Weaving together

Ahhh, summer!!  Those lazy days of fresh air and sunlight, of lying in a lover’s arms beneath an inky black blanket dotted with shimmering stars, with that fleeting feeling of love in their heart. The feeling of the cold pure water of a stream high in the hills rushing past their feet, or the exhilarating rush of the wind whipping through their hair. Where hearts ran wild and so did the adolescent society, now that they were not confined behind the cold brick walls of the institution of education. Yes, that was summer, and here it was in all its glory.

But the best part of summer was the memories it created, those that would never be forgotten as long as one remained on this earth. Those cherished memories that she held close to her heart to look back on in her darkest hour, giving her that final amount of strength to pull herself over the edge and back into reality. Those thoughts that made her go, "Back in the good old days…." Or, "Back when she was young and crazy…." Always starting with back, as if that was when the good times, the cherished memories took place, not in the here and now, but back. It seemed as if back was a place she wanted to be. She sat in her rocking chair staring forlornly out the window, thinking about days gone by. Back. Back when? When she was in love? When they were young? Back what or was it just back? Staring out that glaring window, never seeing what was before her, but years gone by, at memories formed long ago. Back.

Now she lay down swinging, when a cool breeze turned the pages of her diary which she had been writing right from the time when she became aware that sweet memories can be captured not only through photos alone.  The page opened to the fifth chapter in her diary where she reveals the most unforgettable day of her life.  The day was as normal a routine as any other till noon. But as the sun chose to hide in the west, exposing the beauty of the moon-lit sky and the starry night, those  memories would be  treasured forever in her heart.

She was studying at that time, and taking up part time jobs to utilize her time in creativity, also earning a bit of pocket money. She held a portrait, which she recently painted, for applying the final touches. She was amazed by the beauty of colours and couldn’t believe that it was done by her. A knock at the door distracted her mood. Placing her painting aside, she hurried to attend the visitor.  The visitor was unknown whom she had seen the first time. Being habituated to living alone in one of the busiest lanes of Mumbai had taught her to be more cautious of strangers. But this stranger instantly appeared to her as if a long forgotten acquaintance. She generally never forgot a face once seen. She could not recollect where she had seen this person before. Brushing her thoughts aside, she inquired through the peep-hole, his name and purpose of his visit before letting him in. He reported of being a fan of her paintings, and was interested in buying one. He had seen her exhibits at the art gallery and was very much impressed by the themes and colours used,expressing the  various forms of beauty with great elegance and perfection. She allowed him in and asked him to be comfortable on one of the cane chairs beside the sofa. She ordered her maid some coffee along with some biscuits and hot pakodas as she relished them at that hour of the day.

He admired all the paintings that displayed art beyond comparison. The room was moderately lit and decorated with crystal and clay toys. The soft melodious music perfectly blended the mood of the surroundings. As he stood up to observe one of the paintings to have a closer look, his cup accidentally slipped and fell onto the recent painting, which she had set aside for its final touches. Horrified, she came running from the kitchen, with dismay only to find it being ruined by the visitor. She screamed at his face for the hasty act. The room which till now seemed like a paradise, peaceful and serene, appeared as one of the fish markets of Mumbai where she and the maid accused  him as if he had committed a great crime. His apologies did not satisfy her and she demanded Rs. 5000/- for her artwork. He agreed, asking her to give him some time to pay for it. In spite of the frown look on her face, she appeared more pretty and beautiful to him now. He was instantly attracted by her looks, charms and beauty. He left her house leaving his address and phone number assuring her of him being a trusted gentleman. There was some strange aura about him, which made her believe that she could trust him and let him go. As soon as he left she gathered the painting with tears streaming down her eyes and disrespect for the stranger.

