Chapter 5 Summer Bonds

The bench had two big names carved on it: Mihir and Mahi. The words were as clear as if they had been written yesterday. Mihir had spent a lot of time carving those names, and every time Mahi saw them, memories came flooding back.

Mahi's POV:

I vividly remember when I first met Mihir. I had shifted to this place when I was 12 years old. The car accident had left a huge impact on me. I stopped talking, laughing; it was like life had stopped. I would sit alone for long hours without talking to anyone. Other kids initially tried to be friends with me, but when they got no response, they started making fun of me. But nothing could move me. I would sit still there, staring blankly into space.

One day, when the kids were making fun of me, a handsome boy came to my defense, scolding them, "You don't know what she has been through." I still didn't pay any attention to him. The other kids ran away. The boy sat next to me, "Hey, I'm Mihir. I'm the grandson of Vineeta Dadi and Vinay Dadu." Still, no response from me. "I know you've been through a lot, but you can either keep crying and making your grandparents sad, or you can choose to be strong. Become a doctor so you can save other kids from losing their parents due to a lack of medical help."

For the first time, I looked at someone. When our eyes met, he softened his tone, "I might sound harsh, but life doesn't stop for anyone. Do you know when the last time your grandparents laughed? They've lost their son and daughter-in-law too. But they're keeping it together for your sake. Can't you do something for your grandparents?"

Getting no response from me, Mihir got up and was about to leave when I held his hand, looked into his eyes, and whispered, "Thank you." I needed that reality hit to break out of that moment.

Yes, I had to live for my Dadi and Dadu. I had to do something to provide expert medical care. I gave a bright smile to Mihir and said, "Thank you, Mihir. Thank you for letting me know my life matters to my family."

Mihir gave me a tight hug and said, "You look pretty when you smile. So, wear it always."

His bright smile made me look at him with admiration. He was handsome, smart, and empathetic. I still vividly remember how angelic his face looked.

I went home and told Dadi, "Dadi, I'm hungry. Can you make Upma for me?" Dadi and Dadu were so happy. It was the first time in six months that I had talked to them. Dadi kept crying while hugging me, "My little doll, I thought we lost you. My Mahi is back."

I told Dadi about Mihir and his scolding. Dadi and Dadu laughed and said, "Who would say that a 14-year-old boy has such wisdom? Mihir is such a good kiddo." A smile played on my lips, unbeknownst to me. Mihir was the grandson of Vineeta Dadi and Vinay Dadu. Mihir and his family lived in the city; his family owned a big business and a chain of five-star hotels. He visited his grandparents for two months every summer vacation. Vineeta Dadi and Dadu didn't like the city's hectic lifestyle, so they stayed here.

Mihir came in the evening with his Dadi and Dadu. Looking at my smiling face, Vineeta Dadi felt so relieved and said, "Oh, Gudiya, you look so pretty when you smile. Always wear a smile on that beautiful face." Mihir quipped, "I also told her the same thing."

My Dadi told Vineeta Dadi, "All credit goes to this handsome boy." The evening went by with hearty laughter; this was the first time I had laughed so hard after my parents' demise. After dinner, Mihir told my grandparents we were going on a stroll. I was reluctant, but Dadu said to go. Looking at my reaction, Mihir said, "I'm not going to eat you. I don't like bones." I was amused by his humorous remarks.

I asked him, "Where are we going?" He replied, "Patience, my princess, patience is the key." We kept on walking. He covered my eyes and led me for the next five minutes. "Open your eyes now." I

couldn't believe my eyes. There were fireflies everywhere, like stars twinkling around. I was amazed and speechless. Mihir said, "Life is about small things. Don't tie yourself to sorrow; embrace the world. The beauty of happiness is in embracing it."

"Thank you, Mihir," I whispered, teary-eyed.

"Oh my god, I brought you here to see your beautiful smile. Little did I know it will make you cry," he said exaggeratedly. I couldn't help smiling between my small sobs.

"I won't cry anymore, Mihir. Thank you for being with me."

"Anything for you, little princess."

Now our days were filled with laughter. Mihir and I spent entire days together, talking, laughing, and playing. We were like shadows, never leaving each other. When we were in the park, Mihir would push me on the swing; he would make beautiful bouquets for me and take me to different places. We would go by the lakeside and watch the colorful fishes. People would tease him, "You can't live without Mahi, huh? Are you going to marry her?" Mihir would reply firmly, "Yes, of course."

As the years passed, our bond only grew stronger. When Mihir had to return to the city for his studies, we carved our names on the bench as a symbol of our eternal friendship and promise to each other. Those two months of summer vacations would give me happiness for the next ten months.

After three years, suddenly Vineeta Dadi received a call from Mihir's mother. There was some emergency, and Vineeta Dadi and Dadu had to move to the city. After that, neither his grandparents nor Mihir visited this place again.

And now, standing on the balcony, looking at the sunset, my gaze landed on the bench with our names. That bench became our sanctuary, a place where memories were etched forever. With a soft smile on my face, I whispered to the fading light, "One day, maybe you'll come back too, Mihir."