What’s the story behind your nickname?

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The story chronicles the blossoming relationship between a man and a woman who meet during morning walks in a park. Their first interaction begins when she observes his routine. This observation leads to friendly conversations. These conversations culminate in her affectionately nicknaming him “Jānu”. This name becomes a significant part of his identity, marking the deep bond they share. As they regularly walk together, their connection grows stronger through shared experiences and mutual respect. Although they do not visit each other’s homes, their affection and companionship grow. This development instills in him a wish to cherish the nickname and the relationship it signifies.

Pleasant morning

It is an interesting story. The monsoon was bidding adieu, giving way to winter. With low humidity, a crisp atmosphere, and cool morning air, the days were pleasant. Hanging morning mist became a regular feature. Days were bright and pleasant, and the sun progressively mellowed with each passing day.

Morning walk

He used to go to the park for morning walks. Generally, he would take a few rounds on the promenade. The perimeter of one round was roughly eleven hundred meters, and he usually took about nine or ten rounds. It was his penultimate round when he saw a girl quietly watching him with a curious look.

First conversation

As he approached the point, the girl smiled. “Good day,” she said, raising her voice for him to hear. He stumbled a little, hesitated and looking at her, reciprocated the gesture. Unsure whether she had called him, he was hesitant. The girl smiled and, sensing his hesitation, said, “Do you cover long distances daily?” Without waiting for his reply, she said, “I observed that you took several rounds. If I’m not wrong, this is your ninth round.” She concluded.

“Yes, you guessed it right”, he replied. He was amused by her observation and couldn’t believe how keenly the girl observed him. She was even counting his rounds! He saw her with a deep sight. By the time he reached her and stood near her bench.

“How come, you guessed it so accurately?” he asked her. Slipping aside on the bench, the girl offered him space and politely invited him to sit. He sat in the space beside her. After a brief silence, she said in a soft tone, “I observed you walking pensively, indifferent to all.” She continued, “I saw your repeated rounds and unconsciously started counting.” She finished with a smile.

The first meeting

Their conversation rolled on. Time quickly slipped by. People were becoming fewer. Suddenly, she giggled, which appeared like a tintinnabulation to him. “It is getting late”, looking at his wristwatch, he said. She concurred, and both came out of the park. Saying goodbye to each other, they parted ways.

He was cycling back to his place of residence. As he did so, he was constantly thinking about that girl. She appeared frank and open. It seemed unusual for an unknown girl to start a long conversation with a stranger. He was a little sceptical. His heart was not ready to accept his brain. This left him in a confused state of mind.

Thus they met for the first time.

Workplace

Reaching his room, he prepared tea for himself. While sipping tea with a few digestive biscuits, he constantly thought about the girl. She had become a mystery for him. Finishing tea, he freshened himself, took a bath and prepared to go to his workplace. His mind was entangled in her thoughts. He could not stop thinking for a moment about the girl who conversed with him in the morning. Though a diligent worker, he was off guard that day and made some unconscious mistakes. His boss noticed it and, in a lighter vein, enquired if he was well.

Next morning

The next morning, he went for a morning walk as usual. As always, the day was normal. Usually, he walked silently without a pause, but that day, he felt different. Though unconsciously, he took the path he walked yesterday. As he was walking, a familiar voice rang behind him. “Good Day”, the voice said. He looked back to see her smiling.

Though not certain, he hoped to meet her again this morning. It was, in fact, his hearty wish. Lo! It was serendipitous. He slowed down his pace and waited for her to come. “How was your day, yesterday?” Approaching him, she asked in her familiar ringing voice. He looked at her and nodded in affirmation, saying it was good as usual.

Both walked silently for some time. Casting a sidelong glance, he stealthily watched her. She was a slim and normal-looking girl with a dusky complexion. Her oval face, high cheekbones and the distinct, smooth jawline were impressive. In a simple cotton Saari, she looked graceful. He noticed that yesterday, too, she was wearing a Saari. “It must be her favourite dress,” he thought to himself. His whisper was so low that only his inner self could hear.

Routine

It became a routine. Both regularly met in the park, and would take the morning walk together, talking, joking, laughing and enjoying. Gradually, both had started liking each other’s company. They had started getting to know each other: their work, hobbies, likes and dislikes. They never visited each other’s places of residence, but they were aware of their locations.

Togetherness grew

Besides morning walks, they started meeting often in different places. The morning used to be more than rewarding for both of them. With time, the bond of togetherness gradually became stronger. He developed a reciprocal feeling of attraction towards her, but had not given a name to his feelings. He was hesitant and apprehensive of losing her company. Destiny, nevertheless, had something pleasantly different for him.

Time passed. They would meet often and spend quality time. They would share lunch. The girl was a bank employee, living in a girls’ hostel. She was alone and worked hard to keep herself upright and secure. “Despite great hardships, I believe in persons”, she once said. Continuing the conversation, she had added, “The world is a difficult place for a single girl. Even so, with care and caution, it can be managed”.

While speaking, her face became a little hard with a wisp of sternness. Her large, expressive eyes were looking at the aether. Birds were chirping, and a mild breeze made the ambience fresh and ventilated. The vagabond patches of clouds were roaming in the azure sky, playing hide and seek with the sun. A slit of sun ray from among the swinging branches illuminated her dusky face.

Nicknamed

“You are an innocent, kind-hearted gentleman, Jānu”, she suddenly said in one full swoop, emphasising the last word. He was amazed. He stuck to the word “Jānu”, which, though not unfamiliar, was unexpected. Sensing his dilemma, she giggled and said, “Didn’t you like the nickname I gave you?” Without giving a pause, she said, “It was instantaneous. It is the way I feel for you”. She finished and saw him waiting for his response. After a moment’s silence, he spoke.

“Yes! I love to hear it from you, dear”, his tone was assertive. A feeling of satisfaction came on her face. He sensed a marked change in her face, which looked even more loving to him. From then onward, she used to call him with his nickname “Jānu”.

Strong bond

The days were flying. Time acted as a cementing material. Their bonds were becoming stronger day by day. Both had started understanding each other. They mutually respected and gave proper space to each other. As a working person, they realised the limitations and job constraints. They accommodated well and adjusted according to the situation. His nickname, given by her, became a permanent feature. At the same time, they made it a point that no outsider should make a mockery of it.

She would always speak to him with the nickname she gave him. Their colleagues, who by the time had come to know about their bonding, also knew about his nickname. Fortunately, they never mocked or ridiculed. He felt obligated to them for their cooperation and generosity.

His parents never addressed him by a nickname. His siblings also used only his actual name. Some of his classmates in higher classes used to call him by his initials, but that too was not frequent. His classmates used to call him by their initials. He often addressed them this way for convenience. This helped to keep the conversation flowing rather than as a nickname. It is common and often seen in workplaces, colleges, and universities.

In the end

Nicknames are commonly used to make conversations more unique. It is used by peers and colleagues for adding a layer of informality with dignity. While using it, personal dignity must be kept in mind. It is sometimes used to demean an individual. Using a nickname “Tubelight” is one such word which is used for a slow learner. Some are endearing, like the one used in the story above. Using it with caution is most desirable.

Further readings:

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