

"Sir I am good." I said.

"No problem. It is just a grade three asthma. He might start getting them frequently but I will give him a tablet and a syrup. I will also give him an inhaler." He said.

That was just another problem to my problematic life. And by the way did he say grade THREE asthma! What the fuck and did he say I am going to get them frequently?

I looked at Ishaan and gave him a wild smile.

"Thanks" I said.

"You deserve it" he said.

"I did not mean it man I am sorry." I apologized.

"It's fine. I broke your nose. I am happy." He said.

"Look that does not mean I am not going to love her."

"What? Go to hell. I should have crushed your balls bitch." He quarreled.

"You are the best example for a prostitute."

"Hmm I see your comment resembles you Ishaan" I mocked.

"By the way get your asses moving. We need to go back to our room. You can't stay here and stare at every girl who passes by."

"Fine you can keep your mouth shut." I said.

We started walking back to our hostel rooms. When just half way through, we saw the girl with the brim hat was walking towards the clinic.

"Ishaan isn't it the girl we saw?" I asked.

"Yes, what are we going to do about it now?"

"Come let us go back to the clinic. I want to know her name?"

"What you want to know her name?"

"Yes" I said. "But how?"

"Leave that part to me Aaron." He said confidently.

"Just wait here for ten minutes." He said and left.

He went and after ten minutes He came back with a wild smile. I was giving him a wild smile too. More than wild his was vile.

"Her name is Rebecca."

"But how?" I asked astonished.

"She is a new student. Thus she came to give her medical certificate and some other stuff. She gave her file to the nurse and left. I took one good look at her. I went and asked the nurse how to use the inhaler. She started shouting at me for pestering her on how to use an inhaler though it is not for me. I did not care a shit she was saying though. I was flipping through her file." He said.

"Wow Ishaan you have good sense and loads of brains." I said.

"Her name is Rebecca. She is from Goa. She is in our class. She is perfectly vaccinated." He said.

............................................................................................................................

"Aaron you are sick. I don't care if she is vaccinated or not so get to the point." Lynn Shouted.

"Is it so honey? I wish I could grab your cheek and tell you but...."

I stretched.

"But if you don't tell then I will have to tell your mom my dear brother." My sister concluded.

"Aaron why do you tell it in such a way where you are shown as a hero?" said Lynn.

"Excuse me Lynn! This is my story for god sake."

"Fine now shut up and continue."

.............................................................................................................................................

#7

"Is there a single day you used your brain for something useful."

"Don't start barking." I said.

"You are the best example for a prostitute. You are a bitch. Not even a dog." He screamed.

"Same to you bro" I said.

I was waiting for school to start. I was so anxious. I just wanted time to fly away. But it was slower than a tortoise. I just hated it.

I was so desperate to meet her. I used to look for her every time.

Name it Breakfast, lunch, dinner or whatever. I was always in a lookout for her. I used to catch a glimpse of her and then she used to be covered by my class girls. But then she saw me peeping at her.

The only thing which was running in my head was REBECCA REBECCA

REBECCA. I could not control it. The only face which came across my eyes was hers. I had waited long enough. The next day morning was school. I slept early. Got up early. Ironed my shirt. Polished my shoes. Wore my tie. I was first in the line for breakfast. I pulled Ishaan along with me. I looked like a guy desperate to gobble up an entire planet. Ishaan was snaring at me but I paid no attention. If someone ever wanted to know how desperate a person can be then he should have taken a look at me.

I was sitting on the table facing the girl's entrance. I was happy for one thing. Not many people were behind my crush though. I did not care about the food. I did not care about my table mates. I did not care about myself. The only thing that mattered most to me was her. I was really starting to loose myself.

It was finally time to go class. I was first to be seated. I was looking at everyone who came in or went out. They were snaring at me in a nasty way. I was really starting to my reputation in school. I waited till everyone came. But Rebecca was not there. Ishaan was the last to come in.

"Aaron you were so desperate to come to class and now you look so bored" Ishaan mocked.

"Don't piss me off Ishaan." I said.

"Don't piss you off? You are already pissed. She has not yet come. I knew it." he said smiling.

"Bloody hell then why the hell did you say she was in our class." I knocked in.

"Look. Listen carefully. She is in our class but not in our section dumb ass." He started laughing.

I took my bag and sat in the corner. First hour was social science. It was my favorite period. I was really attentive. I forgot about every thing. But the next two hours were math and then break followed by French. I got caught sleeping in math class which is actually very usual and I was kicked out. I stood for sometimes got bored and spent the rest of the period in the rest room. By break I was out sharing a juice from the school canteen and teasing one of our friends. All the new students were wearing casuals while we wore uniform. I was in a look out for Rebecca but I could not find her so I gave up and walked back to the class.

"Aaron come to the rest room." Ishaan called out.

"I went during math period." I said.

"I don't care even if your sack bursts. Just shut your mouth and give me company. Fine!" he said.

"Did you just say my SACK? So mean."

"Yes I did. Shut the fuck up and come." He said and started pissing.

"Come on Ishaan it is getting late for French class." I hurried.

He started running and I could not. He reached before me and went in before the bell. I was late. I was waiting outside putting my head down.

"Aaron you did not give importance to French last year and failed. So is it the same plan for this year too?" questioned my teacher.

"No ma'am'' I answered.

"So worse than that I guess! Look I cannot make you pass my giving grace marks this time." She said.

The whole class was enjoying this morning treat of comedy. Me the biggest laughing stock.

I put my head down apologized and walked straight to my place. Someone girl was sitting there but I did not see the face. I put my head up to tell that person to sit in another desk but I stood there petrified with excitement. It was a moment of shear excitement. I went and sat in the empty bench next to her.

I had made up my mind. This year it is worse than last year ma'am. The reason Rebecca was in my French class.

"Aaron can you please concentrate on the board?" Ishaan said.

"Yeah dude please do it for me."

"It does not go this way"

"Yeah there is more to it." I said smiling.

The whole period I was starring at her. The next period thinking about what to do next French class. Normally I talk to Ishaan while going for lunch but that day I was following her like a dog. The day went so fast after meeting her.

"You desperate bastard." Ishaan shouted.

"She is so pretty. She looks great. She looks gorgeous. She looks ........"

"You look like a fool. Fine let me get this straight forward. If you want to impress her then get good marks in French. You have to work on your fitness." He said.

I was really impressed with Ishaan that day. This is what you call as true friendship. He took my desperateness as an opportunity to work it my way. I am always proud of him. From that day onwards I worked hard to get my grade up. I used to be so attentive in every French class that my teacher was really impressed. This was practically impossible though! I started passing in cyclic tests then even went on to score a 47.5 out of 50!

Mornings I was fully under the control of Ishaan. He is a great athlete. He is a jumper. He does high jump, long jump and sometimes triple jump. He also sprints. He is quiet fast. Faster than me at least. He used to force me to get up every morning and come without fail for jogging. I used to go for at least 2 laps! O the four hundred meter track. It was too much. I put on two kilos in the end of three months but.

"You fat big plum. You piece of shit. If you keep eating like an elephant even after working out you will put on weight." Ishaan said.

"Look Ishaan it was your idea. I followed your advice. You never mentioned anything about eating less." I said smiling.

"Ishaan I can never forget one thing about you." I said.

"What?" he questioned.

"I don't remember when but before we became friends you had this friend called Prasad."

"Yes what are we suppose to do about that?"

"One day after class you both were standing near the class door facing a pen on the floor. I took the pen and gave it to Kevin telling it was his. Then you came and told me that it was yours. Then I asked you why you were starring at the pen knowing it was yours!

Then you were like "Aaron someone stole my pen. I read in tinkle that a person who steals will always take the same thing. So I put the pen down waiting for someone to take It." then you should have seen my reaction." I said.

"You went and banged your head on the wall" he said.

"Now stop insulting me Aaron. I guess you need a strict diet."

"Fine Ishaan give your best shot." I said.

"Look you have increased 10 kilos in a year! I trying so much but nothing happens but you fat pig you just go on increasing."

"Look Ishaan no one cares about my weight. I have made up my mind. I am going to propose to her on my birthday." I said.

"What do know what is the meaning of "PROPOSE." You have not even spoken to her. If she rejects then you are going to feel really bad." He said grinning.

"Look that is why I am going to propose to her on my birthday. I don't want to get beaten up. Normally people are treated well on their birthday. She would not want to hurt my feelings." Said I.

"Fine you heard about her right. She is like the most perfect girl in this whole school. She does not look like a person who is going around accepting proposals. She is a topper in the class. She has got no detention unlike us who spend our lives in detention. She has got no black marks and finally she has never got caught. Don't spoil her name."

"Fine don't scare me off. Still there is two weeks for my birthday. I will practice everyday on how I am going to propose to her." I said.

"Fine whatever. But don't get SLIPPERED!" said Ishaan.

"What an optimistic friend I have got. I am very proud of you. One day even you will fall in love and you will need my help that time I will make you beg like a dog." I said.

"Fine whatever. Let us go to class or we will be late."

"Come let's go."

We walked our way to class and even two weeks walked away.

"Get up you fool. Happy birthday Aaron." Ishaan screamed through my ears.

