Damage Control

Alex

I apologized to her but she just walked away and disappeared into the school premises. Why did she come to school in her casual clothes? I wanted to ask but she was angry with me and my question could infuriate her. So I decided to return to my place.

I shouted for the driver and threw keys to him on when I reached the embassy. I took out some cans of chilled beer and rushed to my room. Very soon, I dozed off under the effect of beer.

"Hey Chipmunk" someone whispered in my ear.

I opened my eyes and she was caressing my cheek. I was in a valley of flowers and golden light has spread over the horizon. Her almond eyes were twinkling and reflecting my tiny image. Her fragrance filled my heart and mind.

"Oh, Gawri" I cupped her face and caressed her cheeks. I snaked my left hand around her waist and pulled her closer. I raked my fingers on her silky hair and when my hand moved towards the nape I felt something. Her earring was not there. I gazed into her almond orbs and those were brimmed with tears.

She freed herself from my embrace and ran away. "Gawri, Gawri. Listen to me Gawri please".

I was panting heavily but kept on running after her. A circle of fire arises from nowhere and she entered into it. She turned to me and called out my name

"Alex help me, Alex help, Alex save me"

"Alex, Alex, Alex" someone was shaking my body.

Pair of blue eyes was looking at me with concern. "Dad" I got up at once and looked around me to find any trace of her but I was still on my bed. My clothes were drenched in sweat.

"Son, what happened? You okay?" he touched my forehead.

"Nothing" I shoved his hand and got up.

"I need to go to school" I walked towards my bathroom.

"At 10 pm, really?" he asked in amusement. I turned to look at the clock.

It was sharp ten, darkness has settled outside the window. God, I have slept for fifteen hours. Every moment of morning reeled in front of my eyes like a movie. I felt dizzy and dad caught me on time.

"What's wrong with you Alex?" I ignored his concerned voice. He forced me to turn towards him.

"Dad I don't want to discuss anything. I was tired and didn't have my breakfast that's why I felt dizzy. Please excuse me" I pulled myself from his strong arms.

Dad was waiting for me when I came out of the bathroom. I wanted to shout at him but couldn't do so because of his condition.

"Dad, Why are you still here? You must take rest. Have you taken your medicine?" I asked without looking at him.

"Yes, I did. Come, let's have dinner." He smiled.

I couldn't refuse him. He sent away John and served dinner for us. I tried to stop him but he insisted. He was not angry or rude. He became caring and gentle which was making me uncomfortable.

"Son, you must be thinking that why I am acting strangely." A sarcastic reply was ready on tip of my tongue but I didn't utter any word of it.

"Alex, today I had faced death and I wanted only one thing at that time." I gave him a dry look.

"Don't you ask me what I wanted?" he was sad and I felt bad for him.

"What dad?" I asked gently.

"I wanted to hug my family once. Son, I know you are angry with me and don't want to listen to me but can I ask you something?" I turned to him.

"Can you hug me once forgetting all my mistakes? Please!" I saw hope in his blue eyes.

His face was tired but his face has not lost the charm of his youth. I didn't know what happened to me. I got up from my chair and hugged him tightly. Tears flowed out from our eyes. I pulled myself back and walked towards the door because I didn't want to show him my tears.

"Son, thank you. Can I ask you something?" I didn't turn back but nodded in yes.

"Son, the girl who helped me didn't come today. What was her name? I forgot it"

"Gawri, Gawri Sharma" I sighed and took a step.

"Do you have her number?"

"No" I took another step.

"Her email id?"

"No" I replied and took another step.

"Do you know where she lives?"

"No" I stopped and turned towards him

"Dad look, I don't know anything about her except that she is my classmate." He was getting on my nerves.

"Can I leave now?" I asked him for last time.

"What have you just said?" he paused and frowned.

"Son, if I am not mistaking, your classmates are from influential and rich families. Isn't it true?"

"How does it matter to you, Dad?"

"Then why this girl Gawri needed money for her brother's treatment?" his question rang a bell in my mind.

'Why did she need money?'

"Do you want to ask anything else Dad?"

"Nothing else son, go have a night walk, you will feel better. Good Night son" he rose from his chair and patted my shoulder before leaving the room.

"Dad" he stopped when I called him.

"Don't you want to ask why she didn't come?" he turned to me with a confused expression.

I lower my head and continued "I wanted to thank her to save you and that's why I tried to hug her but she slapped me and told me to never show her my face again" I kept my head low and fixed my eyes at my slippers.

He came to me and lifted my face with his index finger.

"I can understand son. I and your mom believe that you will never do anything wrong. Now go, sleep well. Everything will be back to normal soon. Trust me." He smiled and gently patted my head. I felt good and wanted to hug him again but I stopped myself.

"Good night" he smiled.

I was stunned, he didn't scold me. What has happened to him? He has become extremely sweet. Uhh!