EMBRACE OF MISTS by Sowmya Latha (important of reading books .TXT) 📕

“She does not like it.”

“Of course she wouldn’t. Sorry I offended her.” He then held his arms open towards me, into which I cuddled. I felt safe and secure in his hold. He kissed my forehead and said the words which I was longing for.

“I love you Melinda” he said softly.

“I love you too Alvin.” Finally I had found my love. I could feel the happiness and the security that love has provided me. I could realize why I had not felt the same with Jared. I felt sorry for Angel but I had already decided. If I were to catch hands of someone, it would only be my Alvin’s.

From then onwards, Alvin spent all his time with me. When Jared comes to see me, he would leave me to him and go entertain Lina’s mother. I reduced my talk with Jared. I knew I was doing injustice to the man who cared for me. If it wasn’t for him, I would have never met Alvin, my true love. I even stopped Angel from responding to him. I could understand how much she missed him but the soul and body belonged to me. I have to decide who my future is. I can never part with Alvin. When my mind was set on Alvin I wondered what he had decided. Would he speak to Jared for me? He loves and respects him a lot. Will Alvin really stand for me? I needed to know this and I made up my mind to discuss this openly with Alvin.

One day as I was painting, Alvin returned home from work. He sat near me and watched me paint. It was warm having him next to me.

“That’s a nice one. I like it” he said.

“Thanks, but Alvin we have other things to discuss. About Jared” I reminded him.

“I am thinking about it every second. I can never hurt Jared. When I was alone on the road, nowhere to go, he gave me shelter and looked after me as his own brother. I can never destroy his happiness” he said. His words hid the truth behind it.

“So you are ready to leave me to him?” I asked.

“If that is the only way, I would go for it Mel” he said after a moment of pause. My castle fell.

“Why are you doing this to me?” I cried.

“Mel, understand. Angel, your soul, loves him. Ultimately you can change for her and Jared won’t be hurt” he said.

“You? You Alvin? Will you be happy?” I questioned him. He closed his lips tight. The he said, “I’ll be for Jared.”

“Jared! It’s always him you think about. He means a lot to me as a friend and you know that. Why do you try to bury your love and let your friend’s love live?” I caught his shirt and yelled to him.

“Mel, stop it” he tried to take off my hold.

“Er, excuse me. What is going on here? What is the problem between you two?” a voice distracted our argument. It was Mike. We both were taken aback. I took away my hands off Alvin’s shirt and sat still. Alvin got up and moved towards the window. Tension grew in the air. Mike scrutinized both of us and went near Alvin.

“I heard you both. Explain Alvin” he demanded. Slowly Alvin started. He explained everything to him. About me, Angel, Jared and lastly about his decision. Mike was astonished by the information Alvin had provided him. Hearing every word seriously, he came and sat near me.

“Mel is it all true?” he asked anxious.

I nodded.

“You did not love Jared?” he asked.

“No… he is my good friend” I told him.

“Is it any illness that you are suffering from? Angel?” he inquired.

“I don’t know but I don’t want to lose her. She is mine. She is my companion all these years and she means a lot to me” I said recollecting my days with her.

“You love Alvin?” he continued seeing the tall figure standing near the window.

“Yes.” Tears flowed over my cheeks.

“Don’t cry. I hope Jared will understand you. He is tough and no one can crack him. I feel sorry for you both. Alvin, take care of her and I will be back.” He got up in a hurry saying that but Alvin stopped him.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“To Jared, of course. He needs to know this right?” Mike blinked.

“He won’t bear it Mike. And so…” he dragged.

“So?”

“Let my decision be accepted” Alvin said firmly.

“Fool! You both love each other and Jared loves only the shadow. He can understand Mel and you both can lead a happy life” Mike yelled impatient.

“I can never let Jared get hurt” said Alvin and stood silent. I could not stand more.

“Leave it Mike. It is upto him. He cares for Jared not for himself or me. I will do as he says. If he can be without me, then I have nothing else to do.” I put my face into my hands and cried. I heard Mike taking Alvin out giving me privacy.

The next few days, I did not go out of my room. I cried. Staying in the same house with Alvin at a distance from me was horrible. Nothing could console me. Mike had told Lina the news and she stayed with me comforting me.

“Would you like a treatment, Mel? We can easily bring you out of the problem by proper treatment. We have come across many cases similar to you” she suggested.

“I can never part with Angel. She belongs to me and I need her” I strongly refused.

‘Thanks Mel” Angel said.

“Don’t worry, I will never let you go” I promised her. Lina found me conversing with Angel and she did not approve of her. Even Jared was not allowed into my room giving importance to my feelings. He grew very anxious about me and Lina dealt with him, comforting him. Jacob sensed the problem but he remained silent as he feared to take the side of either of his brothers.

