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STORY TIME: He loves me... he loves me not...
Valentine’s Day was yet to come and everyone was waiting anxiously for it.
“I wonder what Ahmed intends to give me this Valentine. I am so excited!” Mehak overheard Lily as she passed her by in the corridor.
Unlike her other friends who were all excited with the thought of beautiful gifts and flowers, Mehak didn’t have any such thoughts in her mind. She had no time for such things and preferred to bury herself in books and studies instead. She hardly had any friends and the thought of boys made her go pale. Mehak was stamped as ‘Miss (attitude) A’ because of this attitude of hers. The other students thought her to be arrogant but this was really not the case. Somewhere inside she was a very passionate but shy girl. She would get really nervous talking to boys.
Finally it was February 13. Everyone at school was busy writing cards and wrapping gifts. Meanwhile Mehak sat in a corner reading a book. Seeing this one of her friends, Roma, came over to talk to her.
“Hey, Miss A aren’t you going to prepare for tomorrow? What if Ali asks you out?” She teased.
Mehak had a crush on Ali. Besides being good at studies, he also had a fascinating smile. But due to the fear of rejection Mehak was careful not to show her feelings to the boy. She also wasn’t sure whether Ali was available or seeing someone.
“Roma, let me study. I don’t care much for Valentine’s Day anyway. It’s meant for you guys to enjoy yourselves and hangout. As for me ...” Suddenly Mehak was interrupted by none other than Ali himself.
“Hey guys, guess what? I am going to ask that girl out tomorrow, so any suggestions?” He asked looking around at the other kids.
“Who’s the girl?” Roma asked curiously.
“Well, I won’t tell you guys her name but maybe just a hint. Okay, her name begins with the alphabet ‘A’.” He announced.
Mehak was secretly hoping and praying that he would say ‘M’. She felt extremely disappointed. She knew already that Aliza had a crush on Ali too. And ‘A’ must stand for ‘Aliza’.
After Ali left Mehak kept on telling herself not to feel bad since Ali was not the guy for her. She tried finding solace in the thought that they were all too young anyway and this was the age to study rather than starting relationships.
“Okay guys, listen up!” It was Ali again. Mehak was so upset that she hadn’t even seen him return. “I am throwing a Valentine’s Day party at my place tomorrow. I want all of you to be there.” Everyone cheered. Ali’s announcement was greatly welcomed as well as appreciated.
Then turning to Mehak, Ali asked, “So, Mehak, you are coming too, right? Listen, I would really appreciate any suggestion that you can give about my asking that girl out.”
Mehak wanted to scream at him in return. All her dreams about dating Ali had shattered. But the brave and sweet person that she was she quickly cleared up her throat to offer some quickly thought out advice, “Just make that girl feel special. Show her how much you care for her.”
“I think you are right. Thanks a lot buddy.” Said Ali.
“Don’t mention it.” Mehak politely retorted before getting up to leave. She had no intention to attend the boy’s party the next day because she knew how difficult it would be for her to see Ali with another girl.
The birds were chirping a sweet and melodious sound and the weather was very pleasant. Yes, it was Valentine’s Day. Mehak woke up and stared at herself in the mirror. “Happy Valentine’s Day, girl!” She said to herself.
As she came downstairs, she saw her sister decorating the room for their parents.
“Hey Mehak, we will be having a Valentine lunch with Mom and Dad.”
Now this sounded nice. Suddenly Mehak too was in a celebrating mood like her sister. She was glad to not think about Ali and his party for a while. At the dining table, Mehak was happy to see her parents enjoy the lunch. Their father had brought home a big bouquet of roses for their mother.
Later that evening when Mehak was just sitting around moping, the door bell rang.
“Ali, what on Earth are you doing here?” Mehak asked seeing the boy at her doorstep.
“I was just passing by and thought to pick you up.”
Mehak was all dressed up anyway. She looked quite nice in her red dress so she didn’t really have to get ready to go out with Ali.
“Where are you going?” She asked innocently.
“To the florists. I hope you don’t mind helping me choose the flowers I want to present to that girl tonight.” He explained.
Mehak was unable to believe this. How could anyone be so selfish! Still the nice person that she was, she did accompany Ali to the florist to help him pick out a bouquet.
“Get those red roses. They are so beautiful.” She suggested.
“Okay.” Said Ali “And this is for you.” He said handing her a yellow rose as a gesture of thanks.
The party was in full swing. Everyone was dancing to the music. Couples seemed to be having the best time of all. Mehak was the only one not stepping on the dancing floor.”
“Hey Mehak!” Since my girl isn’t here yet why don’t we keep each other some company for the time being.
“Sure!” The girl readily agreed Ali’s request.
While strolling in the garden Ali asked, “Who do you think would be your Valentine today?”
“No one.” The girl muttered sadly.
Suddenly they were interrupted with the arrival of Lily and Aliza.
“Sorry, we are late.”
“Hey, let’s go in.” Ali suggested to the new arrivals.
Suddenly Mehak wanted to get out of there. She didn’t want to witness Ali asking Aliza to be his Valentine.
But it was too late. Ali had already started making his announcement.
“This girl I know is beautiful from her heart and she is the best friend I ever had. I want to ask her tonight will she be my Valentine. So Miss ‘A’ will you?” Not getting his reply immediately Ali spoke again. “Hey, Miss Attitude!”
Mehak was stunned. Miss Attitude meant her! She turned around to see Ali standing there with that bouquet of red roses in his hand. “Will you be my Valentine?” He asked again.
The other kids started cheering once again. It all seemed so wonderful to Mehak. But still she asked, “But what about Aliza?” Everyone including Aliza started laughing. There never was anything between Ali and Aliza.
Mehak had surely been taken for a ride but the best part was that she wasn’t mad at anybody.
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