With the Stranger
We enter the coffee shop. The help boy gives us a decent seat. The owner beams up seeing us. The man with me, smiles back at him.
He orders two cups of coffee.
“Make that fast.” He says.
“So, you usually come late or is it a special night?” He asks me.
“It’s a special night, I wonder.” I answer; the first half to him, latter to myself.
The coffee arrives. He sips it hot. Quivering a little, he looks at me if I observed his silly gesture. And, finds me smiling. He looks at me intently.
“Why…What happened?”
“Nothing.” He turns his gaze low. “Your husband must be waiting. Right?”
“He is not at home right now. Anyways, what makes you judge that I am married?”
“Your engagement ring.”
We laugh together.
“You have a beautiful smile. Your husband must really be very lucky.”
I blush and reserve myself. “Only if he never comes to know that I am sitting in a coffee shop at 10 pm with a stranger.”
“Don’t tell him. That’s it.”
“Lying to him…?”
“Hiding it from him.”
“Would you be happy if your wife did so?” I question, folding my hands, with a smirk.
“I do not wear my engagement ring!”
“Your wrinkles are enough for me to judge that.”
“Oh so you are noticing me too!”
And we end up laughing again, breaking the stillness at the coffee shop, and coming at ease. We talk further and sip further.
“Marriage doesn’t ask you to stop seeking surprises, does it?”
“Why this question, out of a sudden?” I question back, finishing up the last bit of my coffee.
“No, I don’t think so. What is your take on it, sir?”
“Same as yours. I am a romantic soul. My wife loves me giving her surprises.” He also gets done with his coffee.
“The music is good. Would you mind a dance?”
“Oh! The coffee won’t take much time you said. And your wife might not like this surprise much, you know.”
“It’s just a dance. I am faithful to my wife. Trust me, I won’t kiss you, I promise!”
It was all about the way he said it.
And in that coffee shop, late at night, carelessly, we stood dancing. We moved along the music. There was nobody else but us, at least it felt that way.
The night is surprising indeed. It surpassed all the dullness, all the monotony. Just a kilometer away from my home, I am a happy feet. Not bothered by the upshots or worrying about what would happen the moment that follows; it liberated the air of all its tensions and apprehensions. Losing our identities and responsibilities, it was good talking and dancing. It appeared as if there was nobody waiting, nobody who was concerned at all; not even us two.
We finally stop and rest on our chairs, giggling meanwhile.
“Thank you.”
“Pleasure, ma’am.”
Our faces are shimmering with bliss. As if, we unwrapped and found an ever wanted gift! He pays the bill and we walk out of the café.
The other half does not take much time and was spent sharing silly laughs and grins. Eventually, I find that we have reached.
I stay and look at him.
He smiles back.
I walk further towards the main door and unlock it.
He follows me inside and shuts the door. He locks it from inside.
I put on the lights, not too much of them so that it could be dim. I have put my bag and the lunch box on the table. He comes towards me and holds me from back. I shiver. He takes off the blazer from my shoulders.
The milieu inside now was much more temperate. I turn towards him and we look at each other.
Period.
We kiss, like we never have kissed ever before in our lives. It was soft and lasted long. A lifetime. There is more of coziness and romance, than stern passion.
When we stop and I finally open my eyes, I find him staring at me, with his face gone red. Like mine was in the cold. But his, it was with warmth. With love. He caresses my face with his fingers. I slyly move with the movement.
“How was your day at office?”
“The same.”
He kissed my forehead. Tenderly.
“I was worried, honey.”
“I know.”
“You could have called me sooner.”
And we embrace each other. It was happiness.
“Tell me something…”
“Hmm?”
“Would you seriously go with a stranger someday if I don’t turn up?”
I look at him and give a slight kiss on his cheek.
“I know you would come. Anyhow.”
We smile. And he hugs me even tighter.
With the Stranger – VibrantEchoes
