THE DEVIL AND THE WALLPAPER |FINAL P.41| - Page 21

.

The saddest poem if there were ever to be

would be based on the fact that you look right through me.

Of all the years that passed, I shall forever continue to wonder.

Did you ever see me the way I saw you?

Did you ever look at me, the way I've always looked at you?

Did you ever love me, the way I have loved you?

I glance upon your fair face, smiling radiantly - ever so beautifully.

And my questions were answered.

For when I glance at your direction

I watch you not watching me.

I feel the heartache penetrating in my soul as you continue to ever so slowly

look right through me.

PS.

The Devil

Whether seconds breezed into minutes, hours, days and years, I would always notice your presence in the midst of a crowd. I do not merely rely upon my gaze, for I could sense and feel you with my eyes closed. From a distance, I watch you smile, wishing earnestly that one day I would be graced to have you smile at me. The way your nose scrunches up adorably whilst you laugh merrily, automatically brings an amused smile upon my lips. Just like every moment of my day, I once again spot you walking towards me in the corridor. Suddenly afraid that my suppressed feelings will be reflected through my eyes, I quickly sip my can of coke. Pretending to be preoccupied with my drink, I found myself putting on an act. As I walked, I stared over your shoulder, urging my brain to concentrate on anything but you. However to my dismay, my eyes could not fathom anything but you. To my relief, you had turned your attention to your most favorite place, the ground. The left corner of my mouth kicked up into a half smile as I noticed you walking in a stiff and upright manner. Shaking my head in absolute amusement, I realized that you were desperately trying to suck in your stomach. Had I been alone, I would have roared in laughter at your attempt to perfect yourself. Was there even a need? You were already perfect in my eyes, and nothing could possibly ever change that. I care not, if you roll in a pile of dirt. I care not, if you were the fattest or skinniest creature ever to behold. You were perfect in the past, you are perfect now and you will forever shine in perfection for as long as I live to see you.

My eyes continued to study your beautiful face, scarcely covered by the black rimmed glasses. Regardless of the glasses, I knew the true beauty of your honey brown eyes. I long to brush away the tendrils of your brown curly hair, that always seemed to annoy you when you are trying to solely concentrate on something. So immersed was I in studying you, that I did not notice that I was inches away from barging into you. Before I could stop myself and snap out of my thoughts, the deed had been done. I snaked my hand out to steady you as I collided into your shoulder, but my hand froze midway. Memories of the past came rushing back in a tumble of reflected snap shots. The way you had rejected my feelings and crushed the very depth of my soul, still burned me. Although you may think that you have known me for only 2 years, I have known you for almost half my life. The little chubby boy who used to annoy you and tease you in the playground, would never be remembered. I wonder if you remember that time when I had pushed you off your bike and made you cry? My presence used to irk you, but little did you know, that I had harbored feelings for you from the very start. I may have pushed you and made you cry, but at the same time, it was me whom had carried you on my back, afraid that you would hurt yourself walking back home. And when I had at last built the courage to confess my feelings, you had laughed at my face, grimacing at the fact that an overweight guy had taken a liking of you. Although we were children, the sound of your mocking laughter continues to haunt me. From then on, I had refused to see you or interact with you. Eventually as the years passed, I was forgotten and so was my love, as you happily moved on with your life. The simple thought of knowing that I wasn't good enough for you, caused me to leave abruptly in self anger, unaware that I would tread upon your fallen glasses.

As I stiffly walked on, I controlled the overwhelming urge to turn around and directly face you. Only when I was a good distance away, did I allow myself to glance over my shoulder. My eyes widened in shock as I watched Imran kneel down to assist you. Closing my hands into a tight fist, I overlooked the scene before me. Imran was talking to her, the admiration on his love-smitten face was far too clear. Resisting the urge to plant a fist into his grinning face, I was just about to step in and pull Geet away from Imran. However, as I glanced intently at her expression, I realized that her cheeks were wet with tears slipping down. My heart lodged into my throat as I stared constricted at her tearful expression. Seeing her cry was like having a powerful fist lodged into my stomach. Why was she crying? Automatically my eyes rested upon the broken glasses, and a sense of guilt invaded my entire being. Just before I could have time to react, Geet rose from the floor and walked off. Although the guilt was overpowering, I also felt a sense of relief that she paid no interest to Imran.

