Kanika was excited. David Someone knew Hazel. She slapped her forehead and cursed her forgetfulness. Why could not she recall his full name. She needed David’s help to meet Hazel. How could she forget his name?
Hazel has been her inspiration. She first read his writings two years back. He was published in the school magazine. Since then, she had been hooked. His romance and poetry should look ludicrous but it appealed to her at a level she could not explain to anyone. She had devoured every book he wrote. She tried to ration her reading to one chapter a day so she would never be out of Hazel’s book. She wanted to meet him, ask him thousand question, see the person who carved out the images of Jane and Jury. But Hazel avoided all interviews. He never went to any book signings, not even too literary fest. This David Someone was her only source to meet Hazel. Today at this class party she David was to introduce him to Hazel.
“Kanika, back to earth. We are going to get late for the party. This David Someone is nice? Have you talked to him?” Sapna asked.
“Yupps, I have but not much.” Kanika replied concentrating on walking without tripping in her saree.
“Obviously, else you would have atleast remembered his name. ”
“Sapna if you are so interested, you try talking to him. The guy is plain stupid. You ask him something, he will blink his eyes like owl behind his specs and reply something which you will never grasp.And then his Haw Haw Haw.You know what he said when I asked him about Hazel.” Kanika snapped.
Sapna raised her eyebrows. Kanika was the most composed girl she knew, never judging people, never losing her temper. Either this David or expectation of meeting Hazel must have flustered her a lot.
“He started shouting Kanika wants love. Kanika wants love. Haw haw haw.” Kanika continued.
Sapna could not control herself. She broke into laugh.
Kanika hit Sapna with her elbow. “Stop laughing.Can you imagine how embarrassing it was? If it had not been for Hazel, I would have killed those shouts with a slap. But I prettily apologized and left. And that other day, I had to listen to his litany about rock bands to find love. ”
Sapna asked in between her guffaws”But where did love come from? You asked that joker for love?”
“Shut up Sapna. I do not know what kind of obsession he has with love. But as per him I am going to find my love tonight.”
Sapna looked up at Kanika, blinking her eyes like David,”Wow. That is capital. The guy is offering you love and you do not even remember his name.Haw haw haw”
Kanika just shook her head in exasperation. Arguing both Sapna and Kanika reached the party hall.
“There is David. You see?”Kanika pointed out David.
“What curls, what specs, what smile.I am becoming a fan. Please introduce me.” Sapna said grinning.
“Hey David.” Kanika and Sapna approached David.”How is it going ? Meet my friend Sapna.”
“Hey Kanika. Hey Sapna.How are you? This party seriously rocks. Haw Haw.Haw. ” Sapna tried to hide her smile with a cough.
Unaware of all the drama, David continued “I know you are not interested in party.You just want to meet your love, right?”
“Look, David, you are mistaken. I am not looking for love”
“No Kanika, I am not. Wait till you meet love.” Saying this he vanished in the crowd.
Kanika looked towards Sapna helplessly. She felt defeated. She would never meet Hazel now. She started to turn away from the party when David returned with someone. Kanika wondered about another of Haw Haw Haw friend. She sighed, smiled and waited for David to say his customary greeting.
“Kanika. Meet him. He is love-your love. Haw. Haw.Haw”
Kanika looked at the guy. “I guess there is some misunderstanding sir. I was not looking for love.”
The guy cut in between, “I do not think so. I have been hearing about you a lot. ”
He offered his hand for handshake.”I am Love Srivastava or Hazel. I heard you wanted to meet me.”
Kanika stood there flabbergasted. Suddenly She heard haw haw again in her ears.
Great job!
Thank u Roberta..I knw it is nt my best attempt but thank you.