Friday, June 08, 2007

A quick tale 189

When your lower lip was quivering.

No, don't. I didn't know how to say it over the phone. But now you're here, sitting in front of me, looking into your coffee mug, and wiping your tears, pretending as if dust has fallen into your eyes. I get the feeling that I have to say it now or I will never get a chance. You see, you called me up this afternoon and asked me if we could meet. We don't know each other that well and frankly, I was surprised to hear from you. I wanted to excuse myself but your voice sounded distraught and I heard myself agreeing.

I look at you, sitting across from me and I don't like the way things are looking. I get the feeling that you're just about confide in me. No, please don't. Your lower lip is quivering. I know you're just going over the words in your mind. Rehearsing your secret. Soon, you will blurt it out. Something from a dark past. May be something sexual. Perhaps something that happened to you as a kid. I can feel it. You're just about to burden me with your secret. Something I can then never get rid of. I will immediately become a member of your close circle. And you will expect me to tell you all that is troubling my heart. All my embarrassing illnesses.

What I'm about to say may shock you, you begin. Oh dear. Thankfully, my phone goes off. It's my office. They want me back urgently regarding a report that is due on Friday. I get up, my coffee barely sipped. I have to go, I tell you. Disappointment spills out of your eyes. I grab your hands and promise to call later. As I walk away, I look back at you. I'm sorry, I say. Even if you can't hear it.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, what's the point in commenting for individual entries, all your stories are so wonderful anyway.

Manoj said...

That is so idiotic. Is office so important now?

Anonymous said...

but what was the secret? I wanna know!

ahiri said...

so very well captured.

Harish said...

Damn it. So difficult choices are to make :(

Li'l Lite said...

Thats a well narrated story.
Blogrolling you :)

Honey Bee said...

I come here whenever i want to refresh my thoughts...You just like that refresh my mind .. cool am enjoying it...

Anonymous said...

Reminded of a quote:
The voice of life in me cannot reach the ear of life in you
But still we may talk, so that we don't feel lonely.


Sometimes its important to listen...
Not to understand...but just listen...so that you may not feel lonely...

The read made me sad..may be for no reason! :(

Anonymous said...

Ammani:
I am a lurker. Have been one for quite sometime now. Well, this is akward, I have nominated you for the thinking blog awards.
http://utbtkids.wordpress.com/2007/06/13/passinghonors/
I have enjoyed your quick tales for quite sometime now and the nomination is proof to that.
It will be great if you take up this tag.

rt r said...

relate to it so well, ammani.
Have been in the same situation more than once, and have slipped out very abruptly...
but actually have been saved by a kind soul who didnt slip away when i confided, bless them..