"Thanks Ishaan." I said.

"It does not matter if it is your birthday or not but now you are coming for jogging." He said pulling my blanket away.

"Ishaan it is too cold and it is drizzling. I want to sleep. Please today holiday." I said cuddling in the bed.

"I guess not in a wet." He said snaring.

He took a bottle full of ice cold water and poured it on top of my bed and within minutes we were jogging around our school fully covered with sweat shirts and gloves.

"Look the major reason why I got you for jogging is today the tennis students have special practice so Rebecca will come" said Ishaan.

"Oh! So kind of you Ishaan. I wish every friend of mine is like that." I said shivering.

"Look I am not so good. Don't get flattered. Anyways we came half an hour ahead of them so shut the fuck up and jog."

"Ishaan can I tell you something?" I said shivering.

"Yes Aaron."

"I have been through so many problems. I got fooled by two girls. I never had a stable friend. In spite of my bad look and all you stayed with me as a friend all the times. Thank you Ishaan." I said stammering.

"Aaron are you crying?" questioned Ishaan.

"It is fine Ishaan." I said.

"You will always be a great friend. Now drop all the emotions and start jogging. Rebecca will come any moment. Moreover, I do not care about your looks. You will be my friend forever."

I was really anxious and excited to meet Rebecca. Today was the day I planned to propose to her. I was waiting and waiting and not a single soul came for jogging. I did not care much about it as I knew I will surely talk to her.

The day went really well for me till the juice break. I got my ass my baked and broken with birthday bumps. I lost three pair of jockey underwear's through wedgies. I got a lot of hand made cards and gifts. Ishaan made a card for me and got a key chain for me. I was so happy. I was literally on cloud 9. My early morning wish was about to come true.

I was walking back to the class and Rebecca was walking beside me. I did not directly look at her. I called Ishaan and made him walk beside me and in the name of talking to him I was looking at her. She was so beautiful. I was totally mesmerized by her. I was so much into looking at her that I did not watch my step. I tripped over and fell down.

"OUCH" I sent out a cry.

"OH are you fine Aaron?" Rebecca questioned.

"Yeah I am good no problem." I said smiling.

"Anyways Aaron happy birthday." She said.

"Thanks." I said.

She wished me and walked away. I was still dusting my pants. I was starring at her as she walked across the cross road into the class. I was so desperate at looking at her that instead of tying my shoe lays I tied it with Ishaan's. It was all over for that day. I never spent a single time studying. The only thing which was running in my mind was Rebecca.

It was quiet an electrifying moment when she wished me happy birthday. I kept thinking about it and wasted a lot of my time. I flopped a lot of my tests. It was quiet weird. Except French I flopped everything.

As usual I flopped my half yearly.

#8

As soon as our half yearly exam got over we had our educational tour. It was really exciting. It was a tour around Tamil Nadu.

Being from Chennai I was a native. I was one of the most sought people to help people translate while shopping. They divided us into many groups. I was so fortunate I was in the same group as Rebecca.

She was a North Indian from Goa. So it was very much probable that someone has to help her. I was the best in her group. I was really happy about few things. I was the only tamilian in her group. Each group travels by a different bus and Ishaan was not there to irritate me. It was just few days left for our tour. Unlike last time I had no problems convincing my parents. I really don't understand my parent's mentality. The previous tour was to a place which I have never been to but I have been in Tamil Nadu for the past 12 years and they permit me. It is kind of insane but I don't mind it. I was very happy till the time they announced our room mates. I was with Ishaan, Kevin and Daniel. Daniel was an absolute entertainer and with Kevin around him it is just pure entertainment. Once Kevin went around telling he took his first wild life photography. He looked so amused and happy. I thought he got a really nice picture and I was so jealous. When I requested him to show the picture he showed a screen shot of him skyping with Daniel. We call Daniel a sloth. He is so lazy. There is a big fan club for him though. Everyone loves Daniel. He is the laziest person in the world. He is black, he is lazy and fat. He says he plays cricket but does not move a cell in his body. He says he bowls medium pace but it is slower than an off spin. He jogs like a snail, runs like a tortoise and sprints like a Daniel. (He is the last person in the list. I might be after him but since I am the hero I am better.) Even talking about him will pull us towards him as his gravitational force is so strong.

"Hey Niga have you packed your stuff?" said Daniel.

"Hey Sloth take a good look at yourself and you will know the real meaning of Niga. I can't even differentiate between your hair and your body and you call me Niga!"

"Hey sloth you want some apples?" said Kevin.

"Hey Kevin, How are you? This black hole is calling me black." Daniel said pointing towards me.

"Sloth he is fairer than you."

"That is the way Kevin." I said giggling.

"Look sloth I have a challenge for you."

"What?" questioned Daniel starring straight into my eyes.

"You have to bowl a medium pace ball faster than Ishaan's off spin."

"Who the hell is taking my name?" said Ishaan.

"Hey Ishaan." We said.

"Fine guys all of you have packed?" he questioned.

"Now why do ask that? By the way you are questioning like you are some leader for this damm group." Kevin Said.

"He got inspired watching Gandhi film." Daniel Said giggling.

"Shit you are watching Gandhi! You are seriously out of taste. I mean Ishaan I thought you were my friend." I said.

"Aaron and Kevin you see there is a black mark below his eyes. Know what, he also got involved in some heroics. He is inspired by Usain Bolt too. He tried running hurdles at the last height and he fell down face first Hehe." Daniel said.

"You need not tell them sloth." Ishaan said embarrassed.

"Aaron and Kevin you know why sloth took bath in a Sunday as he normally does not?"

"We have no idea." We said.

"My dear sloth in the name of trying long jump fell flat In his back on a piece of cow dung."

"Fine leave it we have only hours left fro us to pack." I said breaking the conversation.

It was finally the day of our tour. We were all set ready and set. Being room mates in the tour the four of us made sure we were all set and done. I went and boarded my bus. From my room only Daniel was in my group. Ishaan and Kevin were in the same group.

There were a total of 4 buses for our tour. I was in bus no 2 with Daniel and Rebecca. I don't know how but somehow Ishaan managed to tell Daniel about my crush on Rebecca. We had a small prayer and the busses left our school campus. It was the tour which was going to give a totally different view about girls to me.

Our first destination was to the rock fort city of Trichy. It took us six hours to reach Trichy from Bangalore. Through out the time I was starring at Rebecca. I tried talking to her but I just did not get the confidence to do so.

While everyone went up the hill to the temple to pray, I stayed back. Being a Christian I thought this was a sin to do so but I was a fool that time. I noticed that Rebecca was staying back down the hill. I took this as an opportunity to talk to her.

"Hey Rebecca you are not going to pray?" I questioned her stammering.

"No Aaron I am a Christian. I don't believe in all this." She said.

"Aaron I thought you already knew I was a Christian."

"Yeah I know a lot about you but I did not notice this." I said.

"Did you just say KNOW A LOT ABOUT ME?" she said looking astonished.

"From the time you asked me how to go to the girls residence." I said blushing.

"Wow that is nearly a year. And why so?" she questioned shocked.

"I kind of like you. That is the reason." I said turning away from her.

"Come on, don't tell me Aaron." She said laughing.

"Oh, I am sorry. I won't tell you again." I said and turned away.

"Aaron I did not mean it literally. Come let us go sit down and talk"

Who will put down such an offer! I went and sat with her. Until the time every single soul from my class finished praying we were talking. We got to know a lot about each other. After about 1 hour, we went to board the bus. It was a great beginning to the tour. I somehow managed to escape from Ishaan's watchful eyes. In the bus, I requested one of my classmates and exchanged seats with him. Thus sat next to Rebecca. The whole trip back to the hotel we were talking. I was still wondering if it was real or not. It was great. She was sweet. I felt good talking to her. Her sweet voice. Her chirpy voice. Her glamorous eyes. Her tan face with dark black hair could mesmerize any living soul. I used to stare at her symmetrical lips and just forget everything in this world. This is when I decided she is in every aspect a one of my kind. There was just one problem.

I forgot sloth.

As soon as we reached the hotel, they gave us our respective keys and told us to settle down. Ishaan, Daniel, Kevin and I were in 203.

"Phew." I said keeping my bag down.

"Fuck. Someone put the damm AC." Screamed Daniel.

"You can move your ass and put it on. By the way, understand it is not hot. It is just humid. It is rainy season. It cannot be hot. It can only be humid...," said Ishaan.

"Look Ishaan sloth's just too lazy and he hates science. You can therefore stop your science class." Mocked Kevin.

"Ishaan and Kevin you know why I say it is hot? Because Aaron was literally making out with that girl Rebecca."

"What the..." said Ishaan and Kevin astonished.

"Guys stop it. What the hell is the meaning of making out?" I asked confused.

"You do not know the meaning of making out?" mocked Ishaan.

"Look I do not go around learning bad words." I countered.

"Aaron MAKING OUT is not a bad word. It is a holy word. It gives life. You do not call that a bad word. Remember it is HOLY." Kevin Said.

"Look I am quiet weak in English so please tell me the meaning." I requested.

"Aaron it is not even English. It is science." Ishaan said giggling.

