The Call

She had cramps in her stomach as she sat there and listened to the call being connected on her phone. What would she say, when he picked up the call? She had thought this through, but now she felt at loss for words. She would say it directly or maybe chat like usual and then bring up the topic as if it was a minor query. Before dialling up everything was planned, the conversation - her dialogues, his reply, her counter-reply - the alternate conversation, the alter-alternate conversation. But now as the caller tune began to play on the phone, she had forgotten everything. Panic bells ringing in her head. And then she sighed in relief as the call got disconnected. In the back of her mind she knew, he would not be able to receive the call at this moment, but the call had to be made after all the thinking and planning.

It was Valentines Day, almost all her friends were out on a date, while she had rejected 2 proposals in the day. Sitting in the bedroom, contemplating loneliness, her thoughts went back to her friends - the married, the dating bachelors, the oversea workers and him.

They had been friends for a long time - was it during school or college that they met, it was difficult to say. Never were they lovers, never did she feel this tingling sensation when she thought about him until recently something changed. He had flied to UK for work and now she missed his presence. When he was here they met once a week at the least and now they connected on call every alternate night.

Long back when she got her first proposal which she obviously rejected, she had confided in him, her thoughts about love. She thought it was a waste of time and she would marry the person her parents deemed fit rather than going out on dates. He had not tried to reason her on this.

But now the absence had stirred up the emotion, she longed for him to come and propose or express his feelings for her, to her.

Wait she did for him, not sharing her thoughts but expecting from him. It was fear of him rejecting, knowing he was committed to someone else in UK or the fear of losing his association that held her back, she herself did not know. Maybe the numerous offers from guys and rejections on her part, had instigated the feeling that the guy must bend his knees. Even if he did reciprocate her thoughts, would he stand-up for her against her parents.

Patiently, waiting until now, she finally mustered her courage and decided to call him and let him know. It wouldn't matter if they got along or not but this burden of thoughts would surely lighten. And in the fit of the moment, she made that call. Alas, the call got terminated. The timezone difference that started this play of passion, had put a pause to it now.

As time passed, her resolve faded. She got busy with her daily chores and things went on as usual, until late at night, her phone rang. The name on the display was his. All the apprehension was back like a storm in the solace of the night. She knew, he would ask the reason for her call earlier. What would she say? Should she answer or let the call pass unanswered and pretend nothing happened? She put her finger on the screen and ....

Years later both were married. To each other or to some other person? Did she answer or did she not?

How would you like this tale to end? Put in your answers in the comment below.