by Anuradha S. Bannore

Aarya was lost in a pensive mood thinking about her dearest friends, Ashwani & Ashwin. Whenever she thought of those beautiful days spent together it brought a smile on her face.

The secretive meetings of her friends was a master plan of Aarya. She was extremely happy to have helped them even in getting married. She would tease them, ‘Stop behaving like teenagers in love. Why don’t you grow up?’

Ashwani would retort, ‘Most of the grown ups become boring partners. We don’t wish to do that especially when you took so much trouble in getting us together. Don’t you think so Ashwin?’

Ashwin in a teasing voice, ‘Whatever you say my beloved, ‘Piggy Tail’. Then with a glint in his eyes,’ Oh no, I’m sorry I just keep forgetting it’s no longer Piggy Tail but Ashwani, I still prefer Piggy Tail, it reflects my love for you, do you think so?

This behaviour always irritated Ashwani & she would throw things at him while he ran around the room catching her hands he would hug her saying, ‘This is the best part of our argument. It always ends in a hug. I love teasing you & watching your face turn red sometimes in embarrassment & at times in anger.’

Every evening Ashwani prepared tea & sat in the verandah waiting for her husband. She had told him to come for tea on the verandah as it was a pleasant evening with a cool gentle breeze. For over forty years they had been enjoying these beautiful moments of being together. As soon as it was time for Ashwin to get home from the office she would leave all her work & quickly prepare tea & some hot snacks which they enjoyed while reminiscing over their childhood battlefield days which later transformed into secretive meetings. She muttered,’ Ashwin, what’s taking you so long? The tea is getting cold. Please hurry up.’ Just then Ashwin came out looking all clean & fresh, hiding something behind his back. He said with a smile, ‘ Why are you calling out to me so loudly? I told you I was coming. Our neighbours will wonder if we are newlyweds, don’t you think so? Anyway I don’t mind it, do you? I do feel we got married yesterday, what do you say?’

Seeing his wife go red with embarrassment, he quickly handed her the bouquet of flowers & said quite loudly, ‘I hope you haven’t forgotten how much I love you & I don’t care if the whole world hears it. It’s not a crime to love your wife, especially a beautiful, caring loving one like you or is it? My dearest Ashwani, do you think it’s wrong to proclaim love for one’s wife? When did you become a ‘Shy Baby’ That’s what you called me, right? Now look who is

blushing even after forty years of married life? Where has all that strong headedness gone?’

This made her feel so terribly embarrassed that she just got up & went inside followed by an extremely confused husband with a twinkle in his eyes. He loved teasing his wife. She angrily shouted, ‘Why do you keep embarrassing me in front of others? Do you think it’s a joke when my friends tease me about it? I know you love me as dearly as I do..’

Ashwin quickly interrupted her, ‘ Oh no, that’s not true! I love you more than you do. So don’t you ever compare our love.’ This was their daily routine arguing about whose love was greater. The neighbours found it very amusing & entertaining. They loved this couple & always wished for a spouse like them. After all their arguments, they would sit holding hands promising each other, ‘No matter what happens we will always be by each other’s side.’

Ashwin & Ashwani were a pair that could never get along as kids. Ashwin was the spoilt child of a businessman while Ashwani was a headstrong girl. Neither anyone nor anything could scare her. Hence whenever these two met it was always an undeclared war. Very often the parents got involved & matters worsened. They warned & forbid their kid from playing with each other but being neighbours it was an unavoidable situation. Moreover they studied in the same school & in the same class always competing & challenging each other as both were very bright students. Ashwin never missed a chance to tease her if he won,’ Hey Piggy Tail, what happened? Did you fall asleep? Hope you weren’t dreaming about me because I don’t like you at all.’ She would retort angrily,’ Yes I was definitely dreaming of a lame Sheep limping around aimlessly.’ She smiled mischievously & said, ‘OMG! Come to think of it, yes I’m sure it was you!’ That’s how they were always at each other’s throat. It was too much for the teachers too & quite often their parents were called to the school. Finally Ashwani’s parents changed her school much to the relief of everyone.

