Fix Me

(The following short story is the result of our writing assignment, where we were told to write a story based on our favorite song. My favorite song is 'Fix You', by Coldplay. The characters are inspired by real people I know but names have been changed for privacy. Here is the result!)

We walked briskly on the road, the street lights glaring at us, as if we were two characters of a story. Misha held her purse tight, tears streaming down her face. We had not talked about it; she had specifically told me not to talk about it. I knew what she was going through; after all, who would be willing to talk to someone after having fought with their best friend? Misha's eyes looked swollen and red, and one could hear her sniffs from far.

Having gone through something similar, I knew what had to be done. I patted her softly on her shoulder and reasoned, "Misha, I know words will not suffice and won't make you feel better. But, I will try to fix you."

Misha looked at me and replied, "But how? You have no idea how it feels when you give your best in something, and yet do not succeed. I gave my everything for Disha, for our friendship, but what did it lead to? Us fighting over stupid and silly things! If you could understand, Pranal."

I gave out a small laugh, and Misha looked at me as if I had gone crazy. She looked beautiful even while crying, her face covered with her tendrils stuck to it. "Why are you laughing?", she asked. I smiled and answered, "I do understand."

Misha gave me a lost look and said "How?" I looked high above, towards the sky, and then at her, and said, "Misha, I have been through bad stuff too. I have been through times when I have been tired and not been able to sleep. I have been stuck in reverse so many freaking times. I have had friends who have hurt me and who promised to learn from their mistakes, but never did. There have been so many instances where I have got what I wanted, but it was never what I needed. I thought I wanted materialistic things, but what I really needed, what I actually needed was love, empathy, and affection. For people to care for me. I know it sounds selfish, but is it not a good thing to be selfish?"

Taking a deep breath, I continued. "I have lost people to death, and over silly things. I have lost friendships and relationships, and people who cannot be replaced. Honestly, it could have been worse. But it isn't. Looking back to those times, I have realized that it has made me who I am today. So don't worry. Fights between friends

happen and get resolved too."

Misha replied “But it is not only that Pranal. I have been having problems with my boyfriend too. It’s…. It’s just not working out.”

She burst into tears.I looked at her and said,” Do you know something? I have been in love with someone and it has gone to waste. I have been in situations where I have been too much in love to let it go. But, I tried. I tried my hands on love, and I realized that if you never try, you will never know what it means. This applies to everything in life. If you are high up above others, or down below others you HAVE to try. That’s how you will know what you are worth!”

I looked at her again and said, “I know these are just words. But believe me, you will get better. This is coming from someone who has been through bad stuff. I have been through really bad phases, have done terrible things, made countless mistakes. But that that did not stop me from hoping for better things, from igniting my bones, from dreaming better. Trust me, everything will work out. And even if it does not, and I hope it really does, I will always be there to help you.”

Misha sniffled and said in a low voice, “Pranal, will you promise me something? Will you help me fix me? I promise I will learn from my mistakes. But I really need you help” she ended.

I smiled at her and responded, “I won’t promise. But I will try and ignite your bones. I will try and fix you.”

With that, we held hands and went ahead, towards a better future; a better life. The streetlights shined brightly; it were as if lights were guiding us home.

( Image has been taken from banterfun.com)

( Lyrics of the song has been taken from AZLyrics.com)