The Waiting

          'Tension continues in J&K. Five army men martyred during the ceasefire violations.' The news continued in the background and Asmita continued chopping onions.  Tears prickled from her eyes. It's because of the onions, wasn't it? She looked at the TV again and the headline was now broadcasted as full fledged news. Definitely the tears were due to onions. Asmita told herself again.
            It was a chilly January morning. After finishing her daily chores, Asmita tried to snuggle into her rocking chair so that she could resume her favourite novel but today she was fidgety. She looked at herself in the mirror. She looked beautiful and radiant as ever. Even though a bit dark skinned, her features were her strength and she knew it. She brushed her hair again and the tendrils fell deliciously on her face and breast. One part of her mind tried to convince her that she should go out and explore the city as it was her holiday but then the rest part of her brain pointed out the benefits of staying in the cozy atmosphere of her house.
            On any other day the stillness of her house wouldn't have gave her chills but today she felt bone cold. Even a cup of hot cocoa wasn't able to take away the chill that she felt in her spine. She started dusting her home again. Basically she wanted to do anything that would take away her mind from certain things. She left the comfort of her rocking chair and sat on the mattress that she had placed right next to the window despite Sushant's disapproval. From there she could see the vast city and could wonder what laid ahead.
            The glass was cold. Her reflex reaction should have been to break the contact with the glass but she didn't do that, couldn't do that. She saw a sparrow perching on the railing of her balcony. The sparrow looked around as if it was trying to find somebody. Suddenly the sparrow locked it's eyes with Asmita and as if some unsaid conversation had taken place in between the two, the sparrow came and sat on the other side of the window.
            Asmita could see the sparrow and vice-versa. Both stayed in the same position for a long time as if both were trying to ask each other what the other person was looking or waiting for. Asmita moved her fingers on the glass as if attempting to touch the sparrow. The sparrow too nuzzled its neck closer to the glass to reciprocate the touch. Suddenly the bell rang. As if it was a cue, both the sparrow as well as Asmita looked towards the door.
            Asmita sat there grounded for few seconds. The bell rang again. The sparrow hit its beak on the window as if telling Asmita to get up and open the door. They both looked into each other's eyes again. The sparrow's eyes gave Asmita the strength that she needed since long.

            Asmita walked towards the door. She stole a glance in the mirror. She still looked beautiful and radiant. She looked back at the window and the sparrow was still sitting there waiting. Asmita opened the door and looked back at the window, the sparrow had flew away. Asmita clutched the door knob strongly and smiled at the guest.  

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