When I saw her from close quarters

Ooh!That was quite close when I met acclaimed actor and social activist Shabana Azmi.

I reached on time sharp. Whiled I lingered in IHC lobby looking at some odd exhibits on display my phone beeped, "sorry to keep you waiting. please come up to my room."

I was a little, very little though, jittery. But as she opened the door to me with a smile I eased.

She was extremely tired after her tour of her father's village carrying forward the some development initiatives by him.

I sat a little in disbelief, that I was seeing her from such close and personal quarters, and little in confidence as I went briefing her on the subject for media interviews lined up.

We chatted a bit and I left with a smile.

An odd working saturday filled with events to make memories. Evening followed with rerun of Delhi 6 with my 'likeable' man who sat there quite a loss with the language but understood the film even without me having to explain except the odd bits here and there after the film. Impressive yeah!

Lilies bid adieu

9:30 p.m 27 February 2009

I thought I had tucked away my emotions after having spent my tears over the last few days. 

Ahem! I was wrong. 

The two men (read one of special significance) disappeared leaving me wondering, "where the hell" only to make an appearance with two choco cake. The 'one of special significance' with stalks of liliies carefully chosen to make a perfect pose of pink, white and green  with many yet to bloom.

He chose them saying "lilies define her", I was told. I was flattered. He wanted something which I could hold close and need I say I did hold them really close.

The day felt special. I was trying to collect the memories in all its details, unedited.

Perched in our balcony, the soiree soon brewed with madness with odd bolly tunes playing on his ipod.

Someone teasingly remarked, " She likes everything about you" which was met with, "I am just so likeable," giving way to peals and bursts.

Oh yes, I am for some odd reason very thrilled with the idea of an afternoon in the bar and he knows it.

Till we actually moved out it was 5:30 and I had to catch a flight towards midnight. I might have risked missing it in my high and happy state. Besides this one offered to tab the time for me.

So there we were three of us at the bar counter and beer came flowing and bonding to go with it. 

I wanted time to freeze as my gaze did suddenly taking note of little detail (under the garb of intent listening) - his hazel eyes, deep voice and taut muscles of his forearms. Errrrrrrrrrr! I was only listening to him and I just told you. Well like they say all good things do end and this did too with a warm hug and lingering longing.

I am falling in love with the 'likeable man".

I reached home with totally disconnected concerns - rush- rush, pack-pack-call the cab. Phew!

As I scurry through and ready to leave I turn around and look at those lilies. I smile.

Lilies will be abloom when I get back.