Don't turn and look when you walk away...

There is this place called Riverwalk where I live. A quaint artificial river that gurgles not… A few alive ducks that paddle frenzily and appear calm and collected on the outside. A few guys with Sombreros on boats that take bored tourists up and down... A few bridges that arch coyly and have couples entangled in each other... Musicians who played the same tunes with a blasé air… Petulance…



If you think I didn't like it-oh no. I loved it. It was so naturally artificial and no pretence about it. How can you not love something as charming as that? Slow lazy paces that took us towards nowhere… We weren't going anywhere anyway. But then again, you always are. Kisses at every five paces... I thought I would be shy. And so we walked. Talking too.

There are some people who you never think you'll meet again coz they seem so improbable in your life in the first place that you often wonder- did they ever exist. And you always hope you meet them again... somewhere.... sometime. And you are amazed when you do.

You are wrapped in circles of love- a hug that fits. It is special. You know its just right when you find your arms encircling the other and you close your eyes and take in the warm smell of the other person. You know you haven't been replaced when the hug lingers a few seconds more than it should. And it feels so short a minute. Unfair.

I looked up at him and smiled. The couple in front of us oblivious to everything around them.... He caught me looking at them. We smiled indulgent smiles at each other.

A few flashes and the moment captured forever. Instances that will remind me in years to come of a love that was almost. Of being near perfection only because it didn’t happen.

I wasn't going to ruin it. I never ask. I will never ask. That happens when you never get what you ask for. Its better this way.

His hands are in his pocket and mine are wrapped around myself. The couple in front of us enter an ice cream store. We follow.

"Your eyes still sparkle when you eat ice cream", he tells me.

And when they see you.

We finish our ice creams.



The day is almost over. He's traveled over a 1000 miles to see me. And all that distance has to be traveled back. Staying was never an option. I forget the promise to myself and ask, "Will you stay?"

At least one of us is sensible.

I stand on the grass, ignoring the 'Thank you for not stepping on the grass' sign.
He climbs into the car after a last hug.
This time I keep my hands to myself.