Over a Cup of Coffee...
Sunny had not called a city, home
for more than three years, thanks to his father’s ever transferable job. Very
early in life, he learned not to get too attached to anything or anyone. Even if he did get attached, he knew how to move on soon. He knew which button to
press to bring the pain of attachment to a screeching halt.
Sarah’s earliest memories are tied
to the charming city that is Bombay. She was born here, went to school here and
graduated from the very same city that is home to her. For her, this city is like
a person with whom she has grown up with.
Sarah and Sunny met during the
first day’s induction at work. Not wanting to come across as timid, Sarah
extended a handshake. They had similar interests but as people, they couldn’t
be more different, thanks to the circumstances they grew up in. But they grew
fond of each other. Sarah found it quite materialistic of Sunny to look at Life
so objectively. She thought of Life without attachments to be mere existence.
Sunny told Sarah that she exerts her heart too much and at times, one should
approach life with the head.
Over a tea, Sunny told Sarah how
limiting attachments can get. How much a short leash they can keep a person in!
Sarah said “Even the Eagle which soars high above the rest of the birds and the
clouds has to come back to its nest”.
On a Sunday morning, Sarah called
up Sunny to tell him that she is getting married. Sunny was happy for her.
Sarah couldn’t hold back her tears when she bid adieu to Sunny and left for
Bangalore. She lamented about having to leave Bombay and to go to a place full
of strangers. Sunny did not understand what was there to be so emotional about
and neither did Sarah expect him to understand.
Over the years, they stayed in
touch in spite of their hectic schedules and respective families to take care
of. It was some day in the middle of the week that his phone rang. Sunny couldn’t
recognize her voice initially. Then he broke in to a broad smile and a hearty
laugh. The decided to meet up at the Dorabjee’s coffee shop over the weekend.
Sarah had changed completely – to the
extent that Sunny wouldn’t have recognized her on a chance meeting. Sarah got
up and hugged Sunny. “Someone has put on weight and added a bit of salt and
pepper too”, exclaimed Sarah. Having ordered a coffee, Sarah said “Over the
past 12 years, I have lived in 5 cities! Can you believe that? At times for his
job and at times for mine. Now, you are my only friend from Bombay! I must give
you credit for keeping in touch. You tell, how have you been?”
“I have fallen for Bombay, Sarah. I
have neighbours whom I have known from our early days in Bombay. Shopkeepers
around know my preferences. My kids went to the same school that they attended
primary school in. My wife and I have lived in the same apartment since marriage.
Bombay is home to me! So you have finally come back to Bombay for good. Is it
Sarah?”
“Not at all! I can’t stay in Bombay
for more than 2 weeks now. I am on a small stopover before my husband and I
move to Delhi”, said Sarah.
Sunny smiled looking at the window
which over looked a busy street. On the window, was etched “Time Changes, Waves Change and So do People”
Arun Babu.
Hey, finally you made a short story post :)
ReplyDeleteYou could have written more on Sarah. Missing little charm here and there.
yes finally! Next time, I will definitely make the effort :)
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