Intense Desires...

It Was All We Did...

January 1st, 2002,

There weren't any major changes in the new year except for the date and month. Working on the paper, playing chess and cricket, and hanging out with Ritvik and Yamini were all on my mind. Ritvik has been working with me on improving my chess skills. My cricketing talents were gradually developing, and I had established myself as a regular in our block squad. In Vikas Puri, a new McDonald's opened, and there, along with it, was the movie theatre, where we used to hang out together. Unfortunately, it's far away from our homes, and we usually needed rides to go there. Ritvik was a year older than the other students since he had missed a year of school owing to sickness, but he was still one year away from getting his driver's license. We could generally get a ride thanks to his mother, Yamini's host mother, and my mother.

The first season of a new cricket league began in January and will continue till April. Ritvik and I both joined up, but because the teams were selected at random, we ended up in separate teams this time. I didn't know any of the other members of my team, but they appeared to be kind enough. Yamini came to watch our games on Saturday, and it was always a fun time. While playing, I attempted to grab her attention, but she seemed uninterested.

Roller skating, on the other hand, piqued her curiosity. She persuaded Ritvik and me to join her on her roller-skating adventure. When I was in fourth grade, I tried it for the first time. I didn't have a lot of luck, and I also didn't have a lot of control. We arrived at the skating rink and hired skates. She was self-sufficient. She was incredible. A London girl on her journey to independence. She appeared different when skating, as if she had transformed into someone else. It's as though she was born to do this. She did some incredible tricks with it, and it was really incredible for us. That was something I'd never done before, but it seemed interesting.

Ritvik and I both had a tumble. Quite a bit. But finally, she taught us how to skate, turn, and, most crucially, stop. I wasn't particularly graceful and continued to fall, but I was getting the hang of it. Ritvik, on the other hand, didn't seem to be having much of a good time. He told me that he liked chess and cricket over skating, but that he wouldn't tell Yamini since he didn't want her to feel terrible.

We'd had enough (or, more accurately, my legs and buttocks had enough) and needed to grab some cold coffee and relax. We sat and spoke, Yamini looking adorable in her pink cardigan, and Ritvik sitting next to her, their shoulders touching. He didn't make much of a response. Because he wasn't communicating, I didn't bring it up with him, but it was obvious that Yamini was still interested in him. I sighed quietly while maintaining a cheerful front. I was delighted to spend time with her. I knew she was going in 5 months and that Ritvik would still be there, and I didn't want to jeopardize our friendship or cause him pain, so I simply let it go.

We did make it to a handful of Delhi Ranji Trophy cricket games, but my father was worried they wouldn't make it. In addition, there were not enough fans in the stands.

April 16, 2002

My birthday was great. My parents showered me with gifts, including a video gaming system that can be readily linked with my room's television. They may have treated me badly, but they did buy me some nice things. After supper, Sourav, Ritvik, Yamini, and a few other kids from my group came over to my house for cake and ice cream. I blew out the candles as my pals finished singing Happy Birthday (none of us could sing very well), wishing Yamini would finally want to go out with me instead of simply being friends. We spent a lot of time together over the last few months and got to know each other extremely well. I knew she was returning to London for some time, so even if my desire came true, it wouldn't last long.

Ritvik surprised me with a new chess set, complete with weighted pieces, felt bottoms, and a great board. Sourav presented me with two new Superman comic book sets. The other members of my group contributed to a Player's Handbook for me, and Yamini surprised me by giving me a mock turtleneck shirt and a pair of blue jeans. I hadn't told her about it, but she knew my parents would never purchase them for me or allow me to get them. As I held them up and thanked her warmly, I could already see my mother's disapproving expression.

Around 8:30 p.m., Sourav and two of my other pals departed. Because they lived on the same street, they were able to stroll home. Because it was on the way, Ritvik's mother was giving Yamini a lift. We were all waiting for his mother on the front steps of the house. Yamini wished me a happy birthday as she pulled into the driveway, then leaned in and kissed my cheek. I must have turned 12 shades of red. Yes, Priyanka and I had kissed a lot before (It Was All We Did), but this cheek kiss was electrifying. "See you at school tomorrow," she said as she walked away with soft lips and a short brush on my shoulder. Ritvik chuckled and remarked, "Man, you're blushing," before punching me in the arm lightly and jumping into the car. They were going after I waved to his mother.

I was ecstatic. I was floating even as mom said, sarcastically, "You are not to wear those pants to school." Even my mother couldn't get me down. Was my desire going to come true? And if I did, how would I feel when she went to London in June? A million ideas whirled around in my brain. I had a hard time focusing on my assignment, but I finished it. Then I put the top and jeans on. I looked a couple of years older in that clothing, like I was seventeen or eighteen instead of sixteen. And the jeans were comfortable. It was difficult to fall asleep. Yamini's image kept resurfacing in my mind. I grinned and lay down on my bed, gazing up at the roof, seeing Yamini's face, her kiss on my cheek flashing through my mind, and I drifted off to my fantasy-Yamini.

