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A Lover's Secret (part 2)
(continuation of Lover's Secret part 1
Please read the part 1 first and then come back for part 2)
We arrived in Calangute at five minutes to four p.m. with Kenneth's bike. He parked his bike at the allotted two-wheeler pay parking spot, and we had to walk the remainder of the way to the shore. Julianna said she'd be meeting us in front of BONO's Shack, which is on the left side of the beach entrance. We proceeded to walk barefoot on the sand with our slippers in hand. The soft sand felt good under the soles of my feet.
There's always something so beautiful about beaches. They just have such a serene and calming effect on an individual that I bet even if one decides to take a quick stroll on the beach, they will want to make it last longer by taking their own sweet time. The sound of waves crashing against the sand seems like a smooth, melodic tune with an underlying continuous rhythmic beat drumming within it. The sunset scene is just another highlight of the seashore's already spectacular qualities.
Bist and I walk in silence until we make it to BONO's Shack. We see Julianna sitting down on the sand, close enough for the waves to almost touch her toes. We slowly approach her and call out to her. She turns around to look at us, and I notice her eyes are red and puffy, which indicates to me that she was crying. She greets us back with a serious look on her face. The three of us sat down in silence at first, and a while later, Julianna tells us about Merylinn's death.
She explains that Merylinn perished two weeks ago in an awful accident in Mapusa on the evening of February 13th while returning home after shopping. The doctors tried their best to revive her, but her injuries were too grave for her to survive, and so, on the morning of February 14th, she succumbed to her injuries and died. Bist and I are at a loss for words, but nonetheless, offer our condolences to her. I noticed Julianna put up a strong front and was trying really hard not to break down, all the while she was telling us about Merylinn.
After calming herself down for a bit, she handed me a white envelope saying,
"She wrote this for you. In fact, she wanted to give it to you on February 14th, during our farewell function, but she never really got a chance to do it. I found it among her belongings in her home when I had gone to pay condolences to her parents. Merylinn had texted me the day she wrote the letter and was anxious as well as excited to give it to you. I know she'd want you to have it, but I wasn't in a position to give it to you and I'm really sorry about it. I'm glad that we met now and I can finally be at peace, knowing you have her letter."
I take the letter and, as I hold it with shaky hands, I read the words "TO DIAS" written in blocks on the front of the envelope. I slowly opened the envelope, took out the letter and read it:
Dear Dias,
I know it's cringy and maybe stupid to write a letter nowadays when there are clearly multiple apps created for this purpose. Well, this isn't just some ordinary message that I'd like to inform you about, nor do I want to rush with it. I wanted this to be special and real, and what better way to convey a message than through a letter? So, this is what I want you to hear from me: I am hopelessly and irresistibly in love with you, Ted.
I really thought that what I felt was nothing but a temporary crush, but as the days passed by, followed by months, I am sure now that what I feel about you is nothing but love. By now, it must've crossed your mind that this is absurd considering that we barely know each other. It's absurd to me as well, but guess what? I tried my hardest to not think of you, to not look at you every time you passed by, albeit the more I tried to forget you, the more I just couldn't resist you. You are kind and patient, quiet yet observant. There is so much more I want to tell you, but for now, I'd like to share one of my favourite memories of you.
I still remember the first time I laid eyes on you, a tanned guy with smooth raven-coloured hair who was wearing a black hoodie, black jeans, and sneakers that screamed Adidas. The black hoodie appeared soft and cosy enough to make me jealous that I don't quite own a jacket like that. Yeah, I'm a hoodie girl, if you haven't guessed that already. I was busy chatting away with Julie when suddenly I heard you laugh. I turned to my right and saw that this time you were standing and still laughing at what Kenneth said. You added on to what he had to say, and I couldn't help but fall in love with your voice when you spoke.
It was a melodiously husky voice that I wouldn't get tired of listening to. I stared at you this time and longingly waited for you to pass by my side, which you did, by the way. Our classmate, Crystal, approached us, and when Kenneth saw her, he approached us to greet her, and following behind him was you. I forgot to breathe for a moment, but I quickly calmed myself for obvious reasons. I didn't want you or anyone to know that I was drooling over you.
You looked stunning now that I could observe you more closely. However, what really caught my attention were your deep brown eyes. Your eyes are clearly gorgeous and mysterious at the same time, especially when the small rays of sunlight hit them. I was fascinated by the slight yet distinct colour change in them. A golden hue spreading along your two deep brown irises was a sight that I found mesmerizing as well as alluring.
I shall never forget this day, Dias. Until my last breath, I shall always hold this memory dear to me since it is engraved in my mind. I could go on forever talking about you, but I believe that this is enough for one letter and I shall save the rest for you to tell you more about it when you say yes to my question. The question, of course, is, "Would you like to give it a shot at being in a relationship with me?" The answer can be a simple yes or a no, with one or two sentences stating the reasons for your answers to the above question.
