Inevitable.

Music: Swarathma - Pyaasi

My eyes fix on the empty chipped cup

yet again amidst a conversation,

and it engulfs me in space and time;

Reminding me of what I once wrote:

'There's this unsaid acceptance

of the inevitable.

I choose not to speak of it,

avoid it even in a babble.

You keep a brave face;

twitch, and just bide the time,

while every now I startle,

as if heard your silent whine.

Time though, would have its own way -

the moment shall arrive.

There'll be goodbyes, a last glance back;

possibly a final high-five?

And what then will happen?

I've been here before - friendships put to rest.

What ensues now I fear,

cross my fingers, lest the thoughts suggest.'

Time warps back, and I wonder -

Are you sitting in a cafe, chipping another cup,

and reading 'The Gift of Magi'

for the nth time?

Thoughts break, I'm summoned -

a call's come through.

I return, speechless; words fail me.

It was you.

~ Ankur.