A Childhood Promise
Prologue
" I am leaving tomorrow … For studies in the United States for 4 years… " Gaara murmured quietly.
Hinata's eyes brimmed with tears at Gaara's words.
"You will come back, won't you? I will wait for you." Hinata childishly replied.
Hinata and Gaara exchanged pinkies with each other, and Gaara brushed his lips against Hinata's forehead lightly. Gaara knew in his heart, that the sweet powder scent of Hinata would forever be etched in his mind, and he promised himself that he would return to claim her as his bride. They were childhood friends from three years old for five years now, and Hinata had followed Gaara almost everywhere he went. A child of few words, Hinata was his best friend, and only friend. Unknowingly, Hinata had entered his life, and he had become accustomed to hearing her voice everyday. At the thought that he was leaving, he clutched Hinata even more tightly, committing her scent and the image of her into his mind. For some unknown reason, he felt a sense of dread of leaving Hinata, as if subconsciously, he could predict that things would never go as smoothly as he thought.
He never wanted to let go
He never wanted to leave.
Gaara plucked one strand of grass and folded it into a grass ring, tenderly putting it on Hinata's finger. Staring at the make-shift ring which seemed like it was falling apart, Hinata smiled. To her, it was the most perfect ring she could ever receive.
" I am your bride." she smiled, with no doubt in her eyes. She knew that he would return. She never guessed that waiting could be arduous, and that things were never as simple as they thought as children. The expectations of the world, and problems that they might encounter, did not seem like issues that would threaten their relationship. As eight-year olds, it seemed that time and distance would not separate them, and they were willing to wait. Because they childishly thought that love could sustain them. Grasping the piece of paper that had Gaara's phone number and address on it, they promised to call each other every day.
She trusted him.
Seven years passed in a blink of an eye, without even a single phone call from Gaara. Hinata tried without avail to contact Gaara, as the calls were always picked up by Gaara's father, who claimed that Gaara was too busy to attend to her. Hinata tried calling many times, but as time passed, she was afraid to risk the displeasure of his father. Still, Hinata held the hope that Gaara would return.
Seven years later, Hinata waited at their agreed meeting place, certain that he would arrive. But he didn't appear, not even when Hinata waited for days for Gaara, staying at their waiting place even when torrents of rain battered her slender frame, afraid of losing any chance to meet him. She would forgive him for coming late, as long as he returned to her side. Even then, Hinata prayed that his flight was delayed and he would appear in front of her within a few days. Or she thought, that maybe he would send her a letter informing her of his arrival. He didn't, and her hopes were dashed. In place was a deep sorrow at Gaara's betrayal, and the broken promise.
She hated him.
She went about her daily activities normally, yet her heart was hollow, and she vowed never to love again. There was a thin line between hatred and love, but Gaara and HInata's relationship seemed to have crossed that line and entered a regime of no-return. From then on, Hinata became a passive girl who barricaded herself from others and buried herself into studies. Few knew her deeply, while those closer to her did not dare to broach the topic of Gaara to her. Time passed swiftly, and Hinata grew into a pretty girl, though shy in nature .She had no lack of admirers, yet she always hesitated to accept them, making the excuse that they were not suited either in character, or in looks to her. It was always "He is too ugly" or "He is too stupid". At least, this was what she believed.
She never knew that she still loved him. Till that particular day.
TBC