Time stood still as I continued to stand in the corner of the hall, waiting for everyone to leave. Eventually when the corridors were nearly empty, I casually strolled back to the same spot where Geet had been kneeling. I bent down onto one knee and picked up the broken glasses. A ghost of a smile played upon my lips as I remembered the past, when she had used to wear similar glasses like these. At the time, they were far too big for her small face, which only added to the beauty of her simplicity. Unconsciously, I also touched the broken glass, lost in my thoughts.

'Dude, you should have apologized for bumping into her' I heard a voice before me. I looked up and saw Imran standing with a disappointed frown lingering on his face. 'First of all' I began, 'don't call me dude, I'm not some low stationed person for you to address so degradingly'. Imran shrugged his shoulders, 'Alright MK' he emphasized on the name, 'why didn't you apologize?'

'For what?' I retorted.

'For bumping into her and stepping onto her glasses' Imran replied.

'Who are you talking about?' I asked, playing on a uninterested role.

'She's not some wallpaper for you not to notice' Imran replied angrily, 'you know very well who I'm talking about'.

'Oh you mean the plain nerd?' I asked with a bored yawn.

'She's not plain' Imran retorted defensively; a muscle twitching in his cheek.

'Why do you care so much, whether I call her plain or not?' I asked suspiciously, my anger rising up once again at the thought of someone else feeling or watching Geet the same way as I did.

'Thats none of your business' Imran stated, 'point is your a jack ass for doing that to an innocent girl'.

I raised myself in fury and grabbed hold of his neck with one hand, pushing him harshly against the metal lockers. With a bang, Imran's back was pushed against the metal, as I loomed dangerously closer. 'Don't forget who you are talking to' I hissed through clenched teeth, 'Maan Singh Khurana apologizes to no one!' To reinforce my point, I raised the broken black rimmed glasses with my other hand and dangled it before Imran's eyes. 'For these 2 cent glasses, you dared to talk to me in such a manner?' Unable to think properly with the rage pulsing through my veins, I gripped the glasses and slowly broke the already broken glasses. Without breaking eye contact, I crushed the glasses into the palm of my hands, oblivious to the glass ripping into my skin, causing slight trickles of blood to ooze down my wrist. Imran's eyes narrowed into slits as he watched the blood slip down Maan's wrists. With an angry roar, Imran pushed Maan back and grabbed a fistful of his collar into the grip of his hand. 'Why did you do that?' Imran shouted, as he shook Maan.

'What does it hurt your precious feelings to see her glasses being broken?' Maan taunted with a smirk, 'who is she to you anyway? Does she even know you exist? Why do you care so MUCH!' He finished off with a shout. Maan dived a fist into Imran's stomach, causing him to double over in surprise. 'For that girl, you actually raised your hands against me?' Maan snarled, 'I repeat, what does she mean to you?' Imran raised himself up, 'give me the glasses Maan, before I forget our friendship'. Maan let out a harsh laugh, 'still after her glasses eh? Well let's see you get this' Maan taunted as he flung the glasses away with all of his might, without breaking eye contact.

A painful gasp broke all the anger as both men turned to see Geet standing in the middle of the corridor, clutching her head. Maan's eyes widened as he realized that he had accidentally flung the glasses in Geet's direction. He took a hesitant step towards Geet, only to be brushed off as Imran ran passed him. 'Are you okay Geet?' Imran asked worriedly. Geet nodded her head absently, as she glared angrily at Maan's direction. She paid no heed to Imran whom was fussing over her. Imran then gently touched her forehead, where the glasses had hit her. Maan's chest burned as he watched Imran's hand touching his Geet. 'I'll break his hand' Maan murmured in fury. His thoughts were broken the moment Geet took a step towards him. Maan swallowed deeply, as he watched the hurtful play of emotions on her face. Please don't cry, Maan prayed feverishly, please don't weaken me. At last, Geet stood only inches away from him, staring directly at his face for the first time. Unprepared of what was going to come before him. He watched Geet bend her head sideways as if to stretch out the crick on her neck. Then she shrugged her shoulders and positioned her legs in a way as if she were preparing herself to attack. Raising both fists into the air, Geet began to jump on the spot. Maan's eyes widened in utter confusion as he glanced down at her jumping feet and gazed back at her face. Before he could voice out his confusion or utter a single word, Geet pulled her arm back and with a war cry, rushed forward, punching him right across the face.

