Abhimanyu

“Oh Damn……” She said as she dropped the file. The papers scattered all over the place. She looked helpless as she looked around hoping someone would come to help her. The corridor was totally empty. No one was in sight. The heat made her sweat. “Now what? Run and pick up the papers moron” her mind began screaming. She placed her purse and umbrella on the floor and squatted to pick up the papers. She had barely picked up five papers and her back began to hurt. “Oh dear… ” she said loudly. She stood up and heard a small creak from her back. Sweat trickled from her forehead to her cheek. “Dear lord…please help me” she said and squatted again to pick up the scattered papers.

“May I help you miss?” The words startled her. She looked back as she saw him. He was standing right behind her looking over her towards the mess. He looked at her and smiled. “Let me help you” he said and did not wait for an affirmation. He placed his backpack next to her purse and began running in the corridor to pick up the scattered papers. She stood up and looked at him with awe. He was very graceful as he moved from one spot to another. In matter of minutes, he collected all the papers and came to her. “Here, give me that file” he said. She came out of her trance and looked at the file in her hand. He slowly pulled it from her, careful enough not to drop the papers already placed in it. He neatly placed the entire paper bunch in the pocket of the folder, closed it and tied it with a shoelace he had in his backpack and handed it back to her. “Thank you so much” She said as he gave the file back. He smiled, nodded and picked up his backpack. “See you miss” he said as he waved and turned.

“Wait…!!!” She screamed. He turned and walked back. She picked up her purse and pulled out her wallet. She removed 100 Rs and handed over to him. “Please take this.” She said. He looked at the note and then looked back at her. “It is alright miss” he said in a hurtful tone. “Oh! Sorry, I just wanted to repay you for the help” she said sheepishly. He smiled and said “Well, if you want to repay me, then you can. There is an ice cream cart. Treat me to an ice cream. It is really hot! An ice cream will help both of us.” That made her laugh “Hahaha…. ok.” She said.

“What is your name?” She asked him as they walked towards the vendor. “Abhimanyu” he replied. They reached the stall which was just five minutes away. He chose a choco almond cone and she settled for an orange ice candy. He took the wrapper of her ice cream and disposed it in the dustbin. “It was very nice of you to help me.” She said as she took a small bite of her candy. “Anything for you miss.” He said. “I always see you around. I hear your speeches. I never miss them.” He said while munching the crunchy chocolate cone. His honesty made her smile. They ate in silence. She liked the way he took his time to finish the ice cream. He looked around to wipe his hands of the melted chocolate cream. She offered him water from her bottle. He washed them and thanked her as he wiped them on his back side. This made her laugh.

“Dont laugh miss”

He said all embarrased. She nodded and controlled her laughter. “You laugh very nicely too” he said in a soft tone. “Thanks Abhimanyu. Thanks for help. Thank you for giving me company. By the way, please dont mind, but….hmmmmm…….how old are you?” She inquired. “I am ten years old, miss, studying in class six. I cannot wait to reach seventh standard when you will be teaching us history. It is my favourite subject. Anyways, I am glad that I could help you out. Please don’t forget me ok?” He said as he extended his hand. “I will never….” She promised as she shook Abhimanyu’s hand. He blushed and walked away. She looked up, opened her umrella and walked near her scooty which was parked near the compound of the school, still in thoughts of the little boy who had helped her out.

(c) ashwini naik