Remembering Neethu Panicker - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 A real turning point came when her school year resumed A new boy forced unwanted attention, Declarations of love! He would follow her home, With his friends also urging him on her, Saying, “He’s a great guy you should give him a chance,” But with recent loss she still felt crippled. “Though he seems a nice guy,” she asked, “What can I do?” “He is already talking of marriage!” “Then just say you’re too young,” I said, “Or you like jocks!” “Say your intellect can’t meet my standards!” “Better let him down early than give him false hope, Best to nip this boy’s flame while it’s blooming.” “He’s the top boy in school,” she said, “Soccer team’s star,” “It is only my heart that he can’t understand.” “But this isn’t your fault,” I said, “He needs to learn,” “Love requires space or else it’s disaster.” I was stumped I’ll admit till I got an idea, “You should go now to see the headmaster!” “But I could not do that, the headmaster’s his dad,” She said, “What could I possibly tell him?” We decided to let matter rest for a while, Were surprised when his friends ask forgiveness. He had found out it seems they were pressuring her And this never was something he’d asked for. “Dear God, what can I do, am I crazy to doubt?” “Now he’s asking I come meet his parents!” “I can’t possibly go, I’m not ready for love,” “There’s no way this could make my plight better.” July 10, 2016 Brian Johnston