Say Hi To Zenni ...I miss U

This is a story like any other story. It is not a thriller or a murder mystery. More or less, it is a Confession. But it is a real story. It narrates a feeling that is a precursor of LOVE.

   I liked Zenni. Friends said that Zenni exclusively liked (not loved) me. We were in class 7. She was always excited and full of zeal. That thin girl, Zenni never got exhausted. No Doubt she was beautiful. Soon, I became the "star" of the class because (as already said) I was offered exclusive attention by the "superstar" of the class, Zenni. The only boy who was privileged to talk (in a casual and friendly way) to her always felt like a gifted child. But, he had also become the centre of gossips (after all he was a 'star').

   At that stage, it was not a feeling that can be called 'love'. It is better to call it attraction. However, there was a great harmony in understanding each other. She always looked at me and smiled. I would smile back and this game continued even while a class was going on. The teacher would be busy chalking out his methods on the black-board or holding his book and reading aloud. We were never caught. Even if the teacher saw that, he would ignore it. (It is simple logic: grade 7 students can't make love!) However, some envy reporters and gossip-mongers of our class caught us. (To solve a problem, you ought to have the level of thinking that created it.)

   Rajam was from South India. He was fond of North Indian food. During recess, we would exchange lunch-boxes. I did not like having puri, rice and roti-sabzi (chappati and curry) on a daily basis. Likewise, Rajam did not like Idli, Dosa and Chutney everyday. We guys from North India would wonder how lucky Rajam was to have Idli-Dosa everyday because in our homes it was cooked hardly once a month (that also without coconut chutney)! Later, I discovered that Rajam thought the same about the kids from North India. We befriended each other because of 'tiffin-exchange theory' and being so-called 'intelligent students'. Rajam also wanted to know the secret behind Zenni and me.

   After the lunch-break, Rajam would spread the gossips about Zenni and me. Students believed him because he had an exclusive access to me in matters concerning Zenni. Plus, Zenni and I were also the monitors of the class. It was a great feeling that cannot be described in words. There was no physical element (after all we were in grade 7). It was platonic love. [To name what I did in grade 7, I had to obtain a Graduation degree and read about 'Platonic Love'!] She was also happy. I think both of us were unaware of this mutual attraction and care. Life was great then. I miss those days even after 13 years of separation!!!

  I was residing with my uncle and aunty. One day they told me that he was transferred to another city and they had to relocate within a month! It was like a shock. "Why? Can't we wait for 3 more months to finish the session?" I asked. (Who cares for the session. Unconsciously, my conscience wanted to spend more time with my bestfriend Zenni.) What kind of love was that? No bias, no religion, no money, no future plans and no job security concerns! However, nothing happened and army people never change their 'smart' plans.

   When I told this to my classmates, everyone was surprised. Zenni was lost in thoughts for a while and then carelessly said, "Go wherever you want. What could I do? It is your problem". (Remember there was no proposal drama; hence, no break-up drama!) After a week, Zenni, Rajam, Ashok and I decided to meet at the school park. Actually, Zenni lived near the school. (Ashok was a tall and robust idiot who does not deserve a description. The word "idiot" is sufficient.) Childhood Days are actually a mystery because during those days you are not wise enough to analyse them. And when you grow up, you are left with some "sweet memories" and job security concerns (including relocation and buying a flat in a metro). Life is an enigma: you don't realise your fortune unless you are hit by a misfortune. As a child, we want to grow up ASAP to take charge of our lives. As an adult, we miss those golden days. What a Pity! Man is never HAPPY! Plus, when something bad is written, some silly things also occur to add insult to injury.


   I could not go to the park at our school because some guests have arrived at my place or I was slightly ill, I don't remember; after all, it has been 13 years now. Rajam told me the next day that all had been there except me. "Zenni kept waiting for you," he added, "but you did not come. Why? Stupid." For the first time, he behaved like a TRUE friend. I was overwhelmed. Zenni asked me the same question and I could not answer her because I was busy wiping my running nose with a napkin. She was disgusted and gave me a dirty look. That was the 1st incident when she loathed me with some authority over me, for the first time!

   Thereafter, I feel seriously ill and was advised bed rest. That means out of 14 working days I had wasted 8 days! One day I tried to ride on my bicycle to the school, but that creepy cold forced me to return just after 50 metres of cycling; otherwise, I would have fallen down like a lunatic. However, the last three working days were nicely utilised and I managed everything very well. I offered apologies and exchanged addresses for writing letters. (I even wrote 4 letters on the school address, but no reply was received. Do teachers...no...no!) Now, I realise that I have a talent to bid good bye during Farewells.

   The last working day: Zenni behaved normally like any other girl and wished me good luck. I had 2 more days in the city because uncle needed to collect some certificates and do other formalities. On the last working day, after school I hovered around my lovely school and Zenni's house to catch her glimpse, but all in vain. [I think by that time I was bitten by the insect of Love and the pain of separation was clearly visible on my face.] I repeated the same process on the pen-ultimate day, but again no results. Where had Dear Zenni gone to? Very depressing and totally heart-breaking moment!!!


   After so many years, I Confess: "Hi! Zenni I miss you, I Love You. I was very fortunate that you came in my life and gave meaning to it. I also apologise to you for being absent that day. I don't know where you are. If you read this story, please forgive me and contact ASAP. By the way, have you got married? But, I'm still single and eagerly waiting for you. Hurry up before our parents get us married to some other people! Are you listening?"

[The then 'Star' is now like any other 'Rat Racer'. After 13 years, I found her on the Social Media, but Zenni did not accept my 'Friend Request'. Probably, she has forgotten everything or got married. Moreover, she has Grown Up and not in the same State of Mind. You know, Time is the real Star: it has the ability to transform everything. Possibly, she wished to say, "forget it, it's over man!"]