Tree

The Tree

I was standing in front of the Banyan Tree which had dressed up new for the spring. At this twilight time the road in front of the Gandhi park was abuzz with many people particularly the students waiting for the bus. The chat centre was full. Some retired people were sitting in the Bus shelter having the discussion about the coming elections.
It was 6.30 & she had not yet come. I had sent 5 sms & 3 missed calls from half an hour but in vain.
This tree was a witness of our love. It started in the last spring. She had come in the green dress, with the Green-white dupatta. She had left her hair uncombed which was resting on her shoulders. A gentle breeze would push her hair from its position to her cheek, which she ever so gently put it behind her ear. Her green bindi was just a straight line, which I thought matched her dress. The ear hangings were very pretty which danced when she walked. She was very fond of her ear jewelry as she had each for her dress. I felt she was the nature herself which come in this very pretty form to meet me. She came & just said “I felt the same”. So compact but yet so intensive. I head the 5’0 clock siren following it as if all in the city are acknowledging this.
Months passed we met almost regularly in this very place. She always spoke more than me. I always listened to her watching her glittering eyes nodding my head at whatever she said. She spoke about her friends, the dog next door, her distant relative aunt, the classes and so & so forth. I listened!
Now its 6.45 no news of her. I wanted to meet her ever so eagerly today. The fight was not resolved. she had stopped talking with me from a month. But today she told she wants to meet me to talk something. I said to myself I should wait.
The banyan tee with all her newness was very rejoicing. The tree appeared just like her today. The green leaves like her dress. The roots hanging appeared like her uncombed hair. The nest of the birds appeared as though they are her ear hanging. The tree was very pretty as ever. I felt like I should hug it.
Finally at 7.00 she arrived. I welcomed her with my customary smile. She was pretty as ever. But nothing to decorate her ear today. This was a big surprise as she loved her ear hanging more than any other jewel.
She said “ I am sorry, I got engaged”. I was shocked , The earth stopped for me. She said so many words but I couldn’t ear. It was like I am seeing a mute movie. After 2 minute of her explanation she left. I felt like shouting but I couldn’t , I felt like crying but I couldn’t. I saw the banyan tree now. I felt I should hug it now.