Love is in the air rains!!!
The flooding skies had forced him to wait under the broken shed. He held his helmet as he checked the status of his wet clothes. He loved the world around him. Kids had returned from schools and were now jumping in puddles; a couple standing under one umbrella, sharing a bhutta. Such bliss! Unmatched!
Now the rains had diminished to a drizzle. He wanted to keep savouring the eternal bliss, but he had just 5 minutes left. So he rode the remainder of his journey.
As expected, he reached on time. But more unexpected outcomes were coming his way. First: He heard the words: “Yes sir, we have a table free. No waiting list!” He actually took out his cell phone to check: Sunday, June 12, 19:03. Just then another shocker arrives. His phone rang- it was her!
“Where are you dear? I’ve reached the security check!”
“Ok. I’m getting a table for us.”
“Ok sweetheart, I’ll be there in a jiffy! Mwah!!!”
Again he checked his phone. Just 5 minutes past scheduled time? Not quite a normal her!
A snap of fingers in front of his eyes got him out of his dumb daze.
”Hello! What are you thinking about?”
Without much thought he said,” Your cherubic beauty is augmented each time I see you!”
“Oh, you are such a practised liar!”
And she walked to the table. As they sat, he felt the urge to ask her if everything was good because the punctual her was something really new for him. But before his thoughts could turn into actions, she started:
“You know what? I’d been to Marine Lines with some friends. The place was full of couples, but even among them was a stand-out one! They were like, old, but mind stuffed with youth. They were like, standing on the pavement, and facing the splurging waves. I couldn’t resist the temptation so I joined them & later, so did my friends.”
“Excuse me sir! Would you like to place some order?”
He cursed the attendant, but said, “A frappe for me and...” He motioned at her.
She asked, “Anything special for the rains?”
The attendant replied, “Yes ma’am, we’ve got a range of hot chocolates especially for the monsoon lovers!”
“Fine, get me any one from them, the best you think.”
He interrupted, “Make it two, and cut the frappe out”
She continued as the attendant left, “So where was I? Ha. Later when we sat and chatted, they told us how they’d first met and how the first few meets were just a coy smile and how shy both of them were to initiate the talks. Finally it was her who asked him out for a walk on the Marine Lines, in the rains, and it was the 50th anniversary of that walk! Would you believe that? 50 years!!!”
(A waiter set the chocolate on the table and left.)
She continued, “And they were just 15 and 17 then! I couldn’t help but ask them the secret to it. And the grandpa says, ’just have something to love in your life and you’ll have a great reason to live for!’ I felt so jealous I tell you! But I’m happy with you because I know that I can make it through with you alone.”
She raised a toast (chocolate mug actually) and said, “With you, my Buzz Lightyear, TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!!!” He followed suit.
All he did all the time was smile. He remembered the days when they were ‘just friends’ and how they talked on matters ranging from politics and sports to mythology and philosophy. He had his own eisegesis and exegesis which he could talk about for long hours. But ever since he discovered his feelings for her, he couldn’t speak word when she spoke. For he never felt like, for all he wanted was to keep looking at her. And even now, he was staring at her smile.
Some more time and she got up with her bag and said,”I’ll make it real fast now!”
He posted a big smile as she left, and sipped in from his mug. He smelled it as he did it.
Life-time is a full year! With three seasons, it has its variety. Love is your chocolate. With life starting with monsoon rains, get your chocolate heated up to enjoy life. Make sure you have the right mug. It doesn’t need to be the best looking one, a cracked one too can keep it warm. It just has to be yours. Blow it a bit as you drink. Don’t gulp it. Sip by sip. Savour the sweet smell. When it gets cold, don’t worry! Just warm it with your hands. Yes, the winter will come, but the frost will go away.
And when the summer of your life sets in, you can still enjoy your chocolate, now cold, for it has still not lost its sweetness. Love will not be any less sweet. You’ll love life!!!
Don't let the monsoon go away dry. It's the monsoon that makes the chocolate worthy!!!
He saw her coming back and called for the check. She came and sat to finish her chocolate. He paid and they prepared to leave. But as she got up, he held her hand. “Don’t ever leave!”
Teasing him, the movie buff in her said, “Saiyaan, Baiyaan chhod na!!!”
He didn’t care! All he could do is smile!!!
P.S.: Title to the post is borrowed from a poem. Please listen to it too.
Love is a monsoon!!!
