9 A Burn

Without any further delay, I walked out of the college while struggling to put my sketch book in my bag. Unknowingly I let out a deep breath in relief. Ufff!!! Senior Ash is really scary. Maybe he is devil reincarnate as others say. But he didn't seem like it when he was sleeping on the table. He seemed intimidating though when he cornered me. I was really startled. No problem, I have got all the semester to figure him out. I have no other option since I already registered in the club.

As I was walking, I suddenly realized that I forgot something. What did I forget? Why does it seem like I keep on forgetting a lot of things. I kept on straining my brain to remember but I didn't get any signal from the cells. No even an ounce of thought. Then I turned around to the familiar sound of horn. There he is Ken on his bike. As dashing as always. Oh!!! Ken. That's what I was trying to remember. I completely forgot about him. Maybe my efforts on removing him from my thoughts worked really well. I unnecessarily blamed my brain for not remembering. It is working fine I guess.

We went home together as usual. Ken also seemed to have forgotten what happened in the morning. I am a bit relieved now. On the way home, stopped by a mart. Ken said that he will make dinner tonight. "Let me cook make something good for you tonight." I just nodded and went along.

Everytime I eat something he cooks, I feels really warm inside. It feels somewhat homely. I thought I would be lonely after moving away from home. But unknowingly we started eating together right from the beginning. Ken brought me out of my thoughts "I will make some pasta today. Do you like it? " I immediately replied, "I don't know how to cook that." Ken laughed, "You don't have to cook. Just eat what I make. If you want to learn, I will teach you. Come early if you want to see it from beginning."

After coming home, I immediately took a shower, but this time it took time for me to select the dress. I chose a one-piece dress different from my usual style. This is the first time I paid attention to my attire.

I went to Ken's and knocked the door. As soon as he opened the door, I could see that he noticed something different but didn't utter a word. I saw that he already boiled the pasta before hand and drained them. He taught me everything step by step. He even suggested which sauce is the best for pasta. Seems he sometimes makes his own sauce and stocks it. I didn't think that he is so interested in cooking. I am impressed.

Somehow I touched the pan while adding some spices and I burned my hand a bit. It was just a small burn. But instinctively I yelped "Ouch!! That alarmed Ken. He panicked and stopped the stove. He brought the first aid kit. He started getting a bit angry at me for my clumsiness. He muttered while attending to my hand, "It seems like I have to keep a watch on you all the time. I can't take my eyes off you or else you would get hurt in someway or the other. Seems I can't leave your side forever". It completely stunned me. My heart started racing. The word forever made me blush. But Ken seemed quite serious while saying that. I think he didn't even realize what he said in a hurry.

After getting treated he just asked me to watch from side while he takes care of cooking. I couldn't concentrate on cooking anymore. I found myself stealing glances of his face. How his expression changes while he tells me instructions. It didn't take much time for him to prepare. After eating, I went to wash the dishes. Ken came rushing and yelled at me. "Why can't you stay still for a moment? You just burned your hand, now you want to wash the dishes!!" But, as I kept on washing he just caught my arms from behind. I struggled a bit but slowly calmed down in realization. It almost seemed like a back hug. Ken didn't even realize that and kept on restraining me. I immediately turned red and said "Ok. I 'll go home. You do the dishes".

I didn't even listen to what he was saying and immediately rushed home. I just laid on the bed to calm myself up. Yet my heart kept on beating hard. Somehow I fell asleep with great effort calming my nerves. It was really a tiresome day.

I woke up a bit late but I really wanted to go and play. I don't think Ken would have waited for me this long. I am already late by half an hour. I put on my tracks and went out. I saw someone couched down near my doorstep. I got scared seeing that. But on clearly observing the figure seemed familiar. Ken! What is he doing here till now? On touching, I found that his skin went cold. He must be waiting for me for a long time. I tried waking him up. Finally he opened his eyes. "Oh! You. How's the burn? Take this. " he said and handed me the ointment. Why is he thinking of me when he is worse. He couldn't get up. So I helped him in to my house as it is closer. I checked his temperature, seems like he came down with flu. He was already asleep when I put him to bed. I wiped his forehead and arms with a cloth. I cooked some rice porridge and I went on an errand to bring him medicine. I checked his temperature again. Seems like it has come down a bit. I felt bad for him, it's because of me he is in this state. He shouldn't have waited out that long in cold. Tears came rolling down. A hand wiped my tears. It was Ken. His eyes seemed concerned. I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and brought him porridge and medicine. He couldn't eat properly so I took the bowl away and started feeding him without a word. I have already decided to take a leave from college to take care of him.

There are times when one feels very lonely. I feel most alone when I have to eat alone or when going to a hospital alone. No one should be alone when sick. There should be someone to take care around then one recovers quickly. Being together in pain in most important than when you are happy.