The Waiting Hall!

Upbeat and happy, I entered the waiting area. I was going to meet my love after a long time. Staying at a distance doesn't really draw you apart but keeps the enthusiasm and longing to see each other.

Two hours in the waiting was not really bad coz I love watching the crowd anonymously. The way they interact, the mannerisms in which they communicate. It is amusing and awesome.

While I was trying to read the minds of people around, I encountered a known face. I have a knack of knowing people who may be won't know me; but I may know them coz I had just seen them somewhere. But this case was different. I knew her. And I was sure she din't know me.

She was trying to read the newspaper. It was 8 in the evening. The news must've gone stale by now. But she was, trying to avoid people, trying to avoid any sort of conversations. She was behaving anxious. 

I wanted to read her mind and know what's with her. I had known about her 2yrs ago, every detail about her. But 2yrs is a long time, a lot changes. I changed, so did my man and so did she. She was not the bubbly same, she was not the cranky same.

I thought for a while, if I should strike a talk with her. But she may be confused. She would not know me. But what if I told her how I knew her, how will she react. Will she accept it or just go crazy on me. So much so hovered over me.

Finally made up my mind and went down to her. Just to talk. She was well into the paper when I just asked her "Can I sit here?"

"Oh sure" she put her bag down.

 " Pretty busy this airport is, isn't it?" I was trying to start with something.

 "Ah yes! Mumbai has to be busy. You are new here?"

 "Uum no, been here for last 1year. Used to be in Bangalore before. I worked there."

"Oh great, I used to be in Bangalore myself. Shifted bases 2yrs ago. That city din't suit me. Nor did people there."

"That's strange. I loved that city. Had no options n so came here. People there as well as the weather are welcoming."

"Well for me, some people din't strike the cord well and the unending saga of hatred, betrayal, fights, love, cries, etc; it all happened there. I din't expect that to happen to me ever. But now, I am well over it, happy with myself, enjoying the beauty of life my way. No compromise, no emotional banters. Its good now, you see."

I was relieved with what she said and what she is currently. "Good to know that. Happy to see people happy around." I gave a smile.

With that there was an announcement of Air India flight by which she was to leave. 
"Oh btw, it was nice meeting you.", she said.

" And do you really think I won't be knowing you? Coz I would've never had a life conversation with someone I know nothing of. And for me you are no stranger. You came to me to know how am I doing past Rohit, which came out of guilt. And I am glad to see you still being with him, that he really did find someone right for him. May be we were not meant to be together. And may be you and me had to meet just to really know what's with lives of each other and finding it is indeed good."

With this she waved a goodbye. I watched her walk away, smiling to herself. Within this few minutes something changed for her and for me as well. It seemed like she let go of her baggage. The pressures of not confronting her troubled past were off. She knew she had to do it someday. And soonest is always better.

A sense of guilt crossed my mind. It felt as if I was a perpetrator of all the nuances she faced in those times. But then she did set free herself from the shackles of the last years she had been through. I really din't know if that was what she thought. But I heaved a sigh. Realizing moving on and out is really necessary and indeed a good thing. I thought for a while about telling Rohit about this, but then this time, this talk may be well preserved in this waiting hall and in my heart.

Picture Courtesy: Google Images