CHAPTER 02
The Bridge
Two months ago ...
Takalewadi, My village centered around century old Lord Hanuman temple situated 40 mile away from district centre. Mostly monsoon flowing Malti river forms it's East boundary, West is bordered by Firangiaai Hill named after local deity. A dirt road take villagers to market center and Villagers land forms whole North. After SSC parents send their child to district centre to pursue further education if their pocket allow them. Kakasaheb Takale own 5 hectares land tract on both sides of river. My house leads to only orchard of my village with 71 Guava (Peru) trees. Orchard is connected to other side of river by small bridge made of Bambu, strong enough to sustain with 10-15 men crossing it at a time.
Mummy, hurry up, I am already late.
Jyoti, breakfast is ready. eat some pohe and then go, mother said.
Give me tiffin, Smita is waiting for me .Bye ....
before mummy saying go slowly scooty and me were in front of smita's home.
Aunty , Where is Smita? ...Smita..we are late.
she is... Smita's mother
I am coming ... While interrupting her mother Smita came out of home with school bag in one hand and tiffin in other.
I know for what you are getting late, Smita smiled
for extra lecture .... smita's mother
Yes, aunty...we are late ...we have to go..bye aunty
We approached a guy in jeans and checks shirt with white and blueish checks.
Happy birthday Anil...I uttered loudly as we approached him.
Thanks....Anil replied without any change in expression
Hey , this is your birthday. What happened?...I questioned while surrendering scooty to him and slide back.
Like every day Smita already vacated back seat...we left Smita behind...
Everything ok? I inquired
yeah... actually no... Mother can't do work as she was doing before. Milking two cows, growing crops on a hectare land since father's death.....she just can't afford education for us...Anil took deep breath
Your brother Sushant studying for competitive exams , right? I asked
He requires lot of money to do that at Pune ...to pay for his study she mortgage her jewellery and some part of our farm land...How the hell she can pay for my study ?... Anil said with anger ....I noticed tears from his eyes on my hand......we approached college....
Bell ringed...
we we're leaving college....showcase got my attention
"Due to Corona pandemic 11th class exams will be held from next week...show case board
Anil, we have to study. We have only 7 days for preparations...I said
What the fuck matters? I am going to be a farmer.
I have surprise for you. at our place..in half an hour..ok...I changed topic
we approached Smita as she was waiting for us...I slide ahead as anil vacated seat for me...me and Smita left anil behind...
I will be there...Anil signled me
I came to home...and called Smita...say it .... you are with surprise....I asked
Yes, it is in freeze. Come for it...Smita said
I am coming...I jumped
I wear a white lehenga with red floral design on it and pink coloured top...I went to smita's home...Smita was waiting for me with box in her hand..
Wow...Seeing my dress .....Take it and go he will be waiting for you...Smita said
Yeah... remember if someone asks I am with you for maths study...I chuckled
Yeah ....I know ..go now....Smita said
I parked scooty outside orchard. I was sure Anil will be waiting for me....I was approching bridge...Anil was on the bridge...He was listening sound of flowing water...
Anil... I said
Anil saw towards me...His face get lighten with smile...
That's great surprise. ..Anil uttered
What? I exclaimed
How did he get that what is in the box?
Smita ...the traitor...
but, his eyes was saying different story....he was seeing in my eyes...I didn't think still he get that Surprise was in the box , not holding the box.
This is surprise for you....I directed his eyes towards box
Ohh.. surprise in the box? I thought....
What did you thought?..I asked
I noticed his tongues small part came between front teeths....
I opened the box....
Wow... Pineapple cake..I love it...Anil uttered
I illuminated 🕯️ candle ....it brought more smile on his face...I signaled the birthday boy to extinguish the candles.
Anil extinguished it. I cut a slice of cake with knife and inserted in his mouth.
Wow, it too nice and sweet..Anil uttered
Doing this me anil came too close...both could feal warmth of each other's breath...
Do you want taste more sweet thing than cake ? I asked anil seeing in his eyes....I took his hands kept on my back...and I slide towards him....I can feel his heart beat which was beating more than normal.... distance between our lips was negligible.....
No...Anil said and get away from me
Sorry ... sorry....and thanks ... thanks for surprise... mother will be waiting for me ...in few seconds Anil went out of my sight......













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