On the Edge of the Hill

Walking through the old church gate, he smiled to himself. Peace at last.

Away from the hustling town he could finally sit and brood. He sat at the edge of the hill, on that single bench overlooking the town and inhaled the lovely autumn breeze. That bench was his confidant. The sweet atmosphere had an even sweeter fragrance that day. He looked around in doubt and that when he heard her!

A shadow fell over him. He turned around, in silence. They exchanged glances, neither uttered a word. She smiled a sad smile and sat next to him. Her skirt brushed against his hand.

He shifted uncomfortably in his side of the bench. He did not know what to do, he wanted to sit alone there for a while, he needed to inhale the peace around him but a glance at her made him realize she needed it too. Perhaps more than him. He stood up to leave.

"You can stay”, she murmured. "I mean if you want to. You came here first anyway..."

He took another short look at her, took a deep breath and sat down once again. They sat there in silence, time moved slowly. The town streets started to light up below them. The chirping of the bird grew softer and softer.

"This is my favorite place in this town." she whispered.

"Mine too." he smiled. She looked at him seriously. Took a good look at his smile and quickly shifted her gaze as soon as he faced her.

"What are you looking at?” he asked softly.

"Your smile...uh I mean it seems I am familiar to it... um … never mind!”, she blurted out and shifted awkwardly in her side of the bench.

"It is okay. Will you mind if I ask you, who does it remind of..?"

"My dad...I come here when I miss him..." she just spoke automatically without even realizing a tear trickling down her cheek.

"Oh! I am sorry. Do not cry, I am sure he would not have liked that… you know. "

"Hmm... yes you are right”, she smiled wiping away her tear. “It is really strange, right? I do not even know you and I am talking to you about all this.”

“Perhaps that makes it easier.” He looked into her half lightened face.

“I am thankful to meet you; thankful that you did not leave... perhaps I did not want to stay alone"

"Even I came here to sit in solitude, but I guess his plans were different for me today. Hey...you are okay right..?"

"I am, I will be...I have to leave now..." she got up to leave.

"Hey...I will be here tomorrow...will you?"

She turned, looked at him, whispered, "I might"

Walking out through the old church gate, she smiled knowing she will. A friendship that would last.

With Love,

Sanjukta.