JUST IN TIME

It's the penultimate day of my suspension, and I eagerly await the next morning. Ahmed bhai has come to visit, and our home is chirpy again. Aliza Bhabhi didn't have time for me, but we spoke whenever possible. Though what I had done was out of retaliation, Bhabhi told me it was not how I should have handled it. I thought it over and realised I was indeed wrong. When I go back, I will confront Christy and sort out our feud. And I must definitely apologise for hitting her. I didn't have the nerve to speak to her over the phone. I will have to do it face-to-face.

 

Even before talking to Christy, I need to speak to Salim. To let him know I am uncomfortable. Maybe he doesn't understand, but I feel obliged. Out of all the other things I am worried about, finding Salim along the way has been my biggest fear. There were no gifts or traces of him recently. When that must feel comforting, I wonder if he plans to do something out of the box. But for how long must I keep worrying like this? He has ruined my peaceful life, and my mental health is now in shambles. I can't keep going on like this. Before I go to school again, I must talk to him in person. So, I do the unthinkable.

  

I walk to the phone and dial Salim’s number, which he left in one of his letters. My hands shiver as I push the buttons slowly and carefully. I can now feel my heart in my mouth because if anyone finds out, I am dead meat. Someone has picked up the call, but I still hear nothing. 

“Hello? Salim, is that you?” I ask.

“Yes, yes. Sara. Finally, you called.” A nervous and ecstatic Salim replies. I could hear him panting from the other side.

“Listen, can we meet?” I don't hesitate there. I come straight to the point. 

“What? Absolutely. Tell me when and where. I will be there at once,” he exclaims.

“Relax, Salim. Don't be too excited. I need to meet you now near the same tea stall where you wait daily. I need to make things clear between us. Please be there in ten minutes.” I don't wait for his answer and disconnect without a second thought. 

I ask Ma’s permission to ride outside. She approves because her son is back, and she isn't really paying attention to anything else. And that's what I need the most right now. 

 

I walk my way to the tea stall, making sure no one else I recognise is around. Salim is there with his friend, and he straightens as he watches me walk to him. The tea master glances at me and then at Salim and shakes his head disapprovingly. I know what he must be thinking, but I don't bother him. 

“Hi, Sara. Ummm… why did you want to meet me now?” he staggers, and I stand there indifferent to his questions. “Say something. Anything, please,” he says, and I feel my insides twist. I feel sad and furious at the same time.

“Why were you not at school when I called?” I ask instead.

“Ummm... Is that why you wanted to meet?” a surprised Salim asks.

“No. Just answer me.”

“Because I didn't want to go. I heard you were suspended, and I didn't feel like attending school either.”

“Are you out of your mind?” I yell, and the tea shop owner stops and stares at me. I realise I am loud and turn again to Salim, who looks distraught.

“Salim, why can't you see I don't like what you are trying to do? I am not a child, and you can't impress me with gifts. And especially when you behave like a roadside Romeo.”

“Sara, but I really lik…” 

“No, stop.” I don't let him finish and intervene midway. “You don't. You are clearly bored, and you are attracted to me. But this can't become anything at all.” 

“Sara, listen to me once. I really like you.”

“Is that why you have been scaring me all along? Following me around like a stalker and making creepy phone calls and those gifts?”

“Are you calling me a stalker? Sara, you are hurting me. I love you.”

“Oh, Salim. Please don't do this. What are you? Sixteen? Maybe Seventeen?” I ask, and he approves of the latter by nodding his head. “And I am sixteen. And is this what love is all about?”

“But why don't you like me? Is there a reason?”

“Should there be one? Can't I just not like you because I don't like you? I don't like to be followed, and it creeps me out whenever you do.” I say, and he goes silent.

“Do you like someone else? Is that why?” he doesn't seem like the one to give up easily, but I ain't gonna either.

“See, this is exactly why I don't like you. You are persuasive, and it's bothering me. I don't have a reason. I just want to be left alone, please,” I say, bringing my hands together in front of my bowed head. “You need direction and focus, and I need space and peace. I don't want you anywhere around me anymore. I am sure that is loud and clear.” I don't wait for him to answer but turn around and walk away hastily. I have no idea what he must be doing behind me, but I don't feel the need to find out. I suddenly feel a wave of relief wash over me as if I have unburdened something weighing me down for so long. 

This is a part of BlogchatterA2Z 2025

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