Friday, November 6, 2020

If We Were Having Coffee

 

          Photo by Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash



 

It's a quiet and gloomy afternoon. The breeze has suddenly turned pleasantly cool, the curtain is swaying in a classical manner, and I think of you. There's something about silent afternoons. Most of the time, if I'm not very busy, they bring some memory, like a gush of a familiar fragrance. 

I often think of you. It's charming to be with your thoughts. Do you know that? Of course you don't and I'd never tell you that. I just wonder how it would feel to be with you. A fascinating thought flashes in my mind. How amazing it would be if we were having coffee. Right this moment? 

If we were having coffee I'd just look at you, savouring my own imagination. Your enchanting eyes, the pleasant smile and your unbelievable presence.

If we were having coffee, I'd tell you that I didn't even like drinking tea or coffee until two years ago. I wonder how you would react. You would be a little surprised, I'm sure, your left eyebrow slightly raised.

If we were having coffee, I'd tell you that whenever I think about my writing, I think of you. That I felt so sad and lost when I submitted my final manuscript. That I haven't developed this special feeling for my new protagonist. I think you would nod, slowly, like you understand.

If we were having coffee, I'd tell you to talk. To tell me something. Anything. I'd just love to listen to you talk. Your voice. The way you speak. The voice and the style of conversation have a certain effect, no?

If we were having coffee, I'd ask about Paridhi. I'd ask you to share your deepest feelings for her, and everything. I can imagine the instant spark in your eyes, a warmth on your face, mere at the mention of her name. Someone once asked me why Abhigyan would fall in love with Paridhi? Can you answer that, I'd ask. Can anyone answer this question? Why does someone fall in love with a particular person?

If we were having coffee, I'd ask, 'Do you ever think about me?' I know it's a silly question. But I'd tell you that I recently read a book titled 'After She Wrote Him'. It's one of the most unique books I have ever read. It's about a very special relationship between a writer and her/his protagonists. It's complicated but fascinating. I kept thinking about you after reading that book. 

On second thought, I wouldn't tell you that. You'd probably think I'm a crazy woman.

I can go on and on but I know something would come up and I would have to end this heartwarming rendezvous. Solitude is precious but ephemeral. I have a feeling that you would look at me with a teasing smile and maybe a hint of disappointment in your deep eyes. I'd smile and ask you if we could meet again for a coffee date? You would say a yes, wouldn't you? 



This post is dedicated to Abhigyan, the male protagonist of my book, We Will Meet Again...


8 comments:

  1. I love how you have written this as a conversation between you and your protagonist. I could feel the breeze. I could see him, almost. There is something special between an author and her characters and I felt that in this post. So, glad you wrote this.

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    1. Thank you for reading and thank you so much for this beautiful comment! :)

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  2. That is a wistful note about having coffee in cherished company. It took me back to the day when I ordered two coffees in a deserted restaurant on a terrace on a windy day knowing fully well she will never come.

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    1. Thank you for reading. And thank you for leaving such a lovely comment, and sharing something that's beautiful and sad at the same time. :)

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  3. That's such a different 'If we were having coffee' post. It's a unique relationship - between the writer and her protagonist. You seem to be a little in love with Abhigyan yourself :-). Also, that was me - I asked why he fell in love with Paridhi. You're right, though, when you say it's hard to tell why someone falls in love with someone. Loved to hear your thoughts Tarang.

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    1. Haha! Yes, it's a special and unique relationship.
      Oh, I don't remember. I just remember the question. It stayed with me for some reason. :) Thank you so much, Tulika, for reading and leaving a lovely comment (I was actually waiting for your comment)! 😊

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  4. This was such an interesting post to read. Made me think about which of my characters I'd like to have coffee with. I think we fall in love with all our characters, don't you? Very nicely written, Tarang.

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    1. Yes!:)
      Thank you so much, Debeshi, for reading and leaving a lovely comment. Means a lot. :)

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