On Wednesday morning, I virtually glided into homeroom. "Hello," I greeted Yamini. "Hello," she said, and I greeted her with a broad smile. I held her hand as we went down the hall after the first-period bell rang (we weren't in the same class this quarter, but our rooms were adjacent to each other). I'd never done anything like this before, and she took a step back. Uh-oh. Is it possible that I misunderstood? We were walking to class when I let go of her hand.

I realized after lunch that I had misjudged her. She was well aware of it. It seemed obvious to me. But that was never stated explicitly. For the majority of the day, I sulked. Ritvik was in my last lesson of the day, 8th period. "Man, you've got everything you wanted for the rest of your life!"

"No, I don't believe so."

"However, she kissed you."

"As a buddy, yes. There's nothing else. I'm certain of it. "

"Did she say that to you?"

"No, but she didn't want to hold my hand, and it was obvious that I misunderstood when we ate lunch. She's simply a pal. "

"I'm very sorry, brother."

“Yeah.”

For a week, I was depressed, but I managed to keep up appearances with Yamini as I stewed and blamed myself for reading too much into a kiss on the cheek.

In May of 2002,

The first scroll took my breath away... In a galaxy far, far away, after a very long time. Ritvik and I were seated in the PVR Theater, seeing The Terminator, a new film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. I was absorbed in the film. When Ritvik and I went to see movies, we typically muttered a little about them, but this one reached out and grabbed us, and we sat in shocked silence. The special effects were incredible, and the plot was incredible as well. We'd see it a couple more times after that. Before then, I'd never seen a movie more than once. I was ecstatic as I walked out of the theatre. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As usual, the next day, Thursday, I went to Shree Sai Temple for prayers. I normally worked for a month as a Hindu Priest (Junior) before taking a month's vacation. My month has been April. I was sitting with my mother, Anoop, and Sheetal because it was May. Anoop took the corner seat from the right, followed by Sheetal, Mum, and finally me. Mrs. Sood was to my left. Her spouse was killed in the Kargil War with Pakistan roughly three years ago. My maternal uncle was also in Kargil at the same period, but he returned safely. At Shree Sai Temple, I was mostly disconnected from the adult world, although I was aware of the tale because I was a priest (junior) at Late. Col. Sood's burial. Mrs. Sood and I didn't see one another very much at the temple, maybe every couple of months. Maybe she didn't go anywhere or went to a different temple most of the time.

I'd been wearing the T-shirt Yamini had given me to Temple since it was so gorgeous and made me appear older. Mrs. Sood lost her position in the prayer book halfway through the prayers, and I assisted her. She couldn't find the proper page for the song later in the service, so I showed her again. "Thank you," she whispered as she clutched my arm. "Thank you, you're really helpful." I simply smiled and returned to my prayers. When the temple rituals were over, I went outside to buy some juice and 'Chole-Kulche.' (A Very famous dish in Delhi.)

When Mom arrived, she informed me that Mrs. Sood had asked if I might help her with some yard work and had said yes.

"When?" I inquired.

"The next Saturday."

"However, Mom, Yamini's farewell celebration party is on Saturday."

"This is more crucial. Mrs. Sood requires assistance, and you will provide it."

"You don't give a damn about what I want; you never do," I grumbled as I rushed away.

I was lucky that I didn't say it loud enough for Head-Priest Pandey Ji to hear it. Otherwise, I would have gotten myself into much more trouble.

I was in a terrible mood on Monday. Yamini figured that out instantly right away.

"What's the matter? You appear to be disturbed. "

"On Saturday, Mom is making me do yard labor for Mrs. Sood from Temple."

"Perhaps you could speak with her and see if you could begin extremely early in the morning. Maybe you'll be able to finish in time to attend my party. I'll try my best so that we won't start until 4:00 p.m.," she hoped.

"That's something I should've thought of. This is a fantastic concept. I'll simply sort things out with Mrs. Sood and tell the mom she can do anything she wants. I'm sure she'll help; she appears to be kind."

As a result, a strategy was devised. There is only one issue. I couldn't figure out how to contact her. That night, when I contacted Ritvik, I described my predicament. He burst out laughing and exclaimed, "Man, you're a moron. Look for her name in the Temple directory. I'm sure her phone number is somewhere in there."

"I'd never considered it. I owe you bigtime, Ritvik. "

"What is the point of having friends?" He chuckled.

After that call, I felt a lot better. Ritvik, on the other hand, was always able to find the positive side of things!

Without Mom's knowledge, I walked downstairs and took the Temple directory. So far, everything has gone well. Now all I had to do was make sure I could call her without her knowing and then convince Mrs. Sood to go along with my plan. Mom and Dad were both watching TV, so that was a no-brainer. Sheetal was in her room while my brother was out in the yard. I instantly phoned her number from the upstairs extension in my parents' sitting room (where I made my calls for a bit of privacy). On the second ring, she answered.

