The last snow - part 3

Previously: The last snow - part 2

“I love you.” Rohan said. “So do I.” She said. They hugged each other. And there was silence from her.

“No....” Rohan screamed and woke up sweating furiously. He rushed to the washroom and splashed water on his face. “I don't want to live this nightmare every-time.” He thought and cried till his alarm rang from his bedside. He went and switched his alarm off. He changed his pajamas to the tracks. Plugged his earphones and left to jog.

He used to go for a jog every morning. Being a Sunday and since it was a new place for him, he wanted to discover it. He stepped out of his house and the cold breeze kissed his cheeks. After stretching up for a few minutes he took a road to the left of his house and started jogging at a slow pace. The morning sun, the chilly winds and the fog were Mesmerizing. He started liking the place. He took a few turns down the road, where he came across few tea shops, Momo shops and shops which lend vehicles for site seeing. He stopped for a while to hold his breath when he saw a church. It caught his eyes and wanted to go inside, since he dint take a shower, he felt it would be wrong. He remembers how his mom used to shout him when without a bath, he used to accidentally land up inside the temple room of their house.

He thought of taking a closer look of the church. After looking the church from outside while he was about to turn and leave, he came across a similar face. A girl in a dark violet hoodie covering her face was leaving the church. As if she was hiding from someone or wanted to go unnoticed He was sure he knew the girl. He followed her for a while and then patted her shoulder from back. She turned in a shock. “Roshni?” Rohan was puzzled. “You?” Roshni was taken aback.

“Why are you shocked?” Rohan was really curious. “Nothing. Just didn't expect someone to spot me. By the way good morning” Roshni sounded cool. “Good morning.”  Rohan relaxed this time. Last night he confessed his diary about Roshni reminds him of someone. When he went to sleep, he decided to move on and relax. And after the nightmare he knew running away won't work for him. “So you jog?” Roshni queried and they started walking. “Yeah. I love jogging.” Removing his earplugs he studied the look in Roshni's face as if she has been caught on the crime scene. “Are you okay? You look scared and lost.” Rohan was staring her this time. “Actually. Nobody knows I go to church everyday except my Mom. I just don't want anyone to know. That is why I come early morning hiding myself. It's just my piece of secret and private space. I know you might think I am nuts, but its...” before she can complete. Rohan said, “I understand, your secret is safe.” Roshni was surprised, “Hmm.. Thanks.” And continued, “Come, let's have tea and I can make you taste the best momos in the world if you don't mind.” “I cannot say no when there's snow everywhere and someone offering hot momos and tea.” Rohan smiled.

They reached near a shop. A decent looking and comfortable shop where few people can have tea and snacks. They entered the shop cum restaurant. He spotted few tourists sitting on a table. The shop can accommodate 10-15 people max. But the arrangement was catchy. Rohan went to a table and grabbed a seat waiting for Roshni. A few minutes later he saw Roshni with a lady coming out of the kitchen area holding cups and plates. Lady was middle aged, complexion, same as Roshni, hair tied in a perfect bun with a subtle smile same as Roshni. The smile said made him guess that she might be Roshni's mother.

“Hey young man. I am Roshni's mother. Good to see you in our shop.” Roshni's mother greeted Rohan with a warm smile. “Hello Aunty. Good to see you.” Rohan stood up and replied back with lot of humbleness. "Please have a seat. No formalities. Here's your hot momos and tea. Tell me if you need more. Don't hesitate. Enjoy." Roshni's mother signed off from their table and left towards the kitchen. 

Rohan: "So this is your shop?"

Roshni: " No. It's not mine. It's my mother's hard work."

Rohan: "Hmm."

(Grabbing a piece of momo and stuffing it completely inside of his mouth)

Rohan: "Oh oh..umm.." "It's hot and tasty." 

(Giggling like a child)

Roshni: "You look funny." She broke into a small laugh.

Rohan: "Sorry."

Roshni: "Hey. Why are you formal everytime? I am not gonna eat you up."

Rohan: "Oh, okay."

Roshni: "So tell me something about yourself? Only if you don't mind."

Rohan: "Hmm.. Nothing interesting. My Dad works for the army. So every year or two I land up to a new place. For the first time I landed up in a snowy place."

Roshni: "Nice.. It means you have travelled and seen many places round India."

Rohan: "Yeah.. kind of."

(Sipping tea)

Roshni: "So you have any siblings? What does your Mother do?"

Rohan: "I have no sibling. And.. My mother is no more."

(Silence)

Roshni: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ..."

Rohan: "It's okay."

(A few minutes of awkward silence while sipping of their teas.)

Roshni: "Hmm.. you want to have something else?"

Rohan: "No. No. I have to rush home. Dad must be worried since I usually don't jog for so long."

Roshni: "Okay, yeah I get it."

"Mom...We are leaving." Roshni screams more than required.

"Okay, honey. Next time lower your volume." Roshni mother screams her back.

(Duh...) Roshni with a weird look her on face shrugs off.

They leave the shop. And walk for a while. "Okay then see you after the weekend at college." Rohan breaking the silence. "Yeah, sure. Bye take care."

Should I ask him?  She thinks.

Should I tell her?  He thinks.

They part their ways and bid a good bye with a smile. Both of them lost in their own thoughts. One covering herself in hoodie and another one plugging in his earphones.

A/N: A dream or nightmare? Is it the pain and loss of someone? Is it just about privacy or it's a secret?

Will let you know more. Till then keep reading and commenting.

Looking forward for more readers. So please share.

Next: The last snow - part 4