Her dog Bruno was coming towards me. A small piece of paper was squeezed between his teeth. The paper reminds me of her smile because it all started with a smile.
I used to be an introvert guy with a dull personality. Many times I had a strange feeling that something is wrong with me. I mean how can I be so boring?
My name is Rehan and it started when I was in 8th Class. It was September , a week before the beginning of half yearly exams when our class teacher told us about the new admittance of a girl in our class. For me it was quiet strange to have a new classmate at this point of time. But for my classmates it was perfect time to do some chit-chat.
“Silence!” the teacher ordered.
The class became mute.
“I’m bringing that girl from principal’s office. You all better keep your mouth shut till I come. Mahesh make sure the class remain silent.” The teacher departs leaving behind the excited faces of students.
Mahesh, the monitor of our class was not the kind of guy you want to mess with. He was good in sports and academics. Besides this he was teacher’s favorite, a prank master and most respectable person in the class. I had always admired his personality .He sits at the back of the classroom with his mischievous friends. They all were confident and outspoken.
On the other hand I was a lonely boy. I barely talks. That’s the reason nobody wants to share a common bench with me. Thereby I had got my own corner in the classroom.
The revelry of students stopped as soon as the teacher entered our class. Every single eye fixed on the little girl whom the teacher was holding so gently . Her lovely face was hiding millions of dream.
“This is Aleesha, everyone say hello to her.”
“H-E-L-Lo” students roared in unison.
“So Aleesha where do you want to sit.”
It was a million dollar question for her. The teacher suggested her few names. Mahesh’s name was too included in his suggestion. Most of the boys had crossed their fingers and were hoping Aleesha, the latest crush of our class would sit with them.
Then mistakenly a miracle happened. Aleesha pointed her finger towards me and told the teacher that she wish to sit with me. It astonished every chap. I nearly got heart attack; not in happiness but in fear of facing her. Not a single person except Aleesha thought that she would choose me.
Then mistakenly a miracle happened. Aleesha pointed her finger towards me and told the teacher that she wish to sit with me. It astonished every chap. I nearly got heart attack; not in happiness but in fear of facing her. Not a single person except Aleesha thought that she would choose me.
Aleesha proceeds towards me. The pin drop silence was the indicator of her terrible choice.
“Hi…. If you don’t mind can I sit here?” she asked politely.
“Yes.” I answered with hesitation.
She sat next to me. Our classes got started. It was Aleesha’s first day so she hadn’t brought her books.
“We should share the book” said she.
I slide my Maths book towards her. I was maintaining a certain gap between our seats.
“ I said we should share it.” She said elegantly.
“ I said we should share it.” She said elegantly.
My hesitance increased while erasing the gap between our seats. She looked at me in surprise but then she smiled.
I still don’t know the reason why she smiled that day.
As the school get over, I could see enviousness in the face of boys of my class. The girls call it a tragedy happened to the Silent Comedy ( that’s me).
As I reached home I opened Whatsapp. Our class group was filled with the jokes on me and Aleesha.
I read few messages.
'What’s more surprising than Mahesh’s failing in exam?’. Send by Tanisha.
‘Let me guess’. Send by Mahesh.
‘ha.. ha… You don’t have to guess. Ask the Silent Comedy’. Send by Tanisha.
‘You mean Rehan’.Send by Mahesh.
‘No…No…No…. It’s Alee-shhhhh..a. New weirdo of our class.’ Send by Tanisha.
I left the group.
I hate all of them. They never let me live my own life. They always interfere. Whenever I tried to express myself, they laughed. Their ridiculous behavior rip off the confidence in me. I mean who gave them the right to pull my leg? Especially Tanisha, the most irritating girl that I know. She never miss a chance to insult me or crack joke on me. She was the main culprit of the 'pulling of chair' prank played on me. From that day I stopped talking with her.
Disappointed by my classmates, I opened Facebook. I’ve got only few friends there. Luckily none of my classmate was on my friend’s list. Once Tanisha had sent me a friend request. At that time I sensed something bad about her friend request, so instead of accepting it I blocked her.
I was checking my Facebook account after many days. Surprisingly I had received a new friend request. I thought it could be mistakenly send by someone but when I checked it, I remain stunned for a minute with my eyes open.
It was Aleesha….. I mean Aleesha…. “OMG! Why she had send me a request”. I thought disbelievingly and without wasting a second I deleted her request. I assumed her request to be a fake one otherwise why Aleesha want to do friendship with me. It could be a prank. I suspected Tanisha. Indeed she was really a wicked girl.
Next day was not like previous days. Sitting with Aleesha was scary; my shyness was about to be tested .
