I'm in the place we both love so my wish will be thoda sa late :(
Edited:
The skies above the city were a riot of colour. Kites of all hues of the rainbow fluttered in the breeze, floating and tossing majestically as they soared and dipped seemingly in tandem with each other. Shouts and shrieks rent the air as the ones guiding these things of beauty ran hither thither, trying to avoid getting their kites cut by another.
Watching all of this was Komal, her eyes filled with regret at being stuck indoors at a time like this. She was visualising herself in the midst of this melee, directing and leading events. Running up mountains to get a better spot for her kite to rise ever more higher in the azure skies.
She could hear the new student in her class drone on and on about herself. Professor Kapadia took off his glasses yet again to give them a little rub. A ploy to keep himself awake she knew. She could hear restless murmurs from the rest of her fellow students at this endless monologue they were being subjected to. Who knew a simple ‘Would you like to introduce yourself to us’, could lead to this!
Her eyes wandered back to stare out the window she was seated by. She noticed idly as a cute little girl hopped excitedly waiting for her, presumably, mother to unpack and set up her kite. Accompanying them was another slightly older girl who was trying to control the little one while helping the woman to organise things. A smile tugged at her lips at the scene. They were clearly a close knit unit from what she could observe. Her imagination ran at warp speed as she wove scenarios about the little group who had snagged her attention.
She saw the older woman rummage in her bag and then bend to say something to the little girls before turning to head towards the parking lot. Seems like she was going to retrieve something she had forgotten. Komal’s eyes instinctively remained peeled on the girls. The two had their heads turned towards the skies and she could see them talking nineteen to the dozen. She wished she could be there to listen to their animated chatter and not be stuck in the classroom having to listen to the annoying voice and even more annoying life story of the new girl.
A small movement in the crowd drew her attention. She saw a little puppy dashing through the throngs, chased by a girl who was rapidly losing sight of it. From her vantage point she saw the girl turn in the opposite direction of where the puppy was headed. The chasing girl continued for a while before stopping to look around forlornly and promptly bursting into tears.
Komal saw the two girls from earlier rush up to the sobbing girl and try to console her. She saw them have an intense conversation and then head off in three different directions. Clearly, in their quest to look for the puppy, they had decided to cover more ground this way. Panicking at what was unfolding down below, Komal jumped up and rushed out of the class, much to the astonishment of Professor Kapadia and the rest of the class. Needless to say they were all secretly breathing sighs of relief at having stopped the new girl mid flow, albeit momentarily.
Komal flew down the stairs and slid down the hallway towards the entrance. By sheer luck, the moment she stepped out she came upon one of the wandering girls. She walked up to her and gently spoke to her. Reassured by what she saw and heard, the scared child looked at her tearfully and blurted out her woes. Taking hold of the child’s hand, Komal led her in the general direction of where she had seen the other two go.
The Gods were clearly smiling on the kids that day because she was able to find both the other girls in rapid succession. She took all of them back to where she had first spotted them. Fortunately, their mother had only just got back and was spared the panic she would otherwise have been in. Thanking Komal profusely, she turned to give her girls a right talking to. Far from being contrite, she heard them launch into a defence of their actions. Shaking her head in amusement, Komal turned to the third girl who was listening to the conversation in fascination.
Seeing the smart watch on the girl’s wrist flashing, a relieved Komal asked her to answer the call. Soon enough, that girl was also reunited with her family. The puppy had coolly pitter pattered its way back to where the family had set up their picnic.
Brushing away all the thanks ringing in her ears, Komal turned to go back to class. Mentally girding herself to listen to the dratted new girl’s endless nonsense. If it hadn’t been for the crush she had on Professor Kapadia, she wouldn’t have bothered going back. It’s not like he would reprimand his star pupil!
Seeing her besties, Ali and Shri, waiting by the main door, she let out a whoop of delight. Never mind the Professor, it was time to party! Ignoring the mutterings of Jhansi ki Rani and Xena the warrior Princess, she grabbed a hold of their hands and did an impromptu round of garba before rushing them to the open grounds.Their laughter trailing merrily in their wake.
oOo
Dear Komal,
Happy Birthday once again. I won’t say belated because I want your celebrations to last and last. I have had the best time getting to know you over the last year. You are an inspiration with the way you approach life. Everything Ali and Shri have said holds true for me as well. No one meeting you can help but adore you. Me included ❤️
Always stay as you are. Well, without the all nighters that is!
With love,
Ruchi
Edited by Arshi67 - 1 years ago
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