In Asian folklore they say, souls have ties from previous births, some are twin flames, some are enemies, others just friends you love too much. So next time you meet a stranger who invokes a strong feeling, just know that there is a soul tie tying them to you.
The man with no tie was quite a character, for all these years since I first saw him, we ran into each other at events of common interest and each time we met, I felt like we were strangers and yet greeted with such warmth as if I were an old friend. I did wish to know this person more, but, there was no reason for us to connect. Life made is drift into our own separate directions, moving us closer to our destiny, which turns out to be of crossing paths in between. Do we meet? Do we just cross paths or Do we walk along? God may know and Devil may care. The dating pool has definitely exhausted us out of our wits, and a sense of comfort and familiarity does go a long way.
Bangalore, 2024.
Amidst crowded schedules and back to back meetings, I recieved a text from Mr. No Tie. He still managed to command the attention of his audience without a Tie. By chance he remembered I had moved to the city and happened to be in town for work.
"So we are actually hanging out?" I knew I was grinning ear to ear while I asked this question. Obviously a dumb question. But, come on! How often does it really happen like Mallikajaan in Heeramandi had said, Aasman mei chadhne wala chand logo k gharo mein nahi utarta. But mine was here, sitting on my couch, sipping green tea, looking a little bemused at my wide grin.
"Umm yeah" How many times do I need to confirm this for you Ms. Bannerjee?" He was visibly amused by the warmth with which this old acquaintance had recieved him.
"You can call me by my name" I could only refute, for I was okay with whatever he would call me.
FYI, this was Our man with no tie. After 2 years, 3 months and close to 11-15 days, Okay I am not an expert with dates, this was random numbers. But, you do get the gist right? We met after so long, and this man does not fail to surprise. Yes I was indeed impressed long back, and his way of greeting melted me even now. ALSO, Still no tie, and yes, still the charm of simplicity.
Like it is one thing to be polite, and another to invoke a certain familiarity as if you're greeting an old friend. Damn! I wanted to be like this man, more than wanting him. But, yeah now that we are here, dear my self, please breathe and act normal. Phewh!!
"I hope you don't mind me showing up at such a short notice." Came the apology. He was too polite that way.
"Na Na, why apologise. Make yourself home please."
"You seem like a nice addition to home I must say." He was playful and smiled.
OMG, Did I hear it right? I could easily say something cheesier, but manners. Uff!
"So what's new? I could not help be hesitant.
Like why does being around a crush takes away all your confidence, especially if they actually start acting like the imaginary scenarios you build in your head?
And how is life treating you. Other than work?"Yes I wanted to know, did god answer my last prayers I had sent out, was he happy within relationship fronts?
"Ah you don't know I suppose. I haven't been dating lately. We broke up" He sounded matured, so it has definitely not a fresh break up, the pain in the declaration usually gives an Idea.
I felt upset for him, and mad at god, like hello, I asked you to do one job, protect this man's happiness. Could have managed that if you were not doing anything for me on the relationship front. Duh!!
"Here, have some of this" I offered him my favourite Japanese cheesecakes, soft and lightly sweetened. I usually had them in stock for my stress eating.
"I am okay, and I am over my gluttony days of drowning sorrow with snacks. Gotten back to the gym, had put on a whopping 20 pounds, you know." He laughed lightly. "Plus I do not know if I can go that way again" The dating scene in 2024 was making everyone say similar phrases I figured.
Aur ek main gawaar jisko Pounds and Kg ka relationship kabhi samajh nahi aaya.
"So, you are single and available?" I wanted to give a nice expression, but his laughter suggested otherwise.
"Okay sorry. But you are too cute when you try not to be." He laughed.
All these years, and he still invoked the same familiarity of being some long lost confidant. With his warm smile and honest eyes, I somehow again just felt a prayer escaping my lips silently for him to be blessed with happiness. Whomsoever, he may find it with.
The night was young and we both strolled out of to the balcony sipping on our fruit flavored green teas. There was a light drizzle and warmth of the tea cups was just perfect. Our zomato order showed up right on time for a cozy night in, since my roommate was away for a week and there was extra space with no judgement.
This was a completely simple, somewhat vulnerable human I sat with. Not the unattainable moon, but a simple sparkle that twinkles in every eye. We talked about childhood, silly games, heartaches, broken dreams and the big chase of impact of life. Almost everything under the sun, and the ease of thoughts was almost like we read each other's mind. Snacking on our plant based fritters, and talking through the night, we did not realize how the Friday night in turned into an early morning when we heard the first birds chirp at around 4 in the morning. Realizing how terribly late it was, and how refreshingly awake we both felt, we both shrugged and just smiled while gazing into each other's eyes. I do not know vibe matched or not, but yes for a moment it felt like we have sat like this before, eyes locked, hands raised and touching palm to palm.
Just then his phone rang, had an early morning flight to catch and a hotel room to check out his luggage from. The connection was lost, but as I hugged him goodbye,but we both knew, this was only the beginning.
Comments
Post a Comment