"Look here Aaron. I will show you what is making out." He said putting his finger through his closed fist in a back and forth motion. "SHIT. Are you talking about SEX?" I questioned astonished.

"Oh, finally the kid understands that it is sex." Ishaan Mocked.

"Fuck you. I did not have sex with her. I was just talking to her. You fat sloth. You fit for nothing ass hole. I am going to kill you all."

It was a good time in the room. I was lucky to get such good friends.

I felt really great. I did not care about the criticisms or mockery. It went away in a swipe of our laughter.

"Hey Kevin do you have any idea what is the plans for today evening?" Ishaan asked.

"I have no idea. What about you Aaron?"

"Nope." I said.

"Today we have a small hangout organized by our tourist operators. So, wear something that does not fall while shaking your ass to the beat. Cause we are all going to dance. Unlike a real hangout, we will not have drinks or anything. It is just a disco ball, some music and food. So do not expect too much." Sloth said.

"How do you keep yourself so updated? I mean from bad words to current affairs." I asked astonished.

"It is because I am too lazy." He said smiling.

I never really found the irony in his statement. Right now that does not matter. Dance. I should somehow smooth talk her to dance with me.

This was going to be a hard job because even I do not know to dance!

I wore a denim jean and a kurta. It was really nice.

At about 7 pm we all moved into the banquet hall. I tried to get a glimpse of her but I could not find her. After few minutes of glimpses here and there, I lost hopes.

"Hello Aaron Henry Christopher." Someone called out.

I looked here and there but could not spot who it was.

"It is me Rebecca back here." Rebecca said.

I turned back and it was Rebecca.

"Hi." I said drooling.

"Stop blushing and who were you searching for?" she questioned with a stern face.

"I was actually..." I stammered.

"Don't worry. I am back here. I can see it in your face that you were searching for Me.," she said blushing.

"Hehe Sorry." I said.

"Rebecca can you dance with me?" I asked.

"Are you serious? I do not know how to dance. I am very bad at dance." She said smiling.

"Don't worry you are better than me. My dancing is pathetic. Therefore, your dance will look better." I said winking.

There was a big lecture from one of our teachers and within

Minutes the music went boom. Every one started getting on to the dance floor. I was still sitting on the same place with a cup of ice cream in my hand. Rebecca was right there behind me. Ishaan was starring at me with an expression "HAVE YOU GONE NUTS?" I finally gathered my guts and asked Rebecca to come and dance with me. I could see the expression in Ishaan's face it was a LOOSER expression.

It was a moment of absolute fun. From the waiters, to the teachers, to Rebecca, everyone was in peak of laughter after seeing me dance.

"Aaron you are way too funny." She said laughing.

"Hope you enjoyed it and look I told you your dance will look better." I said laughing.

"Come on stop it Aaron. You were really nice." She said.

"Seriously?" I questioned.

"You were good." She said hugging me.

Just like every Indian film, I was in cloud nine. I totally forgot about everything and kept thinking about the hug.

After some good time dancing, we went for dinner. I sat with Ishaan, Kevin, Daniel, Rebecca and her friend Varsha.

Talking about Varsha, she is my friend too. We call her black bitch. The reason, she is too white and too tall and she no way resembles black widow from avengers!

We all were sitting in one table. Daniel was in a full swing. Kevin cared a lot about his diet and kung fu. Ishaan basically is an athlete so except Daniel all of us were eating less. I was having ice cream as a main dish. I decided it was the perfect time to propose her.

"Rebecca, I want to tell you something." I said stopping everyone's dinner.

"I love you." I said.

Everything stopped for a moment. Daniel stopped eating. Ishaan almost dropped the glass in his hand. Varsha almost fell dead. Kevin was starring straight through my head. There was no reaction from Rebecca. She was still eating her dessert.

"Aaron even I like you a lot, but the problem is I want to become a NUN. Do not get shocked. It is a long story. I will tell you." She said.

"WHAT?" All of us asked shocked.

"Yes. I want to become a NUN." She said smiling.

"Now listen. I will tell you why." She said calmly.

"I was just 10 when this happened. I was on a family vacation with my parents and sister to Dubai. We enjoyed a lot but it was short-lived. It was the turning point in my life. The vacation went really well but the ending turned out to be very sour. My mom felt a searing pain in her chest while landing in Goa. Everyone was shocked.

We immediately rushed her to the hospital. My dad became very restless and my sister was too young to understand all this. She just went on crying so did I. we could not control our tears. Then about an hour later, the doctor came out and took dad with him. I was getting really anxious and restless. I never really understood what was going on. Life was a cakewalk for our family. My mom and dad fell in love with each other and got married without prior permission. In spite of objection from their families so my grandparents told them never ever to come back to them. They were considered an insult to the family. Thus even when we were in the hospital, there was no one else to help us. This is when a thought stuck me. What will my parents do if my sister and me get married and go away? It kept pestering me. After about 45 minutes, my dad came out crying. When I asked my dad what was the problem. His answer was a bolt from the blue. He told mom was diagnosed with cancer. He told me her chance of survival was less. He told me to pray. I could not take it. I ran outside the hospital crying. I rushed into the first church that came in my sight. There was a statue of Mother Mary holding Baby Jesus. I questioned Mother Mary if she will be happy if she alone gets to hold her child and my mom does not. That is when one of the nuns of the church walked past me. I was thinking for some time. I found no idea how I could save my mothers life. Therefore, I pledged mine to her. It was that moment when I promised I would become a NUN if she saved my mothers life. I was a child that time but a promise to Mother should not be broken. My mom was cured. When her condition became good, I asked her to walk with me. I took her to the church I prayed in. I told her my promise and what I asked Mother Mary in return. My mom broke down in tears."

"Now you know the reason why?" Rebecca said smiling.

Varsha was literally crying. Kevin was in tears. Ishaan's mouth was wide open. So was mine. I wanted to stand up and salute her but I will be embarrassed.

"Rebecca I don't really no what to tell you. I am proud to have met you. I will remember you forever. I have not met a person who is as perfect as you are. It just makes me love you more." I said wiping my tears away.

"Aaron love is not merely between two bodies. It is a connection between two souls. It is a connection between two minds, two hearts and two energies. Do not expect love but give love. Only if you give a little love you can get a little love for yourself. This isn't said by me but by God himself." She said calmly.

"You are absolutely right Rebecca." Ishaan said.

"Please advice him not to go behind every girl he sees." Ishaan added.

"Look Ishaan though he goes behind whichever girl he sees it does not matter. Who ever is destined for him will come to him." She said.

"Fine let us go back to our rooms. The party is over." Rebecca said.

"Yeah good night Rebecca." I Said as I left.

"Good night Aaron" she said as she hugged me.

"Aaron I love you a lot but not in your sense but as a great brother. No one has actually proposed me. You are the one who sees me as someone beautiful but I do not think so. Anyways good night and sweet dreams." She said as she walked away.

The whole night I was thinking about it. I went through every word she said. I was still wondering how people of my age are much more mature than me. I broke down crying asking forgiveness from Ishaan for ignoring him because of a girl. As usual, he forgave me and had a wonderful tour. It was the first and last year for Rebecca. I met her before she left and thanked her. After that, I lost touch with her and I have no idea where she is.

..............................................................................................................................................

"Do not tell me even after meeting such a girl you are so stupid!" my sas asked.

"Look I am not stupid. I just misunderstood her statement. I thought every girl I saw was the one made for me." I said.

"Know what Aaron you do not deserve my kiss. You are so stupid. I thought you were mature enough." Lynn said.

"I am proud of you in one way."

"What Lynn?" I questioned her.

"Unlike many people who love girls just for their appearance and pleasure, you were different. Hats off to you." She said.

"Hats off to me? thanks." I said laughing.

"Why are you laughing?" she asked.

"Lynn I am sorry. You are the second person I have kissed. You misunderstood me too soon. You know why my sas is so silent, because she knows everything about this." I said smiling.

"I am going to thrash you." She said hitting me.

"I told him a lot of times but he was like it was true love but now you see where he is. He never listens to what I say." My sas said snaring.

"You are supposed to learn out of experience. What is the use if you advice everything to me." I said giggling.

"No reason why you never grow up." She said mocking me.

"But I have made up my mind. I am never going to fall in love again. I have had enough in my life." I said with a serious face.

"What about the next?" questioned my sas.

"This is kind of my favorite. I understood everything that was going on around me. I was becoming mature." I said.

"You are seriously a pervert." Lynn Said.

"I am not telling it to you." I said.

"I am telling your mom."

"Then don't comment." I said.

"You know what?"

"What?" I asked.

"Aaron it is insulting. When you go on making a list of girls you made out with." Lynn said.

"I do know the meaning of making out so don't use it." I said.

"Haha finally someone gets some sense into their head." Mocked Lynn.

"Look I did not make out with all these girls. I was just too stupid to understand love."

"Lynn I told you. No comments." I said.

"Fine I am sorry Aaron. Now do not try to distract us. Tell us the story."

"Fine I give up. I will tell the story now." I said.

I took a deep breath and I started.

"Aarnaya. Her name is Aarnaya." I began.

.............................................................................................................................................

