A 60 second story

The signal turned RED. All the vehicles in the vicinity braked with collective sighs and audible curses. Two wheelers kept moving forward slowly in centimetre gaps. The digital counter display started its countdown. 6059...585756... Oh my god. It was Meera. I was cent percent sure it was her waiting near the signal with her red Scooty. I ran across the road, amidst the heat issued by stationary automobiles. I reached her Scooty. It was Meera, alright. I dont have time to appreciate her beauty in words now. She looked stunning. DOT. 5554.535251 Hi, I said, out of breath. I could hear my favourite song from a loud FM of an auto parked nearby. Striking coincidence. You will know the reason soon. Ithu Porkalama ? Illai Thee Kulama? Vithi Maatrividum Kaathal Puriyathey ! Within seconds, Meera bounced back from her surprise on seeing me. Her face tried to adapt itself into a scowl, just to let me know that she was still angry with me. It didnt work out well. She realized it too. Look, dont talk to me. Get lost. You are in the middle of traffic Its OK. I still have time, I lied. 494847...464544 Im really sorry, Meera...I could not control myself yesterdayPlease understand me I usually dont kiss people when Im out of self-control, she fired back, her nose high in the air.

Theeyin Manamum Neerin Gunamum Thelithu Seithaval Nee Neeya ? According to her, I had committed a considerable crime, the previous day. I kissed her when we were jam packed inside a telephone booth. It was raining outside. She was beautiful. What more do you expect from a love-starved guy? It just happened naturally. Before I could enjoy, she pushed me back and left the place immediately. But the fact that I remained in the same booth alone, cursing myself for the next twenty minutes is another story. Iru Vizhi Urasida Rahasiyam Pesida Idi Mazhai Minnal Aarambam Where was I? Oh yes, the traffic signal. 4342...41...403938... I did not plan on anything like that. Neither did you. It just happened. Your lips are perfectly kissable, I said, trying to look innocent. A scooter man nearby gave me an outrageous look. Dont try to convince me. We were good friends for three years. You are behaving strange these days 35...3433...32...31... You did not object when I held your hands while we went for a walk. You did not mind when we stole secret glances. You did not care when I sent you romantic forwards. You knew that I was interested in you. You cannot disagree on that one. Can you? Whats the big deal now, Meera? 29282726 Silence was the only reply I got. She avoided my eyes. She played with the Barbie keychain I had presented. Im in love with you, Meera She turned and gave me a surprising look. 232221..201918

Im crazy about you. Some people have big dreams and aspirations in life. They feel happiness only when they reach their destination. Most of the times, they fail to enjoy the journey towards their goal. I dont have any ambitions. I dont know where Im headed. But there is one thing I know in my heart: I want to carry on my journey with you by my side. I dont care where my path ends, because you will be with me Her look shifted from surprise to mild curiosity. Nanbar Kootam Ethirey Vanthaal Thaniyai Vilagi Nadakindreyn Naalai Unnai Kaanbeyn Endrey Neenda Iravai Porukindreyn 1514131211 I neared her and took her hands in mine. She tried to object, but never withdrew her hands. I looked into her eyes. Now or never, buddy. I want to live my life with you, Meera. I want to wake up every day to your bed coffee. I want to earn money so that I can take you to all those places, you wanted to visit. I want to snuggle with you lazily, during a rainy day. I want a raise a girl who looks just like you. I want to die in your arms I mentally patted myself for my wonderful sense of timing and dialogue delivery. 10987 She looked into my eyes in return. For a split second, I glanced sideways on the auto which produced the best BGM my love story required. Sitting inside the auto were two people with utter disbelief and shock on their faces; two people I least expected on this spot. It was my mom and dad. I was stunned. I was still holding hands with Meera. I turned to her. Her face broke into a shy smile. 6543...2 With the whole traffic watching us, she gave a one second peck on my cheeks. The signal turned GREEN. - Ashwin Saravanan.