A Cup of Coffee…

“Those standard coffee-shops don’t agree with me at all. Instead, We could go to some garden. It will be fun.” I was trying to take her out of the sedentary positions which always make you stick to something. Either the chair butt, or your laptop or the ah! the cellphone – during office hours.

My colleague retreated, “Hey, what will you get by going there? My tensions are getting the worst of me, and you are interested in scenery?”

She continued, “Exams are on the verge, the boss is all excited on new projects, the deadlines are drumming off my head. And there you are, describing the gushing surge and the blissful urge.”

I momentarily looked at her tensed up and sweat ridden face, droplets of pure exhaustion were visible even inspite of the ‘23 degrees’ display peeking at her from the sidewall of our cubicle.

“Dear lady, I am a poet by birth, my mind will wander in trees, it will marvel at flowers and beautiful faces.” (I never left a chance to indicate his intentions, though…)

“Ah you surprise me!” said she.

But, in any case, she was looking dainty and delicate as ever. The traces of a mild lipstick that she had smeared while giving the latest presentation were still blocking my attention towards work. The tangy twirl of hair was further inviting me to whirl around in the chair and……

The right bottom part of the desktop screen was already alarming. “Hey you, it is time to… leave the office. It is already 5.30 p.m. Your bike is waiting for you downstairs.

I started packing my belongings in the usual untidy way. She was still sitting gradually dropping miscellaneous things into her handbag. Slowly but neatly. I marveled at her ability to chat on WhatsApp, pack her bag and maintain those tensed forehead lines simultaneously.

“You are coming with me right?” Sheer expectation; although I didn’t show it on my face.

“Hmmm, let’s try. Come on!…” (Ha, finally)

We reached the hill top in about half an hour. Securing a place partly hidden in a dense shrubbery, I said, “Look Adi, (short for Aditi), you are going to do few things before we take a start.”

“Start what?” She stared at me blankly. (Start expressing my feelings, I thought)

“Before we start soothing out your tensions.” I replied in a jiffy.

“First you are going to switch off all electronic devices.”

“All? I only have my cellphone dear.” She prompted. (Thank god for that.)

“Now nothing will disturb us, I mean you.” I faltered.

“Next, sit straight, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Close your eyes dear!!!” I exclaimed out of apprehension.

She closed her eyes with the expertise of a trained yoga teacher. “Better. Now forget everything- the boss, the beauty contest this week, your exams next month, friends, even my presence.” (Don’t forget me though.)

I was muttering slowly in her ear, fully aware that my warm breath was clashing against the cool, breeze lashing her red cheeks. Yet I continued, “You are now independent. Free from everything; observe the plain audacity of the wind, the occasional chirping of the returning bird.  Listen to the sound of silence….. Forget the desk, talk with stones… Forget the seats, talk with leaves….”

I left her in this trance and became engrossed with the vivid sunset. The setting sun shone on me, but what I saw was her face.

After some time she opened her eyes. “Feeling better.” she said. I took her hand in mine, “Adi, Did you just witness that you can remain aloof if you want to; without ever needing closed walls and air-conditioned rooms? To talk. Talk with nature and it talks back….”

“Hmmm.” She replied.

“So, now what, after this sacred realization?” she asked.

“Now what!!” I muttered under my breath in just an attempt to say something to pour my heart out.

“Let’s have a cup of coffee….”

 

Phew!!!!

She lurched towards the bike to indicate movement; and me; I pat my hand on the forehead. Suggesting ‘succumbance’ to her majesty.