The Quirk of Fate

The brisk walk of his was a trademark associated with lanky, slim and upright persona he owned. Often a laughing issue as well, amongst his friends. Why are you in such hurry all the time? I don’t have much time left in this world. I can’t afford to waste my time. I have a family to look after, a career to build and lots of money to earn. I want to be a 'bada aadmi'! Didnt you hear what maximus orelius had to say? “What we do in life, Echoes in eternity"! So let me utilize the time in a constructive way...

"And love?..Are you crazy? It’s all a waste of your emotions, money and time. And how can you even think of true love? It has ceased to exist. It’s just a fable to be found in some history books. A mirage we keep on chasing despite being aware of the eventuality”. Used to be his assaulting statement on love. Who knew what was in store!!

As time passed by, college life was a thing of the past just like a bright neon sign on an arid highway...And he grew bigger and bigger, climbing the ladder of success and material wealth. Life seemed lonely at times, but who cares! I have money, I am established in society, my family is well looked after and most importantly, my colleagues and friends of yore look at me in envy...companionship? Forget it. They still fall into the same category of 'waste'...

As luck would have it...a small trip to the supermarket nearby under the pretext of relaxation and an urge of shopping...there was something very striking about the counter girl...she seemed intimidated by his rich persona, expensive clothes and air of superiority. but as he looked at her closely, her face was like a collection of fresh dew drops devoided of any jealousy,wordly desires and was reflection of a soul, at peace with itself..Strange!! She barely manages to fulfill her basic necessities. Slogs so hard at this counter, tolerating the abuse of the owners and stares of hungry customers!! Yet, at peace..!! And the conversation started and so did his frequent trips to the supermarket...no, i don’t like her! It’s just that, my shopping habits force me to go there. I am above these feelings, that too with a counter girl??

The girl loved talking to him and waiting for him! He is so big in stature and standing in the society...am I hallucinating? This cant be true! Let me just cherish the illusion!

As the shutter was being closed down, he reached there pretending to be in hurry and yet, trying to conceal his desperation to have a glimpse of her! Can I drop you? I am going in the same direction...umm...no sir...I don’t want to trouble you...take it easy gal...
So, there they stopped by, at the periphery of the ever increasing slum.
Would you like to have a cup of coffee? She asked hesitantly. Aware of her daring offer and realities of her one room shanty...

Not able to believe her luck, she shared the enticing aroma of coffee with him...as he was about to leave, their eyes met and next moment, he found himself planting his lips on hers in the first ever kiss of his life and with the passion,that,he thought, had never existed in him..The passionate encounter lasted whole night...

The feelings of guilt and shame followed him the following day in his swanky office. A person of my stature falling out for a slum girl! Yet he could not forget the experience of immense pleasure! No! That was a mistake! He even refused to take her calls...full stop...period..!

After a month, he received a note! And as he finished reading...life reeled on counting on the silent wishes, he had never acknowledged and suppressed with ruthless precision...
"By the time this little note reaches you, I will not be around...
Dear, thanks for sharing the best coffee of my life. Thanks for making me feel like a woman, who could be desired! Thanks for the best and most beautiful night of my life...you gave me more than what I could ever dreamed of...I wont be here tomorrow..But now...i will die a happy person...
Thanks for being you...
Thanks for life..! "

He stood still...she had leukemia...he could visualise a face...tranquility...a soul at peace with itself...