Maan staggered back in complete surprise, raising his hand to his aching cheeks. 'That was for your poor aim' Geet screeched. Before Maan could possibly react to shield himself, Geet kneed him in the crotch. 'And that you arrogant owl-hooting bas***d was for my glasses!' That said, Geet barged passed his shoulder and stormed off. In the mean time, Maan had doubled over in pain, his face reflecting true agony. There were two things he had discovered in this short time. Imran had feelings for Geet, and boy did that girl know how to throw a punch.

* * *

He winced in pain as he placed the ice pack on his swelling cheek, cursing loudly as he recalled the morning events. Maan browsed the net idly in complete boredom, only to find himself signing into Facebook.

Facebook

Login: MSK_1@live.com.au

Password: *********

Notifications (60)

Inbox (15)

Friend requests (72)

With a bored yawn, Maan looked through the friend requests, disappointed that Geet was not amongst them. He could not bring himself to add her, he was far too stubborn to make the first move. Her rejection in the past had raised his confidence with other girls, but caused him to lose his when standing before her. The moment he had realized that she found him repulsive to look at, he had endeavored to make the world fall at his feet. Years of exercising and eating healthy had brought him to this stage. In order to restore his esteem, Maan had flirted, played and toyed with the hearts of many girls, to indirectly prove to Geet that he was worthy of her. Girls loved him, whilst he loved her. Women fell at his feet, whilst he constantly fell, trying to impress her.

At a will of his own, Maan typed her name up in the search bar. Geet Handa - 1 mutual friend. His fingers stopped typing the moment he noticed the mutual friend. What the hell? He never had a mutual friend with Geet. He opened up her page and read who their common friend was. Imran Abbas is a mutual friend. The shit head had lost no time in adding her! 'Desperate fool' Maan muttered, as he slammed his fist onto his laptop. The impact of the blow caused the laptop to lag and freeze. Mouthing out an angry curse, Maan tried to move the mouse, clicking repeatedly onto the screen, for it to unfreeze.

Frustrated at his stupid laptop, Maan continued to click uncontrollably, unaware that the laptop had unfrozen. In the midst of his clicking obsession, he did not realize that he had accidentally clicked on the 'Add as friend' button. The option popped out, Send Geet Handa a friend request? Geet Handa will have to confirm your request. Please only send this request if you know her personally. It was too late for him to prevent his actions as he clicked on the 'Send request' button.

'Damn damn damn!' Maan muttered anxiously as he tried to cancel the friend request. However to his luck, the laptop shut down and did not turn on again. He jumped up from his seat and ran out of his room, to the large study room. He literally jumped onto the seat, and turned on the computer, dying every second that was wasted whilst the computer slowly logged in. 'Please don't come on facebook' he prayed. He hoped that Geet was too busy to sign into her account. Before she would have the chance to see his friend request, he would have it removed.

At last he was logged in. Maan quickly signed into his account and jumped onto Geet's page. To his astonishment, he realized that his friend request was no longer there. His forehead marred in confusion only to be cleared as sudden understanding dawned within him. She had declined his friend request. She had rejected him once again. Maan swallowed up his disappointment, although he could not stop the breaking sound of his heart.

* * *

Her heart exploded within her chest as she gazed at his friend request. Feeling the trickle of tears welling up within her eyes, she glanced awkwardly over her shoulder. Her friend was lazing around on her bed, oblivious to her heart ache. 'I'm sorry' she whispered as she clicked on the 'ignore' button.

'Pinky did you log into my account?' Geet called out from the bed.

Pinky rapidly wiped her cheeks and smiled over her shoulder. 'Yes I did'.

'Any notifications?' Geet asked idly.

'Nope just a friend request' Pinky replied.

'From who?' Geet inquired.

'Imran Abbas' Pinky gushed out in excitement.

Geet shot up from her bed, 'WHAT!'

'I told you his interested in you' Pinky teased.

'Ignore it' Geet replied, 'I don't even know him'.

'Too late buddy, I already accepted his friend request on your behalf' Pinky retorted with a laugh.

