Maddy reminiscing.
He is out on a project assignment. It is a beautiful winter morning. He is stationed at the foot of the hills. The early morning walks have become his sanctuary. In the distant, he can hear a fire burning. The crackling of branches of trees can be heard in this silent morning. There's a whiff of Eucalyptus and fresh wood burning.
The ghosts of the past are here. In a metamorphical avatar too.
He remembers his school memory. He had two close female friends - one lived in the same building, and another who lived a kilometer away. The one nearby was very possessive, though in a positive way. She was caring, and scared the other friend might pull Maddy away and be a bad influence. The other friend wanted his holistic growth. She was much more mature and wanted Maddy to get the best of both friends. However, life happened. He could interact with the neighborhood friend consistently throughout the week, due to proximity. The interaction with the other friend was limited, wherein he would visit her on Saturdays, talking about various topics under the sun. Maddy liked this far away friend, where he didn't feel suffocated, could discuss anything and be himself without the fear of hurting the friend's sentiments. Yet he was obligated to return home, and hence to the other friend who stayed close. At times, he didn't want to go back. But there was no choice.
This friend, who lived away, looked forward to these visits. She cherished these weekly interactions. She was very fond of Maddy. Maddy appreciated the fondness, affection and respect, and reciprocated it. He used to enjoy the smallest of things, as basic as being under the trees, riding a two-wheeler and just being himself. He had a dedicated corner table for himself in her home, and he cherished cleaning it lovingly every week. However, the sands of time took their toll and limited their interactions subsequently, with very little blame on Maddy. His friend saw it coming, and motivated Maddy to concentrate on his education and other friends.
But for how long can relationships continue unrequited??? This mature friend busied herself on other pursuits, her brilliance taking her to great heights. Water chooses its level, and Maddy's friend reached the pinnacle of greatness in the society. Growing up, Maddy had taken it for granted, missed her but could not be close to her, until he saw one of her speeches at United Nations General Assembly on the national news. Maddy got butterflies in his stomach. More out of guilt. Guilt of taking her for granted. Guilt for moving away. Guilt for not keeping in touch. Guilt for not checking out on her. He could not blame the distance - his school was almost equidistant from this friend's house, yet he could never visit her. Never ever.
He tried approaching her again, this time out of sheer affection. However, now the dynamics had changed. The "connection" they shared was now missing. The friend did not want to get hurt again. And again. And so, like all good things, this friend had moved on, and moved terribly. Maddy lost a close friend, guide, confidante. This is what happens when we take things and people for granted. We enjoy when they case us, without understanding our responsibility too, without understanding that it is always a fair game when the passion exists both ways. Once the other person stops chasing, things fall like a pack of cards. And if still unchecked, they cards scatter away. And then things move on. And before we know it, the sands of time engulf and eat the connections. And there is nothing more left. Except guilt. Except memories. Except pain.
