People You Let Go

It had been a whole week since Kiara and I sort out our indifferences. Needless to say, we went back to how we used to be. At the same time, things were getting extremely stressful as my semester exams neared and I had trouble learning. As I sat at my desk, trying to grasp the content before me, my phone started ringing. Overlooking the textbook, I leaned forward to see the caller Id. " Dad" .

I sat there motionless, contemplating whether on what to do next. It has been so long since I had a proper conversation with him. The anxiety crept over me and I gulped. I had to pick the call. My thoughts were cut short as the ringing discontinued. Picking up the phone, I realized it had rung two times, back to back. I hesitantly pressed the 'callback' option and held my breath as I heard the familiar tune ring in my ears. Multiple thoughts ran wild in my head as I sat there in my pajamas searching my brain for answers.

" Hello" a weak coarse voice quickly answered the call. The 'hello' seemed rather too concerned. Or maybe it was just me overthinking as always.

" Hey.....Umm you called me...?" There was a slight quiver in my voice that was unintended. I felt like my 16 year old self all over again.

" Ah...yes yes..." The man at the other end seemed to choose his words carefully. The tension between us was undeniable. " I just....I...you know...ummm...called to know...how you were doing"

" Oh...Umm...I'm fine really. Nothing much...here. Oh I have my semester exams in like two weeks but umm other than that nothing much..." My heart pounded in my chest, still unsure.

" That's....nice...I'm fine too" his raspy breaths echoed through the phone and I couldn't hold back.

" Are you sure that your okay?" This was exhausting.

" Yes yes Its just a small cold" As soon as he said that, he coughed uncontrollably a few times.

" Dad...did you go the doctor or something?" The realization dawned on me. I had not called him 'Dad' since my mother. It felt strange to address him that way but I kept my composure.

The man went quite but I knew he was still there. I exhaled and slowly spoke again.

" I really have to learn...you know for the exams...so..."

The man instantly responded. " Oh yeah sure sure. I just wanted to check on you that is a. Umm All the best for your exams. Do well..." I could sense a bit of worry in his voice but didn't probe any further.

" Thanks...Umm take care. Bye" I quickly ended the call and threw the phone across the room. Rubbing my eyes, I was flustered beyond comprehension. Mentally drained, I profusely breathed in and out in an attempt to let the oxygen back in. That's the most stressful thing that I ever had to do. Well not THE most stressful thing but it still counted as one. My forehead aching kicked in again and I slammed the desk hard in frustration.