Long Lost Love

She did not do what her heart wanted her to. Merely looking at him awoke all her past memories, of the feeling his presence made, his touch made, the way his kiss felt- she didn't want to remember all these, for the sake of her parents, whom she loved dearly, to whom she had made a promise, that she would never wanna attempt to see him, and would of course, lose all contacts with him; when she was a 9th grader, and in love with him, and when her parents came to know about it. She was unhappy, always crying, writing long letters to no one, pretending that she would send each one to him, and in turn, he would reply, but he never did. How could he? She actually did not send him anything. She was disturbed, dismayed, anxious, helpless, love sick, but never showed up. And that ate her. She was grown up now, living on her own, earning on her own, still unmarried- yes she was above thirty and not married. She was still not able to forget that man who had walked up in her life to give her all happiness she could ever desire for, and she respected him, no matter wherever he was, no matter if he forgot her or not, no matter if he was married by now, and didn't love her anymore.

She loved him, and that's all she knew.

And she saw him pass her today, as he smiled towards her. She had seen him long time back for the last time, but the one you love, you are never able to forget. She didn't know what to do, he did know about the promise, and he did understand her.

"Old habit. I am sorry/" that man said, realizing that she wanted to stick to her promise. And he respected her thoughts, remembering how emotionally she was attached to her parents. That was the reason he loved her, ironically, that was the reason he was miles away form her, though so near. He looked away, waiting for a gesture, at least. She couldn't possibly have forgotten him, after all, the memories they shared together...
The dreams they dreamt together...

He grew impatient, more gloomy. He turned back finally, sure that she wouldn't show no concern. She actually didn't. She was in a dilemma- obey your parents, live for them, or live for yourself. What about the fact that you lived so many years without him, didn't marry because of your wish to marry him, knowing that you won't, but forgetting your parents? Let go of him. You have already dedicated your life to him, and have made your parents happy with this sacrifice. You should think of your parents, you should sacrifice. After all, count the sacrifices your parents made for you?"

Let go of him.. he mind said.
He's so near, yet so far..

He walked away. She turned back, tears filling up her eyes. She didn't talk. Though she was in love. Sh saw him finally.

She heard the shop door close behind her, footsteps fading away, in her ears, she knew he was sad. But she was bound.
"Taxi..!" She could hear his faint voice calling out on the main street, as she couldn't control herself. She ran towards the door.

Better late than never..

She ran, as fast as she could, as he moved in the taxi.
"Jeet!" she let out a cry.
The man opened the door, gestured the taxi to pause for a moment.
"Jeet!" she ran up and hugged him, crying, apologizing.

"Your mom?"

"I do love her, But I can't forget the fact that I love you too. After all, I too have the right to live my life! Apologize to my parents, but I can;t give you up."

They smiled, as the first drops of rain fell on both of them, remembering how they met.
She got into the taxi with him, and the taxi drove away, to disappear from the main street of Canning Road, in a hustle bustle of a city in Delhi.