As the examination dates were approaching, revision started in every subject. Teachers were busy and students were too. Mahesh was doing group study with his friends, Tanisha lost into her books. The competition of who scores more started. Everybody wanted to be a step ahead from others and for that they were putting their life and limb in books but look at Aleesha. She was relaxing, singing and doing silly stuffs. She was a new student and new comers always enjoy the advantage of not giving exams. She couldn’t be an exception.
I was solving Maths problem when Aleesha gave me a chit. I opened it in amazement.
'Why didn’t you accepted my request? '
The words were a shockwave for me. I looked at her. She had raised her eyebrows and waiting for my answer. On the back of the same chit I wrote
‘I am sorry. I thought Tanisha was befooling me. SORRY.'
I gave her the chit. She read and was smiling while penning down another chit.
‘Is Tanisha bug you’.
‘Is Tanisha bug you’.
I read and replied
‘Every moment. I don’t like her.'
Our conversation started through chits.
‘I like your company.'
‘Why? '
‘Because you rarely speaks.'
‘What?’
I looked at her. She was smiling.
‘Ya. My Smile keeper, you rarely speaks. This is a good way to interact with you. At 7
pm come on to Facebook. We’ll chat.'
‘Ok’. I handled final chit to her and surrounded by a peculiar feeling of something special.
I followed her instruction and opened my favorite book ,Facebook at 7 pm. I had received friend request from Aleesha and it wasn’t surprising anymore.
I accepted it. She was online. Before I could come up with that much confidence to initiate with hi she had send me hello.
It started our friendship .We chatted for 2 hours and in those hours I’ve got to know many things about her. She told me about her dreams and her fantasy of being a vampire. She wanted to own a cottage in the middle of woods. She prefers science fiction movies over love stories. She’s a foodie. She had a bull dog named Bruno. She likes watching cricket.
No doubt she admires Virat Kohli’s batting. She wanted to roam around the world all alone.
Following days in the school were more exciting. My confidence increased. I could make conversation with Aleesha without messages. She labelled me as her Smile Keeper.
“Silent Comedy! What’s the 7th answer”. Tanisha whispered.
“Silent Comedy! What’s the 7th answer”. Tanisha whispered.
It was the last paper of mid terms. I was rapidly moving my pen on the sheet when I heard Tanisha’s whisper coming from the back. Few minutes were remaining and the bell can anytime set off so I pretend of unhearing Tanisha. Aleesha was also giving exams but I didn’t expect much more from her. The coo of Tanisha become frequent. She wanted the answer but I completely ignored her. The bell rang and the sheets seized. Tanisha gave me her arrogant look while coming out from hall.
The results declared and surprisingly Mahesh got second position. So who came first? Tanisha was so sure about herself that she stand on her seat before the announcement of first position. Interestingly Aleesha’s name announced and all Tanisha could do was to give Aleesha standing ovation but her ego stopped her from doing so.
Aleesha replaced Mahesh and Tanisha as well. Her victorious performance continued to the final exams. Meanwhile teachers noticed downfall in the performance of Mahesh and Tanisha. The best part was that I had performed better than Tanisha in the final exams.
Aleesha totally changed me. She taught me how to be bold but at the same time not over confident. The bond of our friendship become stronger and stronger as the years pass. Her presence made me realized that I can be something to someone. We had a great time together. Going for outing was always there in our timetable. She sometimes took me to her home where she would cook delicious food for me. At her place we used to play with her dog Bruno. He always barks at me but Aleesha silences Bruno by saying
The results declared and surprisingly Mahesh got second position. So who came first? Tanisha was so sure about herself that she stand on her seat before the announcement of first position. Interestingly Aleesha’s name announced and all Tanisha could do was to give Aleesha standing ovation but her ego stopped her from doing so.
Aleesha replaced Mahesh and Tanisha as well. Her victorious performance continued to the final exams. Meanwhile teachers noticed downfall in the performance of Mahesh and Tanisha. The best part was that I had performed better than Tanisha in the final exams.
Aleesha totally changed me. She taught me how to be bold but at the same time not over confident. The bond of our friendship become stronger and stronger as the years pass. Her presence made me realized that I can be something to someone. We had a great time together. Going for outing was always there in our timetable. She sometimes took me to her home where she would cook delicious food for me. At her place we used to play with her dog Bruno. He always barks at me but Aleesha silences Bruno by saying
“Don’t you dare Bruno. He’s my Smile Keeper. Got it.”
With Aleesha time passed rapidly and when I realized that I was already in 12th class. Aleesha was a brilliant student. There wasn’t any doubt that she would top in board exams. Her behavior and friendship changed me a lot but I started having feelings for her. I didn’t want to remain in her friend’s zone. But it wasn’t right time to express my love for her as our board exams were near.
