Dismissed His Words
At first, everyone dismissed his words as a joke. The entire class, including the teacher, burst into laughter. But not her. With her head lowered, she flashed him a quiet smile, silently urging him to keep his promise.
They hadn't exchanged a word yet, but there was something undeniable between them from the start. As he watched her walk down the street now, the moment felt charged with possibility. It was clear—this was his chance, and he had to take it.
Family Relocated To Phoenix
At the age of five, Mark Sanderson's family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, after his father's retail business experienced significant success. They settled into a pristine, single-story home in the picturesque Ahwatukee Foothills, excited about the fresh start.
Previously, they had lived in Henderson, Nevada, and were thrilled to begin a new chapter in a different city. Little did Mark know, this stunning home would hold countless surprises and adventures in store for him.
His Older Brother
His mom signed him and his older brother, Donny, up for the local preschool. Before they knew it, she was taking them on their first day, eager to start this new chapter.
The preschool in Ahwatukee felt much like the one in Henderson, but there was something unique about it. It had a certain charm, a spark that seemed to pull Mark in, making him feel like he truly belonged.
Exchanging A Few Words
Mark's mom escorted him to class, exchanging a few words with the teacher before saying her goodbyes. Standing before the group of about sixty students, Mark’s wide eyes scanned the room, taking in each face.
At just five years old, a wave of shyness washed over him, leaving him feeling small and uncertain. Torn between running after his mom and heading into Donny's class, he hesitated, his gaze eventually landing on her.
Throughout His Life
Mark had encountered many girls throughout his life, and he often noticed how their interests seemed to differ from his—dressing differently, playing with dolls rather than action figures, and avoiding trucks. He never gave it much thought, nor did he feel the need to connect with them.
But then she appeared. Sitting in the front row just ahead of him, her wide, innocent eyes fixed on him. In that moment, something inside Mark shifted. He couldn't quite explain it, but he knew his world had changed.
Feeling Rushing Through Him
Mark was confused by the strange feelings rushing through him. There was a warmth and a tingling sensation inside, drawing him toward a girl he didn’t even know. When the teacher called on him to introduce himself to the class, he nervously spoke, and to his surprise, the girl smiled and waved at him.
His heart raced as his gaze dropped to the floor, his shyness returning full force. The teacher, noticing his hesitation, suggested, "Why don’t you sit next to Kelly Adarsh?" At that moment, Mark was paralyzed with uncertainty.
Nerves Intensifying
Kelly Luthra Adarsh. Her name echoed in his mind as he gazed at her, his nerves intensifying. The moment felt surreal, as if time itself had slowed down.
Mark’s voice trembled as he spoke her name, unable to shake the overwhelming sensation of seeing someone so captivating. The room grew still, every eye focused on the two of them. His heart raced, and without thinking, he blurted out, "I’ll marry you one day, Kelly."
Some Shouting
The class erupted with laughter, some shouting "Eww!" while others cheered Mark's bold statement. The teacher gave him a supportive pat on the back, guiding him to the seat beside Kelly.
Amidst the laughter and teasing, Kelly remained quiet, not joining in with the crowd. While everyone else mocked him, she became a calm anchor for Mark, offering him a safe space. In that moment, it was clear that Mark had found his place in her presence.
An Unexpected Way
Mark and Kelly's friendship began in an unexpected way. During class, Kelly passed him one of her pencils, and in return, Mark offered her a few of his crayons, even though she already had a set neatly stored in her box.
When lunchtime came, Kelly invited Mark to sit beside her. As they ate, she shared her spinach grilled cheese sandwiches with him. Mark had never been fond of spinach, but to his surprise, he couldn't stop eating. What was happening to him?
Casual Lunch Dates
What started as casual lunch dates with his new deskmate quickly turned into playful afternoons at the park, with Mark and Kelly becoming inseparable over the next two years. Their bond grew so strong that even their families became deeply connected—Mark and Kelly's mom became best friends, and their dads often enjoyed tailgate parties together.
But just as everything seemed perfect, disaster struck. What felt like a perfect harmony vanished as swiftly as it had appeared, leaving everything in a state of uncertainty.
Changes
Mark was in first grade when it happened. He went to school one Monday morning to find Kelly, who always waited for him at the school entrance, missing. Hoping she was inside, he stormed in, frantic to find her.
But Kelly was nowhere to be seen. She didn't show up for class that day or the many days that followed. Torn from the only joy he'd ever known, Mark was distraught.
Heartbreak
The weeks turned into months, and Kelly never showed up. Whenever Mark asked his parents where she'd gone, they maintained that her family had moved states.
His mom even drove him to their old house, where a new family had already moved in. Although Mark was too young to understand heartbreak, that was precisely what he was experiencing.
Where Are You
Mark withdrew into himself throughout middle school. He'd walked the paths he and Kelly frequented as kids until his heart couldn't take it anymore.
He'd done everything to try and trace her family, always coming up short. How could the world be so heartless? He had no idea how much hurt the world would hurl at him.
Missing Her
Mark spent most of his pubescent years trying to root out Kelly. He'd never connected with anyone like he did with her and always felt like he was suffocating because she wasn't near.
Was she still alive? Did she think of him as much as he did her? Did she cherish all their childhood moments the way he did? All these questions kept him up at night, threatening to madden him even more. He was lost in his head when he heard a scream.
