A Christmas Memory

I had a few days less than a week to stay officially in Axel, and I decided to enjoy every minute of this journey. I have had already forwarded my registration long back, and this time I spoke to Sankalp before doing it, so it was quickly accepted, and without delay.

It was always amazing getting lesser and lesser workload, and it gets best on every Christmas day. So, Another year. Again, the exchange of gifts and fun dares to each other.

"Guys, you can dare anyone you want, but just one person and one dare," shouted Vijay to anyone that was prepared to listen. This announcement got everyone in the team excited.

Moment's later, the emails started popping up on the screen. Every challenge was funnier than the last.

It included dancing, acting, begging, signing, catwalk, and human- train, and in that, I also participated in it as an engine. I have done a lot of crazy things, and some I can't even believe I did and in that this count in.

Then a new email popped up in my inbox. It was from Payel, After I'd read her email, I couldn't stop my internal laughing.

The task was Sagun and Sankalp would be doing a slow dance on a romantic Hindi song.

My second thought was, 'isn't it tedious monotony for Sagun and Sankalp by this time?' every year they do something similar. Last year she sang for him, the year before she did something in the same line for him, I heard and this year dancing!

Now, after all, other tasks were done, last but certainly not least, it was time to see their performance. People were getting more excited with each step and began to run toward the game room while I dragged myself in, considering been trapped by emotions for Sankalp. I saw that there is no good reason not to enjoy their dance, but there was no reason to be thrilled either.

The dance was yet to start, leaving them a functional space we all stood in a group.

It made no difference to me until, Aziz asked, "Shristi, are you jealous? Do you like to be held like that too?"

His words surged through my veins and pierce my heart. I mean I liked him enough to call it to love, but I wasn't an adequate substitute for Sagun.

Forcing a tight smile, trying to act as nothing were wrong, I kept looking straight to them. Sankalp took her hands, and they started to dance, awkwardly. He was rather clumsy.

I could hear the love song being played in the background— Tu bas de de mera saath

I get this feeling now.

I cannot wait no longer.

I know your love will keep me happy.

Will keep me stronger.

When the dance ended, Sagun was so excited that she danced with him, she jumped into Pramila's arms, squealing with delight.

Just seeing the smile on her face was enough for me to have a genuine smile. But I needed to get out of that room as fast as possible.

"Let us go for tea," I suggested, putting my hand on Sara's arm, she nodded her understanding of the unspoken message between us.

We made our way over to the cafeteria and was about to order myself a cup of tea when from behind me, I heard the familiar voice of Sankalp talking to Pankaj.

It was an unfaithful coincidence. I didn't want to have that, I couldn't have seen Sankalp without feeling a pang of jealousy, and I sure didn't want to feel crappy remembering what happened in the room.

Next ten minutes, inflicted emotional and psychological abuse to me, I tried to act unaffected by his presence, but I wasn't at all, it was making me sad.

That night at home, I found myself writing some lines, and I understood I was ready to leave them. I didn't want to be a part of it anymore.

That night at home, I found myself writing some lines and I understood I was ready to leave them. I didn't want to be a part of it anymore.

I for had been so full of sunlight from the clear, blue sky, but suddenly it grew darker and darker, sea rise, high tides, and you floated in just at the wrong time. The lamp flickered as you burned in my mind, gone two then back, and you weren't there. I tossed and turned in my bed, unable to sleep.

In slippery pavement and losing grip, all I wanted was only you. You left a permanent mark and coloured me in black. I wanted it to be my kiss and your cheeks, your smile, and my eyes, but now it's my time to leave.

What a feeling!