It has been ten years since I last saw her, but every bit of her was etched in my memory.
Today as I sit here, in a corner of my cozy little apartment, in a city far far away from the comforts of that beautiful village I left behind, holding on to the only bit of hope I had dared to save for myself when I set out on this quest, which would eventually become my life, I couldn't stop myself from thinking of her.
I looked at the wall in front of me- nothing new, nothing fancy. The walls here were plain, but they have retained in them memories of a lot of years and a lot of faces.
My fingers tightened on the little piece of paper I held. The faint fragrance of winter jasmines wafted all around me, slowly taking me back in time.
I was back in the village, throwing pebbles into the stream that ran through the paddy fields. The sight of crops dancing in the soft breeze and the sound of birds singing filled me with a sense of calm.
My throws became more focused, creating beautiful ripples rather than sharp splashes in the water.
"Appu, why are you sitting here? I've been looking for you everywhere. Why didn't you tell me you were coming here, I was so worried!"
I turned to look at her. Pretty amused that she was so worked up about something so silly, I motioned her to sit down beside me.
As she settled down beside me, I looked at her face - so pure. She was probably the best thing that had happened to me. I thanked the universe for making me meet her.
A pair of fingers snapped me out of my trance and I chuckled at her confused expression.
She sighed in exasperation.
"You're leaving," she stated, staring into the endless expanse of greenery in the fading evening hues.
I didn't dare say anything. I placed my hand on hers and drew little circles on the back of it.
"Go in. Your mother must be waiting for you," she stated as she sharply pulled her hand away.
"Maya, listen-"
"I'll miss you, Appu," she whispered, as if unsure if she should let me know.
But, I'd heard it anyway.
A voice broke my train of memories. The aroma of melted jaggery and freshly cooked fritters was replaced by a faint fragrance of vanilla. The faces I had loved and loathed- all began to fade.
"Aparna, there you are! We were supposed to go see a movie and thanks to you, we've missed it!" Cam complained.
"Next weekend, Cammy. My treat," I said, grinning, as I put away the piece of paper and got up to hug him.
-Aarathi
