FIVE
“You can't die you fool,you moron.” She felt drained. She managed to grab a cup from her wooden shelf. A dark black cup of coffee, its colour reflecting her mood. She poured her ready mix coffee delivered to her and let the microwave do the rest.
“Shall I make a coffee for you?” Maya had asked him when they were brainstorming about a new situation for the book he was writing.
“Do you make good coffee?” he asked, smiling. “If so, go ahead by all means!”
She made a face in response to his smile.
They were at his apartment in Mumbai. The sea facing apartment located on the Arabian Sea coastline, was a gift to him from his mother, for his 24th birthday.
He often wondered why he was attracted to her. He liked her as a strong independent woman. She was breathtakingly beautiful, attractive and her eyes were limpid pools. He always thought that there are two Mayas. And only one Maya loved him. She did something to him that he could feel, but could not understand. The Maya, who took him into emptiness with her, own longing for love.
“Maya, you fascinate me. Who are you?” he kept the coffee mugs on the square table. Such a direct question! But that was how he was!
Who was she after all? A question that she herself had no answer for. She had often asked the question to herself, “What am I to do in this life?” Nimesh had this ability to make her think. With him around, you would always be guessing what he would say next. With him she felt emotionally high, but only for few moments. She was scared of such moments; moments that made her lose control. Moments that touched hidden flood marks.
“Gosh! Don't think so hard. That little brain of yours will go on strike,” he said tickling her.
“Nemo!” Maya was getting restless.
“Every time I look at you, I want to take you. I want to feel you.” She felt his fingers on her cheek. She was suddenly conscious of the slight wrinkles under her eyes. His hand travelled down the nape of her neck. She gasped. He seemed to be in some hurry.
Some moments are more powerful. The visionary moment, in a few seconds, clears the whole meaning of existence. In those moments we are truly alive. In those few moments of letting go we gain everything.
“You're beautiful,” he said.
“Nimesh,” she tried to protest.
He just didn't listen that moment.