C U 2MROW @ 9 (September 28, 2016)

As Mannu and Shubh were leaving the hostel, Mannu’s cell phone beeped. It was an unknown number. Usually, no one except Mrs. K and Pia called. In confusion though, Mannu received the call. It was a man’s voice and gradually he could sense that it resembled the receptionist. The call ended in seventeen seconds, but drowned Mannu in an endless stream of happiness. Surprisingly, there was a courier for him. Mannu was sure that the sender was no one else, but Pia. He ran at top speed and forgot even to lock the door. Oops! He went back again, locked it and ran back at a faster pace. Shubh went on to fill the water bottles.

‘Cum @ recep,’ Mannu messaged Nitesh.

As Mannu reached from one end, Nitesh came from the other. Yes, the sender was Pia. After four long days, the whole thing that Pia had sent was in front of Mannu. To compensate the anxiousness, he shook his feet, danced his thumbs and licked his lips again and again and again. The receptionist handed Mannu the parcel, with a stern look and asked for his signature on a register.

To,

Mannu

JAIPUR (RAJ.)

From,

Pia

BORIVALI EAST

MUMBAI.

Yes! It was mine. Mannu could say firmly after reading the beautifully crafted address.

“Sign the receiving brother.” Mannu ordered Nitesh and ran back towards the hostel. This was turning out to be the most beautiful day of Mannu’s life.

“Ajeeb zindgani hai, It’s a strange life.” Mannu said to myself and kept on moving, unknown to the changes that occurred in the surrounding and unaware of every face that crossed him. There was only one thought in every cell of Mannu’s body, what could it be? In a drizzle of guesses that wet his mind, he typed a message to Pia.

‘I don’t know whether I gave u d wrong address...but I’ve received your love parcel my sweetheart. 4give me now... talk 2 me plzzzzz.’

Mannu opened the door to his room, went in and bolted it again and gazed endlessly at the beauty of his lover’s gift. You’re sure to fall in love with anything and everything from your lover’s side. Suddenly there were thrashings on the door.

“Who’s that?” He questioned, quickly hiding the parcel in the almirah.

“Nitesh.” He spoke in a coated voice.