#9

I was at the peak of puberty. All my hormones had started to work hard to make me a man. It is when I started to think a lot about the pleasures of life rather than the essence of life. My mom always told me it is a stage in a person's life where they can decide whether to live it or dig their own grave and die. I could not take notice of the psychological part of it but I could surely see hair in my underarms and inside my underwear. Right now, I do not give a damm about the hair inside my underwear.

I was desperately in need of love. The only thing that was going in my mind was LOVE.

All my peers were going around telling I have a girlfriend. I have a moustache. I keep a Mohawk. I have an adidas

T-shirt. I go by flight every holiday. My dad owns an Audi.

As far as me, I do not have a girlfriend. I do not have a moustache either. I do not have an adidas t-shirt. Nor my dad owns an Audi.

I only possessed one thing a big heart. Who gives a damm about a BIG HEART! Everyone's heart is only as big as his or her fist.

It hurt me a lot. I was in eighth standard and I still do not have a girlfriend! I was excessively desperate. The perfect word excessively. I tried to comfort my mind by telling, "You have the guts. It is the problem with the girls" but I was just out of preference.

I was still thinking about what Rebecca told me. She said, "Who ever is destined for him will come to him." It was still ringing in my head.

I just knew one thing. I AM GOING TO GET A GIRLFRIEND.

"Stop blabbering in your sleep stupid." Ishaan screamed.

There could not be a better way to start my life in eighth standard. I got up, dressed myself and went for my first day of school. Ishaan was walking beside me. I wanted to start everything afresh. My studies, my life and literally everything. Things were in place to start my life anew. I set a few targets for myself.

1- Improve in my studies.

2- Reduce my weight.

3- Find a way how to do the above.

I was thinking for two days on what to write as a new academic year resolution. I had to sit with Jaisiv for two days for finalizing this list. I had no problem with my class. The same old students. The same old teachers. As I hoped, everything was in its place. It was time to begin.

"Aaron you are not supposed to sleep in the very first period." Screamed my teacher.

It was the perfect start. An icing on what Ishaan started. It was math period and I was dreaming about my new-year resolution.

I was waiting for break. It felt like a year for it to come.

"Why do you look like a guy who just lost his dick?" asked sloth.

"Sloth stop using dirty language in public. By the way I do not look like a guy who lost his dick." I said.

"Then what the hell happened to you. Still thinking about that nun. Get over it dude. Move on. She gave you a great advice." He said trying to break me away.

"Her name is Rebecca." I said.

"Fine Aaron. If you are my friend, then play truth or dare with us next period. It is a substitution." Asked Ishaan.

"Fine." I said sending a wave of smile.

It is a philosophy in our school. Playing truth or dare and digging your own grave is the same. I understood that philosophy after that day. It all started really well. I never got dare. I was giving dares to a lot of people but life is not always so sweet. Finally, Ishaan got a chance to give me a dare. He gave me a simple dare. Propose a senior. I had to tell everyone in advance, whom I am going to propose. It was that age when everything seems attractive. I chose the best looking senior. I told who it was in advance. According to the dare, I had to do it in all their presence. Therefore, I decided to do it before Sunday's inter-house cricket match. All the hostellers were returning after breakfast. It was just two days away. I had to do it. I somehow tried to forget about the incident but they kept reminding me. Finally, it was Sunday. I totally forgot about the match. I was waiting outside the dining hall. Ishaan, Kevin and sloth were waiting behind the tree on the path. I was waiting but she was talking to someone else. I did not know what to do.

I finally decided to send out a junior to call her. I tried to search for a boy but unfortunately, I could only spot a girl.

"Hey come here." I called out.

"What is your name?" I asked her.

She pointed to herself and asked if it was her.

"Yes it is you. Come here fast." I shouted. "What is your name?"

"My name is Aarnaya." She replied.

"Fine Aarnaya. Can you go and call that person?" I said pointing to the senior.

"Yeah, one minute please." She requested.

I was watching from the entrance. She went to the senior and started talking to her. They were laughing and having a good time. Ishaan was sneaking from the tree and asking if it was done.

I seriously did not understand what was going on.

After a minute of them chit chatting the senior came. I was getting really anxious. I did not know what to do. My hands were starting to sweat as she approached me.

"Aaron do not worry. Aarnaya told me it was a dare. So just act like you are proposing me and never play truth or dare." The senior said.

I gave a breath and proposed her. She declined it and went away but as she went away from my friend's sight, she gave me a smile.

Aarnaya smiled at me and went away. Ishaan came back from the tree and hugged me smiled.

"Aaron you have guts dude." He said.

"You actually proposed that girl. I just cannot believe it." sloth said.

While all of them were commenting, I was out of this world. I was still thinking how she knew it was a dare and why she had to help me! I was astonished. Aarnaya, the name kept going over my head. I wanted to meet her but I just could not get an opportunity. I just forgot about he match. I literally forgot cricket.

My team captains Sanjeev and Shree ram are both amazing cricketers. I was an in at three batsmen.

Our team was up to a great start.

I used to look out to Mike Hussey in cricket. He is my favorite player. He is well known for his reverse sweep shot. It is very effective against a spin bowler. I was facing a medium pace bowler. I do not know what happened. I felt I should try a reverse sweep. The bowler bowled it wide and I swept it straight back into my stumps. That was the last time I played cricket. Ishaan suggested I play football. He felt that I have to run a lot so I will reduce my weight. I took his advice without hesitation and joined football. It was a moment of shock when I stepped into the field. The first person I saw was Aarnaya. I gave her a smile, went, and reported to the coach. She also gave a shy smile.

"Wow it is rare to see a girl play football." I said while jogging beside her.

"Yeah I love football so I don't care about what people say." She said.

"By the way it is a surprise to see you in football."

"Yeah I could not play cricket so well. I was way too distracted." I said.

"What is that which is seriously distracting you?" she questioned.

"Consider that as a girl." I said smiling.

"How did you know that it was a dare that day? I was surprised."

"It is simple. When people go to propose they are anxious. You were tensed. The reason you were tensed is that you might get a slap or something for proposing a senior. My conclusion was clear when I saw your friends behind the tree. My major assumption was she was too much for you." She mocked.

"You are funny." I said.

"By the way tell about yourself Aarnaya." I requested.

"I see you already know my name. I am in class 7. I am from Dubai." She said.

"Cool. You are my junior so better respect me." I said.

"Fine brother." She said smiling.

"Which club do you support in football?" I asked.

"I like Wolfsburg. They have a very good women's team."

"I like Chelsea."

"Fine let us concentrate on football or coach is going to kill us."

She was excessively matured for a girl of class seven. She spoke a lot like Rebecca. Her philosophical and mature speech used to cast a spell on me. The only time we could meet was in sports time. I started getting a lot of interest in football and it created a suspicion on Ishaan.

"Hey Aaron you look so happy. What is the reason?" questioned Ishaan.

"It is nothing Ishaan." I said stammering.

"It will reach me anyways. Do not try to hide from me. I am you best friend. Whatever it may be but do not tell me that you are behind that junior you were talking to in the dining hall."

"You are partially correct. I am not going behind that girl. She calls me a brother and nothing more."

"You will start of like this and propose her one day and finally try everything you wanted to do in your life."

"Wait a minute. I have mentioned this "try everything you wanted to do in your life" only in my diary and how come you know about it?" I asked shocked.

"It is simple. You like a fool will write such dirty stuff in your diary and look it in your cupboard and keep the key in my cupboard."

"I assume if you get this girl then she will be your third." He said smiling.

"That is so mean Ishaan. I trusted you." I said frowning.

"No Aaron. Trust is if you had told me everything and not your diary. I am your friend. You can always share your feelings with me. I will always be at your side." He said smiling.

The thing I like the most about Ishaan is his smile. He is the greatest gift I ever acquired in this life. Though we have petty fights, it did not matter. He or I or both of us will compensate and join back. We learn from our fights.

Gleefully I forgot everything and hugged him. So close was our friendship that I considered my friendship with Seema as a mere dream.

I accepted that I had a crush on Aarnaya. I told him the entire events that happened. He was astonished at her intelligence.

He was astonished when I told him about the way she found out it was a dare. He wanted to meet her. I felt he is the perfect person who can help me win over Aarnaya's heart.

I had to wait over a week to make both of them meet each other but time was in my favor.

It was a gloomy September Sunday. It was a week away from my birthday. Ishaan and I were returning after lunch to take a small walk.

"Hi Aaron." someone called out.

To our surprise, it was Aarnaya. She was wearing such a short skirt that I got Goosebumps looking at her short pretty legs.

"Aaron why did you not come for football yesterday?" she asked starring straight into my eyes.

"Now I know the reason why you are so interested in football." Ishaan whispered.

"I was busy studying for a cyclic test." I managed.

"Oh sorry brother." She said stressing on the brother.

"Hey Aarnaya come here." Ishaan called out.

"Yes tell me." she responded boldly.

"Next time learn to respect your seniors. Though it is one year, you should call us brother. Did your parents not teach you all this." Ishaan said in a rough tone.

When he told that, her face went so innocent. I fell for it the first sight. I could not control starring at her. While playing football, I saw a spirited face in her but her innocent face was just excessively mesmerizing.