Days passed by and so were weeks and months. She was in need of money and suddenly she remembered the visitor and the money that was due.  She rang him, but it was out of reach. She tried several times later but with the same response. Luckily, one day it got connected, but he just dropped the call. Not able to hold any longer, she decided to visit him personally at his home. So, finally one day, after her evening walk, she reached his home. But to her utter dismay, the door was locked. She returned promising herself another visit and not let the stranger go scott free. She made her second visit. This time she expected him to be there. And as she reached the floor, she felt happy for the door was not locked. Hurriedly she pressed the bell and rushed in as soon as the door flung open. She barged in as if a military on attack. She started questioning him without waiting for his reply.  She looked pretty in her loosely gathered skirt and a red halter-top exposing her tantalizing back and shoulders.  He kept calm, and waited till she finished and apologized after a brief pause. This added to her frustration and she literally shouted at his face. Immediately he seized her by her arms, pressing it tightly, led her down the hallway to his room.  He released her hand in front of a painting, which he had painted. Unbelievable!! Marvelous!!  She was dumbfounded. She gazed at the painting with a twinkle in her sparkling eyes and stared without blinking her lids. She could not believe what she had witnessed. Can u guess…?    Yes, the painting resembled the one that had been painted by her and for which he was responsible for spoiling it. She gathered herself and before she uttered a word, he kissed her on her soft moist sensuous lips. The curves and edges of which would appear as a bow to any archer. He placed one of his arms securely   around her waist, while the other raised her hand in which he had placed a brush, and applied gentle strokes on to the canvas giving its final touches. His freshly shaven cheeks brushing gently against hers.  She felt weak and tentatively moved herself to his wishes. Her breaths were short and rapid. Bile rose to the back of her throat, but knowing that would only make things more awkward, forced it back into her body. She realized that she should make a move, only to collect the amount later on. She walked down the stairs, the knot in her stomach slowly returning with each step. He was walking down the stairs, looking directly at her. The day grew darker, but the fresh memories of the moment shone brighter than the sun even today. He dropped her in his car leaving behind him the love for her, which he guessed she might accept.

This morning, christened by the golden sunlight, was like most summer mornings. Quiet, peaceful, full of freshness. Where the dew hung like orbs of crystal to the spider’s web or blades of grass. Where all is calm, and she felt this was her own private utopia as she sat on the back stoop, letting the light glaze on her smiling face. In her two room apartment she just loitered lazily on her bed, gazing blankly at the white washed ceiling, the rotating fan, recollecting the beautiful painting, and his first kiss.  “THE KISS OF LIFE”, which had stirred her very soul. Yes, she was in love. She longed for him from the core of her heart and longed to be in his heart forever. For many days he did not call her nor visit her, leaving her enough room to decide things. She couldn’t escape him. Everywhere she went she found him before her, in all that she thought, in all that she did.  No part of her life was her own anymore. In her heart of hearts she knew that this man was the one for her because as if she knew him from a past life he had always been with her in mind body and spirit and no matter how far away he was and what the contents of her life at that time held she was still being magnetically pulled back to this man. But the thought of not trusting strangers dominated her mind too.

 So, on a warm pleasant day she landed at his place without intimating him. But he had expected her. He made her comfortable by offering her a cup of tea, its rich aroma filling the room. He then went inside to get an envelope, which contained the amount he was due to pay. He forwarded the cover looking at her admiringly. The sight of the envelope brought tears to her eyes.  Words stuck in her throat as if she had consumed poison. Her voice broke, and she could feel her eyes sting as they filled with tears. Her face was pale and seemed to swallow her quivering lips. Her red, wet eyes did nothing to help the situation. Both realized that they needed and loved each other eternally. Unnerved and unaccustomed to see her on the brink of crying, before anything could go wrong, he dropped the cover on to the floor, and she her cup of coffee. They embraced and hugged each other tightly and without her even uttering a word he said "it has always been a privilege to breathe the air she breathe and watch the same sun rise and set knowing that at that moment they were in the same place at the same time”.  I’ve learned that love takes time and it has been well worth the wait!!! She wrapped her arms around his neck nearly as tight as anyone ever did and hugged him with a hug that would literally last him a lifetime. It was a genuine hug of pure heavenly love and affection. It was special and it was real. He locked his lips onto hers; crystal tears, apparently streaming down her warm blushing cheeks, which turned hot when he gave her “THE KISS OF LIFE” the second time.