In Vacant or in Pensive Mood

It's strange that I find the need to write about you. After all, we've met only twice. The first time, I remember, was on the day I got married. The wedding ceremony had just finished; Arpit and I were yet to walk down the aisle together. We were surrounded by a group of people who were clicking away and documenting the first glimpses of the newly wedded couple. You were one of them. I had my eyes open, but I wasn't really registering anything. Everything was a blur, until I realised that someone from the crowd was trying to get my attention. Focussing my eyes, I saw you, showing your teeth and gesturing with your hands -- telling me to smile. I wondered who this random stranger was, someone I had never met before. Yet, I took the advice and managed to smile at the cameras facing me. I found myself looking at you again, when you gestured to me about Arpit's hair which the Achen had messed up during the wedding ceremony. You were telling me to tell Arpit to

From my window, I saw the world outside tilt. As I held on to keep my balance, I saw the runway disappear. Within seconds, looking outside my window seemed like looking into a treasure chest; city lights turning into gold necklaces, silver bangles and ruby studs, glistening against the velvety darkness of the night. Photo by my husband, Arpit Haldar A few more minutes and the plane was surrounded by a mystic abyss. We navigated through the smokey clouds in jerky motion, not knowing where we were headed but simply trusting the pilot - a man we had never met. Then, suddenly, some light! It seemed like we had reached the end of a dark tunnel. Apparently, we were just passing by the moon's nightly abode. I looked through my window and saw the grandeur  of the moon as she sat on her throne, flanked by glorious clouds. It was a full moon night and the stunning play of moonbeams and shadows left me gazing in awe. I had known the moon that raced by my side as I sat behind my