"Brother what is your name?" she asked Ishaan.

"My name is Ishaan." He said in the same tone.

"Sorry Ishaan brother. I won't repeat it once again."

"Ishaan come on let us go." I said insisting him.

"Fine we are going. Next time when we meet I want you to give proper respect."

"Fine brother." She said and turned away.

"Aarnaya come here." Ishaan called out.

She rushed back in the same speed as she turned away.

"Yes tell me brother." She responded.

"Since you spoilt the dare that day, you have to do a favor for me. Next week Aaron's birthday is coming up. You have to do something special for him." Ishaan said.

"Ishaan leave her man. Hey Aarnaya you don't have to do anything." I said.

"It is my wish. If I want, I will do. Who are you tell me not to do?" she said

"That is the way sister." Ishaan said cheering. "Come on Aaron. Let us go." he said pulling me away.

I was still thinking about what she said. It was a bolt from the blue. I did not expect that reply. I was still shocked even as I reached the hostel. I sat in my bed and started thinking about what to do.

I had finally achieved one of my new-year resolutions. The only thing that kept going over my head was her innocent face. I just could not get over it. I wanted her. I found my true love. She is the one made for me.

It was a very different feel. I felt really vibrant when she is around me. Her class is just next to my class. I used to be chucked out of almost every math class. I was happy though when I was chucked out. I used to lean on the wall and talk to Aarnaya. Things started becoming a lot different. I became more and more close to her. The only thing left was a proposal. I did not find a perfect time to propose. I thought this was unnoticed but Ishaan was very much aware of this.

My mind was fluctuating 24×7. One part of my mind said that she was the perfect pair for me. On the other hand, one said I am going to suffer if I love her. I really wanted a solution. The only person who could offer me a solution was Mama, the God of Pairing.

#10

Though he is a friend, everyone respects him. He could forecast anyone's love life. Everyone from juniors to seniors approach him for advice.

Shree Ram otherwise known as Mama is a good friend of mine. A very patriotic person. (He once broke a person's face because he spoke badly about India.) He is an expert in love. In our school if someone talks too much about love, there is just one reply. "As if you know more than Shree Ram." To such a person we have to give respect. That is why after days of research we call him MAMA. There is a great significance for the word Mama. It is a Tamil word which means Uncle but it has another meaning to it. The other one means a person who pairs two people. Thus having the privilege being his classmates we named him MAMA. It was an instant hit. Everyone started to wonder how come he knows so much about love! The truth remains with his ever-faithful friends.

He received enlightment about love at a very tender age of seventh standard.

It was a cold December evening. Mama was having his snacks. As mama was having snacks, a girl came across him.

He fell for that girl instantly. He was madly in love with her. He dreamt about her. He was thinking about her. He went to such a state that he was even thinking what name to give his child. I think you know how desperate he was. Anyone crossing his path is dead meat. One day he told the girl he wants to talk to her personally. That girl also accepted. He proposed that girl. The girl but, gave him a shocker. She asked him "What do you know about love?"

That was the moment of change in his life. Only a few people like Ishaan and me know this.

It was after that incident he became a mama. He helps love. He has done a thesis on love. His books on love, which was published in our class for my classmates, are on the bestseller list. He is the expert. He is the specialist. He is LOVE.

Anyone who approaches him in need of love is always satisfied.

The only drawback is he does not have supernatural powers to be called as god.

I went to meet mama in his room. He was reading a novel.

"Mama I need your help." I requested.

"What happened Aaron?" he asked me.

"Mama I love this junior girl. I want to propose her. I don't know when and how to." I said.

"No problem Aaron." He said comforting me.

"How mama?" I questioned astonished.

"Do not worry Aaron. Our school annual day is coming up. She is a good dancer and you are a good actor. Both of you will make it to the final team of students." He said.

"Yes mama." I said.

"So you can flirt everyday. You propose her on the last few days when you have full day practice." He said.

"Ok mama. How did you know she is a good dancer?" I questioned him amazed.

"Your girlfriend is in seventh. I have seen her dance in many school presentations. You think you are the only one who is chucked out of math class. It is just that you do not notice Ishaan and me. You are busy flirting with the girl." He said.

To be frank, I have not met a person who can tell me any better about love. His words were like a ripe apple ready to be eaten. As he said, the annual day approached. I made it for acting. So did her for dance. The surprise pick was Ishaan he made it for acting. They put a schedule for us and the practice was about to start in four days.

With her around me, I could notice time running away. I never cared about studies. All I cared about was she. She was the sun in my solar system. She was my gravity. She was my core. She became my everything. I could not stop thinking about her. I finally found my true love. My soul. My heart.

The dates of full day practice clashed with my birthday. The only thing that kept me worried was she is young and immature. That turned to be just a worry. She acted much more mature than I did.

It was a day before practice. I was sitting disappointed on a ledge next to my hostel. She came down to talk to me.

"Hey Aaron how are you?" She questioned.

"I am fine Aarnaya. How about you?" I asked.

"I am great."

"By the way, Why are you here near the boys hostel?" I asked her.

"I came to talk to you." She said.

"Talk to me!" I said knocked for a six.

"Yeah so what."

"Nothing. So what are you planning to do?" I asked her.

"Congrats on making to the final team." She said.

"Same to you."

"Tell Ishaan brother also congrats."

"Tomorrow is the practice right?" I asked her.

"Yeah come to the auditorium without fail after lunch." She said.

"Fine. If you do not mind, wait for me. We will go together."

"My pleasure." She said and left.

The next day after lunch, she was waiting for me. We both with Ishaan went to the auditorium. The skit of the annual day was about patriotism. There was a big lecture telling it was the school's most prestigious function. We have to give our best effort. Almost everyone slept off. I was in the verge of sleeping and she woke me up. She gestured me to listen carefully. Finally, they started to tell our roles and our scenes. First was the dance. Therefore, Aarnaya was in the very first scene. I got a role of an army commander. Ishaan got a role of a freedom fighter.

For the next one hour until our sports hour, they made us watch the play. It was somewhat too emotional. I realized I was a British soldier who shoots Ishaan down. For the first time I was too happy with my role. After the play got over, we left for sports. I went to the hostel immediately changed to my football kit and left for sports.

She was there before me. She was wearing her kit. We finally reported to our coach. He took the main team for practice. He divided the juniors into two teams and told us to play in the small post. I was playing against Aarnaya. I was a goalkeeper and she was a striker. The game began. We had possession of the ball for majority of the time. Their team could not get the ball. After about fifteen minutes, they had their first touch. The ball went straight to Aarnaya shot it at first touch. It was an easy hold for me. She turned and smiled at me. I smiled back at her.

For the next thirty minutes, the game was evenly competitive. We had scored one goal. They scored nil. It was just before the end they got a golden chance. Aarnaya was one on one with me. I could easily judge what she was about to do. I fell right in front of her. She could not control the ball. She slipped and fell on me. I rolled the ball inside the net. She took my support and started jumping around in happiness. She had scored the equalizer.

My teammates were insulting me. I did not care. I was happy seeing her happy. Her pretty smile could deceive even the greatest goalkeepers in this planet.

Her look could grab anybody's attention. She was the most mesmerizing girl I had ever met in my life. I was willing to give up anything for her. I decided that day. SHE IS MINE.

The whole day I was thinking about her. She took me to a different world. A different universe. A different dimension. I kept falling for her every day. Everyday she looked new to me. She could make me smile even on a funeral or cry even on a birthday. She was an angel on sight. She was a fairy princess. She was my everything. I could just never stop thinking about her.

It was finally the day of practice. I was very anxious about my role. Ishaan was going crazy about his role. He was boasting around telling he was a freedom fighter. I was boasting around telling I was going to shoot him.

I reported at eight in the morning. I was looking for Aarnaya. I could not spot her. I tried so much but I could not find her. I was getting restless. Ishaan came in after me.

"Aaron what are you doing here?" he asked me.

"I came for practice." I answered.

"Mister full day practice starts on the day of your birthday. There is still three more days left." He said making a mockery of me.

"By the way whom were you searching for?" he asked me.

"Nothing man." I said.

"No. I saw you looking here and there and getting frustrated." He said.

"I was searching for you."

"Aaron you don't even know how to lie. See it is not practically possible for you to search for me. You are my friend. I know quiet well about you. Even if it is the day of destruction you won't search for me."

"Hehe" I smiled.

"So funny! Now get the fuck out of here." He shouted.

That day evening we had practice. I could not talk to her. She was busy with the dance choreography. I was loaded with scripts full of dialogues to mug up. Two days were fully occupied with learning the dialogues but it passed on in a flash.

I had a great sleep that day. I even had a dream of Ishaan singing happy birthday to me.

WHOOSH someone poured a bucket full of water on me. It was ice cold. I started shivering. Someone caught my hands and someone caught my legs. They lifted me in a flash. Everything that happened after that was just too brutal.

