CHAPTER 4 ✨

I jolted awake due to a sudden power outage, drenched in sweat. Frustration washed over me as I realized my backup inverter had failed for the second time this month. I grabbed my phone from the coffee table, knowing there was still enough battery life. Plugging in my earphones, I hastened upstairs, enveloping myself in the euphonious embrace of the music.

Music is the ocean that pulls me into joy.
Music is the beat that electrifies my soul.
Music is the remedy that soothes my mind.
Music is the muse that guides me through.
Music is the melody that lifts me up.
Music is the language that speaks to me.
Music is the friend that stays forever.

Our balcony extended from the walls of the house like the generous arms of a mother hugging her baby. Despite its concrete square edges and a rusty rail, it remained my sanctuary. I surrendered to the wind's melody, letting its rhythm liberate the emotions imprisoned within me, discovering both the lock and the key.

In the distance, I watched a young boy bravely navigating his bicycle, determined to conquer the skill on his own. Reflecting on my own childhood, I remembered how my dad supported me, steadying the bike as I pedaled with all my might. Despite his guidance, I still faltered at times, meeting the unforgiving concrete beneath me.

The right mix of fear and resilience can be like a forge, shaping us into stronger individuals. Fear, when not overwhelming, keeps us aware of our surroundings and potential risks. It's a reminder to tread carefully. But it's resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, that truly strengthens us. It's like a muscle that grows with each challenge we overcome.

Spotting the kid struggling with his bicycle, I quickly descended from my terrace and offered my assistance, which he eagerly accepted. The spark in his bright eyes and his uncombed hair spoke of unwavering determination. I pushed the cycle while he pedaled with gusto, challenging me to keep up. He turned around occasionally, checking to see if I was still in tow.

As we traversed through the narrow rocky trails, a surly street dog, with patchy fur and a curved tail like a coat hanger, displayed its gleaming teeth. Its aggressive barking signaled potential trouble. Instructing the boy to stop, my words fell on deaf ears, and the irritable dog resolved to chase the mischievous cyclist.

High above the evening traffic fumes, the dark clouds danced like dew upon leaves. As I observed the menacing dog with a diabolical glint in its eyes, the novice cyclist transformed into an unexpected virtuoso. With meticulous precision, he travelled through the tricky turns. In this unexpected spectacle, the dog's tenacity waned, and it conceded defeat, bestowing upon the fearless kid the title of the little star.

Caught in an unexpected sprint, my exhausted body yearned for a revitalizing shower. At that critical juncture, I saw a troop of girls jogging like a whirlwind. That's when I laid eyes on her, the girl who had inhabited my dreams. It felt as if a daydream had woven its way into reality.

Brimming with joy, I entertained the idea of raising both my hands, to halt the whirlwind. However, as the group of joggers drew nearer, nervousness took hold, transforming my grand gesture into a hesitant response. Her hair shimmered under the sunlight, casting a hypnotic spell on me. I was captivated like an astronaut enchanted by a celestial beauty.

Drenched in sweat, her light-green hoodie applauded the effort she put into her strides. Just as the jogging troop was on the verge of overtaking me, I summoned the courage to drop a casual "Hey!"

In response, she signalled her friends to continue their jog without her and made her way towards me. She greeted, "Hello Jaikar! Are you into fitness too?"

"Yes, um my favorite exercise is -stretching my hand to snag the remote," I remarked with a chuckle. Leaning back, I casually rolled up my sleeves, revealing my forearms, streaked with visible veins. "This works wonders for my wrists!"

She laughed lightly and said, "Give jogging a try too, it's good for your health."

"You mean the fast walk people do even when they are not in a hurry?"

"Haha yeah, that one!" She chuckled, her fingers slightly covering her mouth.

"Sure, I'll give it a try, although I follow a strict 'no running unless chased' policy."

"Are you afraid of the imaginary predators or just really committed to the energy saving mode?" She burst into laughter, the kind that made her shoulders shake.

"True -true! I'm just preparing for any unexpected situations. You never know when you'll need to outrun a particularly determined goose or something."

"Outrunning geese, huh? That's a skill worth honing!" Her melodic laugh filled the air like an enchanting birdsong.