"This is Ashvani from Shri Sai Temple, Mrs. Sood."

"Oh, hello! I wasn't anticipating a call from you. On Friday, I planned to call your mother and give her the timings and facts."

"That's what I wanted to discuss with you. On Saturday afternoon, I'm scheduled to be at a friend's party. She's from London, and this is her farewell celebration. Because of the yard work, Mom won't let me leave. " I crossed my fingers in anticipation.

"Oh, my goodness, I had no idea she didn't tell me!"

"She wouldn't," I murmured in disappointment.

"Don't worry, it'll be OK in a week."

"Even if you begged her, Mom would never let that happen. She'll sense something's up, and even if you change the date, she could refuse to let me attend the party."

"Would she do that?"

"It's happened before," I replied very nicely to gain some sympathy. "How much work do you have?" I asked.

She answered, "Probably around four or five hours."

"Could I begin at 7:00 a.m.? I know I can't start the mowers or trimmers that early, but I think I could have everything else done by 11:00 a.m."

"I believe that is feasible. There are weeds to pluck, flowers to plant, chicken wire to put up in the garden to keep the rabbits and stray dogs out, a fence to repair, and finally, the lawn to mow. There will be no trimming."

"Can you tell me whether you have a bagging mower? Is it necessary for me to rake?"

"You've got to rake."

"Could I bring our lawnmower if my father agrees? It comes with a bag. "

“Sure! I'll prepare you lunch, your mother can get you up at 1:00 p.m., and you'll still be able to attend your friend's party."

"Mrs. Sood, you're cool!" Please don't tell my mother that this was my suggestion."

"Don't be concerned. Everything will be taken care of by me. "See you in the morning on Saturday!"

"Bye, Mrs. Sood," I said.

Boom! Bang on target! I hurriedly hung up and contacted Yamini and Om to inform them of the situation. They were just as ecstatic as I was! All that remained was for Mrs. Sood to phone Mom on Friday and request that I arrive at 7:00 a.m. while concealing the fact that I had called. Fortunately, the cricket league had just finished the week before; otherwise, the scheme would have failed miserably.

When I went home from school on Friday afternoon, I noticed a note on the fridge that said, "Be at Mrs. Sood's at 7:00 am." I was ready to say "Yes!" when I realized I was meant to be angry about having to go. I went looking for my father.

"Can I borrow our bagging mower tomorrow to Mrs. Sood's? "

"She doesn't have a lawnmower, does she?"

Oh no. How would I know if I had never spoken to her and had not heard from my mother? I had to think quickly.

"Uhm, I'm just worried that she could have one that I don't know how to operate or that isn't in excellent working order."

"Wonderful idea, Son. Who knows now that her spouse is dead? Ok. You're welcome to it. Simply load everything into the station wagon tonight."

Whew! That was a close call. I even received one of Dad's extremely rare compliments.

Dad was a former air force officer who spent over 15 years in the Indian Air Force. He married late in life, when he was 36 years old and my mother was 24 years old. Later, I discovered that Dad had never wanted children but had been persuaded to have them by my mother. He didn't want to get married, either. I'm not sure if there's a better formula for disaster than this. My father was fifty years old when I was fourteen, so it was like having a cruel grandfather as a parent. My mother's parents, on the other hand, were kind and entertaining. I wished that their parenting abilities had rubbed off on her.

The sun shone brightly on Saturday. I got up at 6:00 a.m., dressed in my jeans (Yay!), t-shirt, socks, and sneakers, and walked downstairs to get some cereal, milk, and orange juice, which was my favorite. Yes. I couldn't stand the flavor of the milk, so I covered it with sugar. I ate my breakfast and awaited Mom's arrival. About 6:45 am, she came down with curlers in her hair and a housecoat to drop me off at Mrs. Sood’s house. I had a feeling she wouldn't get out of the car!

I cranked up the radio in the car and twisted the dial to listen to some strange, sober music so that mum couldn't give me any advice on how to act in public and at other people's houses, among other things. Until we arrived at Mrs. Sood's house, Mom didn't say anything. I was rescued in some way. This was a great way to start the day for me.

"You obey her orders without objecting or arguing." I don't want any accusations that you misbehaved or refused to cooperate. She said I'd pick you up at one o'clock. I'll arrive at 1:15 p.m., giving you plenty of time to get home, shower, and change before I pick you up to drive you to Yamini's. Mrs. Deshpandey will transport you back to our house. "

"All right, Mom. I understand. "When she says something, I'll do it."

I jumped out of the car without saying anything else. I knew I'd hear about it, which is why I didn't say goodbye or kiss her. Ugh. I yanked the mower out of the back of the station wagon.