Lost love...

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Waves of time could not
Erase the memories, etched
On the sand of heart

Rashmi is tidying the dishevel closet when a tinkling sound attracts her attention. A rolling coin stirs the windmill of memories. Her hands search something in the closet and finally come out with a picture postcard. A sense of nostalgia takes her to the greenery of Panchgani, where she met her first love.

She remembers the last day of college trip. They sat on the table with the same postcard kept on the rim of a glass full of water, on which the same coin rested.

She never succeeded in that game. He would smile every time he managed to drop the coin in the glass striking the postcard with his fingers. Those enchanting, smiling eyes were distracting her and she felt a strong inexplicable bond of attraction.

"Can I keep this card and coin?" She asked.

"Why?" He asked rolling the coin on the table. His intent gaze made her uncomfortable.

"As a memory. Today is the last day and we will be departed." She said averting her glance.

His visage turned grim. "Sure."

A coughing sound breaks the silence of house. She never knew those seven days would be the best memories of her life. Rashmi rubs her fingers gently on the postcard and picks up the coin which is now resting on the floor lifelessly. She keeps them back carefully. She wonders how life could have been, had she accepted his proposal.

They exchanged phone numbers. She gave him the landline number of his uncle, hesitatingly, telling him not to call several times. She was not sure why had she given him the number in the first place?

He never called until that day. Her cousin said there was a call for her. Rashmi skipped several beats. It had to be him. She never gave that number to anyone. Perhaps she was waiting for this day.

As she entered her uncle's house, her aunt chided. "It seems that our house has become a PCO."

When she said a hello there was a girl that side. She was confused when a very familiar voice greeted her. It was him!

"Do you remember me ever, Rashmi?" He asked. She didn't know what to say. "I love you Rashmi..." He said abruptly and she could feel her ears grow red. "I really do. I tried to forget you. I thought it would be easy but I couldn't. Please meet me somewhere."

She could sense his truthfulness as he had called after one and a half year. Infatuation couldn't last this long. flood of emotion clogged her throat and tears threatened but she couldn't cry here.

"I'm sorry, I can't." She heard herself saying.

"Why?" He screamed. "I know you love me too. Don't you uh? Please Rashmi...marry me."

"Sorry. Don't call me again. Please." And she put the receiver back.

"Who was it?" Her aunt pried.

"Err...my friend. She is getting married. She called for the invitation." She lied.

"But you can't go."

"I won't." Rashmi said.

Not a single day had passed when she hadn't remembered him. But love was not meant for her. With weak steps she came back to the harsh reality. Her paralyzed mother was still sleeping oblivious of her strolling saliva.

Few days after she returned from the trip, her parents met with a serious accident. Her father died on the spot and mother became handicapped for life.

She was laden with responsibilities. She knew she couldn't expect much help. She shrugged off his memories thinking that it was mere a flow of emotion. But it was not just attraction. Ten calendars have flown remembering him. She has grown with his memories. Many times some wild thoughts tried to trap her but her thoughtfulness has won always.

"Rauzmi" Her mother calls, breaking the chain of her thoughts.

She rushes towards her mother's room. "Rauzmi...toalett." Her mother says in a voice that only Rashmi understands. She extends her hand in support.

"Now I'll feed you okay." Rashmi says to her mother as she takes her to the toilet. "My students will be arriving after a while." Today, again she spent her time embracing his memories.


My entry for Words: Write Tribe Contest # 1
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