The Solitary Marigold

July 8th, 1992. I can never forget that afternoon. My classes had just started in Ahmedabad, India. I was now in Class 9. My family had moved here 4 years ago as my father was transferred from his job in Lucknow. He used to work for a pharmaceutical company as a chief chemist. I lived with my parents and elder sister Meena.

Before the summer I had started liking a girl in my Class 8. Her name was Shivani. She moved to Ahmedabad with her family from Shimla 2 years ago. As far as I was concerned she was the prettiest girl in the world. I used to be a big fan of Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock those days. In my mind I used to refer to Shivani as ‘Meri Sandra (My Sandra).’

Fortunately she was in my Class 9 as well. The last class on July 8th was Hindi. As soon as the school bell rang at 2:35 pm, all the students rushed from their classes to go home. I saw Shivani go towards her bicycle. I went behind her and gently tapped her shoulder.

Shivani: “Anshu, yes. What do you want to talk about? I need to go home quickly.”

Me: “Yes Shivani. I … er … I er … wanted to tell you something.”

Shivani: “Yes, what?”

Me: “I really like you. Can we be boyfriend and girlfriend?”

Shivani smiled. Then she was silent for more than a minute.

Shivani: “Yes, I think we can be boyfriend and girlfriend. I like you too. Well, I will talk with you tomorrow.”

She then went home on her bicycle. I took my bicycle and went to my home. Our homes were in opposite directions. I was so happy that day.

That evening after dinner I went to my room and could not sleep the entire night. I kept thinking about Shivani.

The following months we were very happy as a new couple. It was great to spend time with Shivani whenever possible, whether it was an evening on a week day or a Sunday afternoon.

In late May 1993 Dad came home after work one evening and was very happy.

Dad: “Guys, I have great news for you! I had applied for a job in Vancouver, Canada, and I have got it. They had a telephonic interview yesterday and were very quick with their results. The company is helping with the paperwork and on June 12th we have to go to Canada. I anticipate we will be there for at least 3 years or even more.”

My mother and sister were happy but I felt a lot of shock and disbelief. I wanted to argue with him but I did not. I went to my room and cried. I knew I had to go to Canada too and it was great for the family but I was going to miss Shivani a lot.

I did not have the courage to tell Shivani for days but on June 10th I felt a little brave. That evening she and I went to have coffee at a restaurant and I told her we should go to the park near place and talk for a while before I return to my home.

We went to the park bench and sat there for a few minutes quietly. That evening there were hardly any people in the park.

Me: “Shivani, I am telling you that I love you and I always will.”

Shivani: “Anshu, I love you too.”

Me: “I did not have the courage to tell you but my family is moving to Canada for a few years. My flight is in two days.”

Shivani: “What? How can you not tell me something so important!” She starts looking the other way.

I looked towards the garden and saw some marigold flowers amongst all the plants there. I took one flower and brought it to her.

Me: “Meri Sandra, o Meri Sandra. I know you must be sad. I am very devastated. If I could stay back I would but I cannot. We will visit India once each year for four weeks so I will see you then and we plan to move back in 4 years for sure.”

On hearing this Shivani felt a little better.

I gave her a hug and kissed her on her left cheek. A tear dropped from her face.

My hands trembled as I gave the marigold to her.

Me: “Please take this solitary marigold. Keep it with you. It will remind you of me. When I come to see you next year I hope to see this marigold again.”

Shivani: “Of course dear. I know you are going to miss me too.”

Then we embraced for a few minutes and said our goodbyes.

In a few days we reached Vancouver, Canada. I was happy to be there but I was missing Shivani a lot. I wrote her a letter and told her much I loved her and missed her. I received a letter from her in about 3 weeks. She wrote that she loved me and would wait for a year to see me and that she would keep the marigold safely with her.

As I read that letter on a beautiful evening in Vancouver I sighed to myself. I thought to myself that I was so fortunate to have Shivani in my life. I was going to wait nearly 11 months to see her again. Till then she and I would continue our love via letters, phone calls, emails, etc. and the memory of the marigold. Before I went to sleep that night I looked at one of her pictures that I had with me. I smiled and said ‘Meri Sandra’ to myself and then went to sleep happily that night.