Initially both Ashwin & Ashwani too were very happy but as days went by they started missing each other. Life seemed to be dull & boring. It was too peaceful for words. She missed his teasing & he, her annoyance at being called ‘Piggy Tail’ One day while they were playing with their own group of friends in front of their house they kept glancing at each other every now & then, without saying a word. Ashwani’s best friend, Aarya noticed it & one day she said,’ Do you like him?’ This shocked Ashwani & she quickly looked away saying, ‘What are you saying? I wasn’t looking at anyone in particular but was trying to figure out which game they were playing. So don’t talk nonsense & don’t repeat it otherwise there will be endless rumours & my mother will pack me off to a boarding school. I don’t wish to go anywhere.’

With a twinkle in her eyes her friend said, ‘Naturally, why would you ever wish to leave such a beautiful neighborhood, especially, the sweet next door neighbour? No, you shouldn’t be sent to a boarding school otherwise who will Ashwin stare at with such a cute smile? Haven’t you noticed how the girls at school go crazy over his smile & feel elated whenever he smiles at them. But it’s ok if you go, then at least other girls could get a chance to have him as their boyfriend. Just think about it, dear Ashwani. I know you too well to be fooled by you that you have no secret feelings for him. Usually an opportunity once lost is lost forever, so better think about it before you lose him forever. Should I arrange a meeting between the two of you? I’m sure you are already dreaming about him, tell me honestly, aren’t you?’

Ashwani, who was imagining all sorts of things suddenly woke up to reality & shouted, ‘What rubbish are you talking about? Will you please cut it out?’

‘Fine, if you say so but don’t forget that your friend had warned you. Remember next year none of us know where we will be & in which college so without wasting time meet him because he too seems to be interested in you. In fact when either of you isn’t there the other one tends to become grumpy & snappy? As I’m your best friend I’ll fix up a meeting for both of you, so don’t worry.’

Excitedly Ashwani said, ‘No, if our ( his & mine) parents find out about it both of us will be in great trouble.’

‘Don’t even think about it, Ashwani. Leave everything to me. I’ll make a safe plan. You will see I won’t fail you.’

That’s how their secret love started. Their meetings were making it impossible to stay apart & one day Ashwin finally said, ‘Ashwani, I love you more than my words can express. I don’t know what we will do as very soon we will be going to different colleges. I must see you everyday & I can’t bear you to be away from me.’

Ashwani teased him for a change,’ Mr. Spoilt Brat, you can miss me as much as you want but I won’t. I’ll be meeting new people and young smart handsome boys too. Who knows, maybe I’ll find someone better than you! We’ll get married & settle down while you brood over me.’ She laughed & ran away leaving him irritated & speechless.

Ashwin lay awake the whole night wondering, ‘Did Ashwani really mean what she had said? Afterall she’s very head strong. There was neither anyone nor anything that could keep her tied down. What should I do? Oh! I’m sure she was joking, was she? She’s turning me crazy with her silly jokes, yes it’s a joke, I’m sure, am I?

Finally he did fall asleep but the nightmare of being dumped awakened him with a start. He wanted to call her but knew the repercussions of it so waited for morning wondering,’ Why the nights were so long!’

At last it was morning but when he rushed out on hearing a commotion he was shocked to see his dearest neighbours were leaving with their daughter. Seeing the luggage packed on top of the car drained him of all energy. He saw Ashwani looking sadly at him. With great difficulty he restrained his tears as his mother called out to him for breakfast but he suddenly lost his appetite. His mother scolded him,’ What’s wrong? Why aren’t you eating? Every morning you feel famished. Are you sick? Let me check.’

