Yet, technically speaking, I can't really blame him. After all he had truly tried his best to stick to his word. I have seen his struggle and pain, in his attempt to not fail me. But yeah, that does not stop me from being resentful. For, at the end of the day, I had to succumb to the biggest disappointment, ever. And I am sure, I'd never forget, or let him forget, either. Or, I wish it were so. Sigh!
Speaking of the very few promises he made ( Yeah, he was smart to know that he was never good at them anyways), there was the time when we had gone shopping, at Colaba Causeway. He had never been good at bargaining. He was simply too soft hearted and sympathetic. I had the flair for the endless bargains. And, I had made him promise that he'd not interfere with my bargaining banter, and not pay behind my back. Having agreed to this, we hit the streets.
It seemed as though it'd rain any moment. He wanted to get away before the rains begin. And I had other ideas. After all, its not every other day that you get to drench in the rains with your lover. Plus, my shopping was just getting better. The price of 750 rupees had just come down to 300. And, I was firing away to glory. But just as the first droplets of the rain hit our skin, he shoved some hundred rupee bills to the shopkeeper and dragged me away, before I could even respond. The rain did drench us. But all plans of a romantic bollywood rain dance had been washed away. We (to be read in singular) fought like cats and dogs that night, and a few many more.
Another time I had made him promise to come with me to the SidhiVinayak Temple at Dader. He being the self proclaimed agnostic (or was it atheist, I really never listened to him), had never relented to step into any religious shrine. But with much persuasion ( to be read as blackmail, dadagiri and sheer nagging), he gave in, finally. But with a lure, for sure- That I'd be clad in a sari, that being something he'd always wanted to see me in. So as per our plans, on the great day, I draped my denim-hugging-tshirt-loving frame into several yards of golden silk.Satisfied with the final result, I stepped out of home, hailed a rickshaw and reached the temple at sharp 7am. I waited for him. The time was 7.15, then 7.30...8... 8.30...9...Despite my 100 odd phone calls, none picked up. Furious, I hailed a rickshaw back home. And at half past 10, I got his call. He had Over-Slept. And, for the next several months, I made sure that he never got any sleep. So much for promises.
And the final promise he never kept...
Date : 17 July 2008.
Time: 4.30pm
Venue: Cafe Coffee Day, Vile Parle, Juhu.
I sat fuming. As always, we had made plans, and he was late. My mind wasted no time to plan and plot heinous punishments for him. And then, my cell phone rang. It wasn't him though. I sat through the one sided conversation, that lasted for a few seconds, but seemed like an eternity. The cell phone slipped through my hands. I didn't bother. All I knew was, I needed to be at Nanavati Hospital - Critical Care.
I saw him, entangled in tubes and devices. I met his brother outside the ER. He was not good. The accident had been bad. And there was nothing much they could do. And he had been put on artificial ventilation. I wanted to be there, with him. I moved into the room, sat next to him. I looked at him, and I wanted to scream and yell and cry...It felt like he wanted to speak through his unconsciousness. I felt as though he wanted to say sorry...to apologize...to make up...to make me smile...And, I was sorry too..so sorry...
"I know you were always bad at promises...But, I did not know, you'd try this hard to break one..." I half joked, through tears.
I knew I had to let go...
"I am so sorry sweetheart...But I know I need to let you go...I need to pull the plug...Shall I? I promised you once, just once, that I'd never let you off so easy...But, now darling, I realise letting you go is the only thing I can do... Am so sorry for us, for those broken dreams...But am glad, I have had all the love, and today, I am gonna give it all to let you go...Goodbye Sweetheart...I love you..."
.
.
.
I have loved him despite all those broken promises. I have loved him in spite of everything. And as I let go of him that fateful day, I realized that love is not about holding on. Its more about letting go. For, Letting go takes Love.
I found the plates wiped clean, and the bowls almost empty. I looked around for you. All over the place. In vain. I rushed to the open, looking for you. The ightening struck random. I stood, dripping wet. Just then, I watched you step out of the rickshaw, your white shirt sticking onto you. I stood still, almost reluctant to believe my eyes. You pulled me to you. Together we got back home. You told me that it could have been a fiction of my imagination. I shrugged my shoulder, in acceptance.
