This is a long story of two friends - Rea and Shalka.  Rea always thought she had just each other, and never left Shalka alone. Sometimes Rea forgot that there is a world that she would have to face on her own. Their exams had come to an end and moving out of the hostel was painful specially after three years. Packing bags amidst tears that welled up in Rea's eyes, she could not fathom life without Shalka. Rea did not know when and whether she would be able to meet Shalka ever in life or what life had in store for them. At such a thought that crossed her mind, Rea took Shalka to the other side of the College building and held up a tape recorder to record her sweet voice amidst nature where they spent most of the time chatting, playing and studying. Shalka was shy to get something recorded, however did not want Rea to cry at her refusal. Shalka took the tape recorder and recorded something that was not to be heard until they were apart. One fine day after two months, Shalka called to remind Rea that she could listen to that cassette. It was wrapped and kept till the day arrived. Rea unwrapped the box and found a beautiful picture of the mountains that reminded her of Shalka's home. She inserted the cassette in a recorder and quitely settled to listen to it away from all when she was alon just with her thoughts. Rea just smiled with tears rolling down her cheeks after listening. She had left her the message that if she ever wanted to remember her she could just look up into the sky at the setting sun and it would say all she wanted to say to Shalka and would never miss her one moment. Till date, Rea does so…..

© Rekha Kumar