Prerna- Ch 1

Friends,
Hold your breath or faint: I got a call from Her Highness- the delectable "Prerna".
It was an hour past midnight- around 1:15 AM. I was in my sleep-mode and my phone in silent-mode. I was in no mood to get up from my bed. (Let me make one  thing pretty clear- before you embark with me in my journey. I love "Sleeping" and am very possessive about it. I kinda hate getting up early in the morning, and above all, I get irritated to the hilt, when somebody disturbs me from my sleep.) But that day was special. Infact very special.
It was an unknown number- complicated enough to comprehend whose number it was.
I reluctantly answered the phone.
'Hello, am I speaking with Romi?'- a sweet voice came from the other end?
"In a split second, I jumped off my bed- not believing my senses. It was for the first time a girl was calling me- and that too, in the middle of the night. I was definitely happy. I could sense that it was her voice. (My Prerna's voice- remember "the love-at-first-sight girl" I mentioned) But still, as if I was completely oblivious- as if I never heard her voice- I asked in a pretty gruff tone-
"Yes, it is me. May I know who is it?"
'Well, its- (shy smile). Okay, make a guess. You know me, you have seen me a couple of times and yes- you love staring at me'- came the answer.
Now, this was the height. I was feeling embarrassing. By any chance,this wasn't the right way to begin a conversation with a stranger- or at least an acquaintance.I didn't feel like talking to her. I was feeling damn sleepy and was in not in a position to play the "guess-who-am-I" game!
"Spare the puzzle for the next time Ma'm. I am in no mood to solve this one right now. I am in deep sleep and  would you mind calling me tomorrow"- By then I was getting irritated (now, why was that- I still do not know).
'Hello Romi- please do not disconnect. I want to speak with you. Please don't mind. By the way, its Prerna'.
That was the end to my temper. God! loved that sweet and soft voice. Could literally see her sitting beside me and talking to me. And then again, there were too many 'please' in her sentences. Felt sorry for misbehaving with her. To change the topic of our conversation, I asked- "So, how are you Prerna? Is everything fine?"
'Yeah- I guess so. I needed to speak with you for a while-if you don't mind. I know it is really late, but still, if it is okay with you- can we talk for a few minutes?'
"Sure- no issues. Please go ahead. I remarked. I could sense a feeling a numbness in my feet accompanied by a churning in my stomach. This was evident from the shivering in my voice. I was nervous- and happy at the same time- but had no clue of what I was going to talk.
'So...(big pause).. whats up? How is life?'
"This wasn't happening. Not at all. Is this the way a conversation should begin- I asked myself. We met each other a few hours back. And to make matters worse- frankly speaking I don't like these modern day slangs like "what's up" and "how is life". I go blank and most of the times can't decide what the other person is referring to and what am I supposed to reply. But now, there was no option but  to answer.
"Yeah, I am fine. Things are going on well- at least as of now. How about you?"- I replied.
'So..(another big pause- this time it was bigger than the previous one)'
"So..... you tell me"- I retorted. By then, the conversation had started to pall- I was getting disinterested. Wanted to cut it short.(read- disconnect the phone).
'Do you ever feel lonely? Do you ever feel abandoned? Do you ever feel like your life is worthless? Do you ever feel like putting a full-stop to your life?- she shot an array of questions which put  me in a state of  fix. I had no idea of the reason why she was referring her life to be worthless and what role was I supposed to play in that drama? I didn't even know her from a personal front and by no means,(I think) was the right person to be discussed about such serious issues. I was flummoxed for some time and then replied-
"Why do you feel so lonely? Why do you think that you are worthless? And by the way, sorry to say- but- ending your life will not put an end to your tensions. You may get rid of your life- but others, your parents- your kith and kin- will have to pay a heavy toll of price for it. Every problem has got a solution. Why shouldn't we try and find the best option available."- I said with confidence and yes- conviction too.

I began- "See Prerna, each and every person has to go through some mental torture and heart-breaking tumults at one or the other stages of his/her own life. The definition and the degree of this tension- this frustration- varies from person to person- and even for the same individual- it varies from time to time. Human life is full of ups and downs- success and failures. This is the subtle truth- the universal truth. And please remember- there are no Failures- there are mere Set Backs- which can be overcome by dint of hard work, perseverance and patience. Trust me, everything will be fine very soon. And for Christ sake, please do not have these sort of filthy thoughts in your mind. You have been born for a cause- ensure that it is fulfilled before you leave this planet"- I said at one breath, still not having of what and why I said.
But- it worked. It certainly worked.
She was silent for a long time, and at last she replied- 'Thanks a lot Romi. You really made me feel better. Good night. Shall see you tomorrow. Take care. And yes, thanks again.'
"Mention not Prerna. Feel free to call me anytime (why the hell did I say that). It was nice speaking with you. And yes, please keep smiling. You can't imagine how beautiful you look when you smile. (God,it is getting too much. Why do I behave like a despo?) Good night. Take care."

Conclusion: 
-She is a pretty bold girl to give me a call at 1:15A.M 
  (when we barely know each other)
- At present, she longs fro reclusion; has negative thoughts in her mind.
- Her simplicity is deceptive. (Has a lot of things hidden inside her)
- I am a nut in talking to girls, but today- how could I talk to her so sensibly, so confidently? I patted myself and said- "Nice one Romi. Good job. Get going"
- If instincts are to be trusted, I must say that I feel as if she will definitely call me again. Lets see what is in the pipeline. Have to keep my fingers crossed till then.
To be continued......