I walked over to the kitchen, sighing. I'd have to prepare dinner, all over again. But, on the table, I saw everything set. You told me that i indeed fell into a hallucination of some sort. I had no words to object. So I smiled, and offered to get you some warm clothes. Then, after a while, toghether we sat at the dinner table. The meal was very simple, yet we shared our laughs.
The rain still hadn't ceased. The fury or the romance, was it? I wondered. The doors had to be bolted shut, for the night. I peeked out just before closing it. That was when I saw it- a black darned umbrella and a cone of peanuts, wet. I picked it up, and brought it to you. You told me that someone could have placed it near our doors by mistake. I nodded, though hesitant to believe so. I placed it outside our doors, and latched the door shut.
The next morning, I had almsot forgotten of the night's happenings. I went to the kitchen, a fresh day of chores waiting for me. It was quite a while after, that I heard you call for me. I came out to the open patio outside. You had in your hand, the umbrella, and the peanuts, still soaked in yesterday's rain. But what caught my eyes was the wet paper in your hand. It had a portrait of a lady with a candle in her hand. And I knew it was just me.
We stood in silence and surprise, for a while. You had excuses so many and pulled me in, saying it was not meant for us. I did not respond. We walked back home. What you never noticed was that I held with me, those souveniers - the darned umbrella, the old parchment and the cone of soaked peanuts.
And, I have saved it up, for always. For a rainy day, as its said!
There lies a pile of wreckage of what I called, home, until a few days ago. "Where do I find you?" I ask myself. I frantically search through souveniers of our life, crumpled in the quake. The hunger pangs strike again. I search, frantic- and, I find you.
And I tear at your flesh.
Hunger.
P.S : About 55 Fiction
A literary work will be considered 55 Fiction if it has:
- Fifty-five words or less (A non-negotiable rule)
- A setting,
- One or more characters,
- Some conflict, and
- A resolution. (Not limited to moral of the story)
The morning is a few hours away. I can't wait to wake you up with a coffee. I know by mind, the expression you'd have on your face. A shrug, and a sigh. How fast the time speeds by, nay? The feeling of wanting, and the feeling of not having. I love to see the torture. I like it when you hate to leave me. I love the sense of power I possess. I love it.
Do you know why I never come to wave you bye? Because I feel weak when I see you go. I feel that I shrink back into being the loner I am. I need to have you around. Not for security, not for love. Yes, I have no shame in saying I don't love you. I need you to feel powerful. I need you to mask my weakness. I thrive by gaining power from your weakness. So I never come to see you off.
As you stir awake, I smile. I am the queen, once again. Even the night scares me. Even sleep scares me. What if I go back to being the weakling I am? What if I get no more of you?
"Good morning love. I hate to leave. Is it time already?" You ask as your arms reach out for me. I smile and move in close to you. "Hmmmm... Yes, am afraid it is time." I murmur. I can see the bitterness in your eyes, and I feel calm, all over again. Everything seems fine. I know, you'll be back.
I know.
I know.
It has been 14 years since we last met. Do you remember? That misty dawn of December, when you had come running to my Hostel Block. I remember being woken up so early by my room mate saying you were waiting for me at the visitor's lounge. I remember walking up to you, groggy and still sleepy. I remember the look of horrid pain in your eyes, and all I knew that moment was I could never see you in pain. I wanted to take you in my arms, and tell you that everything is fine. I wanted to promise you that everything would go fine. But all I did was stare at you, helpless. You threw yourself onto me, sobbing uncontrollably. I held you close. I could smell the coconut oil in your hair mixed with fresh sweat. Your slender frame fit easily in my arms. I felt as though I held my world in my arms. Gently I pulled away. Your eyes tore my heart. You told me about your father's call and how you were being called back home. I did not understand the graveness of the situation. I thought he wanted you home for a while, and eventually you'd be back. After all you still had 4 months of college left. How could he not send you back? I offered to take you home myself. But, I had got the point completely wrong.