In pre boards Aleesha’s performance was excellent. Mine was above average ; Mahesh’s and Tanisha’s were below average. Holidays were about to start and I was happy from Aleesha’s performance but she wasn’t from mine. During holidays she had planned group study for both of us at her home.
Holidays started and my headache also. Aleesha was a great friend but not a good teacher. She was strict and disciplined. No doubt why Virat was her favorite player. We hardly talk during studies . She made me do sample papers. It was annoying to sit for 3 long hours and solve a sample paper. When we were free we use to cook and play with Bruno. Sunday was no study day for us instead we both go for a long drive on her scooty. She had promised me to teach driving scooty after the exams till then I had to manage with the back seat with a ‘dabba’ on my head. ‘Dabba’ was her helmet that she didn’t like to wear as it was too heavy for her.
Examination date come nearer and nearer. We increased our study hours. Sunday was no longer a free day for us. She had scheduled a strict time table for me. I woke up by her call then starts studying. During daytime I went to her home for group study and then when I returns home I had to revise. She calls at 10pm to wish me good night. Neither I nor she could handle late night studies so we had decided to sleep by 10 pm but wake up at 4am. And in the same way my routine continued till the exams.
With Aleesha time passed rapidly and when I realized that I was already in 12th class. Aleesha was a brilliant student. There wasn’t any doubt that she would top in board exams. Her behavior and friendship changed me a lot but I started having feelings for her. I didn’t want to remain in her friend’s zone. But it wasn’t right time to express my love for her as our board exams were near.
In pre boards Aleesha’s performance was excellent. Mine was above average ; Mahesh’s and Tanisha’s were below average. Holidays were about to start and I was happy from Aleesha’s performance but she wasn’t from mine. During holidays she had planned group study for both of us at her home.
Holidays started and my headache also. Aleesha was a great friend but not a good teacher. She was strict and disciplined. No doubt why Virat was her favorite player. We hardly talk during studies . She made me do sample papers. It was annoying to sit for 3 long hours and solve a sample paper. When we were free we use to cook and play with Bruno. Sunday was no study day for us instead we both go for a long drive on her scooty. She had promised me to teach driving scooty after the exams till then I had to manage with the back seat with a ‘dabba’ on my head. ‘Dabba’ was her helmet that she didn’t like to wear as it was too heavy for her.
Examination date come nearer and nearer. We increased our study hours. Sunday was no longer a free day for us. She had scheduled a strict time table for me. I woke up by her call then starts studying. During daytime I went to her home for group study and then when I returns home I had to revise. She calls at 10pm to wish me good night. Neither I nor she could handle late night studies so we had decided to sleep by 10 pm but wake up at 4am. And in the same way my routine continued till the exams.
During preparation time my love for her intensified. I admiringly look at her out of the corner of eye. What if she hadn’t come in my life? What if I’m just a friend for her? Many thoughts were going all around my head but it was not right time for them.
Exams started. Aleesha and I used to go to the examination centre via. Scooty. ‘Dabba’ was always on my head. Before going to our respective classes she never forgets to wish me luck and after exams we discuss our paper.
Exams started. Aleesha and I used to go to the examination centre via. Scooty. ‘Dabba’ was always on my head. Before going to our respective classes she never forgets to wish me luck and after exams we discuss our paper.
4 out of 5 papers had occurred and only one was left. We drove to the examination centre with a ‘dabba’ on my head. We both were happy by our performance. I had decided to express my love for her after the paper.
“Aleesha I want to tell you something but after the paper gets over” said I.
“Aleesha I want to tell you something but after the paper gets over” said I.
“I know what you are going to say. I love you too stupid.” She said.
“What? How do you know?” I said surprisingly.
“From the first day I loved you. It’s in your eyes that you love me. I can read it. Now let’s focus on the paper. We’ll celebrate but after the paper. Now go.”
She left me in amazement. It was hard to swallow the fact that how easily she had spoken her heart out. Thanks to the datesheet makers that Maths wasn’t put at the last otherwise I couldn’t had focused on it.
She left me in amazement. It was hard to swallow the fact that how easily she had spoken her heart out. Thanks to the datesheet makers that Maths wasn’t put at the last otherwise I couldn’t had focused on it.
Somehow I managed to finish my paper on time. Aleesha and I were going to the parking area. We were busy in discussing the questions. When we reached near her Scooty we saw embarrassing faces of Tanisha and Mahesh. They both gave us their usual arrogant look but I ignored.
“Wear this dabba and let’s celebrate”. Aleesha said while putting dabba on my head.
“Wear this dabba and let’s celebrate”. Aleesha said while putting dabba on my head.
