In Every Universe

Maybe

Here I am outside my school looking around the alley..if he is here. I look around and find a familiar figure. I wave his hand and I walk to him. He is tall and wearing a black shirt and ripped jeans. He is leaning to the car. I went to him and asked him for his name..he didn't reply inspite he said to me that I am at the right place and meeting the right person. I don't know why he is too much comfortable with me. my family has issues with me but why is he interested to meet me. I was in my thoughts when he open the car door and gesture me to sit in the car. for few minute I was confused whether I should get in or not. then he said..Believe me Ritu I'll not hurt u. please get in. We can talk out....

I didn't gave him time to complete his last sentence..I was not looking at him when I intrupted...I don't believe in anyone. After my words he was still standing still holding car's door for me I get in and look straight. He get in too but didn't said a single them.

After 10 minutes of silence. He asked me which cafe I would prefer to go...I don't know much about cafes or restaurants. You choose in whichever you want to go....I replied.

After more 10 minutes we were out of a cafe. He parked the car and we get inside the cafe...we took the table which was in the left corner. When we set down he looked at me but didn't said a single thing. it was looking like he can look inside me, he can read my mind. we were busy looking each other then a waiter came and intrupted and I look away. He ordered Americano for him and looked at my direct and was about to ask me when I said..Orange Juice... and again I ignored his eyes and looked away.

for sometime there was an awkward silence then he looked at me and asked me

Atlas: Are you comfortable?

I was in disbelief that he open his mouth and asked me if I'm okay or not. Is it matters if I'm okay or not..then a voice came out from inside me "NO"..this word..this word broke my heart. why it is hurting me. why his questions making me uncomfortable.

I looked at him and replied back.."Yes".

Then I opened my mouth and asked him..What's your name and why am I here?

He opened his mouth but then again closed it. then he said..Actually..mmm.. Do u remember the boy whose photo u saw in Moana's phone.Do u know that boy?

I was looking at him..when the photo I made came into my mind not the one which I saw on Moana's phone..then something strike in my mind..his eyes..his eyes..my mind was gonna blast in anytime soon.

Then I asked him..Are...aree you..that..boy?I was clutching my hands on my school bag..I hold it tight like I'm going to run again.

He took his time and then nod his head as yes I'm. I stood up and when I took one step from the table to leave he said something which made me stop again.

Atlas: I am not here because of that Ritu. please give me time to complete what I want have from a long time, from..from last 14 years.

This last word 14 years stopped me on my tracks..I feel like everything has stopped and I my feets are glued on the floor. I look down at him..he was still sitting and looking at me with love, affection, care and I don't know what. why he care..why is he here? I asked myself questions but noone answer me.

I sat down on my seat, looked at him for sometime and then asked..Who r u?

He looked straight into my eyes when he answered..Atlas..I'm Atlas, Atlas Corrigan.

I don't know why my emotions are on top..when I asked him..What he wants from me.

He was disappeared in his thoughts but then he said without looking at me..he was looking at his coffee when he answered.

I just want an answer from you but I also want you to think carefully before you answer because your answer matters to me Ritu.

I looked at him not because I was surprised because he wants an answer which matters to to him. I was surprised because he was taking my name in a different way..more casual way..why his taking my name travelling down to my spine..why?

I was in deep thoughts when I looked at him and approved.He was looking more nurves now then before. I can see a disappoint in him when was was thinking in my wind that why my answer matters him which is making him disturbed or maybe scared that what if I haven't an answer for his questions which he's going to ask. Then he looked at him and asked me, no not actually..he wasn't asking..he....it's like he's trying to help me to remember him.

Atlas: I know where do u live and I know you are still at the small place where you were, when you was five or maybe six. I..Do you have a memory of coming here in Tokyo and settling down here...

I was in surprise if he knew me but now I'm in shock. I just nod my head in yes...I can see the disappointment which was there a few minutes ago I disappearing. Is my answer really matters this much to him?why? then he took his time and spoke again.

Atlas: Do you have memory of some children playing outside your house?

I was busy observing his expressions as he was saying me in his silent voice..please Ritu remember me..

Ritu: I can't forget those days of my childhood where I was the most happiest person of this world.

He looked at me and didn't say a thing as he was thinking something. He was looking stressed after my answer but he didn't stop looking into my eyes.

Atlas: Would you like to hear a short story of a 10 year old boy.

I didn't said immediately but then I answer him on yes I would love to..

this time he was serious I could see emotions in his eyes.

Atlas: when u came here in Tokyo, there was boy who had been living right Front of your house. He saw you when he was busy playing outside of your house with his friends. Do u know when he first saw u he wanted to ask to many questions like why you look alone. I mean to say not talking with others..living in your own world.. when then u caught that boy starring at you..you looked at him for Minutes and then run toward ur room. He wanted to be your friend at that time but now he wants more. At that night, that boy went to America, he thought he will come back to meet but he didn't get a chance to even tell her his name or say hello to her.

He looked at me for seconds and then asked me with emotions in his eyes or fear or something which he can't say right now but then he asked me..

Atlas: Do u want to know who that boy is.

I didn't get a chance to come in present from my childhood when he asked me this if I want to know or not.

I nod at his question but he didn't say a word...he stare me for 5 minutes then more 5 minutes..During this silence, my hurt was racing fast as I am running a marathon..I was breathless..I was saying to my self on repeat...don't say you are the boy how I saw. for whom I feel something when I was year. why u care for me this much. Don't say..Not you..not you..not you...I didn't know when my eyes became watery. I was not crying I was tying to suppress my emotions..I bite my lower lip so hard when I was muttering in continuation that no you are not that boy.

He looked into my eyes then his gaze fell to my lips..and again to my eyes..when he open his mouth and said..Atlas Corrigan Ritu..that boy is sitting front of you. that's me Ritu.

I didn't gave him a chance when I stood up from my seat and run toward the door, I didn't look back.. and he didn't try to stop me either. I was running..running..I don't know how long but I could feel pain in my legs.