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“Eyes are the informers of heart. They darken when we are angry, while softens when we are filled with love.” [Jacqueline]

….

Jacqueline’s POV:

I gripped the straps of my backpack tightly. My whole form trembling in anticipation of what would happen to me today. I shifted in discomfort from one foot to another as a kid of age 6 years glared at me. If you are wondering where I am? I am at my bus stop waiting for my school bus to arrive for the last ten minutes.

I could sense my cortisol level increasing with each minute. Cortisol; a stress hormone, our nature’s inbuilt alarm system. And it was alarming to me that I needed to calm down. But when does that happen what we want? Almost every time what happens is opposite to what we want.

I place my hand on my heart. Realizing that My heartbeat was abnormally high.

“Di are you okay?”

The same 6-year-old kid asked me confusion clear in her eyes. I think her name was Riya or something. She was my bus companion. Though we never chatted, there were times when she had flashed a bright smile at me.

“I. Ye. Yeah. I am fine.” I stuttered the first time I spoke to a kid. It was embarra**ing.

“But you look pale.” She clutched the hem of my kurta and inquires again.

I exhaled, trying to downplay the words I said.

“Ah. Do I?”

I could feel her, sus***ious gaze on me. But I didn’t say anything. Waiting for her to either say something or just left me alone.

“You are so cute Di. When you pout.” She giggled, as she said those words of admiration.

‘Cute? Can a child lie? I didn’t know. But normally I never heard of a kid lying.’

Smiling, I bent down and caress her forehead,

“Thank you, Riya. But I think you are cuter than me.”

Her black eyes widened, as her cheeks turned a little pink. Her pink lips edging into a pout.

With a shy look.

She mumbles.

“You think so?”

I answered back “Yeah. I do. By the way, I have chocolate. Would you like some?”

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as if remembering something.

not take

I introduce myself to you? Although I am no stranger to you, I have been your bus companion since last year. But just for you, I can tell you my name. And then we will no longer

lips, as she nibbled on her lower

are right. Let’s do

held my hand for her

My name is

took it with a smile

Riya. But you can also call

“I would love to.”

hands while I

spent half an hour waiting for our bus to arrive. Eating chocolates and

I saw the bus coming our way, I held her hand. And took out

Let

“Okay JJ.”

held her chin and cleaned it. Just when I tried to stand

word, she ran to the door of the bus. Her two ponytails swaying with the wind. As her little arms

at us curiously. While I patted my cheeks to

glanced back and

“Come faster JJ.”

walk towards the bus

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smiling at me. I smile back

but now that I was alone again. Fear engulfed me. I fidget in my

supposed to say

wasn’t intentional. Or that it flew from

drifts to my cell phone. As I glanced at it. Remo had not texted

a message and ask where is he? Though I did not want to admit it, I missed him. I missed him

was better to just text him if I wanted to. Because there are how many times I did the things I wanted? Probably very

are you

“I am missing you.”

was no response. Exhaling I puffed my already puffed

we want them the most? When we are in

entertain me. Perhaps he might have some very important work to chat with me on useless

window. Thinking about whether I should head inside or just leave. The driver’s uncle glances at me from his seat. Confusion

are here Bitiya.