Firdaus — Part 1

“You can help me Kashishh!”

I saw this in my mail account. I was pretty curious to know what’s the content. Who wrote it? Why was this written to me? And how can I help this person.

So, a random e-mail from a girl, just a mail. I noticed the mail was sent to me 3 days back. I usually read all my mails on time and trash the unnecessary ones. But due to some family function, I didn’t notice this one.

“Goshhhhhh!!!” (My reaction after reading it)

‘Hi, I am really obliged with the fact that you went through my blog and mailed me for asking help. I don’t know from where you found out about my blog, but I would really like to meet you in person or if this is not possible then please contact me on my cell. My signature has all the details included. Hope to see your reply soon. And I am really sorry to reply so late.’

I waited for a reply the whole day, the next day and the next and it’s next. No reply. I was wretched and agitated. I got upset with the fact that I might have been late to mail her back. I started off with my internship in Delhi, but still no response.

On the 3rd day of my internship, I finally see a reply:

‘Re:Reply ASAP!

Hi Kashish. You don’t know how much I was waiting for reply. Sorry for keeping you wait but I was not having any internet connection. I live in Noida. I used to live in your neighborhood only, we have never talked but your blog had photos of you. I don’t know where you live currently but yes I would love to meet you if possible. Will text you tomorrow, before that I’d be expecting your reply. Thanks for replying.

Firdaus’

I was pretty reposed after reading it. I was very pleased that the girl was fine, relieved to know that she was alive and still willing to fight with her circumstances.

… a few days later …

She called me the next day she wrote to me and we decided to meet on the coming weekend. So, being a coffee addict I asked her to come to Starbucks.

I was pretty edgy while I was in the metro and was just thinking about meeting my unknown neighbor who is tensed and perturbed and in need of help. I am not a professional psychologist or an incentive person. My shoulders felt heavy. I had something huge coming up. I started my journey from Huda City Centre. Throughout my way to Hauz Khas, I was just counting the stations left to reach (13,12…9,8,7…4,3….2 and 1). Adrenaline rush! I took an Uber to Starbucks and there I see a girl sitting at a table. I just guessed it might be her. To confirm I called her. I got in and greeted her.

I’m like Heyy? Where exactly did you live in my neighborhood? Then I realized that I should first go through some formal introduction first. I began again. Hi, Kashish your blogger friend and you?

She replied ‘Firdaus!’.

Nice name, so coming back to my question, where exactly did you live Ms. Firdaus?

‘We were in the same society Kashish. Different blocks but yeah same society. So, what would you like to have?’

I had never been to Starbucks so asked her to order herself. She ordered 2 Irish Cream Frappuccino for us. A normal and friendly-sweet conversation was in progress as the waiter called my name — Mr. Kashish!! Please take your order sir.

As I took the first sip I discerned that its just too succulent and luscious that I was almost forgetting the reason for being at Starbucks. I kept the glass down and fired a question.

“I read your mail. I am sorry for the late response Ms. Firdaus. But I am like a bit anguished about you since that day. You don’t know how much dejected I was after not seeing any reply from your side for days. As soon as I got one I jumped up from my seat (Although I was in cafeteria that time). I was just so so so relaxed to see your response. I was happy to know that you are like you know? ALIVE! So Ms. Firdaus, can you tell me from the scratch. every single instance of your life. I’m all ears”

She just nodded me. I thought that she was just recollecting some of her memory so didn’t wish to interrupt her and I just carried on with my Irish Frappuccino.

As I finished off with my last sip, I was amused to see her staring at her mug constantly. I waited. And waited. I glanced at my watch, it was an hour up now.

She stood and started walking towards the door. I jumped off my chair and screamed — “FRIEND!”

“I need you to hope again”.

She turned and walked off. I sat down for a while and took an Uber back to the metro station.