'Pinky!' Geet called out in annoyance, 'why would you do that? You know I'm not interested in him. I don't want to give him any false hopes'. Pinky frowned at Geet, 'who said you will be giving him false hopes? You should try to get to know him Geet, his surprisingly a really nice guy'. Geet raised her eyebrows, 'what's so surprising about that?' Pinky rolled her eyes knowingly, 'because he happens to be friends with that arrogant Maan Singh Khurana'.

Geet laid back down onto the bed, 'don't mention his name' she sulked. 'You know I'm right' Pinky continued, 'Maan is a black souled devil. He doesn't care about anyone's feelings, because his so pompous and stuck up. He thinks that it's funny to steal someones heart, only to tread on them and shatter it into pieces. Love is just a game for him, that he uses for his own advantage. Not only that, he also drinks and smokes occasionally.'

'Okay I get it Pinky' Geet broke in, 'I don't understand why you hate him so much anyway'.

'Because you like him!' Pinky retorted.

'What do you mean by that?' Geet asked in confusion.

'B-because you like him and refuse to see his flaws. I hate to see my best friend running after a guy who sees through her and not actually at her. You deserve better than that. And just your luck, you have an immensely good looking guy whom is the complete opposite of Maan, who actually likes you the way you are'.

Geet sighed in defeat, 'I'm sure Imran is a really nice person. And I know that whomever he chooses as his life partner will be the most luckiest and cherished girl in this world. But his not for me Pinky. I can't help the way I feel about Maan. I want to hate him, to forget him, to move on - but I just can't.' Geet looked down sadly and toyed with her fingers, 'I've liked him for far too long to forget him so easily' she whispered.

'You like him physically Geet' Pinky snapped, you wouldn't have felt the same way if he were an overweight, ugly frog'. Geet looked at Pinky and smiled sadly, 'the sad thing is Pinky, I think I would have still liked him regardless of his appearance. It wasn't his looks that I fell for. There are many good looking guys in University, but why did my heart choose Maan instead? There was something about him that was familiar, but I can't seem to find out what it is about him that makes him even more dear to me'.

'Again your beginning to chant his name again!' Pinky exclaimed in irritation. 'Do you have no self respect? He barged into you, walked over your glasses, broke it, flung it at your face and YET your still claiming to love him?'

'I've given up hoping that he will notice me!' Geet retorted defensively, 'I don't expect my feelings to be reciprocated. I'm not going to fling myself into his arms like a cheap wanton. I'll just continue loving him from a distance, he doesn't have to ever find out. I'm content being the wallpaper, it's better than not having any feelings at all'.

'If you give other people a chance than maybe you wont have to be a wallpaper anymore?' Pinky stressed out. 'You have the opportunity to find love, don't turn your back on it. There is a saying, that you should choose the person who loves you, rather than the person you love. Do you know why? Because the person who loves you will cherish you, respect you, and will always try to keep you happy. You will never be happy, chasing and loving someone who does not feel the same way for you'.

'Your right' Geet breathed out. 'I know exactly what you mean and I do agree with it. But just give me time Pinky, I can't just get over him overnight.'

'I know love' Pinky responded, 'that's why I'm trying to help you move on.'

Geet smiled and closed her eyes. 'It's so irritating not being able to see!' she complained. 'Your going to have to update me with my facebook notifications, since I can't really see the screen that clearly. It gives me a headache to squint my eyes trying to make sense of the words.'

'Are you going to buy new glasses?' Pinky asked.

'I have too' Geet replied, 'thank god tomorrow is a Saturday. I will be able to buy new glasses before my classes on Monday'.

Pinky smiled and turned back to the computer screen. Geet should never know that Maan had sent her a friend request, Pinky thought to herself. She clicked onto the inbox and realized that Imran had messaged Geet.

Imran Abbas Friday 4^th February 2011 5:50pm

Hi Geet,

Thanks for accepting my friend request. Excuse the randomness of my add Lol. I wanted to see whether your alright now? Especially after todays incident, I was worried about you. Try to forget Maan's behaviour, his just like that. I hope to hear from you soon.

Geet Handa Friday 4^th February 2011 6:10pm

Hi Imran :)

No worries. Lol your random add has been excused = p Yeah I'm fine, thanks for asking. It's really sweet of you to care. I don't give a damn about Maan, his always been an inconsiderate person from the start !

But once again Imran, thank you so so much for taking out the time to actually ask about me.

