This is the 2nd part of my short story. I'm hoping to complete it with this part. If you haven't read part 1, please click here to read it. I've edited some parts there as well highlighted in blue.
Also I tend to get carried away while writing, so I've decided NOT to write short stories any more. I feel that this is quite long for a short story and well, I get too many ideas and it is a bit troublesome to merge them all.........now for your feedback :)
Story continues....
The Reunion
Tsubaki sat on her couch, staring at her packed bags, she wondered how she'd manage. Her Onii-chan had managed staying by himself beginning from his university days. So she thought she would be fine. But it was getting into her. Then suddenly, her cell phone rang, an unknown number. "Moshi Moshi, Tsubaki speaking. Who is this?" After a brief chat, she hung up the phone. She was so happy, a call from the person she never expected to meet again. Yes, this person would join Tsubaki after 2 days, even though for a brief period of a week. Tsubaki couldn't believe her luck! What a timing! But then everything in Sakura's life has been about right timing.
Yes. That was a call from Sakura, her only good friend during university days. Unlike other so-called friends who approached Tsubaki only when they needed her, Sakura was different. She was always there for her during her good times and bad. She never demanded anything and neither did Sakura need any help from her. Sakura was amazing by herself. She was good at academics, and unlike Tsubaki, Sakura was good at communicating with people and people were always drawn to her because of her personality. How much she wished she was like Sakura, but Sakura always consoled her, "You are unique Tsubaki and there will be no one like you in this whole wide world. Just be yourself and don't think about things far away. Live each day as it unravels its mysteries. Solve them!" Yes, that was Sakura's approach to life. Live each day to the fullest, tomorrow will have its own troubles that is not worth thinking at this moment. Sakura had moved to Korea after university. She only did her undergrad in Toudou, after that she took up a job and moved with her parents to Korea. Tsubaki missed Sakura a lot, during her Grad-school days and even during work. For the brief time that Sakura was in Japan after university, she used to visit Tsubaki and well, it was a relief for Tsubaki. All the happy memories with Sakura came forth at this moment.
Sakura was coming to Japan for a week for official purposes and had called to ask if she could stay with Tsubaki if she was staying alone or if Tsubaki cared to join her for a week, wherever she was staying. A week with Sakura was more than a dream come true. She knew Sakura could help her to get out of her dilemma or atleast help her stand on her feet.
Tsubaki moved to her new apartment the next day. Being the weekend, she unpacked her bags, which she thought she wouldn't if Sakura wasn't coming and tried to make the place look and feel like home. She wanted to make Sakura feel at home and well, it had been 3 years since they met, they had quite a lot to catch up on. Sakura was due to arrive that evening. She had given her the address. Sakura's company was a client of Tsubaki's company and Sakura was heading the project Tsubaki was dealing with. Sakura would have to come to Japan quite often and if Tsubaki's boss would allow it, she could be the representative to Korea.
The door bell rang, it was Sakura. What a joyous moment it was for both of them meeting after so long. One glance at the house and Sakura exclaimed, 'Did you just move in today?', sheepishly Tsubaki replied, 'Yes. I've been planning to move out for quite long and now since my project is so demanding, I'll have to stay close to my office.'
Sakura knew how attached to her family Tsubaki was. While at university she never attended any parties held by her friends 'coz her parents didn't like it and she always tried to please her parents. Sakura lived life her way. She had her own ambitions and she always balanced with many many things. It was amazing how she did that. She never sweet talked to anyone, but her personality was so pleasant that people felt like being with her doing things for her. Tsuabki often wondered if people like Sakura existed. One day, she had blatantly asked her, 'Saura, why are you always so nice to people?' Sakura was surprised. She was like, 'Am I always nice? I thought I got angry and expressed my anger quite well to people who got on my nerves or am I always good to you 'coz you are so sweet and never get on my nerves?'
