Monsoon: too late or too soon?

…….

It was drizzling since morning but by the time she was done with her lunch it started to rain intemperately. She went outside to feel the air and light breeze. The moment she stepped out on the rain soaked patio, she knew she will have a tough day. Monsoon always had that effect on her. There was a time when she simply used to get mesmerized by the pleasant weather, pitter patter of rain drops and the sweet heart breaking fragrance of the damp soil. But now she feels sad, she only misses the love of her life and regrets that why dint she tell him about her feelings, why dint she ask his name.

This was the same hotel, same city where she met him 2 years back. They met each other at the Hotel disc. She was trying to order a Dirty Martini but bartender was way too busy to even give her a glance and the blaring music made it more arduous. Out of nowhere from crowd he jumped in and literally ordered for her and gave the bar tender 20 bucks for a 10 dollar drink. She thanked him and they started chatting, she actually liked him. Somehow she was not feeling any inhibitions from him and the result was she was sharing almost every tiny little detail of her life, her thoughts, her family and friends with him.

It was almost 3 in night when they had to leave the place. Both of them were in no mood to go their respective rooms. They were drunk, after the Martini sessions and tequila shots. Booze was doing all the thinking & talking for them. Before they knew they were sneaking out on the stairway and in no time they were at the rooftop of the hotel. Rooftop had a garden and a beautifully lit Gazebo which was reserved for the special occasions. It was raining and it began to gain momentum and smacked them with all its might, piercing them through and through, from head to toe (they preferred rain over brightly lit gazebo)…………

He saw her by the bar trying to place an order. That beautiful gorgeous girl who caught her attention not because of the beauty she endured but the charisma that engulfed her. Dressed in plain black cowl neck dress with her hairs tied up in a neat ponytail and the only jewelry she was wearing was a red ruby ring in her right hand. Confidently standing in her high red and bronze heels and clutching her tiny bag in one hand she was trying to get a drink. She was oblivious to his gaze, but he was very much aware of her presence and the fragrance of her perfume was simply intoxicating.

Before he knew he was buying her the drink. She turned towards him and thanked him. He knew he was drawn to her. She was intelligent and smart. He was getting more and more attracted to her. A feeling of inexplicable longing came over him as a thrill ran down his spine. Talking to her was so easy; he was his natural self, not at all artsy-craftsy. They had their drinks and then couple of shots. He dint even realize the time till he heard the DJ announcing that the bar is closed and everyone needs to leave. He dint want the night to end. She was also drunk but she wasn’t woozy or anything.

They ended up at the rooftop garden of the Hotel. He dint know how the door to the garden got unlocked, may be his luck was on his side. It was a rainy night. Though the stars were concealed by the pitch darkness, but he could easily see the twinkle in her eyes. Both of them were suddenly soundless, but one thing they could easily hear was, whatever other’s heart was saying. Both of them knew the night will be one of the most unforgettable nights of their lives and the moments will be cherished throughout their existence.

Since that morning 2 years back when they parted their ways he regretted not conveying his feelings to her. He was never able to forget her; she became a part of his heart, the girl with whom he shared the most beautiful moments of his life, the girl about whom he knew everything except for her name and contact. He tried to forget her but more he was trying to forget the more she was hovering over his thoughts and heart.

Finally he gave in to his feelings and decided to visit the same hotel on the same date when they met for the first and last time. It was his last night and tomorrow he will be leaving. He was unable to bear her absence from his life. To drown his sorrows he went down to the bar and ordered a drink. When he was about to pay a hand came from behind and offered 20 dollars for that 10 dollar drink.

There was no need to turn back and look who was buying him a drink, this was the fragrance he can never forget and that was ring which caught his attention.

He knew this is the beginning of a very beautiful life.