The Slow Reader

While we read together we reached chapter 11 of the book..

Alone I was a slow reader and covered only 2 more chapters..

The memory of chapter 11 was still fresh in my mind...

But you moved on to chapter 18 all by yourself..

Where chapter 11 became just a part of the book..

When you looked up, you didn't find me there..

It is understandable that you got baffled..

Leave behind the slow reader my friend...

And read on.. you must always move to the next chapter..

Each reader will finish the book in their own time..

<<<<<<------ONE YEAR BACK..........>>>>>TODAY

A YEAR BACK

December, in Mumbai, is one of the most pleasant months. The residents of the city get a respite from the humidly oppressive heat without having to bear harsh winters.
On one such day in December 2006, they met around mid-morning at Churchgate station-A casual meeting between friends who hadn't met for a while because of exam schedules. They greeted each other with brilliant smiles, reserved for people who "make your day".

They exchanged initial pleasantries and headed towards Mocha for a relaxed morning of coffee and chatter. Most of the day passed by like a breeze...lunch at Pizzeria....a walk along Marine Drive...well almost...

Come evening, they sat together at the sea-side. Each of them involved in their own thoughts--thoughts of events, other people and life in general. The conversation was just perfect, just enough to suggest company and comfortable enough to allow room for the thoughts.
Suddenly, she glanced at him and caught him staring at her. She held his eye and they looked....just looked at each other.

They only noticed time, when it began trying to veil the intimacy of their gaze, with the dark blue of the night sky.The spell lifted and a chill breeze blew in.

Not a little conscious, she eventually asked him,"Usually when we speak, even when you are miles away from me, over the phone, I always know what exactly is going on in your mind and heart...
But today, you are here sitting, not 1 foot away from me and I'm incapable of understanding anything about you."
He just smiled a mysterious smile and answered.."Thats because I was thinking about you..."


TODAY

A year has passed that day....a year full of turmoil and unpleasant events.....

He calls her up.
Him: "Hi!! Whats up?"
Her: "Hey, nothing, just watching TV..U tell me.."
Him: "How are your studies going on?How was todays paper?"
Her:"Sucked big time...Better try to make up in the next one..What about your work?"
Him:"All great as usual."
Her:"And your amma?"
Him:"She's fine. But I do miss her."
.
.
.
.(a pause..the kind that you would call pregnant..)
.
.
Her:"I think I should get back to my work now"
Him:"Yea, I guess you should...bye!"
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I guess life goes on....
we haven't seen anything that qualifies the end of the world yet..

just something beautiful i came across...

I'm not begging you to love me.
I'm not really even asking you to.
But isn't it alright if i cherish that hope in my heart ?
If i just dream of holding your hand it will hurt me and not you.
I'll try to keep my eyes from shining when they see you and
i promise not to smile a special smile when you say hello.
But please...
Don't ask me
Not to love you.