40 years had passed since then, and life stood in odd hours when i met her .........once more. Except for the wrinkles , she looked almost similar to what I had known. I saw her walking in the same elegant manner to which I was so much familiar, only she had the baby in her hand. Something which I had imagined years before ,finally happened in reality.
We both were smiling at the baby, neither of us spoke for a long time until I felt it necessary to break the silence.
Me:"So , how are you? Its been such a long time."
Her:"Yeah 40 years and believe me I could never imagine that I would ever meet you in this manner."
Her eyes spoke out the guilt she had wrapped up so delicately for years.
Me:" If it were not for that one day, things would have been so different."
Her:" I was confused. I couldn't understand what to do. Time was less and I had to make a quick decision."
Me:"And indeed you made the right decision. Sarthak was perfect for you. If only I had little knowledge about your decision making, it would have been easy for me. I stood there waiting until I saw you in that bridal gown advancing slowly towards the car. The people congratulating the newly wed couple. Indeed it was the greatest shock for me as I could never believe that you did this at your will. I kept on thinking that there might be any reason , any circumstance which forced you . But after standing for four hours in front of your gate like an idiot and your confirmation of everything by that phone call, I deleted all my faith from love and trust."
Her:"I couldn't help it Dinesh. It was too late by then. It was at the last moment I realized that life is not a bollywood film. In a marriage so many emotions are connected and Sarthak was a nice guy. He was always very understanding."
Me:"You were right . What better life could I have given you. I was just a graduate getting a mere scholarship to complete my post graduation. At first I was really furiated but later I realized later that it was all a madness. I could give you nothing .If only you had informed me earlier and not kept me waiting at your gate.I am sure Sarthak gave you a much better life. Where is he? Isn't he coming?"
Her:"He passed away five years back and left behind some wonderful memories I would never be able to forget"
Me:"I see....."
Her:"And what about you. Where is your better half? Why didnt she come?"
Me:"Well, that's a long story. I divorced her , rather she divorced me when Karan was just two. She was never satisfied with anything or rather I was not able to keep her happy. She didn't even demand Karan's custody. All she wanted was to be free and independent."
We both were silent for a long time and she suddenly starts laughing loudly.
Me:"Why are you laughing ?"
Her:"I am laughing at destiny today. You see this baby. I could never imagine that 40 years later I would meet the same person I had loved madly in my college days ,in this hospital and both of us will be celebrating the birth of our grandson."
Me:"I was also stunned when I saw you today. I had least knowledge that you would turn out to be Rashi's mother."
Her:" Rashi told me a lot about Karan since she went to Bombay to complete her doctorate. I was a lot more surprised when I heard about their marriage in London. She told me that both of them took that decision thinking that to be the perfect day in their life."
Me:"When you find something perfect to do then this present moment is your perfect time. That was what I used to say Karan every time. He told me about Rashi two days before their marriage but when I heard about it, I was happy that my son chose his life partner without any hesitation and obligation. But I was least aware of the bigger game destiny was playing and that we would meet like this one day".
Her:"Where is Karan?"
Me:"He's there with her. Dont worry . Let them spend some time and let this conversation remain in closed envelope never meant to be opened."