Kissed by the Sun

She stood on her doorstep gazing with longing eyes as though waiting for someone, someone she hoped would appear like magic out of the blues. Her long well oiled black hair seemed shining, kissed by the sun. She just stood there leaning on the door frame staring at the road outside her gate oblivious to her surroundings and those who passed by. Those who saw her were mesmerised by her beauty and her long black hair which she had draped in the front of her dress. "Wow, what a beautiful girl" they seemed to say. She neither saw nor heard them but was lost deep in her own thoughts.

Asha, as she was called was a very sad young girl. She was deeply in love with her classmate Rahul. The two lovebirds were staying close to each other and were always seen walking together to school and back. Their parents were known to each other and even approved of the relationship.

Rahul was a very adventurous lad and loved sports. He loved the outdoors and was often seen playing different games along with his friends. Cricket, Football, Basket ball etc, you name it, he played it. Rahul was also good in music and payed the guitar. One could find him sitting on the culvert surrounded by youngsters and he'd be singing songs they requested. His ambition had always been to join the Armed Forces. After successful completion of standard twelve he studied hard for the Union Public Service Examination which, he passed in excellent grades. He completed the Services Selection Board and off he went to the Naval Academy.

Time went by and Asha waited for her Rahul to return. She longed for some contact with Rahul, to hear his voice but sadly there were no phone calls. The only news she got was from his parents.

"He's well and is very busy. The authorities keep him occupied" Rahul's mother informed her.

"Does he call? asked Asha.

"Only once a week, sometimes no calls for weeks" replied her mother. Asha was very dejected and sad. Why doesn't he call me she worried.

Months passed by and she was really getting frustrated. She couldn't keep her mind on anything. She had to decide about college but, she didn't seem to care about the future. Sad and forlorn she decided to let fate run its course and forced herself to enroll in a college nearby. She immersed herself in her studies and tried her best to forget her Rahul.

On her return from college one day she saw a commotion in Rahul's courtyard. Leaving her books at home she ran to Rahul's house. She wasn't prepared for the sight that met her eyes. Lying there wrapped in a coffin draped with the naval ensign was her beloved Rahul. On enquiry she learnt that he had met with a diving accident.

Sadly she stands even today with her hair kissed by the sun waiting for her beloved Rahul.