Daily Times

Picture this, a busy hospital lobby, phones ringing incessantly, microphones paging doctors, fast paced people entering and leaving. It’s a vast hall, with a circular reception in the centre, people approach, ask questions and leave in different directions. This hall has long church like windows which looks out to a beautifully manicured lawn. The lawn is vibrant with petunias and different shades of roses – giving it a cheery and festive look.

Two people are standing at two different windows, totally oblivious of each other. They are both looking at the same garden, but on one, the beauty of spring in full bloom is totally wasted. He’s looking in that direction, but taking in nothing, because there are tears blurring his vision. He’s just been told he’s lost a loved one. For him, nothing holds beauty or solace. He’s turned his back on the world to gather himself, so when he does turn, he can face it once again, masking his pain and shielding himself from vulnerability. The other appeared at the window to get better signals on his phone. He looks out and everything seems to be celebrating with him, hinting towards a bright future. He’s just been told he’s become a father, to a normal healthy baby. His joy holds no bounds and he can’t wait to hold his baby in his arms.

Two humans side by side, emotions of sadness and joy raging within them, but totally unaware of each other. These are the situations that take place every day, happiness and sadness coming hand in hand — and then parting ways — to brighten or wreak havoc in someone’s life

Two humans side by side, emotions of sadness and joy raging within them, but totally unaware of each other. These are the situations that take place every day, happiness and sadness coming hand in hand – and then parting ways – to brighten or wreak havoc in someone’s life. We all know these facts yet think these things are far from reality. But somewhere in the recesses of our mind, we know – that whereas this beautiful earth gives life – it also calls us back into its fold. So call it unacceptable coincidence, or fact of life, they both combine to make it that unfathomable enigma. Try as we might, we are never able to unravel its mysteries – and always left wondering, about the meaning of life.

The writer can be reached at saira.70@hotmail.com

Published in Daily Times, February 9^th 2018.