You had come to me, to never go back. I never realized it. I saw the brief shock register. I did see the terror in your eyes, and how you turned away from me. I took your hands in mine, and asked if everything was alright. You told me that your father wishes to get you married off to someone from your village. I couldn't get myself to believe that. I argued with you, saying it could never possibly be. After all you had never met the man, and you were just 21. You were one of the best students in the college, and your studies hadn't finished yet. And moreover, you were never informed of any plans before. And then you received a call saying you were to be married to someone and that too the very next week. It seemed impossible to me. I realize, I had been insensitive and immature then.
Your eyes were red and sore. The tears never stopped. I didn't know what to do. I was still at college, barely 21. I knew that I wanted you more than anything else. But, I didnot know what I could have done. I held you in my arms, and sat speechless. The visitor's lounge was soon filled with people, and we decided to go out for a walk. I rushed to my room, and in a while we were walking along the winding road towards the Mussorie Lake. We had spent quite an awful lot of our college days there. But unlike all other times, there was no laughter, and no playfulness. The air was suddenly cold, and chilly. The lake was suddenly a reflection, that showed two lonesome hearts, in turmoil. We sat at our favorite spot, beneath the litchi tree. Time sped by, without either of us realizing. There was nothing I could offer you. I did not know what I could do, to stop you.
You turned to me smiling, bittersweet. I held you close, once again. I tipped your face up to mine, and leaned over to kiss you. Your eyes were closed. I could see the little mole above your lips and the thick eyelashes you always loved to bat. Your eyes were sore, I knew. I gently kissed your eyelids. I felt the sadness in me welling. I knew this could possibly be our last time together. You sensed it too I realized. You held me so close, and my hands wrapped around you. I wanted to never let go. Gently, my hands roamed over your body, shivering. I was filled with a sense of sadness and love. You gave yourself up to me. We made love for the very first time. The breeze soft, chilled our skin. Yet, in the warmth of our bodies, we found comfort. I remember the softness of your skin, the warmth of your body. You were so tiny, and slender, and we fit each other just perfect.I remember the contours of your breasts and the depth of your navel. I remember the taste of your skin, the fragrance of you. I remember the calm of the lake, and the frenzy of our heartbeats. But every time ever since you left that eve, I could only remember the drop of tear that spilled when you kissed me the very last time, before turning away from me, forever.
I have been always held down by the weight of that drop of tear. As I felt the tear touch my skin, I realized in all certainty that I had lost you, forever. I stayed near the litchi tree that whole night. Your fading image filled my eyes, over and over.
I wonder are you thinking just the same, now? I can never ask, can I? The time has sped by. You still look pretty, with that mole that shifts when you smile. And you still have the lustrous black hair, with your special grays. I wish the breeze would carry over to me, the fragrance of coconut oil in your hair. I have missed it, I really have. All this while. I find that you have out on a few pounds onto your once slender frame. It looks good. Age looks good on you. I wish you were with me, growing old together. Ah! How I wish....!
I answer your queries politely. You introduce me to your husband, and your little girl. I kneel down, to talk to your child. She looks so beautiful. A drop of tear falls out of my eyes, as I kissed her on her forehead. And as I come up to my height, I find your smile. And, I feel the gush of cool air around me, as though I have been freed, as though I have been sanctified. You smile and wish me luck, before turning away to join your family. I stand at the platform watching you board the train.Watching the train starting to move, I find your little girl waving at me, in sheer joy. And then you smile one last time.
Your image has faded away, once again. But this time, no tears have spilled from my eyes. I feel calm, and happier than I have ever felt in ages. You have just set me free. All I needed was your smile...
