I still remember the first day we met. I saw her on the streets, selling nimbo-soda for 3 Rs. Clad in a white salwaar-kameez, her hair open and loose which made her look mature, her wheatish skin glowing in that harsh Delhi summer of 1998. A few minutes later, I muster up the courage and go to her.
"Hi. 1 nimbo-soda please."
"That will be 3 Rs."
I quietly placed the 3 Rs and the gift on the table while she made the nimbo-soda.
"Thanks. But why these leaves?" she asked me.
"My dad tells me that whenever we meet anyone, we must gift them flowers. I actually didn't know whether you'll like flowers. So I thought why not the leaves?"
"uhhh.. Thank you. But, i prefer flowers. By the way, you in army?"
"Oh! I'm really sorry. Major Gautam Lada."
"Roshni Kataria."
"Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all. You are most welcome."
I joined her and we spent the whole afternoon chatting and getting to know each other. Soon, my life started to revolve around her- her words ringing inside my head as if they were a chant; her laughter ringing in my ears as if it was a song which I loved to listen to time and again; her blackish-brown eyes which would light up seeing gol-gappe or while buying bangles... Even if I had met her at least 5 times a day, I would still feel as if I had not seen her in a long time. I loved to get up early, dress and meet her while she used to greet me with her sunshine smile. In a matter of few months, my best friend became the love of my life.
But calamity struck as the Kargil War was announced and I was to report within a week. I met her cousin Zara who told me that preparations for her wedding were going on in her house. I realized it's now or never. So, sharp at 11 pm, I met Zara outside Roshni's house and asked her to deliver a letter to Roshni and I quietly left.
I was waiting at the station, half-hoping that Zara would come with my Roshni. My train was to arrive shortly and never in my life had I ever gotten so anxious! I could see the light on the top of my train. Murmuring my final prayer to Lord, I looked back again hoping to see Zara. But I saw an empty entry gate.
Dejected, I placed my luggage inside and had stepped. I was about to sit on my birth seat when I heard my name. I rushed out to see Zara standing near my train.
"Zara!"
She turned back and rushed towards me. Zara told me that Roshni had killed herself. She handed me a letter which Roshni had written for me. I boarded the train without saying a word.
I had learnt through Zara that the family had cremated her instead of burning her as it was her last wish. Although it's been 10 years since that, but I was still fighting with my inner demons. After I retired, I went to her grave. I bent down and caressed the ground. I finally let out all the emotions which had filled my heart in those 10 years and felt relieved and actually felt glad that I remained unmarried till all these years. I finally opened the letter which Zara had given me that night.
She always wanted to open a girls' orphanage and run it. Though she is not physically present with me anymore...her love, her thoughts, her beliefs will always stick with me. I know that wherever she is... she is watching me and she would be happy seeing that I am fulfilling her dream.
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taniya