The parking was full of vehicles. There was a rush all around. Everybody was feeling relieved. One of the best feeling in student’s life is giving your last paper. I was happy and excited too. Aleesha unhooked the stand and started the engine.
She gave accelerator and the scooty moved forward with normal speed. Trucks were coming from both ways.
“Something is wrong with the tyre.” Aleesha said worriedly.
Before I could understand anything. I heard tires screeching, then a thud and a bang. All I could remember watching Aleesha’s head bump with the truck and my body falling on the ground.
The siren of ambulance was tearing off the ear drums of every passer-by. When I got consciousness I saw my parents and Aleesha’s parents in front of me. I was lying on the bed with my badly injured body.
The siren of ambulance was tearing off the ear drums of every passer-by. When I got consciousness I saw my parents and Aleesha’s parents in front of me. I was lying on the bed with my badly injured body.
“Aleesha….. Aleesha……” it was all I could say or worried about.
“She’s is in ICU.” Aleesha’s mom said. She was weeping and sobbing.
Then I saw a policeman coming towards me.
“The front tyre was bubbling. It wasn’t the truck driver’s fault.” The policeman said.
“So you mean it was our fault.” I said remorsefully.
“Not yours.” He said.
“Then whom?” I asked.
“They had planned this.” The policeman showed me the culprits photograph in his phone.
“Do you recognize them?”. He asked.
I saw the photograph and got startled.
“Ya..they are my classmates. Mahesh and Tanisha .What they have done?”
“They had filled extra air in front tyre due to which scooty got misbalanced. We have few eye witnesses who saw them doing this and the owner of the tyre repairing shop confirmed that this morning they had borrowed pump from his shop.”
“But why?”. I asked angrily.
“We’ll get you know on this, later . Take rest boy .You’re lucky.” The policeman said and went away.
According to the policeman I was lucky? It’s been 6 hours my best friend, Aleesha was in ICU. What could’ve been a memorable day had turned into a disastrous day and the policeman was saying lucky! Damn lucky. Why the hell I wore helmet?
I was cursing myself. Helmet had saved me when it could have saved Aleesha. My fractured left hand’s pain was nothing in front of the trauma Aleesha was going through.
My love, Aleesha’s condition was critical. A lot of blood had dripped out from her head. I wasn’t allowed to see her. So I waited outside operation theater praying for her life. My eyes were peeping inside. I could see doctors tense faces, zigzag lines on the monitor.
Aleesha had opened her eyes. I couldn’t resist myself in getting inside. I rushed inside the operation theater .All my pain disappeared just by looking at her. The doctors and nurses had tried to stop me but I didn’t listened to them.
My love, Aleesha’s condition was critical. A lot of blood had dripped out from her head. I wasn’t allowed to see her. So I waited outside operation theater praying for her life. My eyes were peeping inside. I could see doctors tense faces, zigzag lines on the monitor.
Aleesha had opened her eyes. I couldn’t resist myself in getting inside. I rushed inside the operation theater .All my pain disappeared just by looking at her. The doctors and nurses had tried to stop me but I didn’t listened to them.
I was happy to see Aleesha. She was looking at me. She smiled but then fluctuation started on the screen. Aleesha was slowly-slowly closing her eyes. Suddenly fluctuation stopped and a straight line appeared on the screen. The doctors pulled me back. They checked her pulse but didn’t felt.
“She is dead”. The doctor said.
I didn’t believed him.
“Aleesha……. Aleesha……Aleesha……”
No response.
“Aleesha…… Aleesha…. Aleesha……Aleesha…..”
Still no response.
Aleesha left me. The bravest girl that I knew was not responding. She was gone leaving behind her family and me.
It’s been 2 months Aleesha had passed away. Tanisha and Mahesh were found guilty and are under custody. What they did was pure jealously. They killed a girl whose heart was pure. Results were out and Aleesha topped but she wasn’t here to celebrate her victory so I thought I should celebrate it with her dog Bruno who was coming towards me. A small piece of paper was squeezed between his teeth. The paper reminds me of Aleesha. I rasped him and slipped the paper from his mouth. He started licking my fingers. With Bruno’s saliva in my hand I opened the paper. I saw my name was written in Aleesha’s handwriting.
It’s been 2 months Aleesha had passed away. Tanisha and Mahesh were found guilty and are under custody. What they did was pure jealously. They killed a girl whose heart was pure. Results were out and Aleesha topped but she wasn’t here to celebrate her victory so I thought I should celebrate it with her dog Bruno who was coming towards me. A small piece of paper was squeezed between his teeth. The paper reminds me of Aleesha. I rasped him and slipped the paper from his mouth. He started licking my fingers. With Bruno’s saliva in my hand I opened the paper. I saw my name was written in Aleesha’s handwriting.
MY SMILE KEEPER”…..
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