“Sameer, it’s been three years since you graduated, and you still haven’t proposed to Sheetal. I think it is high time you take the step before it’s too late.” Karan said.
“My fear is holding me back,” Sameer replied.
“You are a corporate coach, a TEDx speaker. You speak in front of hundreds of people. Yet you are scared to talk to her? Are you kidding me?” Karan asked.
“What if she says no?” Sameer said with a sad face.
“But what if she says yes? Just take that step, and don’t fear the result.” Karan replied, nudging him.
Sameer sighed heavily and said, “Ok, I will talk to her on her birthday next week. I promise.”
The day arrived. After much thought, he dialled her number.
“Hello, who is that?” A sweet voice answered.
Sameer’s heart pounded in his chest.
Taking a deep breath, Sameer quickly spoke, “Hey, Sheetal! This is Sameer. Wishing you a very happy birthday. How are you doing?”
“Great, Sameer! Good to hear from you. Where have you been all these years?” Sheetal asked, happiness evident in her voice.
“I have been travelling a lot for work, so I haven’t been able to keep in touch with anyone. I’m sorry, Sheetal,” Sameer said politely.
“Ok, can we meet today if you are available?” He asked.
“Not today, but definitely in a day or two,” Sheetal replied.
They mutually agreed. Sameer’s happiness knew no bounds. Finally, after two days, they planned to meet at a café near their college to relive old memories.
Sameer reached the café, his eyes fixed on the door. At last, he saw her and waved his hand. He quickly pulled the chair for her like a thorough gentleman.
“Great to see you,” both said in unison.
“You haven’t changed a bit, Sheetal,” Sameer said with a smile.
“Thanks! But you have put on some weight. Looking good,” Sheetal said with a chuckle and continued, “So, how is life? What are you doing these days?”
“Life’s been hectic. I am a TEDx speaker and a corporate coach,” Sameer replied.
“Wow, that’s impressive! Do you still write poetry and sing your favourite song, ‘Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayi‘?” I always admired your creative skills,” Sheetal exclaimed.
“You still remember? How sweet, Sheetal!” Sameer said, smiling.
“I wrote those poems for you, dear, and that song was perfect for you,” He murmured to himself,
“You are looking gorgeous as always.” Sameer praised her, unable to take his eyes off her.
“Really? But I have heard only those having fair skin are beautiful. I am wheatish.”
“I believe in inner beauty rather than skin colour. Moreover, your features are very bright, and if you saw yourself through my eyes, you would understand what true beauty is. To me, you are the most beautiful woman in the world.” Sameer poured his heart.
“I hope you are not kidding or making fun of me.” Sheetal smiled from ear to ear.
“No, dear. Not at all.” Sameer answered and continued, what will you have? Coffee? Snacks?
“No, nothing. I am in a rush today. Maybe some other time. You had something to tell? Please go ahead,” Sheetal said and waited for his response.
“Sheetal, promise me you won’t get mad at me after hearing this,” Sameer said hesitantly.
“No, I won’t. Say whatever is on your mind,” Sheetal assured him.
“I love you and want to spend all my life with you.” Sameer finally proposed and waited for her answer.
“All these years, I lacked the courage to express my feelings. Thank God you took the step. I love you too,” Sheetal said instantly.
She then added, “I am in a rush today. Can you drop me home?”
“Yes, of course,” Sameer replied, his face lit up with joy.
“This is the first time I am sitting on a bike with a guy,” Sheetal admitted.
Sameer blushed as he sped off on his bike like the wind rushing through the streets.
The phone buzzed repeatedly in his pocket. Annoyed, he stopped his bike and turned off the engine. Yanking off his helmet, he fished the phone and pressed it to his ear. “what’s the emergency, dude? So many calls.”
Karan’s voice trembled through the phone, “Come to Sheetal’s house immediately.”
“I am outside her house. Just hang on, Karan. Sheetal, you go ahead. I will join you in a minute.” Sameer said pressing the phone to his ear again.
“What’s the matter, Karan?” Sameer asked, but the call had already disconnected.
Sameer parked his vehicle and rushed inside. A sea of people dressed in white had gathered there. Pushing through the crowd, he finally reached Karan and stood beside him.
“Who’s gone? Someone close?” Sameer inquired.
Sheetal…
“Yes, finally, I proposed to her. She was with me for the past hour. I just dropped her off. You didn’t tell me who passed away?” Sameer said.
Words stuck in Karan’s throat. He stood there like a statue.
Sheetal’s phone buzzed. “Hey, Sheetal, where did you disappear?” Sameer whispered.
“Sorry, this is her uncle. She passed away an hour ago.” A voice heavy with grief answered.
“How is this possible?” Sameer muttered. An inner voice replied – “You had been replaying everything you wanted to say to her for months. Every word echoed in your mind. As a result- your subconscious turned it into a scene—even though she was not there.”
Devastated, Sameer couldn’t hold back his tears. He gasped for breath. His legs trembled, and he felt the ground slip beneath his feet. He managed to move forward and fell to his knees. Tears blurred his vision as he held her cold hand and shook her, whispering her name, praying for a response, but her stillness crushed all hope, sending a cold shiver down his spine.
