“Ting-Ding”, rang the conductor’s bell, and the bus moved on. Rohan had his mobile held close to his ear; he was almost in tears, talking to his girlfriend.
“But I… I don’t know what I’m doing with my life. It’s the same old rut. I don’t quite like my job. I’m stonewalled there. This life isn’t worth living. And I feel so sorry for you, this is just unfair.”
“Awww baby, don’t say that. Things will change, as you’ve always wanted them to be… You are already working hard on improving your life… I understand if we have to compromise, I can deal with it.”
“Now you’re just making me feel guilty. You deserve so much better. I’m trying. Really hard. But… But, I’m like… All lost, nowhere to run… In a dense haze, with no clarity whatever… I need to… I need to… I…”
The slight drizzle outside accentuated the pause, silent tears running down Rohan’s cheeks. He choked for the barrage of emotions, and saw himself reflected in the now shut window. Conscious, he wiped the tears off his face.
“Look, I love you. Whatever happens. It is unconditional. I know you have the potential, Rohan, and I know you’ll redeem yourself. Just have patience Just be patient.”
Rohan felt another pang of guilt, as if white cotton were stuffed down his throat.
“Rohan, are you there?”
“Hmm… Yeah… I’m here. Sorry. I understand. I love you too.”
“Are you crying, Rohan?”
“Um…”
“Hey, don’t get worked up over this. Things will work out in the end. I know. I believe. I should’ve been there with you, right now, but it’s so late…”
“Heh! The bus is almost at my stop, I need to get off. Can I call you back later?”
“Sure… Are you going to be up late, tonight?”
“Probably, only two weeks to my GMAT.”
“I’ll call you then, before I go off to sleep. Else we can talk tomorrow. No worries. You take care.”
“I gotta go now. Bye…”
“Bye…”
Rohan gets got off and it started pouring. He checked his watch for the time, and walked down the lane to his building, wondering how things would turn out in the end.
———–
EDIT NOTE: I’m trying to use a style where the dialogues are in the present, and the narration is in the past. Let me know what you think about it.
Some grammatical errors corrected. (11/05)