In a word, I got birthday bumps. More than a birthday bumps it was like a cop thrashing a thief. I could not sit down for few days. After all the beatings, it was gifts time. I will never forget that birthday for two reasons. One of the reasons is a surprise. The other reason was, Ishaan gave me this beautiful card. He drew all the things all by himself. He sucks at art but he loves his "so-called" calligraphy. It is somewhat cool but if you see it carefully, it is just scribbling. I just loved his card. It had a portrait of both of us standing together and a picture of Mike Hussey cut from a weekly sports magazine. I vowed to preserve it for a lifetime.

That day was a holiday for all of us due to annual day practice. We had to report after breakfast. It was a wonderful day. So many people wished me but the cherry on the cake was still missing. I went for practice with Ishaan. Both of us reported to our respective in-charges. It was an hour-long practice session. I made so many mistakes in my dialogues. My in-charge told me to skip the next practice and prepare my dialogues. I asked if Ishaan could come along with me but he denied. I took the script and walked into the backstage.

"Hey Aaron what are you doing here?" questioned Aarnaya.

"Hey Aarnaya." I said.

"Is it not your scene after this?"

"Yeah but I have to practice these dialogues. I keep forgetting them. I have to first memorize these dialogues." I said.

"If you don't mind can I help you?" she asked.

"Of course I don't mind. Can we go sit in the backstage?"

"Yeah come let us go. Do you have the script?" she asked.

"Yes I have the script." I said as we took our seats.

I wanted her to wish me on my birthday. I was just desperate for a wish from her. I frequently asked her if she forgot something but she denied it. I was just getting too restless.

There was no chair. We had to sit down. The floor was really cold due to the recent rains. I was leaning on the wall behind me. She moved closer and sat touching my thighs. I shrugged a bit but I did not express it. I started reciting the script from the beginning. I told my dialogues and she told that of Ishaan's. She tried to imitate Ishaan but she could not. It just made me laugh. We were having a great time. I tried to be as serious as possible but I just could not.

Every time I tried to tell her something, she stopped me. Her pretty smile was like a force of gravity let loose. It could mesmerize anyone looking at it. I tried not to stare at it but it was practically and theoretically impossible.

We were just about to complete the first round of practice and it started raining. Just as we were about to go back to the auditorium the current went off. It was very dark. I could not see a thing. We tried to stay calm. Every minute with her in the dark felt like a year.

Suddenly there was a thunder. Just like every Hollywood or "whateverwood" film, she hugged me getting scared.

"Fine let me get straight to the point." She said.

"I love you." I said wondering what she was going to say.

"Are you serious?" she asked with excitement.

"I was going to same thing. I love you Aaron. I love you to the core. I love you like a chocolate. All those talking during your math class or chatting or giving that miserly smile, I love everything about you." She said looking down.

The whole auditorium was in a chaos. Everyone was screaming and running around. I knew that no one could hear us. I was so happy. I was finally in a relationship. I was in love.

"Aaron do you remember Ishaan asked me to give you a surprise gift?" she asked me.

I replied shaking my head.

"I have that surprise gift." She said looking straight into my eyes.

I could not see anything in her hand. I tried to look at her pockets but they too were flat.

"What is it?" I asked her excited.

"You do not need to look at my pockets or hands. It is not an object but it can be given and felt. It is something more than that." She said pointing towards her lips.

Before I could make a move, her lips were on top of mine. It was the light of my life. My first kiss that I was going to cherish for a lifetime. It was electrifying. A feel that was something above happiness. We kissed for about a minute but she was still not satisfied. I was breathing hard. She felt so happy. I was above cloud nine. Maybe cloud nine multiplied by nine. I held her by her hand and looked straight in her eyes. We both hugged each other.

"Happy birthday." She whispered in my ears.

"This is till now the greatest birthday gift someone has given." I said kissing her.

She giggled. We were talking in kisses. We held and hugged each other as if it is the last day on earth. I never felt like leaving her. The feeling of first love filled us. We fulfilled everything that we wanted. Kissing and biting each other. So many days we were desperate for this. It was happening. I was involved in it.

I was looking at her and her at me. We were sunk in thoughts and love. I felt like this before.

"Hey Aarnaya." I called out.

"Yes Aaron."

"Will you stay with me?" I asked her.

"I am always yours. Physically or mentally and you are always mine. I will do anything with you." She said holding my cheeks.

"I meant forever." I said.

"For decades, for centuries we shall always be together. I have never met someone so sweet."

"You are my first love." I said crying.

"Whatever may come by, I shall always be with you." She said in tears.

"I have never met someone with such soft lips." I said kissing her.

"Even I have not met someone who is as sweet as a sweet potato."

"Stop it." I said.

It was the perfect day for the perfect kiss. The sound of rain drops echoing through the open windows in the auditorium. The chill climate demanding heat, which in turn demands a hug. A hug in turn provoking a kiss.

Above that?

It was not the perfect age and barely mature beings!

I was finally in a relationship. I was in love. I knew it will last a lifetime. She will always be mine. I will always be hers.

That year I might have done the annual day play really well with her love and support. As I have told you before I will be with her for a lifetime but will that lifetime last LONG?

That is the only thing that bothers me.

Reason?

She was too young. She might not know what she was saying. She might not even know the meaning of love. I was the one to blame if anything goes wrong because I was older than she was.

But,

WE CANNOT JUDGE ANYTHING.

.................................................................................................................................

"Are you serious? You kissed her in the backstage. How are you so fearless?" my sas asked shocked.

"What is wrong with the backstage?" I asked her.

"Nothing is wrong with the backstage. It is you. The biggest problem on earth." My sas said slapping me.

"My dear sas let me be frank with you. It was the best kiss of my life." I said with a smirk.

"Is this what you tell all the girls whom you kiss?" asked Lynn.

"I did not mean it like that Lynn."

"Shut up Aaron. You think everything is funny?" Lynn almost shouted.'' You do not know how much I care for you. I really love you. It is all because of this stupid family and customs I am leaving you."

"I guess we are all part of this family." My sas mocked.

"Whatever." Lynn exclaimed.

"Lynn I had a crush on you from the start of our life, I guess. We were around many times. We had taken many photos. I always cherish when I see those photos. It was all because of our family that I never really expressed it to you. If I had told you would have accepted my proposal and I would not have gone near that Aarnaya girl." I explained.

"I hope you did not do anything more than that." My sister questioned.

"I guess." I said.

"What do you mean by "I GUESS" you stupid." My sas screamed.

"I will kill you Aaron." My sas yelled at the top of her voice.

"Fine do not interrupt and listen." I said breaking the conversation."

"Lynn your name sounds so Chinese." I said.

"That does not matter freak." She scolded..

"There was lot of things which happened between us. I mean Aarnaya and me. I will tell you some of the golden moments.

..............................................................................................................................................

#11

"Hey Aarnaya come fast." I screamed.

"Aaron wait I have to get just one more bag." She said.

"You are just going on a vacation. You have to come back to school anyways." I said smiling.

"I have no other go. I have to come at least to meet you. This is what you call as fate." She said smiling.

"I am scared." She said.

"You don't have to be. My mom is very friendly." I said holding patting shoulder.

"I have fought with my mother for coming to Chennai and staying for a week." She said with glittering eyes.

"I will make sure you stay with me for one week." I said smiling.

"I don't wanna end up in a situation where I have to stay in a hotel. I do not have money. I am serious about this Aaron."

"Aarnaya my mom is very friendly. She is very fluent in English and Hindi. You take advantage of that. One thing do not speak in Hindi because I do not know it."

"Whatever Aaron! Hope they are coming to the airport?"

"They are coming." I said picking up her bag.

PHEW! It was already the fifth month in love and it felt great. Ishaan felt I got a lot mature after getting into this relationship. The days went really well after she came into my life. Meeting up in the school canteen during break times to eating lunch together in the school dining hall. It was always fun when she was around me. I felt comfortable when she was around me.

She made an impact in my life. I improved in studies. I improved in extracurricular. I improved in sports. We played a lot of football together.

She made sure I followed a diet. I improved my English. I had an all round development.

My parents were wondering what the reason is for all these changes were. My mom was telling it proudly to all my relatives. I knew one thing. If my mom comes to know that Aarnaya was the reason, I am dead.

Why am I dead?

It is simple. I have never obeyed my parent's words. If they tell me to wear a shirt then I will take a t-shirt. If they tell me to sleep early then I will sit and watch TV until late night.

It is a mistake, which many of us make. We forget our parents and friends for a single girl in the name of love. I regretted it later in my life. I forgot them for so many reasons. Spending time with my phone rather than talking to them. It was all because of a single reason A GIRL. Let us not drift away.

After an hour in the flight from Bangalore to Chennai, we landed. It was a very short flight. As soon as I landed, I called Ishaan. He told me he had just boarded his train. He was going to Coimbatore. Which was his native, otherwise he is from Bangalore.

It was a fun filled flight. I was making a mockery of Aarnaya's height. She could not keep her things in the overhead locker. I helped her though but I could not resist laughing.

We got our bags from the conveyer and went out. She held my hands so tightly.

"If you are going to hold my hands then surely my mom won't let you stay." I said her.

"What is wrong if I hold your hand?" she asked.

"My parents are really orthodox Tamil Christians. They do not expect their sons to go behind girls. We are banned from looking at girls."

"Fine I can come without holding your hand." She said snaring.

"All the best." I told her.

"Hi mummy." I said and hugged her.

