Chapter 2: The Search for a Stranger
The next morning was different. My eyes opened, but I couldn't feel relaxed because I hadn't slept at night. I kept picking up my phone and opened social media again, but I didn't post anything. I was just searching for that girl by the names suggested on my phone.
Then my mom came into my room to give me a cup of tea. I wished my mom good morning. I was still on the phone. My mom asked me, "What happened?" I said, "Nothing, mom. Everything is good." Mom replied, "Okay, son."
I drank the tea. Then I decided to take a bath and go to the office. I took a bath and wore clean clothes. I told my mom to make rice for me. Then I ate the rice and left for the office.
While on the way to the office, I missed her again. I stopped my car at the chowk where I had last seen that girl. The rain had stopped now, but inside me, it still poured endlessly.
I waited for 1 hour at the chowk for that girl, but she didn't come today. There was a lot of traffic and a polluted environment.
I asked the shopkeeper, "Brother, yesterday evening a girl was standing here in black clothes. Do you know who she was?"
The shopkeeper smiled and shook his head, "Son, so many people come here every day. I don't remember that girl."
Then I walked away from the shop and understood that this search wasn't going to be easy.
But that morning at 7 o'clock, I made a promise to myself —
I will see her again. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far the journey.
After making that promise, I sat in my car and drove to the office.
I entered the office and wished good morning to all the employees. Everyone replied, "Very good morning, sir."
I put my bag on the table and sat on the chair. I started working on the computer. Then suddenly, I missed that girl again. I stopped my work, picked up my phone, and opened social media again. But I still couldn't find her.
It was 9 o'clock. Then I called the waiter to give me one cup of coffee. I drank the coffee and tried to focus on my work, but that girl was in my heart and mind.
At 2 o'clock, it was lunchtime. I decided to go back to the same chowk, where I had seen her for the first time.
Today also, the weather was cloudy. I imagined yesterday again. But I still couldn't see her. I felt very sad. I returned to the office and completed my work.
At 6 o'clock, the office hours were over. I picked up my bag and phone and walked toward my car. I sat in the car and again went to the same chowk. I thought maybe she would come again because the office time was over.
I waited for 2 hours, but she didn't come. Then my mom called and said, "Son, come home."
I went home.
My mom asked, "Why are you late today?"
I said, "Sorry, mom. There was an issue with the car."
After replying to mom, I went into my room, changed my clothes, and went to sleep. I was very stressed. I didn't eat anything at that time.
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There was the morning of the 3rd day. I was still thinking about that girl.
Today I got ready to go to the office, but my 19-year-old brother was also with me. I didn't want to tell him about her. He was with me because he had some work in the market.
I was driving the car and thinking about that girl. I dropped my brother in the market and went to the same chowk again. But she didn't come there. I was in a hurry today, so I couldn't wait for her.
I went to my office and started doing my work. After some time, my mother called me. She said, "Our sister is very ill, so come home quickly right now."
I picked up my bag and sat in the car.
Now I was on the way. I passed by the same chowk, but today I didn't wait for her — because I always give first place to my family. I felt very sad that I couldn't wait for her, but I managed it.
I went home and called the doctor to treat my sister. The doctor said she was very ill and needed to be admitted to the hospital for a few days. I said okay.
I went to the hospital with my mom and sister. The environment of the hospital was very unique. While I was in the hospital, my brother called me to pick him up from the market. I said, "Wait, brother. I'm coming."
After some time, I met my brother in the market. He said, "Come Jass, let's eat ice cream."
I said, "No bro."
He said, "Why? Ice cream is your favorite."
I said, "Bro, our sister is very ill and admitted in the hospital."
Brother said, "Oh my God! Let's go, Jass — to the hospital."
We both went to the hospital.
After some time, I saw that same girl.
I was shocked. Today she was looking so beautiful and cute.
I went near her and said, "Hello."
She replied, "Hey. Your sister is better now."
I asked her, "You treated my sister?"
She said, "Yes. I'm a doctor in this hospital."
Then I asked, "What's your name?"
She said, "My name is Jasmeen."
I said, "Okay."
Then she walked away.
Today I was very happy because I met her. And I got introduced to her.
After some time, my mom told me to go home with my brother. I said, "Okay mom."
My brother and I went home. We made food, ate it, and went to sleep.
My brother was sleeping, but I was missing her so much.
This day was so memorable for me.
I picked up my phone and typed her name on social media. Then I saw her details and many pictures. Her pictures were so beautiful.
I liked and commented on all her photos.
I spent the whole night looking at her pictures.
I didn't even realize when it was morning.
End of chapter 2