CHAPTER 15. CORDIAL MAN

Darieth city was usually described as a living proof of the phrase 'heaven on earth'. One could assert that as most of the land was utilized for agricultural purposes, the presence of several small streams and fresh air contributed to enhancing its beauty . The city was also conferred by many as the source for social relief in the modern times. The thing that was most fascinating about the city was its inhabitants. People were amiable and kind. 

I had been working in the city as a professor for more than two months.

The university was a walking distance from the apartment in which I stayed. The first day at the university was awkward which comprised several distressing moments. 

Even though I was a divorcee , the changes in my record were not made. The whole staff addressed me as 'Mrs. Cole'. It was seriously devastating. It took a while to clarify things, but everyone complied once they understood. 

My apartment was located near a small stream accompanied by several plants and palm trees. I had been living there for two months. It was conspicuous that I missed the company of my old friends, associates and .....Seth, but the memories of him were enough to remind me of his callousness. 

Discarding my thoughts aside, I went out for work. The day went pleasantly, and then I went towards my home. The apartment which was adjacent to mine was usually unoccupied, but it had distinct voices emerging out of it that day. It was the voice of a man. 

As I heard the sound of the lock opening, I slipped back into my apartment. Then, I heard two distinct knocks. Consequently, I opened the door and found an anonymous smiling face. The guy had beautiful curly black hair, dark brown eyes, freckles on his nose and brown glasses which appeared a little big for his small frame, but nonetheless appeared pleasant on his cute face. 

He seemed pretty anxious. He smiled and somehow ended up knocking his glasses over. Then, he picked them up and wore them again. Thereupon, he greeted me by saying, " Hello! I am Adrian Joe .Could you give me the directions to the grocery shop? "

I beheld his fascinating frame with acquisitive eyes, and then snapped out of it and replied, "yeah, just go ahead towards the Redolence café and then turn right". 

Then, he put on a happy expression and left while showing his gratitude. 

If there was anything that I observed about him, It was that he was very pleasing to the eyes. It was laughable to even think about how I eyed him like a hawk. It was almost that I gawked at him like a desperate person at that moment. I had been single for so long ; I presumed and hoped that my desperation didn't consume me back then. If it did, then I hoped he didn't notice.

But I was sure about one thing that his earnest smile gave me tingling sensations in my heart. I felt like that after so long ; Although it was uncomfortable, I won't say that I hated it. 

Later, I got a call from my mother.

"Dear, How are you ?", inquired my mother.

"I am doing great, How are you guys?", I responded. 

"We've been doing fine as usual. There was something that I wanted you to know", asserted my mother. 

"yes?", I replied. 

"Seth has been inquiring about you constantly. Your father chased him away numerous times, but he still doesn't apprehend. On the contrary, he threatened us that he will not stop searching for you, until he finds you. ", exclaimed my mother. 

"Don't worry mother ! He will never find me, and even if he did, it won't change anything", I asserted. 

Then, I went into the kitchen and prepared dinner for myself. Just then I heard knocks on my door. Since I just conversed about Seth with my mother, I was a bit anxious while answering. But it was the neighbour Adrian. He had a bowl of a special 'something' he made. 

This exchange of home made dishes went on for quite some days. 

Although he didn't look much like a person who would be fond of cooking, yet he was proficient in it. 

These exchanges of affection through food went for quite some time.

As a consequence of these exchanges, our affability and geniality turned into friendship. 

He was a genuine soul. Though he achieved several things, there was no bluffing.

'It happens rarely that you meet such genuine and caring people'. The most fascinating thing about him was that he listened ; That is an adequate manner for exhibiting your care and acknowledgment for a person. 

After coming home from work, I used to eagerly wait for our conversations. Sometimes, he would even pick me up from the university and we'd hang around at his cafe.

I began to perceive my life as a happy one ; Authentic people, beautiful city, good life and no concerns made me affable and convivial. 

Then, one of the following days he approached me again with something he cooked, and I didn't mind helping myself with the delicacies he provided. 

"Hey neighbour, I just wanted to give you this. I tried something new today. I hope you'd like it", the guy said gleefully. 

"Thank you so much. You're so kind for doing this", I expressed my gratitude. 

Adrian simmered and then said," Would you like to have dinner with me ? Since we both are alone, we could eat together. Forgive me, if I am being silly and disrespectful".

Then, he averted his gaze towards the floor. In my entire life, I had never seen any guy who was that adorable. 

I had a huge smile on my face and I exclaimed, "Sure, Come over here ! We'll eat together. I don't mind at all". 

Then, we placed the food that we prepared on the dining table. He helped me in setting the table and placing the utensils. Thereafter, we served ourselves the food and had a lovely dinner. 

While eating, we began talking about each other. 

Adrian was actually the owner of 'Redolence café' and an aspiring writer. I gaped at him in wonder and inquired, " If you are the owner of the café, then you must have known about the way to the grocery shop?"

He smiled in embarrassment and confessed, "You see, I was just very lonely. I have nobody in this city that I knew. I knew I'd go insane if I didn't socialize. I had to talk to someone, and you appeared quite jovial". 

I moved my hand on his hairs, and exclaimed, "That was actually creepy yet cute". 

He pouted and hid his face under his t-shirt. I stared at him and burst into a loud laughter. 

"Hey, you don't have to be so mean", he complained. 

I just couldn't stop myself from laughing. My cheeks were fully drenched in tears because of the laughter. 

After a whole minute, I caught my breath and asserted, "I feel like a 'Man' when I'm with you".

He glared at me and blabbered, " ..And I feel like a woman when I'm with you. I can see your heinous eyes that are always fixated on me, and your wish to pounce on me like an animal.... hahahaha". 

"Seriously, this is too much . You are very dramatic", I said while wiping my tears that fell as a result of the hilarity I witnessed. 

"There's something I would like to inform you", Adrian said while maintaining a serious tone.

I gaped at him in wonder, placed my right hand on my mouth and inquired, "What ? Don't tell me, you're going to be a mother?" 

I was the only one laughing and he looked at me with a stern gaze and said, "There's a party tomorrow in the honour of the business that our café will be doing with a renowned company. Would you accompany me to the party? I'd be really glad and grateful if you would though".

I looked at him with assuring eyes and claimed, "of course I will". 

He smiled while fixing his glasses, and then kept his gaze on the ground. Thereafter, he looked up, neared me and placed a small kiss on my cheek. 

I caressed his cheek in return, and then he went back to his apartment. 

The next day, I waited in front of the university for Adrian. Then, I called him. His phone was not reachable. I doubted that he would make it to the university any time sooner, so I went back towards my home. After reaching my apartment, I heard weeping noises from the other apartment, so I thought maybe someone broke into Adrian's apartment. So, I rushed into my apartment, grabbed an umbrella and walked towards his apartment in fast paces. First, I tried calling Adrian's phone, but it still was not reachable. Thereafter, I kicked his apartment's door, and encountered the mess that his furniture was turned into. That was unusual as Adrian kept his home and surroundings clean. That room resembled a ship that had been hit by a tempest. 

Ignoring the mess, I moved towards his room and found Adrian. He was sitting in a corner facing the wall , his head bowed down and his glasses shattered on the other corner of the floor. 

I placed my hand on his shoulder and he turned towards me. His eyes were red and cheeks were drenched in tears. My heart broke into million pieces while witnessing his predicament. The jovial face that knew no worries and always smiled appeared like the one that had never experienced any delight.

I felt a hunch that something wasn't right, and it was evident in his every weep. I was struck with bewilderment by his sudden change and embraced him in haste.