Ashwin brushed her hand away, ‘Can you please leave me alone, Ma. Nothing is wrong. Actually I was up almost the whole night thinking about my future. Maybe that’s why I don’t feel like eating. I think I’ll go for a walk. The fresh air will help me to feel better.’ He walked out leisurely so as not to arouse suspicion but once out he quickly texted Ashwani & as expected getting no response he ran towards Aarya’s house. Waiting in a by lane he texted her, ‘Can you please come to the lane next to your house? It’s urgent so please come as soon as possible.’

Within a few minutes she was with him, ‘What’s so urgent that you came here so early in the morning? Be quick otherwise I’ll be in trouble with my parents. I managed to sneak out quietly. You better hurry up or else I’m going.’

Ashwin looked at her all puzzled & asked in a low voice,’ Where has Ashwani gone? She just left without telling me anything although yesterday we were together for almost two hours. Piggy Tail is turning me crazy!’

Aarya smiled, ‘It’s good to see you love crazy. Serves you right if she has left you. Stop calling her Piggy Tail if you want to be with her.. It annoys her, you know that.’

‘Ok! Ok! I won’t, I beg of you please tell me where has she gone?’

‘Don’t worry, she isn’t coming back! Enjoy your freedom while you can,’ she told him mischievously.

‘Omg! You are no better than her in harassing me. Please, I’m in no mood to joke.’ Seeing his crestfallen face she told him Ashwani was likely to return in two days. He heaved a sigh of relief but then shouted, ‘What do you mean ‘by likely’ to? Do you mean to say she might not? You are her best friend who helped us in getting together so please tell me where she has gone because she’s not answering my messages.’

Aarya replied,’ You won’t believe me but honestly I too don’t know the answer to your question as she didn’t think it fit to trust me probably because she knew I would tell you & she doesn’t wish you to know about her whereabouts. I’m extremely sorry I can’t help you.’

Clenching his fist he suddenly turned to go away but not before Aarya saw tears rolling down his eyes. It saddened her & she immediately texted her friend about it but was once again made to promise not to tell him anything. Ashwani got daily news about Ashwin but he knew absolutely nothing about her. He decided to work hard for his studies so as to drown her memories but it was all in vain. Many years passed before they happened to meet at a conference. She saw him first but quickly turned away pretending to talk to the person next to her. Ashwin felt as if someone was every now & then staring at him. He looked around but couldn’t see anyone doing so. He then decided to pretend to be writing something when he again got that feeling of being stared at so he quickly looked up & their gaze locked & the lady smiled at him. This perplexed him. He gave the pretty smart lady a quizzing look wondering who on earth she was! The thing was she recognised him as she had received his latest photos from Aarya while he didn’t have any such source hence failed to recognise her. It annoyed him & thought the lady to be weird to smile at him, a complete stranger, ‘Is she trying to flirt with me? If so, God please save me! I must find out who she is because her smile seems to be familiar. Where have I seen it?’

After the conference when all the members were having tea he again caught her looking at him. His curiosity knew no bounds & quickly approaching her, he, in subdued anger said,’ Do I know you? Is something wrong with me? I caught you glancing at me during the conference & also here. What’s your problem, madam?’

Ashwani laughed out & said,’ That means, you too were looking at me. Why? Are you interested in me?’

Looking at his face going red she quickly added, ‘That look on your face probably means your girlfriend ditched you, is that so? On second thoughts maybe she didn’t. Probably she had to leave you due to some unavoidable reasons. Give her the benefit of doubt.’

Just at that moment one of her friends called out,’ Hey Ashwani, come here for a moment. There’s something of your interest here.’

As she turned to go she winked at Ashwin who stood shocked, glued to the ground. He couldn’t believe he had finally found his childhood beloved headstrong ‘Piggy Tail’ with no care how people would react seeing her daring behaviour.

Oh my beloved hasn’t changed a bit. I only hope she doesn’t do anything embarrassing.’

He waited for her outside. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she sailed towards him looking like a princess. She hugged & kissed him while he stood shocked by her action. He breathlessly said, ‘Piggy Tail’ stop it, people are staring at us & one of them is coming towards us. Please for heaven’s sake remember, we are no longer kids. What will everyone say?’

