Parting with My Best Friend

It was a dark and gloomy evening. I started as usual from my home saying 'bye' to my mom and the two puppies. Then, I remembered I had to pay 400 bucks to Vidhya, which I borrowed from her last week, since I may not see her again (a heavy feeling passed through my heart). So, I went back home and took the money.

Again, I started to walk. I used to take 20 minutes to reach the bus stand from my home. I used to enjoy the walk with a mixed feeling of sadness, since I would be the only person setting out of home, while everyone else would be on their way back home, after tiresome work and studies.

When I was walking, I felt some wetness on my toes. I turned suddenly to see what it was. To my astonishment, I saw a little puppy (a street dog, I used to feed him every morning) licking my legs. Then, I remembered that I was not able to feed him in the morning. So, I guess he was hungry. I went to a nearby shop, bought some biscuits and fed him. He followed me for some time and stopped after that. Then, I rushed to the bus stand, where my bus 56D was standing on its four legs. I stepped into the bus and occupied a seat. Immediately, the driver came and started the bus, as if he was waiting for me to get in.

As usual, I spent my time in the bus by talking over phone and sending a few forwarded messages. One of the forwarded messages in my inbox moved me a lot. So, I forwarded it to all my friends. It stated that, "A person who truly likes you and knows you, is the one, who sees the pain in your eyes, while everyone else still believes in the smile on your face" (isn't it touching?).

After this, I reached paris and waited for my next bus to Velachery, 21L. I couldn't see it anywhere. Time passed minute by minute to an hour. After an hour of waiting, I got the bus. I reached Velachery successfully, after so many barriers.

I stepped into the office after 5 mins walk and was startled to see the clock which showed 9 p.m. I was late by one hour! I consoled myself by saying that it was not my fault.
I entered my bay, after signing the register. I said 'hi' to everyone and a special one to Vidhya, since that would be my last 'hi' to her (she had quit the job and that day was to be her last working day in our company). As soon as I logged into my system, I opened two boards as per the instruction. Then, I started checking my mails. Jailaxmi gave Vidhya a momento. I turned to see what it was. It was a jewel box and looked so beautiful. After this, I was about to start my work. But, I was not able to concentrate on my work. Something was disturbing me from doing so. I wanted to spend more time with Vidhya. She herself started the chat. She was telling her plan for tomorrow and more such stuffs. Rita also joined our chat and we three were chatting for sometime. We three suddenly turned towards Jailaxmi, after hearing her voice "velaya parunga pa". Everyone laughed at her.
I and Vidya were called by Ramesh (our team lead) and he handed over some of her projects and roles to me and Binesh. Then, Vidhya explained my responsibilities as the project incharge. Then, we could hear the usual announcement that the shift meeting has been postponed. Then, came the time for snacks break. So, I and Vidhya left the place. After having our snacks, we were about to drink our coffee. At that time, Vidhya's mobile was ringing. She picked it up. Ramesh was on the line and he asked us to come asap, since the traffic was heavy. I was surprised because no tutor had any student when we were leaving. No one was there, when we were entering our bay . I was still confused. Only then, I came to know that our science team members had arranged for a small party to bid farewell to Vidhya. All of us enjoyed the party with the cake. They gave a golden ring to her. Then, we came back to our place and we started doing our work.

Around 3 a.m, we were called for the shift meeting. Jagan conducted the meeting and it lasted an hour. Then, Vidhya was asked to share her feelings about her departure. She gave a short and precise speech. After this, I was asked to share my views about her. I felt a painful lump in my throat as my heart whirled with a surge of emotions, but I managed to talk something (though lots of things were there to be shared). I had decided not to express my feelings before her, thinking she might get upset, if I did so. I wanted her to be happy, while leaving the office. Accordingly, I played my role well.

After the shift meeting, we went for our (last) breakfast. She said emotionally that this would be our last breakfast here and she gave many advices. I remained calm and unmoved for all her act and emotions (she might have thought that this girl has no sentiments). After that, we came back to our bay and she had to send some mails. So, I waited for her. Then, she had her last talk and said her last 'bye' to everyone. My heart started paining, but I didn't show anything. We signed the register and stepped out of the office. Now, that was the time for us to depart. With no extra talks about our departure, I left her with a usual smile. I was happy that I had successfully accomplished my wish (i.e, I didn't express my feelings).

Now, a great sorrow with emptyness and loneliness started to dominate me, without my control. My heart was heavy. I started to console myself that no one would come till the end of our life except ourself.

My bus arrived. In order to divert my mind, I started hearing the song from my FM radio. Then, I could hear some disturbance in the song. So, I looked into my mobile. I got a message from vidhya which stated "At last I Observed it!!! :)". I couldn't understand anything. I replied to her message by asking "what?". She replied " Remember the message that you sent last". I searched the sent items in my mobile and saw what message I sent her last. It was the same forwarded message that I mentioned earlier. Forgot? ok, let me tell you again - "A person who truly likes you and knows you, is the one, who sees the pain in your eyes, while everyone else still believes in the smile on your face". Yeah, she had found out my feelings for her, in my last departing smile. No more I could suppress my feelings. I burst into tears like a child.