SOMEWHERE LOSTChapter-1
I was running after her in the dark lonely street."Stop Melanie,"I cried.She was so scared she didn't turn around to see.She was sure that it was one of the Iraqis that were trying to kill her.How could she not recognise her own voice?
"Melanie,it's me,Jemima."After I said these words she stopped and for that moment everything stood still.The winds were blowing to give special effect.She turned to look at me but a truck came from nowhere.The next thing I knew was that she was shot dead by the soldiers while I stood there watching them do this.She was gone.I was gone.Forever and ever.I started evaporating and in the next moment I wasn't there anymore.She died.I died.That was the end.
I woke up from this nightmare and gasped for breath.This wasn't something new.I had been dreaming this every night ever since they left.
Why did I ever agree to it ? The pain to go there was curling up inside me.I wanted to be there with them,feel what they were feeling,listen to what they were listening.But not now.It wasn't possible now.I had to fight a lot with destiny now.The fight might have been going on between two countries:USA and Iraq but I was fighting another war.The one with destiny.If I fail now,I won't ever get any other chance to fight other wars.
She wanted it,I didn't.Or did I? Did I wanted to be in her shoes and see the world as Melanie ? No, never ,I was okay being Jemima.What if I was a little bit less popular than Melanie and no one would want to be my friend except for her and Kara ? I got good grades and had a bright future so why would I wanna be Mel, an average. It was Melanie who insisted on this.Not me.It was her idea and she wanted it to be executed."I am not guilty,judge."
The sun was bright as if to say,Happy morning but the brightness was looking an enemy to me.What was so good about this morning or any other since hey left? I wanted to lie alone and feel what I wanted to but Mel's mother had other plans.
She entered the room and gave me a cheerful smile which didn't cheer me up.It,in fact was irritating .But I couldn't show it on my face. No one could, when you saw Mrs. Stone,the most cheerful person in world,or at least in USA.
"Goodmorning Melanie.How is the morning? "she asked me.
"Mom,"I quivered and then continued,"I am fine.Are you on a leave?" By now,I had practiced a lot to call Mel's mom mine.Though it was hard but I had no other option.
"You are fine?"she was doubtful.
"Yes I am.Don't you have office today ?"I was pissed off by her questioning me every time.My mother never did this.Maybe because she used to be everytime with me.My mom knew me more then Mel's mom knew her.
"I have to go to office today.Just checking if you are comfortable,"she was disappointed by my rudeness.
"Sorry mom for being so rude to you.But this is my own house so I can take care of myself,"I said.
"I know you'll take care of yourself but these days you are keeping very low.Worried about Jemima and her family?Could you talk to Jemima ?"she asked me and sat next to me.
"No,mom.I don't have a clue where they are.They could be in danger.Same message keeps coming.'The number you have dialled does not exist' when I am calling on her Iraq's number"I mocked.
"You will soon have a news.Trust me.I have to go office today.I wish I could stay back home with you.Did you take your pills ?"she asked.
"Yes,I did,"I lied.I had been prescribed with anxiety controlling pills ever since I started dreaming those nightmares.Not that I wanted to let Mel's parents know but my screams could not be hidden from them.
"I wonder how she is,"she sighed and waved her hand on my head to show affection.
"I wonder the same.I really miss her,"I said,
She showed some more sympathy and then left for her work.Calling her Mel's mom or my temporary mom is really boring so I'll call her Mrs. Stone,who she really is.And I am Melanie Stone for some time.I got up from my bed as I heard Mrs. Stone's Sedan starting up.She waved me a last goodbye before gearing towards her office.
I don't know why but I just feel like hugging Mrs. Stone.This is maybe because I felt guilty.She had been considering me her daughter for eight months but Mel was far off from our reach,somewhere in danger,somewhere lost.I just wrote a letter to my real mom which I was never going to post as I didn't know where now she exactly lived.And if I get to meet her then I won't have the courage to give it to her.The last one was sort of impossible at the moment.The letter went this way:
19th March,2004
Dear Mom,
I am really missing you and dad.I am kind of alone here without your love,warmth and affection.Is it getting too melodramatic ?
So here's all I did in these past eight months:
1. I read Melanie's secret diary which no one is supposed to.Sorry Mel.
2. I spent her nine month's pocket money in just two momths.Those cakes and pizzas were mouth-watering so I couldn't help.
3.I cried for night and nights but now I plan not to.This is beacuse Kara's dad is going to give me some information about you all so I think bad times will get over.
4.I bought two branded shades and the latest DKNY dress.
Living with Mel's parents is a bit tough.They keep on fighting with each other whole time if at all they are together. I always used to envy Mel for her branded clothes but now I know she had to sacrifice a lot to gain them. She had to sacrifice her mother who works day and night and has little time to spare for anyone even for herself.Her dad's really a 'Busy Bee' too
I know it's difficult to believe but this wasn't my idea at all.It was Mel's plan and I refused it at forst but the advantges it provided to me were irresistible.Besides,you had created such difficult situations that I had to do this.Also,this was supposed to be temporary.But when I didn't hear anything from you past these months I started believing that God wants something else.It was a silly planof exchanging souls.I don't know if it worked for Melanie but surely not for me.A plain bad idea I would call it.
That's all for now.I'll keep updating you.
Jemima
The letter was read once by me and then kept in the small box along with fifteen other letters I had been writing to mom and Mel all his time.
I got up from the chair and walked to the kitchen.Let's see what's there . I opened the fridge and found nothing which could be called a 'lunch'. Again Mel's mom has forgot, I thought.Now I miss my mom.Had she been here, she wouldv'e made my favourite grilled chicken.How wonderful cook she is!!!!!