This feels easy, doesn't it? Because it is Dias. Whatever your answer would be, I'll gladly take it. You must've probably felt like I was some sort of stalker and you want to say no, then say no! I'll take it because love can't be forced on someone, and I definitely can't force you to do anything. Till then, I will wait patiently for your answer. Je vous aime mon amour, Dias.
Your Secret Admirer
Merylinn
By the time I finished the letter, I was fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall any second. I avoided looking at Julianna and Bist, who were occasionally glancing my way whilst I read the letter. I swallowed hard, the lump that was forming in my throat, and stared straight ahead at the horizon, seeing that the sun was about to set.
"Now you get your answer as to why I believed you before." Julianna states it knowingly.
"Yeah, the French sentence for "I love you". I say
Bist looks at me incredulously and asks, "May I read the letter if that's okay?"
I wordlessly handed him the letter.
"It was Merylinn's thing, you know, to say certain dialogues in French. We've been best friends since childhood, and I still remember the day she attended her first French class. She seemed ecstatic about it and boldly shared her desire to visit France one day. I was beyond shocked when you narrated the whole incident and felt a shiver run down my spine, especially when you said that French dialogue. I was certain it was no one else but Merylinn, since she would frequently say that to me whenever we bid our adieus to each other. "
"Did you by any chance see her too?" I asked Julianna
"No, but I wish I could." She says sadly and adds, "But I do feel her presence, you know when I visit her grave. I know I'm never alone when I think of her. I believe that she's always by my side and I also believe that she knows I love her to the moon and back and will forever do so. Though, I would give anything just to see her and give her one big hug for the last time." She said, smiling sadly.
"Her grave is in St. Jerome's Church cemetery in Mapusa, right?" I asked her
"Yes, her burial was done there." She replied.
I silently nod my head, finally understanding the whole situation. In the meantime, Bist finished reading the letter and looked at me with sympathy. The three of us said nothing and blankly stared at the horizon, taking in the sunset view before us.
*2 days before leaving for Dubai,*
I stare at the grave of Merylinn, which is beautifully adorned with roses, garlands, and other flowers put together to form a heart shape in the centre, as well as line the boundary of the grave. A cross stands erect above the grave with Merylinn's smiling picture attached to its centre. I look around me and, seeing that there aren't any people, I take the opportunity of taking out my letter that I'd like to read to Merylinn.
"Hey, Merylinn." I say. "I believe you can hear me, and so I'm going to read my letter to you which I've written as a response to the letter you wrote to me, which by the way was beautifully written and I don't think I can ever top that. However, I hope you like it."
Dear Merylinn,
It's neither cringy nor stupid to write a letter, especially if it holds a pure sentiment behind it like yours did. I was and still am amazed beyond words at how you can love a dork like me. I've never looked at myself in the way you did. Your feelings are authentic and the words you put on that paper seemed to come alive and soothe me. They weren't just any feelings, or words you put down on that paper, but they genuinely mean a lot to me. In fact, they mean the world to me. So, I want to say thank you, Merylinn, for having the courage to pen down your love and making sure that I would read it and have a glimpse of your love for me.
Also, no, you aren't a stalker. Many Netflix TV shows do a pretty decent job of portraying what a stalker is. Now, coming back to the question you asked me in your letter, Merylinn, yes, I would definitely want to be in a relationship with you and would definitely like to get to know you. I feel like an unfortunate man who lost the love of his life before even having to love her. I'm leaving for Dubai in two days, and if there's one thing that'll be engraved in my memories of my time in Goa, it would be you, Merylinn. I really pray that you're at peace now and I'll try to visit France one day for you.
I must also add that, indirectly, I learnt a valuable lesson for myself as well, and that is, the time and the life we're given are of the utmost importance and very precious, and as Avicii's song, The Nights say these words," One day you'll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember." I know from Julianna that he was one of your favourite DJs. I promise you that I will try hard enough to not take my time and this life for granted. However, I also realise that there would be many circumstances that will occur in my life which will make me want to quit and not make the best use of my time, so I ask you to keep me in your prayers, just like you'll be in mine. Until then, I bid you adieu.
I love you, Merylinn.
Your love,
Ted Dias
I folded the paper and put it in my jeans pocket. I felt a cool breeze blow towards me and a single red rose petal flew from Merylinn's grave and landed on my shoulder and slid down from my hoodie to the ground. I smiled knowingly at this and, with one last look of endearment towards her grave, I walked away with a smile still lingering on my face.