1 January 2008.
00.00am
I walked across the room to the wall where hung the calender. Crossing off the 31st of December, I stood in deep thought.Its January 1st already! The one day that could change my world upside down. Anticipation flooded my senses and I felt butterflies play a symphony in my tummy. Sitting on my bed, My hands cupped in prayer, I closed my eyes and meditated. In the muted silence of the night, the only other sounds were the occasional vehicles on the road and the buzz of mosquitoes. I tried to shut my eyes close and sleep. But in vain. Restless, I got out of my bed and decided to checklist the items for the day.
The pink salwar kameez, all pressed without even a single crease, lay on the hanger, safe. I opened the clutch purse and counted the cash once again. 5 grand and some odd change. The lipstick and compact had cost me a bundle. Yet, I needed them for the day and had picked it up with no guilt pangs. I put them back into the purse and decided to sleep. Switching off the lights, I hit the bed.
07.00am
I don't know when I slipped into sleep last night. Now the time showed 7am. I rushed in for a shower. Slipping into the new salwar suit, I felt pretty. Admiring myself in the mirror I smiled. "Not bad, not bad at all" At 5 feet 8 inches, I stood taller than most Indian women. With a fair skin and long curly hair, I have always managed to turn heads where ever I go. Once again, the knot in my stomach churned and I blushed red in excitement. The time sped by as I fixed my curls and dabbed on some make up.
10.00am
I yelled a goodbye to my mom and walked out of our apartment. The traffic was terrible as usual. There are times when I wished I were rich, just to be able to afford a helicopter to avoid the hurdles of Mumbai traffic. But then as the saying goes, If wishes were horses....! I waited for a rickshaw for a while. And finally found one. I hopped in, with no time to spare.
"Bhaiyya, Orchid Hotel, Nehru Road. Zara tez chalana, thodi jaldi me hu"
"Humphhhhh"
I sat back, the nervousness reaching up to a state of paranoia. It was to be our first meeting. I met Rakesh on the internet around 6 months back. He is basically from Delhi. But after his graduation he left for the US, where he completed his post graduation at Arizona University and is currently working as a software engineer in the US. And that's exactly what I was planning to do. I planned to get into Arizona University for my Masters. My parents would never approve nor could they afford to send me to the US for studies. And I hated being poor, for this reason and a hell lot more. Anyways, the job at the BPO had given me a source of income. And I had somehow managed to give my GRE and the score being decent enough would fetch me a seat abroad. But applying to universities had been a pain, for the cash requirements were too much for me to handle. But thanks to Rakesh, I could apply to quite a few universities. Coming to Rakesh, I sure hoped he looks handsome and smart. The anxiety seemed to rise with each passing moment!
10.45am
"Orchid"
I awoke from my reverie. "Kitna hua?"
"Thees rupaiyya"
I paid the cash and walked in through the gates. Its the first time I've ever set my foot at Orchid. I felt nervous and very much out of place. I walked into the restaurant, and with the help of the manager I found the table reserved for us. I sat down, a nervous wreck, expecting my Prince Charming to come any moment and sweep me off my feet. I felt a hand on my shoulder. Startled, I turned back.
Freeze!!!
The whole scene froze before my eyes. I found a dark, pudgy man with a receding hairline and cleft lips. My hands trembled, my eyes failed to focus. I passed out, I gather.
11.30am
My head really ached, and I felt all dizzy. The room felt oddly strange and I managed to sit up on the bed. Rakesh was sitting next to me, holding my hands in his. I felt sick, nauseous.
"Kya hua jaan? You alright now?"
"ummm... Nothing ... I just have a nasty headache"
"Don't worry darling. I'll get you an aspirin. You rest up. I'll be right back"
I watched the beefy man walk out of the room. I felt disgusted, and hurt.The disappointment crept in and I felt anger at myself rising. All I wanted to do was leave. I stood up still feeling dizzy, grabbed my purse and slipped into my sandals and was about to move about, when I found an envelope on the table, addressed to me. I opened it and found my visa processed, and there were the scholarship sanction and the admission letter from Arizona university.I felt weak all off the sudden. Torn between anger and desire, I sat down on the couch.
"Ah! Spoilsport! You spoiled my surprise. Anyways, Congrats sweetheart! You are flying to the US. Here's your aspirin."