As we continued our leisurely stroll, enjoying the sights and sounds of our town, the sky suddenly darkened, and large raindrops began to fall, quickly turning into a torrential downpour. We hurriedly sought shelter under the arch of an old abandoned building. Taking a moment to catch our breath, we stood side by side, watching the rain cascade down in sheets.

The rain transformed into a living fabric as she extended her hand, letting her fingers dance in the downpour. Each drop poured purposefully onto her palm, conjuring a pattern upon her skin. Curiosity lighting up her eyes, she inquired, "I was just wondering, what happened to your arm?"

With a gentle thumb, I traced the scar on my left forearm and replied, "It's an old story from my childhood."

"Feel free to share if you're comfortable," she replied warmly, encouraging me to open up. I readily flashed a thumbs-up.

"So, my friend Kiran and I had this crazy idea," I began, leaning in as if sharing a secret. "We always drooled over the mangoes in my neighbor's orchard. One day, when he was out, the mangoes were just there, practically calling our names."

"Seriously?" she interjected.

"Yep," I confirmed with a grin. "We snuck into the orchard, tiptoeing through the rows of trees. We finally found the perfect tree, loaded with those juicy fruits we'd been eyeing for weeks. We were just about to grab them happily when...bam!"

She suddenly was taken aback and asked, "What happened?"

"Rain suddenly poured down from the sky, drenching us within moments. As I reached for those succulent mangoes, a bright light flashed, and a horn blared like thunder!"

"Who could that have been?" She wondered aloud.

"It was actually my neighbor on his scooter. I tried to signal my friend to wait, but he panicked and took off. As I hurried down, I ended up tripping and hitting a branch."

"Ouch, that sounds painful!"

"Yeah, it was," I admitted. "But my neighbor rushed over, tied his handkerchief around my arm, and gave me some water."

"That was kind of him," she acknowledged.

"But he gave me this look and scolded me."

"What did he say?" She let the wind tousle her wet hair into a wild mane.

"1) I shouldn't be caught while stealing his mangoes?"

                            "(OR)"

"2) I shouldn't steal his mangoes?"

"Kindly lock option 1 for me!" Her laughter made me pause for a moment.

"I never gave the second one a second thought after that. And custard apple ended up becoming my favorite fruit."

"Interesting choice! I'm more of a pineapple fan myself," she declared.

"Be like a pineapple, wear a crown and stay sweet on the inside."

"That's a good one!" Her joyful beam warmed the moment. "I might need to find myself a tiny pineapple crown."

"Just make sure it's not too prickly," I teased. "And thanks for sticking with me through the story." I clapped my hands.

"Of course! Your story was quite the adventure," she replied warmly.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," I said with a grateful nod. "It's not every day you get to share stories about sneaky mango heists."

"Well, thank you for sharing your story!"

"The pleasure was all mine, Your Pineappleness!" I assured her.

She chuckled at the playful nickname. "It's getting dark, and the rain has already stopped. I'll see you later then!"

"Feel free to drop by whenever you have a moment. I've got plenty of stories to share!"

"Do I come across as that childish to you?" she chuckled sweetly, then added, "I really had a great time today!"

"Me too!" I grinned, giving a casual wave. "See you later, Ritisha."

"My friends call me Ritu." She smiled like the delicate bloom of a rosebud.

"Got it, Ritu. Until next time!"

"Looking forward to it! Take care, Jaikar," she said, giving a small wave as her fingers danced gracefully through the air.

Her hoodie snug around her as she strolled away, seamlessly melting into the urban landscape. I found myself gazing at the streets, noticing the hidden wonders that often go unnoticed by many but are revealed to those with a poet's eye. I felt glad that the fate brought us together.

When the evening light faded, a pang of hunger tugged at my stomach. Deciding to treat myself to a small indulgence from a nearby eatery, I ventured out, savoring the anticipation of flavors yet to be discovered. After relishing each bite of the delectable meal, I made my way back home, contentment radiating from within.

Approaching my doorstep, a broad smile graced my lips, the weight of the day's events lifting with each passing moment. I stepped into the comforting ambiance, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The galaxy swirled as if it were a steamed hot chocolate stirred in joy.

Were you anticipating their encounter to happen so swiftly? Do you think there will be future meetings between them? Share your thoughts on this chapter. I appreciate your feedback!

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top