YOU & ME : Everyday story

My early life

Nandini: Let's go back to the year 1993 when I was in India completing my studies there was a boy named Aakash he was tall, smart, studious, everyone's favorite and we were childhood friends, we used to live in the same apartment.

Exams were near so he helped me out with my studies as usual unless one day my parents were not at home and he came to my place at our usual time of the study. It was 3 o'clock in the afternoon. He knocked at the door. I opened the door invited him in. We were studying then he asked me if no one was at home. I said no mom & dad are out they will come late at night. He said let's have some fun it's been a long time we are always busy with studies. I agreed. He suggested let's watch a movie. Again I agreed that time we didn't have this fast internet or proper tv. I had some cassettes in my dad's collection. So we searched for something good to play and we ended up on the Bollywood movie DEEWANA. I played the cassette, the movie began, we were sitting on the sofa eating some snacks and within 15 minutes of the start of the movie he held my hand and said nand I want to confess something. I told yes continue. He kissed me without even uttering a word and then he said "I love u nand, I have always been in love with you but you know our parents, so I thought today should be the day I should say, otherwise I would have regretted it later." I didn't know at that time what is it like to fall in love how are you supposed to know if you really love or not somebody ..but then giving a pause to my thoughts I thought we knew each other since childhood what else do you want then I also said I love u too and we kissed. Believe me, honey, it was an amazing experience obviously it was my first kiss so it should have some importance. And by the way, u r turning 18 so it's cool if I am talking to you about all these right. I assume you already have done everything. Right hon?

Nina: mom you continue no ..why are u jumping to me. It's so interesting ... don't distract and yes you can be comfortable with me, now continue.

Nandini: um hmm so excited no

Okay continuing on then we were just sitting I put my head on his shoulder he covered me from back with his hands and it was an old school decent kinda feeling with a Lil bit of fear of what if anyone caught us what if anyone sees us but we were enjoying at that moment...so after a while movie finished he had to go back but I didn't want him to let go neither did he wanted to go but, unfortunately, he had to. So he kissed me on the forehead promising me to meet the next day, we said bye he went. At that time we were not having mobile phones, there used to be landlines at the house so like nowadays we couldn't do late-night talks like you and Sam do ( laughing while saying )

Nina: Mom he is my friend( blushing)

Nandini: yea am I saying something (chuckles)

Nina: Mom you continue

Nandini: So, we were in a relationship for almost about a month with those butterfly moments it was a whole new experience. But something changed after that, as usual, Aakash came to my house for studies he was behaving weirdly I asked him what happened he just said to focus on studies we are not paying attention exams are near you don't have anything to do but I have to get good marks you know that you are just wasting time.

I was totally devastated wanted to cry but I controlled my tears and said babe you were the ones who initiated and now you are blaming me that's not fair.

Aakash said it's over you do it your way m going don't try to contact me m not able to focus on anything you are just a distraction for me. I wanna break up with you.

I couldn't even utter a word just said ok.

At the back of my mind, I was thinking how could he break our friendship, just because of our relationship. I was broken from inside.

That day I cried all night. But woke up with a whole new motivation how could he say I am not serious about my studies and that was the day I decided I would study hard to get a scholarship for University College London, so I got back to my studies trying to forget everything. After around 10 days he came back saying m sorry I was a bit harsh I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. Now it was my time to show him I don't give a f**k I told him it's fine go study by yourself you have already lost me, now get lost. he went back and never showed his face again and m glad.

It was 3 months left for the exam I gave my best shot and gave the examination meanwhile I prepared for IELTS. After a month results came out I not only topped my high school but got the highest percentage in the country. Oh my god! My parents were so proud they couldn't believe I did it. IELTS was also cleared I got a 100% scholarship. My parents agreed to send me to London. It was a mesmerizing experience. I was everywhere in the news, paper, people were talking about me. It felt awesome. Everything is so fresh in my mind like it happened yesterday.

Aakash's mother called to congratulate me.

And I said thank you. She continued saying, my dear, you should have taught Aakash also he didn't score well. I was smiling because he was the reason I got my motivation from so it's fine, but I felt Lil bit sad for him because he also wanted to go to the USA. I said namaste aunt I have to go, will call you later.

People around me for whom I cared were happy my family, friends each and every one of them.

Happily, a month passed out it was time for me to go to London for 3 years.

I packed in everything, your grands came to the airport to see off, I was first in the family to go abroad for studies. Mom & dad were crying with joy. I hugged them and went for check-in and before putting my steps on the flight I promised myself I will not do anything stupid and will not fall for anyone it's just a trap have to focus on my studies. I can't let my parents down.

But who knew cade was waiting in line( laughing)

Nina: My topper mom (smiling) you should have told me earlier, you could have helped me in my studies, never mind. Now, dad's story.