“I can do nothing Mel. I love Jared and Alvin. I can never conclude to whom you will belong to. If I were to be selfish I would ask you for my own brother Jared. But to be fair, it is Alvin who will take care of you better. I hope for a smooth ending as I don’t want my brothers to get separated showing you as a reason. Be patient Mel. Don’t worry, I like you Mel” he comforted me.

Day by day the tension grew. Jared was impatient to see me. He yelled at everyone who protected my door against him.

“Mel! Mel! What happened to you? Why don’t you want to see me? I am there for you. Don’t worry dear…about anything… I miss you Mel” he shouted outside my door. I could not bear him being upset. Angel was dreadful. She had not spoken to me for days. Not since I decided Alvin to be my future. So I thought I should leave her to console her Jared now and I allowed her to do as she wished. In no time I had thought about that, she pushed her way through me and made me rush to the door. I opened it and flung my arms around him. After a moment of confusion he hugged me tight and kissed me. He did not care that he was crying but held me tight afraid to let me go. Angel who swelled with her lost emotions and received him happily. After the exchange, I caught the glimpse of Jacob, Lina and Mike watching me surprised or rather shocked. Worst of all Alvin stood staring at me, his eyes full of pain. I felt a sharp slap on my face and the next moment I covered my face and yelled. Hysterics took over me and Jared caught me from falling down. I did not stop yelling and could not realize what I was crying out loud. Lina acted in time and asked everyone to get out before she rushed to attend me. A pair of strong hands carried me and made me lie on the bed but I did not stop babbling.

“Hush dear… it is ok dear. Relax now and sleep” Alvin spoke gently into my ears.

“Hold her hands Alvin” Lina instructed him. I felt a pricking pain before I lost my conscious. When I woke up I saw Alvin sitting near me catching my hands. My head floated but I tried to steady it before I spoke.

“I am sorry” I said weakly.

“It is ok. You can’t help it. I am worried about your health. You are in deep stress. You should get some sleep now… close your eyes.” He stroked my hair, his usual gesture.

“I don’t want to sleep. Where is everyone?” I asked.

“With Jared” he replied shortly.

“How is he?” I could not help being anxious about him.

“He is confused.” Alvin’s reply hid something from me and suddenly I realized.

“What did I babble about?” the urgency in my voice made him study me for a second. Then he took a deep breath and said, “You said my name”.

“What else?”

“Asked sorry. Then you asked for your mom and dad to help you. You were repeatedly fretting about your dad” he said and squeezed my hands. His hands were warm. I was ashamed of my weakness. I knew my health was deteriorating. Everybody tried to help me but I seek loneliness even from Alvin. Mike took care of Jared as I wish to stay far from him.

“Everything is my fault” cried Angel.

“No mistake on anyone” I said.

“Mel, destroy me. I am a nuisance to you. Marry Alvin and live happily. I beg you.”

“I can never be without you Angel. When everyone fails me you will be there for me. I love you so much” I told her.

“Let’s tell Jared everything. Let me speak” she raised her suggestion.

“There is nothing to say to him. I can sacrifice Alvin for you. Now stop fretting and allow me to get some sleep” I requested her to sleep.

Christmas was nearing and all were busy with their Christmas shopping. I refrained myself from talking to Alvin. He understood me and stayed out most of time. People in the house were worried about our decision to break up. I allowed Angel to spend more time with Jared. He took me out and bought me dresses and everything he felt to buy for me. I lost my sleep at nights and had interest for none. New York was decorated beautifully to welcome Christmas and New Year. It was snowing heavily but the season failed to raise my spirits. I sensed that the happiness I enjoyed these many months was totally wiped off.

Early in the Christmas morning, I woke up and went to Alvin’s room which was shared with Mike. They were asleep. I slipped Alvin’s present near his pillow and left the room. Soon everyone woke up and there was huge commotion in that house with exchanges of wishes and gifts. Lina had decorated the house splendidly and Jared had bought a great Christmas pudding for all. I gave my small gifts to them except Alvin for he had already had his. Jared was happy with the music CD I had got for him. I received my gifts from all including Jacob who gave me a beautiful scarf. We went to the church and joined the service. In the evening we had a lovely party with a big Christmas turkey. Jared played the music while we danced. Mike and Lina were the highlight. Jared asked me for dance and I was about to refuse to him. But when I saw Alvin near the fireplace watching me, I got up and joined Jared who was happy with my acceptance.

“Mel, I am the luckiest person of all” said Jared.

“Why do you say that?” I asked him.

“Because you are mine.” I lowered my eyes not able to feel happy for his words. But there was nothing I could as I would be Jared’s wife very