One day, when I went to the balcony to water the plants, I found a new pot of white roses, with a note saying "Sorry!". It's him. I never bothered and threw away the note. But I love roses, so I watered it. Again next day, I saw a 'Sorry' note on my front door. It's him, again. I threw it away, again.
After a while, I heard a knock on my front door. It's him, but I did not wanted to answer. He kept knocking every few minutes and I felt like he won't leave me alone unless I answer.
"Yes?!!", I said.
"Hi! I just want to have a word with you"
"What is it?"
"May I come in, please?"
"OK"
He sat on a chair and I stood near the passage that leads to the front door, just in case if I have to run away.
"I actually came in to apologise for everything that I said and done to you. I was going through a bad phase of my life and did not realise that I have been spreading bitterness. Unnecessarily I had hurt you a lot, for no fault of yours. I did not initially had the guts to apologise. So I left the notes. But I knew that it would be a worst gesture to hurt you right in front of your face and to hide away when I wanted to apologise. So, I am sorry about everything. I won't trouble you anymore. I am leaving US soon and going back to Bangalore. I am sorry again", he said and left the place.
I started to feel much better. He wasn't the same guy that I have been seeing all these days. There was a complete transformation, both in his looks and attitude. His coiffure, shaven face, attire and especially his smell - everything was so fresh. More than that, he was very submissive, humble and pleasant. To top it up, he apologised to me. That was indeed a good gesture. I was feeling good after a long time.
Now a days, other than watering the plants, I had one more reason to stay in my balcony. I found a good friend in him and we were already having nice conversations. One evening, he invited me for dinner at a restaurant. As I already started to feel comfortable with him, I agreed. It was a good long evening. But at the end, I returned home with a heavy heart. As I always beleived, 'you can't be judgemental about anyone without knowing their journey'. I made the same mistake of being judgemental, without knowing what he was going through. That evening, he openly shared with me about his 'bad phase' of life. I can still remember his words.
"My only lovable brother, left me and my parents to suffer and committed suicide. He was sincerely in love with a girl and did everything possible, just to see her happy. My parents agreed to their wedding and everything was in place. But she left him and went with another wealthier goose. The word spread across our family, friends and business contacts and everyone was either sympathising him or criticising him. He lived the life of a lunatic and left us forever. Our lives turned miserable and I was totally devastated. He was my only companion in the whole world and I always felt him next to my mom. I was in shock and did not cry. As days passed by, I started to vent out my anger on everyone. I spoke only to my parents and shut myself away from the day and night of this world. Then my parents decided to send me off somewhere for a while, until I get back to the normal me. So I came here to stay with my friend."
I was dumbstruck after hearing that. I always wanted a sister or a brother myself. Sometimes I used to be very jealous, when I see my friends happy with their siblings. But to lose your brother or a sister, after having grown up with them, laughed with them, fought with them and lived every moment with them, is the worst thing that could happen. I couldn't accept the truth and didn't know how to convince him either.
He continued, "Every day, my mom used to talk to me and advice me to overcome the pain and to move on. She is a strong lady. She fought cancer and came back for us. We three were her world. To lose her child would be the toughest punishment that life can give her. But she was showing confidence and concealed her pain to save me. But she was disappointed when I told her about the series of upsetting incidents with you. She cried and did not speak a word. That instant I started to cry. And for the next few days, I cried my heart out and slowly came back to my senses. Now, my mom is convinced and she is waiting to welcome me."
I had nothing to say. I never knew that life could be this tougher. Probably I was hallucinating all these days, that life is beautiful. But it doesn't seem to be. I was wondering that something miserable might be waiting for me.
He left after a week and I started to feel aloof. Though he gave me his contact details, I did not wanted to call him or mail him. I started to miss him. Everyday in that balcony, kept bringing back all the memories, that were once miserable but not anymore.
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