Not because I couldn’t

By Namrata Chand

This is to that woman
who was there to help without any ulterior motives
Just because a young girl was new in the place and knew nobody else
A relationship built via some other mutual relations
I wish I could keep in touch
When I graduated and moved out and away
But I didn’t and I don’t know why.
To that friend I shared so many bus rides to and fro with
Before and after every semester break
Had fun and fulfilling lunches together
Year after year for four years straight
I wish I could keep in touch
When we parted our ways and also on good terms
But I didn’t and I don’t know why.
To that boy who chose to be a friend
when he understood that love wasn’t on the cards for him
And attended to every need indeed
Like a friend should and a friend would
I wish I could keep in touch
When time tossed us both in different directions
But I didn’t and I don’t know why.
And to everyone I once had met
Had loved dearly and dreamt everyday
of sharing a coffee or a conversation with
To those ephemeral friendships
Transient like Lunar Eclipses, Rare like the blooms of Neelakurinji
Leaving memories trailing behind
Glowing like a Comet’s Tail
And right now as I witness the event
‘Nostalgia Collides with Now’
I wish only If I could record and rerun it all
Like a videotape or an old vinyl
But I can’t and I do know why.