I gulped down the tablet and looked at him and smiled weakly.
"Thanks a lot Rakesh", I managed to quip.
"Come on Neeta, this is the least I could do for you. Now smile baby, US is at your calling. "
I felt his hands on my shoulder once again. I felt the weight of the envelope pulling me down. He forced me to face him and I felt his cleft lips close down on mine.The nausea returned once again, and I felt the bile rise. Yet my eyes strayed onto the envelope and I never freed myself from him.
Everything turned smokey all off a sudden. I felt his hands all over me. I felt the weight of his body over me, pushing me down and hurting me. Then I felt no more. Everything happened in a haze and I kept replaying the Envelope in my mind...The Envelope...The Envelope...And I felt him shudder and go limp, over me. I closed my eyes shut. It was cold, all off a sudden.
After a while I heard his snores and I pushed his hand away from me. I slipped out of bed and held the envelope in my hand. Sitting on the couch, with a blanket over me, I looked out of the window...
...America, here I come, I whispered to no one...!
The morning sun peeked in through the curtains. It irked me to no extend, having to wake up forcefully. Sigh! Mom was even more lenient than this, I fathomed. Reluctantly I sat up on the king size bed, stretched my arms wide.Ah! It feels good, after all!After what seems like a quarter of an hour , I forced myself out of the bed, the blankets tangled up, caught at my ankles. I pried open the knots. the clock showed 7am. Pretty early by my standards rather.
I went up to the television stand, put on a DVD in the player and went ahead with my morning ablutions. The music of Ghulam Ali filled the air. Soothing melodious ghazal "chupke chupke..." floated into my ears. Fresh as a daisy, I stepped out in my robe and started to rummage through the wardrobe. Am no celebrity to have oodles f clothes, but I do have a pretty good stock! Picking out blue denims n a white kurti, I change into it. Gosh, I need to lose weight! Its getting scary. And is that a pimple? Darn! After a vain attempt at cursing the pimple off,I moved onto make myself a cup of hot coffee... There's nothing like a warm coffee in morn, don't you agree?
I forced myself not to peek into your room. If you can play the game, so canI. Ii tiptoed into the kitchen, fixed myself a coffee n toast. My thoughts mauled at me- do I make some for you too? And would you accept it or just toss it away? My already battered ego needs no further toss. So I decided against it. Sipping coffee and reading the newspaper, I sat in the kitchen. After a while I heard a range of swearing and cursing, from your room. I felt good, knowing that you are finding it hard to manage without me. A wee bit proud of myself, if you can understand. And then, I heard the door slammed shut- the bathroom door, I gathered. And I chuckled.
Clearing off my breakfast, I got ready for the day out. Being a no-fuss person I don't take too much time to get ready! Actually speaking, everyone in my family says am a quickie in everything. Guess so! With my hair tied up in a pony tail, kohl lined eyes and a shade of nude lip gloss, am ready for the day. I wonder if I should tell you that am leaving, and decided to leave a note by the refrigerator. I know you'd never miss your morning juice. So a note I penned "Off now. Back by 7. Pick up the car from the garage and don't forget to pay the electricity bills. Bye."I wanted to sign off with "love"! But my ego hesitated, and so did I.
I drove away.
.
.
.
Its almost 7pm.A couple of minutes early, I noted. Clicking open the lock, I entered into the pitch darkness of the house. Switching on the lights, I found its still dark. Darn! You must have not paid the bills, I mutter in irritation. And as I move into my room,I find your room to be lit in a soft light. Tip-toeing I entered your room. Lo! I find someone dozing in front of the candle, head on the table. I find a book at the foot of the bed, clothes all over the place and coffee spilled over the table. Irked, I were. Yet, I couldn't suppress a smile, watching you sleep ever so innocent. So I decide to give it up. (As always, you win!)
Heylo... Get up, will you?
Uh? What?
Hehe... Its almost dinner time. And God, what a mess? And no power too...Forgot again, eh?
Yeah...Kinda...Hope you ain't mad at me...?
