During my childhood days in India, there used to be a lot of excitement in our house whenever an aunt or uncle would drop in from America for a visit. We would listen to their tall tales of luxurious life in America with our mouths open in awe. “The cars, wow, the cars zipping past in smooth traffic!” they would say shaking their heads in amazement, “why, even the sweeper there owns a car”.

Many a time, I would sit in my favorite corner of the house and imagine a man suavely alight from a parked car with a broom in hand to sweep the streets. Now, after a few decades, I am sitting in my favourite chair in my American home and imagining just that, except, it is happening in India Now that we know Tata’s Nano car is equal to the price of an auto in India, it won’t be long before my imagination becomes a reality, right?

He says it was love at first sight. I say it was an instant liking that slowly developed into love. It seems like we have lived together for ages now. I can never recall offhand how many years. I was always bad at math anyway

He says he cannot imagine life without me. I feel the same about him too. But, the realist in me knows that if one of us were to leave early, the other will continue to live, albeit empty.

 Yesterday, he called me when I was talking with a friend. His current favorite song was playing in the car and he asked me to listen to it. “Main Agar Kahoon Humsafar Meri Apsara Ho Tum Ya Koi Pari”. (roughly translates to – If I say my beloved, that you are a fairy or some angel)
I blushed. I told him to hang up as I was with a friend.

When I called him back, the moment was gone, the mood had changed. He said I should’ve listened as he was playing the song for me. I said that he would do the same if he was with a friend. He stubbornly said, “No way!” as usual.

I still cannot forget this incident for a lot of reasons. I am touched that even though he doesn’t know Hindi much, he recognized the word “apsara” and played it for me. I cannot believe that he loves me so much after so many years. I simply cannot understand how I can look like an apsara in his eyes!

When did I get so cynical and he so romantic?

What is my problem here? I guess I just feel very old while my husband feels young. I see the responsibilites, the bills, the house repairs etc. He sees my familiar curves and the advantages of no-late-night-baby feedings and kids-sleeping-in-their-own-beds.

Maybe its nice to be old and in love. I still cannot believe he made me blush after 17 years of marriage !