The Dream

Part IX

 I slowly opened the door a little and peeped inside to check whether Steve was inside or not.  Suddenly someone tapped on my shoulder, I didn’t pay any attention to it. Again there was a tap, this time I softly jerked my shoulder to remove the hand without realising who was at the back. This time a face crept in, over my shoulder and asked very softly “Are you looking for someone?” That time I finally realised that someone was standing behind me and watching me. I looked at the face from the corner of my eyes without turning my face. Oh my God! It was Steve. I was shocked to see him beside me and lost my balance, was about to fall. He suddenly caught me from my waist and saved me from falling. His face was just 2-3 inch apart from mines. His eyes were deep and intense. Oh my so cute small nose and his lips…. Kathy buzz off what the hell are you thinking now.

“Are you Ok? Sorry I didn’t mean to startle you.” He said.

“Ahh. I’m fine. No..no no problem.” I replied clumsily while removing his hands from my waist.

“What were you doing?” He asked smilingly.

Damn, why was he behind me? What should I say? I am screwed. “Oh! That ….. I was looking for my earing.” I said with I’m innocent type smile. He smiled back and said “Let me help you.” “No no No, not required I think I lost it at home I would check there.” I hastily replied and went inside. Steve followed me.

Damn, yesterday I agreed to go out with him and today … Oh man I’m dead. He is too sweet, and I cannot stand such sugary persons. Then why the hell did I agree. Dad did you cast a spell from above.

“Kathy, this is for you?” Andrew forwarded an envelope.

“Me?” I asked surprisingly while taking it.  I moved to my desk and kept my purse on the table. I opened the envelope. Again there was two newspaper cuttings, but this time a letter was also in it.  The letter was quite weird. It stated-

Only you would know what to do. And only you can do this. Just trust yourself, because our hopes are on you. You would do it. I know.

Love,

Magicman

“Magicman? Who is that?” Andrew asked. “I don’t know.” I answered confusingly staring at the letter. “What are you going to do?” asked Steve with a concern. “I’m not sure. What am I supposed to do? It’s the third envelope I have received. But none of them make a sense.” I said and took all of them out from my drawer.

Eight newspaper cuttings. Two about some disease, three about the elections 8 years ago and rest three was about an agriculturist. I gave a puzzled and curios look to Steve and was about to ask his help. Suddenly I realised that it would be a bad idea. No ways. “I would think on this. Let’s think of the cases scheduled this week.” I said assertively. “Any other cases for us?” I asked Andrew. “Yes, a minor supplying drug was caught, his parents would be meeting you today. And Steve, attorney Shin wants you to assist in a murder case, it’s a jury trial.” He answered.

Wow, I solved so many cases and murder cases are always in his kitty. Old man dare not come in my sight today else you are dead.

Day was quite tiring today. But as we were winding up, I was worried about my date tomorrow. I thought if I slip out quietly without being noticed, I can make an excuse for tomorrow. When Steve went out for taking some photocopies from the nearby office, as ours was not working. I stepped out. I sighed out of relief. And started to walk comfortably, when a voice stopped me. “Attorney Brown.” Oh god it was Steve. How did he managed to come out so fast? What should I do? I turned towards him with fake smile trying to cover up. He smiled at me and slowly walked towards me.

“You don’t have to run from me. If you are this uncomfortable, let’s not go out then. It was stupid of me to suddenly ask you like that. You should have rejected it in first place.” Steve said. Oh no, he figured out everything. Was I so obvious? How could I do this? “Steve..” I was trying to explain but he cut me off. “It’s ok, I understand how you felt. But I would be glad if you can become comfortable with me like before.” He smiled and walked away. Ahh! Really you are an idiot Kathy. What should I do?

“Steve..” I called him. He stopped and turned towards me. I walked towards him aggressively. “I like action movies and shrimps are my favourite. And fountain show with ice cream. And dare not come like this. If you do, I don’t know you.” I said in a single breath and crossed him. He looked startled. “And dare not wear these grandpa specs. Ok.” I came back and added up. He stood there smiling while I walked up to the bus stop. I don’t believe I said this. Ahh!! I agreed to be his date.

Afternoon 1, I got a text from Steve. ‘Movie starts at three, when should I pick you up?’ ‘Send me the address I would reach the venue on time.’ I replied. What should I wear? It’s Steve what does it matter. Still I have a pride as a girl. No matter with whom I am going I should look the best. But if I dress up well, would he not misunderstand. God, what do I do? I took shower and finally picked a pink sleeve less shirt, with a white floral skirt till knees. It’s my dad’s last gift to me. A perfect outing dress. I reached theatre about half an hour before the movie. I was looking for Steve but couldn’t find him. I texted him asking where he was. “I would be there in 10 mins.” Was his reply. 10 mins, 10 mins. Calling a girl out for date and being late himself. I should not have agreed to come. How insulting? 15 mins passed but there was no sign of him. I was boiling with rage. So I decided to leave. I was heading towards the door, when I saw a guy running in with a bouquet in hand. He was wearing a white jeans with a blue-white striped t-shirt and a white coat. He looked quite handsome from far, lucky girl who so ever is going to receive the bouquet. The man was looking for someone and then suddenly he turned towards my direction and ran towards me.

“Sorry, I’m late.” That man said as he stood in front of with his head down and arms resting on his knees. He was out of breath because of running. I looked around to see to whom actually he is speaking to, but there was no one near me. “Excuse me, I think you got the wrong person.” I said and was about to leave when he caught my wrist. “You didn’t say that you would not recognise me if I was late.” That man said and slowly raised his head. 

Oh.. my... God. “Steve!!” I exclaimed in surprise. 

...to be continued