From Yesterday

Chapter 1 - The Aftermath

Chapter 1 - The Aftermath

"And can I just say, that the world is a small place", said Advaitgazing into Anita's deep brown eyes.

Anita's eyes moistened. She wanted to say yes but something deep inside told her that it was not to be. Not now. Not ever. And so, perhaps, silence was a prudent choice as it wouldn't hurt as much as words would.

Advait looked at the skyline from his balcony. He recalled those last moments vividly, when he asked if world could still be a small place and if they would meet again but Anita did not respond. It was hard to believe that she really didn't want to meet him again. He sipped his drink, rubbed his forehead and looked back at the living room.

"The proverbial 'lounge' bar still remains unfulfilled!" thought Advait and a wry smile crossed his face. He always wanted to have a private bar in his apartment, a very private and special place for moments with loved ones...with Anita. It had been sevenlong years since that silent farewell on a cold night.

Advait turned around and walked into the living room. He was restless tonight. A little more than other nights.

"Probably a walk would do me good", thought Advait as he stepped out onto the 1st Street.

1st Street happened to be a posh and prime location right in the heart of the city. Advait walked down the street and looked at the restaurants, cafes and bars on either side. There was a chill in the air that provided some consolation at the end of an extremely hot and humid day. Advait shook his head as he recalled the weather forecast for the week, pretty much the same as the past few days, sweaty and dehydrating.

"Salsa nights, spin along as DJ Jorge spins out the best mix of Latin music!!" read the sign board outside one of the clubs.

Advait looked at the sign board and glanced at his watch. 9:45 pm. He looked up as he entered the club to note the name of the place: 'Inquieto'. He could not help but smile at the ironical coincidence. Inquieto he was, restless more than ever!

Advait had danced occasionally over the past year. When Anita was with him they used to go clubbing and dancing often. Dancing meant something special to them, their relationship. It helped them get close to each other in spite of any problems or misunderstandings. Advait still chose to go dancing, once in a while, perhaps for old times' sake.

"Vodka with lime and ice" instructed Advait as he settled down on the bar stool. He looked around the club, observed the walls and the ceiling. The colors and décor reeked of extravagance, perhaps overdone deliberately, keeping with the "Inquieto" mood.

The music was peppy and classic Latino! Advait smiled as he recalled how Anita used to be very particular about dancing only with him on the floor! She always refused to dance with any other person even if it was a very genuine, polite and charming request!

"Oh come on! I don't mind" said Advait.

"But I do" said Anita and leaned on Advait's shoulder.

"Huh, but these are decent guys. I mean they are all here for proper, no-nonsense dancing. You see, most of them learn dancingat one or the other dance school. And whenever they comedancing to one of these clubs, they just want to try out their moves, they don't come to hit on women"

Anita feigned plugging her ears with her fingers and smiled.

Advait smiled and gazed at the drink in front of him. Seven years had gone by and yet he remembered every detail, every incident as if there was a movie running inside his head. Advait shook his head and focused his attention on the dance floor, consciously trying to divert his mind. The crowd was a mix ofyoungsters as well as some middle aged people. He noted that the dance instructor had started his classes for the evening.