What He Found
It happened on a dark Friday night in the middle of winter. Mark was up listening to a selection of 90's soft rock when he heard it. The sound wrenched him from his thoughts, and he dashed out of his room to investigate.
He found his mom and brother trying to resuscitate his dad, who was out cold on the floor. Mark's life would never be the same again.
The Emergency Room
The Sandersons rushed their dad to the ER, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He'd suffered a stroke that ultimately claimed his life.
Matt, who had been lost in his own issues for the past few years, snapped back to reality to find he had no dad. His heart withered more than it already had, and Matt locked himself in his room, vowing never to come out.
An Act
Mark was never close to his dad after Kelly's family moved away. He remembered that his dad used to take him to Kelly's house every weekend and would even drive them to the park, arcade, and movies when he had the time.
But the man insisted that Mark move on after Kelly's family left. Mark felt like he should hate him for such an opinion. He usually acted as if he did. Now he had no way of telling him it was all an act.
Alone
He'd also grown apart from his brother Donny, who was now a senior in high school. The two rarely talked even though they lived across the hall from each other.
Mark could only talk to his mom, but she was too busy with the funeral preparations, which seemed to be her escape from all this grief. Mark was all alone.
Dhanvantari
Hoping to find closure no matter how small or at least a place to vent, Mark joined an online forum for grief. He was sure enough to find some people dealing with loss, some even offering encouragement.
One of them caught his interest. Their profile picture depicted Dhanvantari, who, from Mark's understanding, was the Hindu deity associated with healing and well-being. But how did he know that?
Her Words
In his years with Kelly, she'd taught him a lot about her heritage. She taught him the numerous deities in her religion, mentioning Dhanvantari several times. To her, wellness, be it mental or physical, was the epitome of living.
Of course, Mark had been young in those days, and although he loved everything that came out of Kelly's lips, he didn't understand some of it. But now, it seemed like her words held the key to beating his grief.
A Private Message
Mark sent the user a private message, only seeking to talk to someone who could help him. Although his message went unanswered for a few days, the user finally responded.
They greeted Mark, apologizing for their late reply. They also sent their condolences, hoping the trying times would come to a swift halt. These few words were enough to make Mark sleep peacefully that night.
Kaaliya And Kelly
He started talking to the user more, who, by this time, had introduced themselves as Kaaliya. Kaaliya – Kelly, Mark couldn't deny the resemblance between the two names.
But he also knew it was high time he let go of his past. He was fifteen and almost clearing junior high. It would only be a short time before he was a senior, then a freshman in college.
A True Friend
But letting go was easier said than done. Although Mark's conversations with Kaaliya hadn't transcended grief, he would talk to them about everything on his mind.
He shared his problem, asking if it was better to let go of the past or to keep everything at heart and hold on to hope. Kaaliya's answer left him speechless.
Do You Believe In Fate?
"Some things are fated to be," Kaaliya wrote back. "Sometimes we feel like we can't run away from them. We can't alter them. We might give fate a wide berth, but it still catches up sooner or later."
They told Mark it was alright to miss his childhood friend. But he shouldn't miss out on life because his friend was no longer around. "Even though some things might feel fated, and we think we are bound by them, we can still live a free life." These words would open Mark's eyes to the world around him.
Returning To The Living
Kaaliya's words helped Mark realize he'd missed out on so much. The first thing he did was repair his relationship with Donny and his mom.
The two were surprised to see him out of his room. He wasn't wearing his signature black hoodies or sulking the way he always did. But that was only the start of his transformation.
A Good Life
Mark sat in the living room more, holding conversations with his mom into the wee hours of the night. He'd play video games with Donny and even accompany him to concerts in the city.
He even made new friends in school, joining the band and chess club. Although he was finally becoming the lively child he once was those many years back, he still didn't break one habit.
Continue Pushing
Mark updated Kaaliya on his progress, and they commended him for pushing to improve. They asked him to visit his dad's grave, talk, and let go of the guilt and self-blame. "None of what has happened is your fault," they wrote.
"Forgive everything. Accept yourself. Live life. Be happy." Each of these words was a healing balm to Mark, who had made a complete one-eighty socially and mentally. But this happiness would only be temporary.
Graduating
Mark graduated high school as a happy boy. He'd passed with flying colors and had already received a calling letter from Arizona State. Life couldn't be better!
His conversations with Kaaliya had transcended their usual therapy-style format into a more friendly tone. Although he still didn't know their gender or where they came from, he'd discovered they had also graduated high school a year ago. If only he knew who he was talking to.
College Life
It was impressive that Kaaliya had so much insight for someone their age. Mark decided not to dwell on this fact. They'd done so much to help him, and he was eternally grateful.
Donny and his mom drove him to college, helping him settle in. Donny even walked him to his first class, and Mark was finally ready to start this next phase of his life. He had no idea who was waiting for him in class.
A Familiar Face
Lost in conversation about college life, Mark and Donny wandered into the wrong class. A female student was at the front making a presentation. She paused as the brothers entered the room, locking eyes with Mark.
He stumbled back, so much so that Donny had to steady him. Right before them stood a familiar face, although grown. She smiled, and all those feelings that Kaaliya had helped Mark bury returned.