That moment of happiness

It was a long day of work. My boss got all cranky over the reduced budget this quarter - and suitably chose to remind me of my commitment to work. All I did was sulk inside, smile outside. But that was all forgotten. The day was over. It was six. I sat down on the banks of the lake, with a bottle of ''pop" in my hand.

The sun was settling upon its long day of work. So was I. The dark was waiting in the closet.Waiting to take over. I often wonder - of all the things in the world, if there could be any thing better than this. It was my favorite moment of the day. It was 'my comfort zone'. It was twilight.

Serene.Calm. Peace at its best. Geese floating all around. Making me feel proud of my voice.I chuckled. I looked up at the sky - a receding giant at its best.Oranges. Reds.And a splash of blue. It was as if nature had got its best painters to sketch this moment of magic. Probably, there is no better example of a gracious exit than the moment at twilight. The sun has to make its way out. It parts us in a manner which we all could 'stand up and appluad' or 'sit and enjoy'.This was my routine pill of happiness since I had been to this little town.It was happiness like never before.

As I sat by myself on the wonderful borders of the lake, I saw someone walking towards me. I looked carefully. I was dumb struck. It was a face that I would never forget for the rest of my life. Puzzled. Mesmerized. It looked as if the enchanting moon was down on this earth at this hour of twilight. Face pure as heaven. With a smile extending right throughout her face. Infectious as hell. It was a moment when I had forgetten everything around me. The sky. The lake. Everything. Nothing seemed to run through my mind.

She walked towards me. I tried to regain compusure. Changing my gawky mouthed 'awe' to standard 'american-hey-smile'. I couldn't have looked more worse. Our eyes met. She greeted me with a customary 'hi'. and smiled. I was still smiling as if it was my last moment on earth - And I was Don Corleone exclaiming - "What a life !!!"

She then turned away and made her way towards the other exit of the park. And I was still exasperated at the moment that had just passed by. In a couple of seconds, she turned and said " Have a good night" ."You too....and if only......" I was left muttering. And I was back to square one. Back with myself. I tapped myself on the head and chuckled - " What the &*%^ was that idiot"

Sometimes, I do realize the truth in the words that my friend had once said. " Tell me. What does that give you? That you end up giggling so much. Fleeting moment of happiness? As if she is gonna be with you forever. But you still feel as if it were to be our achievement.".So true he was.

But whatever. She had made my day. And had left a smile on my face.