THE END
*Listen to the song- Ghost of You by 5 seconds of summer*
Please read the part 1 first and then come back for part 2)
We arrived in Calangute at five minutes to four p.m. with Kenneth's bike. He parked his bike at the allotted two-wheeler pay parking spot, and we had to walk the remainder of the way to the shore. Julianna said she'd be meeting us in front of BONO's Shack, which is on the left side of the beach entrance. We proceeded to walk barefoot on the sand with our slippers in hand. The soft sand felt good under the soles of my feet.
There's always something so beautiful about beaches. They just have such a serene and calming effect on an individual that I bet even if one decides to take a quick stroll on the beach, they will want to make it last longer by taking their own sweet time. The sound of waves crashing against the sand seems like a smooth, melodic tune with an underlying continuous rhythmic beat drumming within it. The sunset scene is just another highlight of the seashore's already spectacular qualities.
Bist and I walk in silence until we make it to BONO's Shack. We see Julianna sitting down on the sand, close enough for the waves to almost touch her toes. We slowly approach her and call out to her. She turns around to look at us, and I notice her eyes are red and puffy, which indicates to me that she was crying. She greets us back with a serious look on her face. The three of us sat down in silence at first, and a while later, Julianna tells us about Merylinn's death.
She explains that Merylinn perished two weeks ago in an awful accident in Mapusa on the evening of February 13th while returning home after shopping. The doctors tried their best to revive her, but her injuries were too grave for her to survive, and so, on the morning of February 14th, she succumbed to her injuries and died. Bist and I are at a loss for words, but nonetheless, offer our condolences to her. I noticed Julianna put up a strong front and was trying really hard not to break down, all the while she was telling us about Merylinn.
After calming herself down for a bit, she handed me a white envelope saying,
"She wrote this for you. In fact, she wanted to give it to you on February 14th, during our farewell function, but she never really got a chance to do it. I found it among her belongings in her home when I had gone to pay condolences to her parents. Merylinn had texted me the day she wrote the letter and was anxious as well as excited to give it to you. I know she'd want you to have it, but I wasn't in a position to give it to you and I'm really sorry about it. I'm glad that we met now and I can finally be at peace, knowing you have her letter."
I take the letter and, as I hold it with shaky hands, I read the words "TO DIAS" written in blocks on the front of the envelope. I slowly opened the envelope, took out the letter and read it:
Dear Dias,
I know it's cringy and maybe stupid to write a letter nowadays when there are clearly multiple apps created for this purpose. Well, this isn't just some ordinary message that I'd like to inform you about, nor do I want to rush with it. I wanted this to be special and real, and what better way to convey a message than through a letter? So, this is what I want you to hear from me: I am hopelessly and irresistibly in love with you, Ted.
I really thought that what I felt was nothing but a temporary crush, but as the days passed by, followed by months, I am sure now that what I feel about you is nothing but love. By now, it must've crossed your mind that this is absurd considering that we barely know each other. It's absurd to me as well, but guess what? I tried my hardest to not think of you, to not look at you every time you passed by, albeit the more I tried to forget you, the more I just couldn't resist you. You are kind and patient, quiet yet observant. There is so much more I want to tell you, but for now, I'd like to share one of my favourite memories of you.
I still remember the first time I laid eyes on you, a tanned guy with smooth raven-coloured hair who was wearing a black hoodie, black jeans, and sneakers that screamed Adidas. The black hoodie appeared soft and cosy enough to make me jealous that I don't quite own a jacket like that. Yeah, I'm a hoodie girl, if you haven't guessed that already. I was busy chatting away with Julie when suddenly I heard you laugh. I turned to my right and saw that this time you were standing and still laughing at what Kenneth said. You added on to what he had to say, and I couldn't help but fall in love with your voice when you spoke.
It was a melodiously husky voice that I wouldn't get tired of listening to. I stared at you this time and longingly waited for you to pass by my side, which you did, by the way. Our classmate, Crystal, approached us, and when Kenneth saw her, he approached us to greet her, and following behind him was you. I forgot to breathe for a moment, but I quickly calmed myself for obvious reasons. I didn't want you or anyone to know that I was drooling over you.
You looked stunning now that I could observe you more closely. However, what really caught my attention were your deep brown eyes. Your eyes are clearly gorgeous and mysterious at the same time, especially when the small rays of sunlight hit them. I was fascinated by the slight yet distinct colour change in them. A golden hue spreading along your two deep brown irises was a sight that I found mesmerizing as well as alluring.
I shall never forget this day, Dias. Until my last breath, I shall always hold this memory dear to me since it is engraved in my mind. I could go on forever talking about you, but I believe that this is enough for one letter and I shall save the rest for you to tell you more about it when you say yes to my question. The question, of course, is, "Would you like to give it a shot at being in a relationship with me?" The answer can be a simple yes or a no, with one or two sentences stating the reasons for your answers to the above question.