Imran Abbas Friday 4^th February 2011 6:16pm

Oh I'm glad to hear that your okay. Hahaha! That would be a massive blow to Maans ego, knowing that there is a girl who is not affected by his looks = p

No worries Geet, just know that you have someone to talk too.

I know it's not my place to say this. And quite frankly, the fact that I'm telling you this through a computer makes it seem less sincere and cowardly of me. But every time I've tried to approach you, I've always lost the nerve. Uh this is really awkward, thank god your not facing me right now.

I'm just blabbering on....Geet, I really like you. I don't know why or how it happened, but I just do. I know that you don't feel the same way, and I don't expect you to accept this so soon. But I just wanted it to be clear and out in the open with you. I don't want this message to cause an awkward rift between us. I will understand if you refuse me and will be content just getting to know you as a friend. But I promise that I will make you happy Geet. Do I have a chance? I'm sure once you get to know me, you'll probably end up feeling the same was as me.

This is probably the hardest thing I have ever written.

Take your time to reply.

I'll understand.

Pinky hesitated for a second, unsure whether she should prolong the conversation. With a last lingering look at Geet's sleeping form, Pinky began to respond.

Geet Handa Friday 4th February 2011 6:19pm

Imran, I'm glad you told me how you feel. In truth, I was so intimidated by your looks and social status, that I never thought you would notice someone like me. It's equally embarrassing for me to confess that I too harbour feelings for you.

I like you too and I accept your confession.

That's my answer to you :)

Imran smiled in relief, at a loss of words. Eager to claim her as his in front of the world, he clicked onto his relationship status.

Imran Abbas in now in a relationship with Geet Handa

Pinky read the relationship request and confirmed it. Geet was going to kill her, but something had to be done to ease her obsession with Maan.

* * *

Maan gently massaged his pounding forehead. It was almost 6:30pm and he had to go out to his friends party. He went towards his laptop to turn it off, when he noticed Imran's updated status. Time seemed to have frozen as his entire being chilled up. Relationship with Geet? Snapshots of todays events came tumbling back in a series of horrified sequences. The way Imran had approached her and talked to her. Had she walked away at first because she was shy? Had he mistaken her uninterested response to Imran as a form of shyness to interact with him?

Geet and Imran? Imran and Geet......Maan sank into his knees, his face remained passively cool, unable to comprehend what was happening. 'You can't be with him' Maan whispered in despair, 'you can't.....' Maan recalled Imran gently touching Geet's forehead; the mere image boiled his soul. Grasping his head with both hands, Maan tortured his mind with images of Geet and Imran holding hands, smiling at one another, glancing at one another, touching....'NOOOOO!' he screamed with a roar as he rose up and repeatedly punched the wall. 'YOU....BELONG...TO.......ME!' He shouted, ripping the skin of his knuckles with his powerful blows. Eventually, feelings of despair crowded his anger, only to be replaced with intensifying pain. With a defeated groan, Maan slunk back against the wall and slid down to the ground. 'Geet' he whispered heart wrenchingly, unable to stop the tears from slipping down his cheeks.

Precap for the Final Update (SHOWDOWN)

Imran edged himself closer to Geet, leaning down several inches away from her face. Geet stared into his eyes with a mask of confusion, unaware of his intentions. 'What are you doing?' Geet breathed out uncertainly. 'Kissing you' Imran replied as he covered her mouth in a gentle kiss. The sound of glass breaking caused the crowd to glance worriedly at Maan's direction. With a roar, Maan ran towards Imran, tackling him onto the ground.

Want more insight for the next update? = P

In an angry and drunken fuss, Maan grabbed Geet by the arms and pulled her alongside with him. Stalking his way through the astonished crowd, he paid no heed to anything but the anger pulsating through his veins. 'Let go of me' Geet shouted as she attempted to squirm herself free from his hold. As soon as they were away from the eyes of many, Maan swung Geet around to face him. She sucked in her breath as she found herself dangerously close to him. Their lips were barely an inch away from one another, had she leaned in half a breath, their lips would have touched. 'What do you want?' Geet breathed out, aware of his overwhelmingly masculine presence. Maan gently placed her against the brick wall, letting go of her hand. Raising both arms, he rested them at both sides of her head, trapping her in the middle of his outstretched arms.

Leaning closer and closer, Maan whispered into her mouth - 'You'.