FOREWORD: Without eyes, without the sense of sight, one may be blind but don't
be despaired for the heart leads the way …….
THE UNDELETETABLE PASTCHAPTER THREE: Fiery Eyes Under Falling Sakuras
The door was left slightly ajar. Sunlight seeped through the small opening into an empty room.Only an unkept piano in a corner showed a sign that two people had been
there a few moments ago.The only clue that two people left hastily…..that two shadows dashed out from the room was the sound of their footsteps that echoed….. and if one stays long enough ,they will feel an uneasy settlement inside the room that once whispered beautiful melodies.
If the Gods were witnessing this, they were paying close attention…. as the wind suddenly picked up and teased the cherry blossom trees making sakuras fall touching lightly on two faces that were running…..running against the flow of the natural breeze.One of them was a girl…..a girl that was determined , that was set in fulfilling her goal to get away from her stalker.The ghost that haunted her.
Not far behind, a guy stepping the rough, hot road with his black Nikes ran after her. Prespiration dripped from his forehead.His messy raven coloured fringe swayed side by side as he continued his pursuit.He could see her leg muscles below her knee length shorts and her hair. It was a beautiful ebony tied up in a ponytail swishing as she proceeded down the road.
She felt a sudden pain the right side of her abdomens. She had lost her stamina.It has been a while since she went on track. The national Under –12 gold medallist for 1500m has certainly slacked. She never regretted quitting the sport until now ……she needed the extra energy…..
"Oh, how I wish I had wings…"she thought as she pushed herself harder. She could feel him nearing her….. hear his footsteps approaching her. It 's frequency louder and louder.
Nearing an intersection she did not heed the traffic lights and ran out.Then there was a series of screeches and honks as the road users slammed on their brakes.It wasn't her time yet and she passed the intersection in one piece.
Rukawa could only look on as there was no way he could cross this busy road.He watched as her figure grew smaller and smaller until she was gone.Never did time pass so slowly. He caught his breath and cursed his weakness in sprinting.He could have pushed harder…. could have made it to her.If only his mind did not hesitate…..The mind that played tricks….The devil that almost made him give up before he saw light….. before her sad image came to him. He had to find out whatever happened that erased her smile and took away her happiness. It was downright queer, he was concerned, he cared…..
Finally the lights turned green, he crossed the road hurriedly.His eyes searching aimlessly, he couldn't remember where she stayed but he doubted she would go home anyway.He entered a park for no reason ,maybe he wanted shade from the terrible biting 2 o'clock sun.He wiped his forehead with his sleeves as his feet crunched softly on the smooth grass.He felt defeated. He was unable to sense her discomfort, unable to sense her feelings, unable to read her like he used to.When she was the cute, pure, innocent creature…….he was attracted to her then because she was like a white rose. There was nothing hidden underneath. She was fearless saying whatever that comes to her mind.She
often did stupid stunts and just laugh about it.But now even a smile from her is rare.
Now he wondered if he made a mistake touching her. Would she stay if he hadn't? But he knew this was meant to be. She had to sort out her thoughts and so did he.A growl rumbled in his empty stomach. Time for a bite. All this running made him extra hungry. He could swallow an entire sushi bar. He decided his next stop would be the first sushi bar he came upon. He needn't search long. Lady luck guided him to a dead end where a stall with a pink umbrella was set up.
He made out a figure sipping a cold drink on a high stool of the bar. Thirstiness succumb him, his dehydrated throat was itching. He sat down beside the small figure not noticing she was the one he was looking for. Her eyes opened wide when she heard the familiar voice.She turned and faced the shocked Rukawa Kaede. There was no escape this time her legs were as soft as jello ,no way she could even walk away. Run? Forget it. Why should she? After all she was there first.
"Ice lemon tea for you sir,"the bartender said as he handed him the drink.
"May I have a slice of lemon please?"Rukawa asked.
"Funny ,she asked for the same thing,"the bartender said pointing to Aiji.
Both sides sat quietly sipping their drink while waiting for their food. Unfortunately this wasn't a sushi bar , it was more of a noodle shop. So both of them ordered udon with crab meat.
" They must be one set of twins ,"the bartender thought. Maybe in their past life. Now that they are reincarnated they might be enemies.He heard lots of prophecies about this and shuddered at his thought. He went on preparing their food.
[A.N:Give this a thought, your enemy may be your twin in your past life…..]
She was a slow eater, chewing every morsel of food like it would never end. On the other hand he slurped and gobbled like he hadn't eaten for a thousand years.
"At last a difference,"the bartender sighed.
Rukawa finished his food in a jiffy and asked for the bill. He laid double the amount and turned to Aiji "My treat,"he said and with that he walked away.
She suddenly snapped to attention and started stuffing the food down.Rukawa sauntered in a tortoise pace.Partly because he was full….partly because he was tired….partly because he was in deep thought. If buying her a meal is a way to part so be it. Little did he know she was fast approaching him. She slipped beside him.
"Thank you,"she mouthed.
"Forgotten your purse?"he asked.
"Yeah,"she grinned sheepishly.
"I knew you never eat so slow,"he said .
"You remembered…"her voice trailed
"You always choke on your food, I've never seen a girl eat like you."
"I have changed,"she said softly.
"I noticed,"he halted and stared at her face.
She did the same.Beneath the falling sakuras.Their eyes locked.The moment hung in silence. He suddenly broke the mood and continued his pace.
"I want to thank you,"she said walking beside him.
"You already did."
"No, a token of gratitude has to be repaid. Would you like to be my audience?" she asked and without waiting for an answer she reached for his left hand and interlocked their fingers walking towards the place where they first met. Swinging it between them.