This feels easy, doesn't it? Because it is Dias. Whatever your answer would be, I'll gladly take it. You must've probably felt like I was some sort of stalker and you want to say no, then say no! I'll take it because love can't be forced on someone, and I definitely can't force you to do anything. Till then, I will wait patiently for your answer. Je vous aime mon amour, Dias.
Your Secret Admirer
Merylinn
By the time I finished the letter, I was fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall any second. I avoided looking at Julianna and Bist, who were occasionally glancing my way whilst I read the letter. I swallowed hard, the lump that was forming in my throat, and stared straight ahead at the horizon, seeing that the sun was about to set.
"Now you get your answer as to why I believed you before." Julianna states it knowingly.
"Yeah, the French sentence for "I love you". I say
Bist looks at me incredulously and asks, "May I read the letter if that's okay?"
I wordlessly handed him the letter.
"It was Merylinn's thing, you know, to say certain dialogues in French. We've been best friends since childhood, and I still remember the day she attended her first French class. She seemed ecstatic about it and boldly shared her desire to visit France one day. I was beyond shocked when you narrated the whole incident and felt a shiver run down my spine, especially when you said that French dialogue. I was certain it was no one else but Merylinn, since she would frequently say that to me whenever we bid our adieus to each other. "
"Did you by any chance see her too?" I asked Julianna
"No, but I wish I could." She says sadly and adds, "But I do feel her presence, you know when I visit her grave. I know I'm never alone when I think of her. I believe that she's always by my side and I also believe that she knows I love her to the moon and back and will forever do so. Though, I would give anything just to see her and give her one big hug for the last time." She said, smiling sadly.
"Her grave is in St. Jerome's Church cemetery in Mapusa, right?" I asked her
"Yes, her burial was done there." She replied.
I silently nod my head, finally understanding the whole situation. In the meantime, Bist finished reading the letter and looked at me with sympathy. The three of us said nothing and blankly stared at the horizon, taking in the sunset view before us.
*2 days before leaving for Dubai,*
I stare at the grave of Merylinn, which is beautifully adorned with roses, garlands, and other flowers put together to form a heart shape in the centre, as well as line the boundary of the grave. A cross stands erect above the grave with Merylinn's smiling picture attached to its centre. I look around me and, seeing that there aren't any people, I take the opportunity of taking out my letter that I'd like to read to Merylinn.
"Hey, Merylinn." I say. "I believe you can hear me, and so I'm going to read my letter to you which I've written as a response to the letter you wrote to me, which by the way was beautifully written and I don't think I can ever top that. However, I hope you like it."
Dear Merylinn,
It's neither cringy nor stupid to write a letter, especially if it holds a pure sentiment behind it like yours did. I was and still am amazed beyond words at how you can love a dork like me. I've never looked at myself in the way you did. Your feelings are authentic and the words you put on that paper seemed to come alive and soothe me. They weren't just any feelings, or words you put down on that paper, but they genuinely mean a lot to me. In fact, they mean the world to me. So, I want to say thank you, Merylinn, for having the courage to pen down your love and making sure that I would read it and have a glimpse of your love for me.
Also, no, you aren't a stalker. Many Netflix TV shows do a pretty decent job of portraying what a stalker is. Now, coming back to the question you asked me in your letter, Merylinn, yes, I would definitely want to be in a relationship with you and would definitely like to get to know you. I feel like an unfortunate man who lost the love of his life before even having to love her. I'm leaving for Dubai in two days, and if there's one thing that'll be engraved in my memories of my time in Goa, it would be you, Merylinn. I really pray that you're at peace now and I'll try to visit France one day for you.
I must also add that, indirectly, I learnt a valuable lesson for myself as well, and that is, the time and the life we're given are of the utmost importance and very precious, and as Avicii's song, The Nights say these words," One day you'll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember." I know from Julianna that he was one of your favourite DJs. I promise you that I will try hard enough to not take my time and this life for granted. However, I also realise that there would be many circumstances that will occur in my life which will make me want to quit and not make the best use of my time, so I ask you to keep me in your prayers, just like you'll be in mine. Until then, I bid you adieu.
I love you, Merylinn.
Your love,
Ted Dias
I folded the paper and put it in my jeans pocket. I felt a cool breeze blow towards me and a single red rose petal flew from Merylinn's grave and landed on my shoulder and slid down from my hoodie to the ground. I smiled knowingly at this and, with one last look of endearment towards her grave, I walked away with a smile still lingering on my face.
THE END
*Listen to the song- Ghost of You by 5 seconds of summer*