" Now I'll have to cook something or else buy from restaurant," I muttered to myself in disgust.
I hear some footsteps coming approaching tha kitchen.
"Goodmorning dad.How come you are here?" I checked the clock.Mel's dad is a workaholic,I must say.My dad being in army also doesn't work too hard or keeps himself in so much discipline as Mel's dad does.He was dressed in his Armani suit,a perfect tag for rich CEOs. He smiled at me and then climbed down the stairs.How come he's so much happy today ? I thought and I passed back the smile.
"I just took an half day.Wanted to be with you.Ever since I became a CEO,I haven't given you much time.I am so sorry for that. After two years you would be in Stranford or Cambridge. You'll make your daddy proud,"he laughed.
Right it was a joke.If real Mel could make it to either of the two universities then even a insolvent can.Not that she's is one but certainly she is not interested in studies.I was not able to suppress my laughter.
" Thanks dad.But I think you should really go to office.I have a project to complete and the deadline is tomorrow.I was just going to the town library.We can have this time 'spending thing' some other day,can't we?" I make an innocent face which he cannot say no to.
" Okay.You are right. You need to get good grades to get into Cambridge and Stranford. We can spend time together anyday,"he looks a little disappointed.
I lied.I was not planning a library trip. I had completed the project a week ago.I am really particular about it.
"Then see you at the dinner,dad.Will you be able to come on time? Last night your missing dinner hurted Mrs.." I corrected myself,"It hurted mom.She was so upset this morning."
His jovial expressions loses its shine.
" I talked to her about it this morning.She was really angry.What I could do make it up to her? I really love her,"he says.
I think of a perfect answer.
" Dad I know you really love her but........ I think you should make her feel special like she does.This is really going to put off her anger,"I reply.
"Really? You have a good point. What should I do?"he started scratching his head as to make a new scheme.
" Dad it should be completely your idea.If I suggest anything then it won't get the special effect," I gave a modest reply.
" I got it.I'll gift her a diamond necklace or should I gift a diamond ring.I'll get it specially designed by Ataryas'.Your mom will get an unique piece.No one would have the one like her.She'll be delighted.Thank you Mel.You are a sweet-heart,"he got excited and started grinning like a child.
"Daaaad,"I stress on the word.Why is it so difficult to make men understand someopne's feelings ?I continue,"Dad,you are not getting the point."
"Why? Aren't diamonds girl's best friend ?Did I say something wrong?"he was confused and his child-like smile again disappeared.
"Dad I think you need some help.But don't let mom know that this idea came from my mind," I said.This relaxes him a little.
"Look, she would love to have a sweet gift but not necessarily expensive.Cook dinner for her.That's the least you could do.'This' would be a nice surprise."
He will not refuse his 'daughter's' brilliant idea like he do to his of his employees.
" What a brilliant mind you have darling.It helps to have a daughter.She would actually love it. She really will. What a pity that these ideas don't get into my mind,"he literally jumped with excitement.
"Dad,I should leave.You start preparing the special feast.I won't come back tonight.Will stay at Kara's. Want to give you privacy.Best of luck!!!!"I lied and he believed me.
"I forgot to ask about your frirend,Jemima.Could you contact her ?How's she?So sad it is,"he asked me about myself.
"The number doesn't exists is the only reply I have been receiving in these past four days.God knows,how she is.They all should be safe,"my tension returned back.
"Everything will get all right.Anything that I can do?"he asked looking concerned.
"Dad can you try to find about the army men stationed at Baghdad ?The ones who went with their families.That would make the search more easy," I said.
"I'll try everything I can.I'll find your best friend,"he said.
Yes,Melanie and I are best friends.
] have fixed everything now.A night away from Mel's parents.To be alone,to get into the old memories.Making a special night for them was just another of my tricks.I also wanted to surprise Mel when she'll look at them.they would have gained back their love for each other by then,I guess.He patted me on my shoulder and went away to his study room to print some recipes.
I went upstairs to take bath and get ready for a tough day ahead.
I was running, wet with sweat but that wasn't going to stop me.What if sweat was spoiling the new Gucci track suit ? It seemed like leaves and wind were supporting me as they also did left-right-left.The day was no longer bright and possibility of a rainfall were approaching.Even that couldn't stop me now.I was stubborn and I was just running.Adrenaline was encouraging me.When I couldn't run amy more,I stopped.Stopped to take a calm breath.I had to stay alive in order to find them.There is everytime a hope for something better.
When I was feeling better again, I started running faster. In another minute or so,I reached my destination.The house was just the same.Except for autumn leaves covering it's roof.I looked all around just to make sure that no one was watching me entering the house.No one was.That's the speciality of this colony.No one is bothered what's happening in their own house leave alone about other's house.The road was clear and no car was coming or going.I took in a deep breath which brought with it serenity and scent of my gardenias.I entered the garden and looked at my flowers,the ones which dad had helped me grow.They were there but had lost their mirth and shine just like me.I very much existed,atleast my soul did but I had lost happiness.I took out the key from my pocket.I had made a copyof these four days prior their departure.I put the key in the lock and rotated the key towards the right.The door got opened and here I was,standing in my house.Every furniture,piece of existence was covered with a white cloth like a vacant house is.
I stepped inside the house.I felt nostalgic.Eight months ago I was living here with my parents,waking up in my own room,having dinner on the dinning table with them.Every scene became live and I was reliving all the sweet memories.Would this ever be possible again? I wondered to myself.
"Is anyone there?"I just wanted to say this.
No reply.
your fellow writer for jesus....