Little things like holding hands….are always taken for granted. But not with the two figures who went through the gates of Happy World Kindergarten. The only connection they have is holding hands. Neither asked for more. Neither took the trouble to proceed on to the next step. Both wanted to stay this way hopefully forever. Two hearts beating in unison, this incredible feeling of belonging…. of oneness ….can't be describe.It's beyond imagination.
Aiji pushed the door gently and went inside with Rukawa .She slowly release their hold ,moving her fingers from his palms to their fingertips, letting their skin touch ,lingering their united connection till the last feel. Then she moved gracefully to the piano and positioned herself in front of the shiny black instrument.
"Our First Meeting,"she murmured.
Rukawa just nod. He didn't ask any questions, for he knew there was no need for words to spoil this wonderful feeling….this wonderful moment. No need for interaction and no need for explanations. Just this calm settlement that relaxed each and every of his nerves…and his soul.
She looked at him fondly before inhaling a deep breath .She raised her hands and placed them directly where it was suppose to be. Her long sleek fingers moved smoothly in tempo on the keyboard.It went on legato…..without hesitation, without flaws, the beautiful melody entered his ears. It flowed to every part of his body mesmerizing him.His heart beat steadily…never skipping a beat reacting to the soft minor music that was reaching his soul.
The sweet music that was healing his lonely soul…..brought him higher…to the clouds, flying …..soaring in the sky with an angel…..his mother.Then watching as a bright light blinded his sight ,there he saw the most beautiful being he had ever seen…an outline of Aiji…The scene in his head as his eyes were closed. It went on a cresendo…..accelerando….the pace went quicker and louder and he sneaked a peak at the pianist who was fully concentrated on her piece, eyes wide open, body moving to the rhythm of the dazzling music.Her fingers spreading to the whole 88 notes on the piano, lightly and deftly.
The volume gradually decreased and the pacing went down and the finale of chords was in tune as the melody ended ever so perfectly viced.A melody that never been heard by anyone till today.She didn't remove her hands immediately and let the strings in the piano vibrate longer as she regain her consciousness , coming back into this world after journeying to another realm in her beautiful story.
Rukawa applauded with all his heart and Aiji took a small curtsy then bowed low.
"Thank you for being my audience,"Aiji said .
"You always liked someone listening to you when you played,"he replied.
"You are my only audience, I never performed to anyone else before,"she said not looking at him.
"So .."he was lost for words.
"The title is Our First Meeting,"she said taking her head up.
"I know,"he said softly
"Rukawa, I want to make it clear now. I will not be tied down. I don't like being close to anyone,"she continued.
"So do I ."
"This is our first meeting and also our last. We have our work to do.You pursue your dream of going to America and I will continue to compose melodies,"she said.
"What do you mean?"he asked.
"I am only staying for a year.This year will determine my fate, if I am worthy to live, if I am forgiven, if not I won't be here any more,"she said dreamily.
"Eshiri?"he asked.
"Yes, we are going to fight to the death. I made a mistake of joining the gang. The wrong group. A life has to be paid by a life,"she looked down.
"You killed someone?"he asked calmly.
"No, it's a long story….. I was part of this gang and one day a member got killed in a fight. Then I realized what a terrible mistake I was making.The next day, I told our leader I want out….."
FLASHBACK
"Takashi, I want to be out of the gang,"Aiji spoke.
"No if you want out you must die, this are the rules,"Eshiri said.
The three of them were in their small hide out. There was shouts from Aiji and Eshiri.Five gang members suddenly appeared holding Aiji back against a wall. Each taking turn to beat her up. They came for revenge. She triggered their anger..they were jealous of her…she always had the best.Soichiro Takashi's pet-sister.Blood spilled.The pain from the blows to her ribs and face were indescribable .
She was badly bruised.Takashi was knocked out by Eshiri, she was the leaders's girlfriend and Takashi was the leader's brother.Another bunch of guys suddenly turn up.When you are in a street gang they all turn up without you noticing.Aiji's vision blurred before her.Then she heard Eshiri laugh.She barely made out the dagger on Eshiri's hand.It was supposed to be in Aiji's heart…she wasn't supposed to lived but Takashi came and he saved her life.The dagger plunged into his ribs.
"Aiji… I kept my promise…I protected you,"those were his last words he slipped into a coma.
Eshiri cooked up a bunch of lies to her boyfriend, Soichiro Tanaka the leader of their gang. Then they gave her a year to live.
END OF FLASHBACK
"Takashi has been on life support for more than three months now and there was no news.He must be still in coma,"Aiji ended her story.
Rukawa could have sweared he saw a tear fall from her cheeks.
"My only hope is Takashi waking up.Since I moved here about a week ago.I checked with a source of mine.Takashi has awakened but he is in a state of shock and has a temporary memory loss,"Aiji said wistfully.
"Rukawa, lets part as strangers.I don't want you to get involve,"she said sadly.
"Aiji Shisano , you are my girl and always will be and we will go through this together,"Rukawa said walking towards Aiji and grasping her left hand, joining their fingers and lead her out of the room.Both sworn to secrecy of Aiji's sinful past.
Time healed all wounds,
Shuts away horrible sounds,
But there will be scars,
And also stitches of wars.
A.N:The longest attempt probably long winded.Hope you people keep on reading and reviewing cause I am really trying my best to update every week.Minna thanks for reviewing.
CERES:Thanks for reviewing, I hope you like the outcome of my fic.Is it sweeter?
Blue obsessed :none is writing more get more reviews for me???
Anonymous:thanks for reviewing …care for some id….well I don't mind keep r n r ya…
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Tensaispira:Here is the next chapter…..Do you like it????