Eyes Speak Lies ...

The Other Self

He sat gazing blankly at a tulip in full bloom on the edge of the pool. It was just one of the numerous flowers growing on the poolside, ornamenting it in a wreath, a beautifully woven wreath that might have signified the sense of purity and calm that the place had. It was as if nothing could penetrate the invisible barrier that stood between the cares of the world and the peace of the self. The wind blew gently, almost too gently, as if it were scared of interrupting the serenity of the place, the ostentatious simplicity of the occasion. He felt at home, lost in his thoughts, in the surroundings that seemed to emerge from his own self, unaware of his presence or that of her.

He was woken out of his reverie by the slight nudge that she gave him. It took him a while to get back to reality. He felt slightly irritated for being disturbed from his stupor. It was so intoxicating. It was a painful experience, the transition from fantasy to the mundane world. He shifted his head to adjust to the new state, realizing that he was glad to be out of his dreams. This was a dream, a dream come true. No fantasy could be better than what he experienced at the moment. He was half-sitting, half-lying on a patch of dried grass and leaves, propped up against her left arm, her palm in his, fingers clasped. Her right hand held on to his arm lightly, her head on his shoulder. She sat with her feet folded in an awkward fashion

The two of them together, sitting thus, were more content and happy than they had ever been. It was nearing dusk. They had arrived at the spot at daybreak and had not moved from their current position since lunch. No word had been exchanged between them for well over two hours. They hardly needed to speak. Words seemed to undermine the power and sanctity of their relationship. Words were plebeian, commonplace. Every person on the street had loads of them, without any meaning, though. Their touch said it all. It was all they needed to communicate in the most intimate manner possible. The assurance of the other’s presence was enough for both. It was as if love permeated from the body of one and seeped into the other’s. If it was love.

It had never appeared to them that they needed to define their relationship. They enjoyed being together. Even that was for others. Others who do not understand the subtleties of life. What they felt was very private, chaste and essentially indescribable. They did not claim immortal love or togetherness for this life or lives beyond. They simply did not discuss it with others. It was between them and it would go with them. No one else had any right on them. He was an extension of her and she, his. They talked, they laughed, they loved but they did not say it. They had never said it. It had been understood. They had never made an effort to be together. They simply drew closer. It was natural, as if a way had been carved for them and they had to tread that path, embracing each other.

They stood naked before each other. Naked in thought. Naked in need. Naked in desire. Naked in soul. They could see right through each other. There was no deception, no desire to deceive. No effort ever, was needed to comprehend the other. There were no discussions between them on any issue. A silent approval of thought or a slight nod of the head was all they needed to convey or express their opinion. This place was their perfect refuge. Solitude, silence and scenery was what they got. They needed none. They had each other. This place was a perfect refuge, but so was every other place where they could conceive each other. Physical presence was not imperative, not even desired. They had melted into each other as the Sun was melting away in the sky, burning with all its glory, setting the sky on fire. They were as much a part of each other as the darkness that was engulfing them, a part of every night that stood between dusk and dawn. They were as aware of each other as darkness was of light, even though one must perish for the survival of the other. They were one, receding into each other, away from the self.

posted by Swetank Gupta @ 5:46 am