‘ Oh, they will just say Ashwani has gone mad, hugging & kissing a total stranger. Don’t you know Mr. Spoilt Brat you always said I was headstrong, doing what I wanted irrespective of what others might say. I’ve missed you like anything & now that I have you I won’t leave you ever again, that’s a promise to myself, my loving Spoilt Brat!’

Ashwin was joyous but embarrassed too at Ashwani’s behaviour. By now the man had reached them, ‘My dear Ashwani, who is he? Won’t you introduce me to him? I have been trying to win your love but this man gets it effortlessly. Why is it so? I don’t think you ever mentioned him to me. You seem to be like very close friends.

Ashwani held on to her beloved Spoilt Brat’s hand & said,’ Sorry, but he is the reason why I couldn’t love anyone else. His love for me spoiled me right from our childhood days. I just couldn’t care for anyone else besides him.’

‘How I wish I had met you at that time! I think I’ll have to take your leave because I know I have no chances of ever winning you. It grieves me to say this but both of you have a wonderful life.’

Ashwin looked at her & gave her a good shake, ‘You turned me crazy by disappearing in this way. I haven’t had a peaceful day since the day of your disappearing act. Don’t you ever do it again! It’s good I didn’t die of a heart attack. By the way, how did you recognise me after so many years?’

She smiled mischievously, ‘We women can never forget our man but you men tend to forget us, isn’t it so?’

‘I don’t believe you. Anyway, how’s your friend, Aarya? Have you heard from her? It was very kind of her to help us.’

Without realising Ashwani immediately said with a smile, ‘Oh yes & she has been keeping me posted with photos of my beloved one.’

‘Ok, so that’s how you recognise me, my dearest Piggy Tail. I was sure she was lying to me that she had no idea about your whereabouts. I knew she was in touch with you constantly. You two are real conspirators.’

Ashwani pulling out her tongue said,’ I’m sorry, I made her promise not to tell you anything about me because you were getting distracted by me & not concentrating on your studies. I didn’t want you to..

‘But your absence was more distracting & maddening. Didn’t it ever occur to you?

My whole world crashed down before I could build it completely. Piggy Tail, don’t play pranks on me ever again because next time you might lose me forever.’

‘I promise I’ll never do it again.’ She clung on to him & kissing him whispered,

‘ Let’s wait & see..what if I’m kidnapped, won’t you come to get me?’ She laughed out loudly much to his discomfort & angrily he said,. ‘Why do you always talk in this way? Do you want me to go away? Tell me I will leave you but don’t frighten me with such horrid things. You have no idea how I survived. Maybe it was because I was destined to find you.’

He kissed her & they left for their respective rooms. They spent the whole night texting to each other. With the first ray of light both were out of their room with a broad smile. She ran & held his hand much to his discomfort, ‘ Piggy Tail can you please behave yourself. Leave my hand. Some members are coming towards us. Please—‘

‘Spoilt Brat, since when did you become a ‘Shy Baby’ & if once again you call me ‘Piggy Tail’ then you will be really sorry because then I’m going to hug & kiss you! On second thoughts, kindly call me that, for I’m dying to kiss you, my dearest lover boy!

That thrilled him but also scared him. He immediately said, ‘ Ashwani, I’m sorry I won’t call you by that name—‘

She interrupted him with a smile, ‘Which name are you talking about? As I don’t remember it, can you please refresh my memory?’

He was about to repeat when he realised what she was upto, ‘Oh no, don’t you try your tricks again with me!’

By now the other members had reached them & they walked towards the dining room for breakfast.

Fate had brought them together once again & very soon they got married. Not a day passed without talking about the golden days of falling in love which from a bud bloomed into a beautiful

‘Blossom of Love.’

About the Author:

Anuradha S. Bannore is a prolific writer and an alumni of Jabalpur University with M.A in English. She retired as a teacher and currently lives in Vadodara India.