Purnima

Watching the moon from her window, Shona got up, she had to dress up tonight. It was a Purnima night meaning he will come. She put on her red sequins salwar kameez, the red bangles and took the sindur in her hands. That will have to wait, he will put that on for her. With a smile, ready like a new bride she went outside.

Looking lovingly at the moon, memories came back. Was it that long? Five years had gone by, and here she was again, waiting..

It seemed just like yesterday when she had first met him. He had come in a red t-shirt, jeans and a cap to welcome her at the airport. They both walked to each other and hugged. He whispered her name softly" Mith..", the name he had given her. Reaching their destination, unable to take off their eyes from each other, looking forward to a future together they both sat and made plans. She had left all her family behind, coming to him for life. Then the worst happened, the fear crept in. He could not do it. He was young, only 22, no job, no home, where would he keep her? Shona looked at him, not believing her ears, it can't be happening...she had trusted him, loved him, she had no where to turn to. "We can do it; build a life together, I will be with you", she begged him . Nothing made sense anymore.. she was screaming in pain, he was shouting in fear, and then to prove he loved her, he put the sindur in her mang, telling her to wait for him, he will come back to get her. The moon was the witness and with that he walked away.

She sat all alone, tears flowing from her eyes. Carrying the bundle he had brought her, a red suit, bangles and sindur she went back..

All these years, she waited for him on the full moon night. Surely he will come tonight?

Sleepless Scribbles

Shona's side of story:

Shona opened the door to the lounge, walking in quietly, not wanting anyone to know of her existence. It was dark and very peaceful. Not many loungers in here at this time. She looked around to see if he was here, her love, the person for whom she comes to the lounge. No, he wasn't here tonight. She checked the shout box for any messages from him, none there today. With a sad feeling, she walked to the posts. Hopefully he might have posted something. It had been a month since she was here last. She had gone away for some time to give him the space and time he so wanted. Then she saw it, the post, it was easily recognised by his unique style of writing. Her heart pounding strongly, she walked closer and read it. He had missed her, he was alone without her, he had said her name, can this be true, should she dare believe what she saw. She was happy; at the same time troubled.

It was a piece of fiction. He told her not to relate to it. She wanted to believe what she read but couldn't. She was not allowed to feel. Why did he keep her hidden from all? Was he embarrassed to be known as her friend? He had many friends in the lounge, he talked and joked with them. Why wouldn't he let her be known? He judged her, he compared her to others. If only he could look deep into her heart and see the pure, unconditional love she felt for him. She will always love him. She will remain anonymous, she wouldn't break her word to him.

With a little smile, and heavy heart she walked out of the lounge, back to her normal life.