By Navin
Above fractured clouds I sought doting
The sky silent in maroon
That was when I found myself floating
Between the Sun and the Moon
Reflecting on my life over a decade ago brings a flood of nostalgia, a sweet reminder of
the joy and wholesomeness of my childhood spent in Singapore, when I grew my hair
long enough to comb it in a side part, just before the journey into adolescence. I didn't
have the chance to look up to older kids. Instead, as the eldest child, I was the one
admired by my younger cousins and little sister.
However, everything took an unexpected turn when I met Suriya and Vennila, two girls
just three years older than me, and practically neighbours. Vennila wore glasses and had
a pretty set of buck teeth, while Suriya, shorter in stature, had charming, curly hair. They
became my first friends after my family's move. When I met them, I had no idea that my
life was on the verge of a beautiful transformation.
As I sat on the edge, trying to stay as far away as I could from everything, two hands
tapped my shoulder, and our eyes met.
Observing the lives of today's kids, it's strikingly different from my own experiences at
their age. Back then, smartphones, YouTube, and the internet were just becoming a part
of my world, and understanding the local accent was a challenge. Suriya and Vennila
helped me a lot with adapting to the new culture. Every evening at 6 pm, as the sun cast
a warm orange glow before disappearing, we would be seated inside the cosy
playground slide house. The cold floor felt comforting, creating a perfect setting for our
daily gatherings.
Inside the slide house, Suriya and Vennila would share anecdotes about classmates,
teachers, and school life. As I attended the same school, they became my guides and
taught me how to behave around certain teachers. Their stories included tales of
ex-students, retired teachers, and hidden corners of the school. They’d share some ‘girl’
jokes which I didn’t understand at the time, but I do now; perhaps that shows how
innocent I used to be back then. In those moments, I sat before them, soaking in their
words with great joy and awe.
Their laughs and words never went beyond the walls. Instead, they wrapped around my
young heart and made me grin the entire time I was with them.
My father insisted I play with the boys, instead of talking with those girls like I’m a girl
myself.
"Be a man!" he'd say, a sentiment that puzzled me.
I preferred chatting with Vennila and Suriya over joining the boys in tag or football.
Their warmth and care held a unique allure. I cherished moments like hugging Vennila
from behind, as I liked her smooth hair and its pleasant fragrance. Whenever I rested on
her lap, she'd playfully pinch my nose and I'd elicit funny noises; her lap always felt like
a peaceful haven. In hindsight, it occurs to me that they might have seen me as their
little brother as they were the only children themselves, from different families. Their
sisterly affection for me remains a fond reminiscence as I look back on those days.
At times, Vennila and Suriya delved into discussions about books, with Vennila being an
avid fan of Twilight and possessing DVDs of the first three movies. The Twilight series
didn't capture my interest but Suriya introduced me to captivating novels like Bridge to
Terabithia and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Using her school library card, she
borrowed those two books for me. Until then, my literary ventures had been confined to
comics, but these novels were definitely transformative. I would be lying on Vennila's lap
in the slide house as we actively conversed about these books; Suriya would explain the
meaning of some beautiful quotes from them.
“And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.”
- Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This marked the beginning of my reading journey and sparked a profound interest in
writing.
I wanted to be in all the stories I read and now I want to be in all the stories I write. My two
guardian angels can be in them too.
Those girls taught me amazing games like Monopoly and Uno. Saturdays were movie
nights at their homes, where I relished Vennila's mother's delicious sandwiches. Suriya
would sometimes crack my toe knuckles in exchange for a shoulder massage. It was
during these times that I was introduced to One Direction; we’d spend hours
memorising lyrics of their splendid songs. Being with Suriya and Vennila was all about
finding happiness in simple moments, feeling genuinely special. We reveled in the joy for
six solid months, unaware that the fleeting fun would soon come to an end.
As Suriya and Vennila were in primary 6, with public exams necessary for secondary
school promotion, they became busy and our regular meet-ups fell only on Saturdays.
Eventually, we ceased to meet altogether. Adapting to the local culture, I made friends
with some boys from my class. I learned their accent, embraced football, and mastered
cycling. However, my love for reading persisted, even without Suriya's book
recommendations. To fill the void, I searched the school library, seeking books with her
name on the borrower list. I explored various genres, which inspired me to craft my own
stories—fantasy, fiction, horror. Though lacking an audience, I continued to write, driven
by an ardent passion.
I began to grow with time and built myself to be better and stronger. But that made me
forget the cold floor in the slide house.
On that memorable Sunday evening of October 9th, 2011, as I cycled around the block, a
familiar laugh caught my attention. Swiftly rounding the corner, I discovered the source
– Suriya and Vennila. I was overjoyed at the reunion and they were radiant with delight
having completed their exams, stepping into a blissful two-month holiday. Vennila, with
a mischievous smirk, proposed a visit to a secret place. Gazing between Suriya and
Vennila, I eagerly agreed, locked my bicycle and followed them. Crossing the road and
over the sidewalk, we went through some tall bushes. I got curious and asked them
about the place. Instead of answers, there were only giggles.
Beyond the bushes, the terrain gently sloped uphill. Upon reaching the summit, I was
greeted by a truly breathtaking view. Standing on a small hill, a vast flat grassland
unfolded beneath, bordered by majestic oak trees. The landscape was adorned with a
variety of flowers, scattered like nature's confetti across the serene expanse.
“We used to come here before the exams,” shared Vennila.
“No one knows,” added Suriya.
I cast my eyes around, capturing the Moon on one side and the setting Sun on the other
side, unobstructed by clouds.
“Remove your slippers and run!” One of them exclaimed.
An immense ecstasy enveloped us as we played tag, raced, and even attempted
cartwheels, feeling the chill grass between our toes. We immersed ourselves in that
magical area the entire evening. As fatigue settled in, we sat on the grass. I laid on
Vennila's lap, and all three of us harmonised to a One Direction song; One Thing. Those
moments, etched in my memory, remain a cherished source of elation till this very day.
I knew their love could hold me down. It did and I'm grateful for that.
Several months later, my family relocated to a new home. Suriya and Vennila embarked
on their secondary school journey, and we never met after that. Though I missed them
while visiting the school library or while listening to One Direction, time compelled me
to move forward. I focused on my studies and honed my writing skills. The memories of
those carefree days lingered, triggered by the sight of both the Moon and the Sun
together. I never returned to the secret place after that. I wanted it locked in my memory,
even if the details began to fade with time.
As an adult, life's challenges are more pronounced. When I feel low, I reminisce about
the genuine joy of experiencing life with Suriya and Vennila. Now and then, I reflect on
how life might have been if not for those two girls. Those moments were my happiest,
and no one else can bring me such joy. I know that they too harbour the same fond
memories and emotions from our time together. Suriya and Vennila will forever hold a
special place in my heart.
All the times we laughed, sang, danced, and ran; I would give everything to relive those
moments again. I still remember her scent, her curly hair, and her buck teeth. Just pure
bliss I felt around them. I want to lie on her lap again, sing all of our favourite songs and
crack jokes all day long. Take me back.
By Navin
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