Shared Realities

The conversation between

two women,

friends,

From admiring each other’s

jhumkas,

gossiping about

their husbands’ families,

To

Ambitious talk on

their careers,

sharing

ideas to uplift each other,

Though their fields are different.

Those eyes

seek comfort in each other,

With jokes,

pulling each other’s legs,

trying to hide the pain,

Yet they know

they both have pain in their hearts.

But they share

not in words,

but in silence,

but in laughter,

but in hugs,

but in strength.

Deepest regret,

happiness,

pain,

unsaid feelings—

everything pours like a stream

without any filter,

with no fear, prejudice,

and judgment.

The longing—

each wants the other to

be successful,

carry a smile forever,

and be peaceful.

The regrets

are painful to hear,

though they are coated

with sugary,

hidden words.

It became regret

not because they chose it,

but because they were asked to choose.

From education

to the most basic things,

which are very basic

for us,

But that’s

a privilege,

a wish,

a longing

for them.

To take a day off

from household work,

to give rest to Amrutanjan

for at least one day,

To not keep thinking about

family,

To go out,

have pani puri,

chaat,

without getting non-stop calls

from children

asking what’s for dinner,

To be asked by someone:

“Have you eaten?”

“Are you okay?”

To not ask for permission

to go out,

to eat,

to spend time with friends,

with herself,

And

to live.