"Christo you have become so slim. I am so proud of you my son." My mom said kissing all over my face.

"How are you Ma?"

"I am fine Christo. Come let us go home. I have made idly, sambhar and kesari for you." She said pulling my cheeks.

"Ma where is dad?"

"He is in the car." She said picking my luggage.

She did not even notice Aarnaya. She was standing behind me.

"So "Christo" that is how they call you?" she said stretching the o.

"Yeah." I said smiling.

"Did your mom see me?" she questioned.

"She might have." I said.

"Am I visible to you?" she questioned awkwardly.

"Yes you are visible. Come we will go to talk to them now." I said picking her bag.

We walked towards the car. My dad saw me and called me.

In my life, the greatest gift I have is my dad. He is my best friend. He is my god. He is my idol. I can never live without him. I value him as the greatest asset of my life.

The only person whom I could trust and tell all my personal things was my dad.

"Hi dad." I said as I approached the car.

"Hi Christo. How are your studies? Hope you are doing well?"

"Yes dad. Everything is fine. All is good. I am scoring at about 82 percent dad." I said.

"It is not enough. I expect more from you. I want you to score at 90 percent not a mere 80 percent." He said a bit angry.

It was during my dad's advice that my mom took notice of Aarnaya.

She gave out a sigh.

"I am finally visible." She whispered.

"Aaron why your friend has not left?" my mom questioned.

"Ma she is my junior. She stays in Dubai. Her dad booked her tickets from Chennai to Dubai. Instead of Bangalore. Therefore, she felt it is not possible to or it is not safe to stay in a hotel all alone. So...." I blabbered.

My mom was giving me a hard look. I was getting scared to hell. If Aarnaya were not there, I would have surely peed on my pants. My mom is kind of the "BOSS" of the house. She was very careful and concerned about me. She re-checks every decision of mine thrice.

She lets me do anything only if she feels it is right. That day if not for my dad I would have been screwed by two people.

One, by Aarnaya for making her stays at a hotel for one week doing nothing.

Two, by my mom for getting an unknown girl home and making her stay for one week.

"Fine she can stay. She is your friend. What is wrong if she stays?" my dad said breaking the hard glance.

I could see the glow on Aarnaya. She was so happy. To be frank more than happy she was relieved. She was getting really excited. We loaded the entire luggage in the trunk and started back home. It was a short ten-minute trip. My home was excessively close to the airport. The advantage was I did not have to be stuck in traffic for hours long but the big A-380's flying over my head is too pestering.

As soon as we reached home, my mom started sorting things out. My house was simple and cute. It had a ground floor, a first floor, and a garden at the back. It was on the outskirts of the city.

I had my own room on the first floor.

Mom told Aarnaya to be with her in her room. I suggested the guest room but it was turned down. They never really trusted me with girls, especially after the Seema incident. (Guess you remember) My mom felt I move excessively freely with girls and have lots of them as friends. Every time I have a long conversation on the phone, my mom suspects it to be a girl. It is very common for a present day kid to like a girl! It is scientifically proven that opposite sex attract each other. Therefore, they should not take all these relationships seriously.

After about 20 minutes, we were sitting in the dining table eating our breakfast. I was sitting next to my dad. Aarnaya was next to my mom. There was absolute silence throughout the entire breakfast. Except for the pass me this and pass me that.

My mom and dad both are involved in business. From Monday to Saturday, they are occupied. If they leave at nine in the morning, they will be back by eight in the evening. It was kind of a great advantage. It is one of the major reasons, why I was sent to a hostel. It was nice of them but I had to stay away from them.

It was the same case even when Aarnaya was home. As soon as we completed breakfast, mom and dad left for office. My mom called my sister and told her to stay with us and give us whatever we want.

As soon as my parents left, it was time for fun.

I closed the doors and both ends and put on the music and we started dancing. We were trying ballet to western dance. After about ten minutes my sister came. As soon as she came, we started acting like very good children. She was a threat. She will tell whatever we do to mom.

"Aarnaya she is not good." I said.

"What do you mean by she is not good?" she asked confused.

"She will tell what ever we do to mom." I said concerned.

"What do we do Aaron?"

"My father has stress problem. Therefore, he uses this tablet anti-anxit. Those are sleeping pills. Can we mix one in her tea and doze her away?" I asked excited.

"Yeah surely." She joined in.

I requested my sister to make us tea. While she was making tea, I took a pill from my dad's medicine pouch and kept it ready. After she made tea for three of us, we asked her to get us biscuits. As soon as she left for getting biscuits, we put the pill in her cup and dissolved it. She came back in a hurry and made sure everything was in order. I was sitting few meters away from Aarnaya so she does not doubt. I was getting restless. I could not control my excitement.

I was drinking my tea slowly. So was Aarnaya. I was waiting for my sister to finish her tea. As soon as she completed the tea, I could not control my laughter. She was giving me a wild look. It was just minutes we had to wait. She dozed of in ten minutes.

Before ten minutes, we were meters away. Now it was just inches separating us. I gave her a big hug.

"I really missed your touch for the past two hours." I said winking.

"Is it so?"

"Of course, I just want to keep kissing you for my entire life." I said holding her closer to me.

"If it so then you cannot breathe." She said smiling.

We had so much fun that day. She took out all the clothes she had and tried them one by one. We laughed for hours long. We shared a coke with two straws just like the movies. We tried to share noodles but it was not there at that moment.

"Aaron I guess you should tell your mom." She said looking at me.

"What?" I said looking pale.

"Aaron you should tell your mom. They are more like a friend to you. I will be proud to have them as my in-laws." She said blushing.

"I know it sound stupid. I understand we are young to know about all these. I think both of us are mature enough. I love you a lot. I do not think I can stay away from you. How many days will you give sleeping pills to that pity babysitter? I want to tell them."

"I do not know what to say Aarnaya." I said stammering.

"Do not worry. I will take the blame." She said and hugged me.

It was really blessed to have such a companion. I wanted to be with her for the entire life.

"Thank you for being there for me." I said and kissed her.

"If not for you then who?" she asked me.

We kissed and hugged each other. It was an amazing day being with her. She decided to tell my mom that night. I was getting very frightened. I did not know what to do if my mom tells me anything.

Already my mom was very angry with me for not obeying what she says and knocking my head what everyone else says.

We played and hung out until my sister woke up and then remained like very good kids.

At about eight in the night, my mom and dad came home. As soon as she came, she got fresh, changed into her nightgown, and went into the kitchen to make us food.

"Aunty may I speak to you?" Aarnaya asked my mom.

"Yes tell me Aarnaya." She said.

"Aunty it is something personal. I want to talk to you alone." She said in Hindi.

It was perfect. I could not interfere in their talk. I told her that mom knew Hindi and she took advantage of that. She spoke to my mom in Hindi. My dad and me, we do not know Hindi. So, both of us were unaware of their conversation.

They both laughed during the conversation. Occasionally my mom kept starring at me and asked her something. Otherwise, she looked very calm. I constantly kept murmuring that everything should go fine. My hopes came true. After some times my mom called me, pointed to my face, and asked her something. She blushed and answered something. I did not know what they spoke or why they were speaking but I knew one thing. MY MOM WAS OK WITH IT.

"Aaron why don't you take a walk in the terrace?" my mom asked smiling.

"I am fine mom. I will....." she stopped me before I could complete.

"Look Aarnaya wants to walk. I do not care if you do not care about your fitness. So at least be with her." She said winking.

"Ok mom." I said and left.

We both walked to the terrace. As soon as we reached the terrace, she broke out laughing. "Your mom is way too good" she kept repeating and laughed.

"What happened Aarnaya?" I kept asking her.

"I told your mom that I love you." She said still laughing.

"Why she has not killed me yet?" I asked in a silly tone.

"Don't be like that. Your mom was shocked when I told her that I love you. She was not angry. She was shocked that you are capable of falling in love. She never trusted me. She asked me if I could not find anyone better in my own class. That is why we were laughing.

I was thrilled speaking to your mom. She is the friendliest mom I have met." She said laughing.

I still could not imagine that I was standing all alone with Aarnaya on the terrace when my mom and dad were in the house downstairs.

She was still laughing like a mad.

"Is it true what you are saying or you are laughing because you got chucked out of the house and you have no idea where to go?" I asked looking straight into her yes.

"Aaron I might be even bought to this house in a grand manner but not chucked out." She explained.

I could not believe what she said. I was still shocked at what was going on. She hugged and kept on repeating, "You are my greatest gift" on and on and on. I held her face up and kissed her.

"Aarnaya you are not a gift to me but a blessing." I said and kissed her.

"Aaron I can hear someone coming up." She said and shrugged away from me.

Within seconds, my mom was in the terrace.

"What was going on here? May I know?" My mom questioned.

"Nothing mom we were just talking." We managed.

"Aaron I want to talk to you." My mom asked me.

"Yes mom, tell me." I requested.

Aarnaya walked a few meters away as soon as my mom told that we needed to talk.

"Aaron she is a small kid. She will not understand all this. First, do you know what love is? No. It is not possible because even you are young." She told.

"Ma I do not understand." I replied.

