Today it again happened. Yes, I looked back in hope of seeing him. But,
alas!! It was not him. I thought that I heard his footsteps. As I turned back, I
saw someone else in his place, well, it tore my heart. As I looked in the
innocent eyes of the stranger, all the memories of someone’s brown eyes came
back to haunt me. I turned back in disgust. I won’t be trapped by these
innocent eyes again. I moved ahead, head held high with a promise to never look
back.
I reached the stairs and clinched out of habit. I thought that he would
come dashing through the stairs and jump at me. He didn’t come. I dropped my
bag. Suddenly, I was too tired to climb those stairs. I couldn’t move my feet
further. Why is this happening with me? But, I couldn’t lose myself now. I had
to move further, if not with him then without him. I picked up my bag and
climbed the stairs.
I unlocked the door. As I entered, I heard his voice. I knew he was there,
maybe in the next room. I threw my bag and ran down to the next room and then
to the next, searching and shouting for him to wait for me this one time. To
just let me say a proper goodbye. He didn’t wait this time too. He left me yet
again.
I came back to that empty hall. All my strength had left me. I sat down
in the middle of the books that had fallen from my half open bag. Why did he do
this me? Why did he leave without saying a goodbye to me? My eyes were dry. I wanted
to cry but these tears wouldn’t come out.
I stood up and put the books back in my bag. Now, that I look around I realize
that this hall would miss him more than I do. His presence was what had
given life to these mere four walls. His presence brightened this place even on
the gloomiest winter mornings. Now, this hall was empty. It has lost all its
charm, only a sense of emptiness prevails here.
All the happy and sad memories are captured in these four walls forever. This
hall is empty now but, it has all the beautiful, funny, sad and emotional times
captured within its four walls. I would always cherish the short time he spent
with us. He may not have waited for me to say goodbye but, for me he would
always have a special place in my life. A place that no can take. They say that
time heals all wounds and with time I’ve also learnt to live with his memories.
I miss him. Winters are coming; I’ll miss the way he used to wake me on chilly
mornings or stubbornly follow me to school.
I remember all these things and more. There is not a single day that passes
by when I don’t think about him. I’m angry that he left without saying a
goodbye to me. He should’ve waited!!