Never mind... Now budge and ring for a pizza.
I light a candle and clear the room, while you help me with the dinner. Well, dialing for a pizza is help, after all, ain't it?
.
.
.
A candle burns at the distance, as we dig in at the pizza, laughing at ourselves.
Together, we make the best out of everything, don't we? you ask, staring at me intense.
yeah! I nod in agreement.
Some times I feel so blessed, and I guess this is one of those times!
Touch Wood!!
I know that I could possibly go wrong. But still, I know I have to do this. There's no one to possibly call for a help. Am all alone, in this ugly little world. I toss and turn on my bed, unable to gain sleep. The night is at my calling. Its tonight that I break off the shackles and step out. Finally, my eyes seem to droop. I hope I can refresh myself before I...
"TRINGGG TRINGGGG" the alarm buzz!
"Mom... lemme sleeeeeeeeep" I uttered incoherent words in the sleepy haze. But then, springing awake, as though a sharp shiver passed through me, I checked the time displayed on my watch :"2.00am" it shone in its fluorescent glow. Quickly I got out of the bed, slipped into my casual jeans and shirt, rolled up the sleeves, stuffed in my jacket to my already packed bag.( had been smart enough to pack my bag last night.) It had an ample supply of water, a pack of biscuits I had sneaked out of the kitchen cabinet, some clothes, my prized possession of comics, a torch and a booklet with my dad's pen and finally, about 10 pounds from my mom's new pouch! Strapping on the backpack and slipping on my sneakers, I tip toe out, out of my pretty little villa, on the suburbs of Southampton...
The breeze seems strong today, I muttered to myself. Darkness seem to gnaw at me. Yet I feel no fear. Nothing holds me back. No regrets. Finally I am away, away from the prying eyes. I walked on, brisk. The dawn seemed especially beautiful. It was the very first time I were witnessing one. Walking on, I saw the luscious green lawns, the garden park I often pass by on the way to the major hospital in Southampton. I looked at my watch. Time showed 5am. I have been walking for the past three hours I realize. My legs seemed to ache, and my throat dry. I sat down, near a tree. Leaning over the tree, I took out some water and gulped it down in sheer desire.
It seemed I had enough time to rest. Planning to catch the first bus to the city, I sat, dreaming. The birds seem to be awake, just like me. Chirping in glee, or is it mockery, I wonder? Roses seem to bloom, for I could smell the fragrance. I wonder what would have been happening , had I not left the wretched place, where none cared for me... Listening to the lullabies of nature, I slipped away into a dead slumber...
"Get up, young lady. You sure gave your folks a fright" I could hear someone say to me, in my dreams...Paying no heed, I slept on... I could feel someone shaking me up, and with all frustration I open my eyes... Lo! Where am I? My mind still in a daze... And I looked up to find two young uniform clad cops, peering at me! Amazed, I couldn't help but wonder, why are they here? And where the hell am I?
" Who are you? And whats wrong?" I manage to ask.
" Hey, running away from home ain't a nice thing to do. Now get up and come along. I shall ring up your folks to come and fetch you home " he quipped.
Beaten, disheveled, I looked on at the white British face. Despair filled me to the brim. My first day away..And lo! Am caught, pushed back to the old life. Words failed me. And i didn't want to cry. So i mustered up the courage to move on. Sitting in the police car (it had been a long time dream of mine) I couldn't make myself smile, on having my one wish come true...Well, this wasn't the way I wanted it to be, though...
"Come on along..." he said. And I walked along, timid, and sad. Being offered a comfortable chair, and a provision for breakfast, he moved on towards the telephone.. Soon, I was to be whisked off, back to my world... I lost my appetite, despite being famished... Well, the biscuits have vanished, I know. Yet I felt hungry. growing age, I suppose. I gulped down the fresh orange juice and waited, for the arrival...
"Babyyyyyy...How you got us scared! Am so glad you are okay," words of relief sprang from my dad. After profusely thanking the officer, he held my hands, leading me to the car. I smiled and waved a bye to the young cop. He was golly good actually...Offered me cookies and juice... Nice chap!