"This is not the right time for this." She hesitated. "Fine whatever." She shrugged.

"Be a great friend for her. Do not loose concentration on your studies. She should not be a distraction for you. She should be just a friend and nothing more than that. You should promise me that." She requested.

"Fine Ma, I promise. I will be a friend and nothing more than that. It will not be a distraction. I will concentrate on my studies. I promise Ma. From my heart." I said.

"Christo you do not know the seriousness of this issue. I want you to make sure dad does not know about this.

.............................................................................................................................................

"This may be a golden moment but I regret every moment of my life after that day." I said frowning.

"Mind me, your mom really knows about this?" Lynn questioned.

"Yeah." My sas replied.

"I was the one who got sedated with those sleeping pills." My sas frowned.

"Be happy that I told you truth at least now." I laughed.

"There is nothing to laugh." My sas wailed.

"Aaron wait..." Lynn stopped me.

"You just told those were some of the most golden moments. Then why do you regret it the entire time?" Lynn questioned.

"It might have been golden for that particular time. I often wonder if none of these had happened. I think about this all the time. I even tried to kill myself after I realized what I had done." I said.

"What did you do so badly?" my sas enquired.

"I will let you know but let me come in order." I said and started narrating again.

..............................................................................................................................................

#12

"Aarnaya come fast. We need to leave now." I hurried.

"Wait Aaron. I need to get my sunglasses." She said.

"Is it so important now?" I frowned.

"Of course Chennai is too hot and sunny." She said.

It was the last day of her stay. I do not why but girls love to interact with people. So did her. She had befriended many of my family members. At her request, I took her for shopping. She felt only we both should go. I took her to a mall. We roamed around for hours together and shopped nothing but she gave me a shocker of a life.

We were shopping in a boutique.

"Aaron I am very tired. I want a cold coffee." She frowned.

"You are the first person who gets tired walking in a air conditioned building." I mocked. "Fine come let us go have."

"Baby I will stay here. I do not want to go all the way down. I will keep shopping. You go and come back." She pleaded.

"Fine." I said and left.

I took the escalator down and went to CCD. I ordered for the coffee and waited until they made it, took it with some tissues and started going back up. When I reached the boutique, I could not find her. I asked the cashier where she was and she told me to go to fastrack showroom. I started hurrying towards the fastrack showroom. I was getting concerned about her. She knows 0% Tamil and I was wondering how she was going to manage. As soon as I reached the showroom, she was standing near the entrance.

"Aarnaya what is wrong with you?" I scolded.

"I am sorry Aaron and I felt u needed something." She whispered.

She took out a watch and pointed it towards me. I fell for her completely. It was a classic metal-strapped watch. My lips were stretched with a smile and eyes filled with excitement. I did not know how to thank her. I lifted her and hugged her.

"Thank you so much." I went on whispering in her ears.

"Aarnaya you are the most beautiful gift I have ever got. I will miss you a lot when you go to Dubai. I cannot stay a day without you. I want you by my side all day long." I said in tears.

"Someone told me IT IS JUST A VACATION and that person is crying now!" she mocked.

"Aaron we will chat everyday on skype and g-mail. Though there is time gap, we should talk." She said sternly.

"I was going to say that but you said it. I will no matter what happens." I vouched.

It was a day when I had shed tears for a girl. She left the next day morning. One week felt like a decade. I was going to miss her a lot. I did not know what to do. However, I knew one thing. The vacation was going to be awesome.

At the dawn of her departure, I noticed a missed call. It was from Ishaan. I called him up that instant.

"You bloody bastard. If I see you ever again in my life I will kill you the next moment." Ishaan Shouted through the phone.

"Why did you wake me up so early in the morning." I said lankily getting of the bed.

"Bitch you are a nut. You go crazy for every girl you see. Do you know that it is your best friend on line? I guess no. you are so damn immersed in thoughts about Aarnaya. For the past one week, I have been trying for you." I scoffed.

"I will call you back I have a small work right now." I said and cut our conversation.

Fine let us begin a new story.

"Aaron have you kept your math books ready?

Aaron did you check the air in your bicycle?

Aaron did you pick up your stationary properly?

Aaron did you take your rough note without fail?"

This is something, which my mom kept repeating to me after Aarnaya left.

She created a perfect plot to occupy me in the vacation. She told my mom that I stand out for every math class. She suggested I go for tuitions. Wow, that was wonderful. She cares a lot for me. HOWEVER, I CANNOT LEARN MATHEMATICS. IT IS SO INSANE. Who cares?

The best part about this vacation was my tuitions. I had tuitions everyday. Imagine learning math for hours long. It freaks me even if I talk about it. However, I somehow did not get tortured that much.

To be frank this subject has been haunting me for over two decades. I guess it was a genetic disorder, which happened when I was a sperm. I always loose count of everything!

On the first day of tuition, I had to report at eight in the morning.

Let us put it this way. If I had to repot at eight in the morning, I have to get up at six in the morning! Getting up takes about one hour and traveling takes another hour. Even on school days, we cry for waking up then imagine on holidays! SCREW IT. On top of that, I have to cycle! It was a worst nightmare for any math haters.

I requested my teacher to keep my tuitions in the afternoon and she accepted.

For a month, I went for tuitions. My parents were hoping high from me. I had different plans. Whenever Aarnaya enquired, I would tell her the truth.

Wait, I know some of you reading this now would suspect that I did not go for tuitions but that is not the case. I did go for tuitions. I did pay the fees monthly. However, the problem was I slept in the tuitions.
Yeah absolutely, I slept. Imagine eating a south Indian meal with loads of ghee. It can make even the gods sleep. I was going through the same trauma. It was a mistake to change the tuition timing but it does save my soul from mathematical tortures like ALGEBRA BINOMIAL THEOREM and most importantly X.

In my life if I had to choose between a math and death situation, I would happily prefer death. If my math teachers ask me why I cannot score in math then I practice my physics.

"I am North pole. Mathematics is North Pole. Two like poles do not attract each other. I love math a lot and it loves me to the core. So, we do not attract each other."

Hope you like it. There were times in my life where I literally pulled out poems insulting mathematics. I am sorry no offence. My role model sometimes is Alfred Noble. He too hated mathematics. As of now, I remember someone telling me that his wife ran away with a mathematician. I feel pity for him.

Coming back to the tuitions, I spent my whole time sleeping. I rather loved it. (Hope u can understand Me. look how much I deviate when I talk about math. From infatuation to integration, weird!)

..............................................................................................................................................

"Aaron I am going to tell your mom." my sas blackmailed.

"I do not care. It is all past. My tenth and ninth is over. Now all they care about is my eleventh." I said with an attitude.

"So, you wasted their money. I wonder when you will get mature." She went on screaming.

"Sas you are behaving like as if I am doing all this right now! Excuse me I am narrating what happened in the past. Not what is happening right now." I corrected.

"Sorry Aaron. When you tell me the story you tell it in such way that I think it is going on now." She praised.

"Hope I can put that talent to some use." I bragged.

.............................................................................................................................................

After all those tuition's, the only thing, which entertained me, was chatting with Aarnaya. However, I could not call her in spite of having a phone. I could not afford to spend too much money on recharging my phone. The only option, which was left for us, was Skype. We used to Skype of hours together. We never used to get tired of talking to each other.

A week before we left for school after vacation, I was fooled the most. There was some problem with her Skype account. She had given me message stating she would not be able to chat for a week. During that time, Ishaan gave me a call. It was about 8 am in the morning. I was obsessed watching Ben 10. Just before the break, the phone rang and it was a call from Ishaan.

"Yes tell me Ishaan. How are you? How is life?" I soothed.

"I hope you are not alive?" he bullied me.

"I remember someone telling me that I will call in a minute and within a minute blocked my number. Are you fucking insane? Are you so obsessed with that girl you forget even to breathe?" he went on firing questions after question for which I had no answer.

"Ishaan cool down." I said trying to calm him down.

"I want to tell you something. It is serious." He said heating up the conversation.

"What is it? Tell me fast." I questioned desperately.

"I think Aarnaya is serious."

"Ishaan I know that she seriously loves me. Though we cannot meet so regularly, she will stay in touch." I said as if I understood what he meant.

"I did not mean that you fool. Aarnaya used to talk to me on facebook and for the past four days, I did not hear from her. I remember her telling she was not feeling well. She did not want you to know so I did not conceal it to you." He said stammering.

I could understand what was going on around me. I was becoming restless. I cut the call immediately. I went around searching in the house for my wallet but it was missing. I had to call her. i could see her suffer. Mom and dad were away. I needed money. I tried to shake the coins out of my piggy bank but I could only manage a 20 bucks. I went to my friend on the street opposite to mine.

"JOSEPH...JOSEPH..." I screamed.

"Hey Aaron how are you? I could not see you for a long time. Were you busy?" he said.

"Joseph, dude I am sorry. I was busy. Can I borrow two hundred bucks?" I said breaking his essay.

"You are the perfect friend of the modern generation. You approach a friend only when you need help. Do not cry I will give you but you have to return it by day after tomorrow."

"Fine." I agreed and hurried with the money to the recharge shop.

I recharged my phone and rushed to my home. It was 9 am by the time I reached home.