As I was trudging through the haphazard market of my own town which seemed quite strange to me owing to my inability to visit the place for past two years, I saw her at a fruit shop. I do not know how I noticed her in such a large crowd, but my sight went straight to her.There was a time when I always looked for her in the market. Probably that habit is still alive in some corner of my unlucky heart. She was wearing a yellow printed kurti over a light blue jeans and brown flat sandals. She was bewitching, elegant and charming as usual. I was afraid that if she noticed me how would I react. Sadly my feelings for her were still hidden waiting for something unusual to happen.But again the usual happened.
She paid the money, took her bag and started her scooty. In a few moments I had lost her in an overcrowded Diwali bazaar.The populous market seemed deserted to me. I was a primitive man, on foot, for ages. I do not bother to drive a vehicle until it is really necessary. I hurried my steps to see the way she had gone but I was late as usual.
I went on to inner side of the bazaar where numerous decorated shops tried to please me.Their goods reaching upto the road were narrowing the path making it more difficult for people to pass. Then I headed to the oldest part of the market where diyas were sold. There were a few tailors shop and sweets shop. It was a comparatively silent, less crowded and an undecorated place and to my surprise, I found her there in front of a tailor's shop arguing with someone," Where is Ramakant uncle? Has he not come to the shop today?"
She probably did not get a good answer as she frowned," When will the kurta be done? Tell me an exact date.I have told you it is urgent."
" Ok mam, come tomorrow I will get that kurta ready for sure. Sorry for the inconvenience but he has been ill for last two days."
" Alright I'll come tomorrow morning."
She was about to start the scooty when she looked behind to find me wandering like a stray dog.
She smiled at me as if asking," Where are you roaming."
Unfortunately I could not smile. I don't know why.
As she approached me, my heart was throbbing really fast. I tried to be normal.
" Hey, how are you?" She smiled.
" Fine, what about you?" I again struggled smiling.
" It has been a long time since we meet. You hardly come here. How are uncle and auntie?"
"All are good. I saw you there at the fruit stall but you vanished all of a sudden."
" Yeah, I was in a hurry. I am still in a hurry. Some guests are waiting at home."
"You should go then. I am always wandering here. You can talk to me some other day."
" I will call you. Probably I have your number. Can I?" She smiled looking into my eyes.
"Sure."
She bade me good bye and her scooty went down the lane. I stood there still, waiting till her pleasant fragrance faded away. I was happy after a very long time, her smiling face whirling in my eyes.