Sitting next to me in the car, he turned to look at me. I smiled rather sheepishly, I guess. He told me its the worst thing for a third grader to be doing. Running away from home! Smiling at me, he said " Alright, off you go morrow' for the little school trip of yours. Just promise me, no mischief and no more running away. You are all we got, my little one"
"Okayyyyy..I promise, dad. By the way, was it fun, hunting for me?" I ask, grinning all the way through!
"Fun?!?!? Haha...Very! Wait till you get home. Have called up your mom to make you some chocolate brownies. Now, tell me, is home that bad?"
"Wowie... brownies..." I quip, excited...
"Dad...."
"Hmmm...What is it sweetheart?"
"Cant you drive a bit faster??????? " I ask, innocent as a dove, yet mischief clouding my eyes...
"Haha...You sly little devil.. See, I did tell you, home ain't that bad..."
Laughing all the way we moved on... I guess dad is right... Maybe home doesn't seem so bad after all ;)
On my way back home, I saw a lady, in the bus. She seemed like a frail old lady, off to see her grandchildren or so. Her smile was genuine and her eyes were so full of expectations. Am an observer by nature. So I couldnt help, but notice her darned old saree, yet starched and well kept! Her hands were sore, yet held the strength that her eyes hid.
I found myself weaving stories about the lady stranger. She had the grace and charm of someone who has been powerful and enigmatic in her youth. She was not the feeble kind who just gave up on life, when something went wrong. Maybe she stayed alone, as suggested by her travelling alone. Or maybe she left behind her husband, for a small stay at her children's place. Either ways, she was alone. Yet she wasnt sad about it, am sure. Either a calm acceptance of the situation or else a long stint of being alone. It was either of those, I convinced myself.
I looked up at her once again. Age had beautified her grace.Her wrinkles shone of wisdom profound. Her eyes had the depth of experiences. Her grey hair added to her charm. It made her even more grand than ever. I found her hands fumble, foraging through her tiny vanity bag of the 70's. I felt curious as to what exactly was she rummaging for. And then, she held a small book, and started to sift through the pages. I found the book to be tiny black leather bound Bible. Her face seemed brilliantly lit up, a newly found light calming her. I felt strange, watching the lady in solitude.
Soon, my cellphone started to ring. And I slipped into a world of my own. After a while, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned and to my surprise, I found the old lady near me, smiling. Her eyes showered such warmth and I felt myself special. She smiled, her hands still on my shoulder, patting me. And said "God bless you, my child"!! Not another word, she moved away. I felt shaken, and before I could offer even a thanks, she had got down from the bus, leaving me bamboozled.
I got down and walked home, my mind still in a daze. A feeling of absolute incredulity hung itself over me. Yet I knew no feeling could be as genuine as the warmth and care, the old lady's gesture filled me with. I havent met her ever after. But somehow, the aura of her, still remains brilliantly lit, in me...
About Me
The Honour of Proximity!
Thanks to usha mema n rukhiya :)
Personality Type
My Blog List
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Pray3 years ago
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Our anchors5 years ago
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Work life balancing act6 years ago
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Marooned in Kerala8 years ago
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THE UNFINISHED POST8 years ago
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Ah! Irony?!9 years ago
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Self is looking for the Self10 years ago
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Every 4 years, my world changes!12 years ago
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Review of Aurangzeb13 years ago
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The Advantages of Life Insurance14 years ago
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Nurses strike: White Revolution 2.014 years ago
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It's been a while...14 years ago
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The Bohemian Girl!14 years ago
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Leadership Series, September 17, 201115 years ago
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singing along15 years ago
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SHIT Happens!!!!15 years ago
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I have shifted:D17 years ago
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A rose by any other name...17 years ago
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From Russia and Pakistan, with love ;p17 years ago
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Butterfly Award
Thanks to Usha mema n Praveen!
Free Spirited and Independent Blogger Award
Thanks to Usha mema, Shalini, Praveen n Rini!