Bittersweet

I had written this a looong time ago.. seems like a different lifetime now. Finally got around to posting it here.
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You touched my life in a unique way without realizing it. It was a magical afternoon in an ancient temple courtyard… A few moments of perfect understanding between two human beings. The romance of life lies in such connections. A casual glance, a casual touch. Nothing casual about the smile in our eyes as they meet. It does not matter that our languages are so different. It does not matter what we talked about.

You write out your email id in my notebook. I write you our email ids, on my business card placed on your knee.

The world around us moves sluggishly in the afternoon heat. I don’t want to move from the spot, I am intensely happy in the moment. And so you seem to be. Reveling in the proximity, but not quite touching.

You get a glimpse into my life, as I got into yours. Does it make sense to you? Would you remember it a few weeks from now? I’ll never know… but I know what we shared is as real for you as it is for me.

My right leg, folded under me, has gone to sleep. I am sort of surprised that I could stretch out my legs behind you, without breaking the spell.

Slowly, by mutual consent, we deliberately break the spell and walk away to continue the day as normal… but the inner glow continues within me all day.

Will we stay in touch? I guess not – staying in touch can only take away from that perfect afternoon. As a friend once said, “Let passing ships pass… and move on”.