Note from the past

I came out of my office. It was a hard-earned day. Working along with the clientele, understanding their requirements, pitching in your point of view, keeping things under a feasible budget. Welcome to Software development. It's been a while I have been working as a developer at Technoprise Inc. The pay is good, projects offer challenge and I love working with my colleagues. Sometimes we have to wait late into the night. Development is always a race against deadlines.

“When is the next deadline?” Mayanti asked She worked in the Management Department. “The coming Friday,” I said making a cup of coffee from the vending machine. “That’s like now.” She said. “Yeah, but that’s what we get paid for,” I said with a smile. "You are always working." She said keeping her arm over my shoulder. “Let’s go I will drop you at your home,” I said.

We went downstairs in the parking. There was a note stuck on the windshield of the car. I took it to have a closer look. The note said, “I’ve your most prized possession. If you want to see it, intact, meet me tonight at the football field around the corner of our high school. I am wearing a fluorescent bandanna.” “It’s been ten years since we graduated from high school and he is still taking it seriously,” I said tossing the piece of paper. “Who is it, Stuart?” Mayanti asked with a worried face. “It’s the old pal of mine from the high school,” I said. “Is this some sort of revenge, vengeance?” She asked. “I don’t know and the funny part is that I don’t even play football,” I said. “What!” She said exasperatedly.

I took out the car and drove across the silent roads of the city. The moonlight spread across the dark surrounding. The sky was full of stars. I lowered the window of the car and breeze of cool wind brushed of Mayanti’ face scattering her loose hair. I slowed down the car. I was looking at her, she smiled back tying her hair in a bun. She leaned forward and I did too. Next moment we were kissing forgetting about the upcoming showdown. I was enthralled by the bliss of the moment.

We entered high school. I didn’t bring my football shoes but went straight to the football ground. I could see a fluorescent hue in the dark. “I knew you would come. I have been waiting all this while.” The voice in the dark spoke. I recognized the voice and remembered the old days. “Yeah, I wanted to see your rotten face,” I said in jest. We started running into each other. We took each other by the arms and grappled in the football field. While Mayanti’ reaction changed from shock to disbelief. “Stop it guys!” Mayanti said. “What you brought a girl to fight for you?” The voice said laughing. “No, I am enough to take you down,” I said getting up. “I have a valued possession of yours.” The figure said coming out of the dark. It was Ryan, my old buddy.

He handed me a photo album. We had clicked numerous photos on our many a treks and trips. I leafed through the album. I found Smriti, Ayush, and Sneha in the stills. Every memory flashed on the screen of my mind. “Those were some carefree days from the high school. I just love those memories. Truly this is a prized possession for me.” I said. “You bet they were. But here is another good news. I am planning a full-fledged reunion.” Ryan said excitedly. “Yes let’s plan it out,” I said ecstatically. "Wait but who is she?" Ryan asked. "She is my girlfriend," I said. "From the college?" Ryan asked. “Yes, She is Mayanti and he is my old friend Ryan,” I said. "That's great you can join us on the trip," Ryan said shaking hands with her. "That would be fun," Mayanti said. "I will keep you updated," Ryan said waving us bye. We went back to our car. “You have wonderful friends Stuart,” Mayanti said holding my hand.