Well, it was after that she noticed that there were people who were scared of Sakura as well. She hated people who were lazy and while at university, she never gave her homework for everyone to copy (unlike Tsubaki) and well, if she couldn't stand people, she showed it. It was more like she sent the 'don't approach me' signal to people whom she was uncomfortable around. But she got along many people.
Tsubaki got back to reality. Sakura hadn't changed at all and immediately made her feel at home. They talked about their parents, home, siblings, career, university days....and they had so much to talk. And then Sakura asked, 'How does it feel starting to live by yourself?' ' Frankly speaking, I'm a bit scared. But my work demands it.' 'I'll help you get settled in then. And I'm happy to see that you have unpacked your things the 1st day. How are things at home?'
'All are fine.' 'But I can sense that something is not really alright. What is it my dear? Is it anything related to your being single?'
Sakura sure was sharp. 'Yes. It is.' 'Is it your parents?' 'No, my grandmom.'
'Oh well. It is ok then. If your parents are cool about it, no worries. You'll find your knight in the shining armor at the right time!'
'How's your family life?'
'Yeah. It is fine. I live with my husband now. Got to manage house and work. But it has been fine so far. Hmmm....By the way, does that Vice President of the company get to your nerves any more?'
Well, this was something Tsubaki hadn't told anyone except Sakura. This VP guy was their classmate from university and a snobbish brat at that and a perfectionist. Sakura was the least affected by people around her. She had her own standards and she competed against herself. But Tsubaki always tried to compete with this arrogant brat, but not really succeeded. She thought she got rid of him after their graduation. But last year when she began working, she was shocked to see the VP of the company, son of the President. Now she knew where all the arrogance came from and he hadn't forgotten his old classmate, who was always at par with him. Well, he did make life tougher for her. He got her involved with almost all the major projects. Well, yes it was a boost to her career, but there were times when she wanted to take a lighter project and so on. But he always liked to keep her busy and in the office. 'Like hell, he does. I feel like running away from the place.' ' Persevere my dear persevere. Finish this project and try somewhere else if he doens't want to give you rest. Or go talk to him. Tell him you need a break. I bet he would understand.' 'As if he would. He is such a perfectionist and he believes I can handle anything.'
'But once in a while, it is good to take lighter projects and get back home to rest.'
'Yes, it is true. But it did boost my career quite a lot. I've reached a high position within this short span of time.'
'Maybe you'll take over his position, the VP.'
Tsubaki said, 'Its not impossible' and smiled.
Being with Sakura was so welcome. Tsubaki could always throw her tantrums, complain about anything and Sakura would listen and really listen and give a lighter comment or a smarter suggestion. They went shopping the next day and it was so much fun. They had such a good time together and getting her apartment set was just so easy with a person around her.
Tsubaki felt so good to get back to work on Monday. She wondered if she would get this project with Sakura and if she could travel to Korea. A change in atmosphere would be good to refresh her and forget about her personal problems. But she knew she couldn't run away from these problems. She had to face them head on, but she had to get some more time to prepare herself. It was always about being mentally strong and being prepared. She never knew how Sakura was like that, but like her name, Sakura was 'Cherry Blossoms' and always brought about a smile and warm feeling to people whom she cared about.
Tsubaki knew she had a long way to go before she could become a better person, but she knew she was better than when she was at the university and now, moving by herself was one of her strategies to be mentally strong and independent. Well, it was also trying to prove to her mother that she can be a good daughter and surprisingly she could manage her apartment quite well and with Sakura around it was heaven.
Finally, it was the day Sakura had to leave. Tsubaki did get involved with the project and would have to travel to Korea quite a bit. They both sat down and remembered their uni days, when they just had all the fun and no responsibilities, the long vacations, the bunking classes and their cherished friendship, which has been burning alive for sometime and they knew it would never fade away. They had their hearts connected no matter where they were. They were their confidants and they felt secure with each other.
True friendship is neither broken nor shaken by distance or time or whatever comes in between. They always last and no matter how, where or when you meet again, you can always see who is your true friend.
