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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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gaze turned a little hopeful but then as if remembering something. It turned a

Mommy said, to not take chocolates from

bus companion since last year. But just

smile formed on her lips, as

You are right. Let’s do

for her to take

name is

with a smile on

Di, I am Riya. But you can also call me

“I would love to.”

her hands while I handed her

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

held her hand. And took out a small napkin from my backpack. Cleaning

chocolate here RiRi. Let

“Okay JJ.”

her chin and cleaned it. Just when I tried to stand up, she

the door of the bus. Her two ponytails swaying with the wind. As her little arms stretched out. The sight of

students peek out of the window. Looking at us curiously.

reaching the door, She glanced back and

“Come faster JJ.”

calm down and walk towards the bus exhaling.

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at

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

I supposed

wasn’t intentional. Or that it flew

As I glanced at it. Remo had not texted me since yesterday. Why?

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

it was better to just text him if I wanted to. Because there are how

you Jerk? Are

“I am missing you.”

no response. Exhaling I puffed my already puffed

go when we want them the most? When we are in desperate need of their presence. Where the hell

busy. Too busy to entertain me. Perhaps he might have some

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

are here Bitiya.