The Wave

Rohit was seated in the front row of the conferences room. He was a senior doctor,  considered an expert in his field. He had retired a couple of years back, and chose to live in a farmhouse away from the bustle of the city, leading a relaxed life. He had no regrets though. It helped him to stay happy, healthy and active.

And yet, there was an empty space within, where neither the warmth nor the chill could reach.. It was like a chamber in his heart, which had been under lock and key denying access to anyone,  even to himself! He smiled at the ridiculous thought. Who could stop him from reaching parts of his own heart except himself? And he did it very deliberately.

He aroused himself from his reverie and found that the young volunteer had finished whatever he was saying and now he pressed into his palm, a leaflet about the day's program. He glanced at it cursorily, for want of better things to do.

The first presentation was by one Smt. Anuradha karmarkar. She was well regarded in the academic circles and the topic was interesting too.He will get the opportunity to hear her talk, and if he liked what he heard, maybe he would go up to her to make her acquaintance. The rest of the program was mundane but would serve to make him feel part of the professional circles! Sometimes he wondered if it was a mistake on his part to retire early, but he quickly banished the thought from his mind. He had taken the decision to spend more time with his family and he would abide by it. These occasional professional meets were just sufficient to rejuvenate him!

While he was lost in his thoughts, the program began. As the first speaker was being introduced along with the recognitions and qualifications earned by her, he heard the name of his own college. He was pleasantly surprised.

It is strange how the experiences gathered in youth have a special place in a person's heart, like a first romance. A romance with life herself,  trying to know her better, to improve one's relationship with her, and trying to mould her to one's own aspirations.

'He certainly was a romantic at heart!', he thought with a smile.

The speaker had now stepped on to the podium. She seemed vaguely familiar to him. Probably he might have seen her in college. Of course the face was masked by glasses now and time might have left its stamp. She, however, looked well preserved and attractive even now.

"A very good morning to all!" She started cheerfully. The voice sounded familiar,  very familiar! Could it be?...Was he in a dream? It wasn't possible certainly after all these years! He bent forwards to take a closer look. But of course!! It could very well be!

He felt excited!

She was now talking to the organizers about some problem with the mike. A joke was shared and she threw her head back and chuckled! And her face lit up like a thousand watt bulb! It was her! The laughter was unmistakable!

A wave of unabated, inexplicable joy swept over him! It needed all his will power to not jump on to the podium and greet her then and there!

He slowly and deliberately controlled his emotions and composed himself. But try as he might,  he could not concentrate on what she was talking. All he could hear was the sweet tones of her voice with the inflections. It seemed to have a calming effect on him like the small ripples of water in a lake on a moonlit night!

He was becoming poetic and was behaving like an adolescent! But then he was transported into the time when he was one!

The rest of the lectures seemed too long and boring as he waited for an opportunity to talk to Anuradha! Her name also changed,  as was the norm in Marathi families! No wonder he could not place her in spite of knowing her name!

At last lunch break was announced! His eyes searched for her among the multitude of the people present and found her standing at some distance. He sought her out and approached her a little tentatively.

"Excuse me Dr. Karmarkar! I am Dr Rohit! " He introduced himself. She turned to face him. She took his extended hand and looked at him. "I believe you are from my college?",  he continued with a half smile on his lips. "Are you from the 76 batch?"

"Yes", she said with a look of incredulity on her face. How did you know?"

"Because I was there with you", he said.

"Do I know you then?" She asked.

"I can only say that I know you!" He said, the mischievous smile stretching into a grin.

"Rohit,  of course!" She cried excitedly as recognition dawned upon her! "You have changed a little but your smile remains the same. Imagine meeting you after all these years!" She seemed genuinely pleased to see him. It warmed his heart!

Shall we catch up over a cup of coffee in the evening then, afterw the conference? He asked.

"Ok", she said,  feeling happy like she found a long lost friend.

As planned, they met in a small cafe down the street. They spoke at first tentatively and a little awkwardly,  but as time passed, they became less formal and chatted, reminiscing about bygone days, and giggling at funny incidents that they remembered, each jostling the memory of the other. Minutes turned into hours and conversation flowed effortlessly now.

At last it was time to leave. They exchanged phone numbers,  promising to keep in touch. Before he realized that she would probably be gone from his life for good again, she was near the car door. She turned to face him and started saying her goodbyes.

"Wait", he said going closer to her" give us a hug! Don't know if we will meet again", he said and drew her into a tentative embrace and released her quickly! She was taken by surprise. She was touched by the tenderness, spontaneity and the awkwardness of the small gesture. A half smile adorned her face. She sat in the car. She turned to face Rohit and found that he was looking at her with a steady, unblinking gaze. She smiled and gently waved goodbye as the car lunged forward.

Rohit strolled back slowly to his car. His mind was in a turmoil. A variety of thoughts crowded his mind, jostling with one another and rapidly displacing each other. It felt like the lock to the closed chamber in his heart,  had suddenly burst open. Waves of myriad emotions welled up from the depths of his heart. He found himself incapable of fighting the currents any more. He no longer had the energy or the will to do so. He would,  instead ride right on top of the wave, whatever the consequences may be,  he decided. There must be some meaning behind God's design to throw them back together after all these years. He may not comprehend it at this moment, but he will still embrace this opportunity with an open mind.

At last he felt at ease and totally at peace with himself as he relived the magical moments of the day.