Time is short for each one of us, but not when we drape ourselves in a relationship—of a smile or a wave- to a relationship of someone unknown and so unfamiliar. Our hearts give ourselves to a sweeter and more humane string of love which is unexpected and strange. In a few minutes, we become familiar with someone so unknown, not by the virtue of their name, religion or caste but by intuition and by the heart that fell for them.

This happens when we move on the same route every day or visit a workshop or gym, we pass through a familiar face, and a smile appears automatically on our face. There is no verbal talk nor a handshake or hello, merely a smile or a wave. Each morning on my way towards the office, I would see a young man, with a brown hat, standing with his head bent in a bus stand. He would stand at the same place waiting for his bus, while I would cross him stealthily. He seemed to be in his mid-twenties and appeared to be a sophisticated gentleman. I would rarely change his position, whether it is hot, or raining. There was a certain sense of eccentricity in his personality and looks. I would look at him and he would slightly raise his head and smile at me. It would give me immense pleasure. What was so attractive about him, I was not able to comprehend.

For the last three years, not a single day would pass when I would not see him standing at the same place. That was for milliseconds, but it was a nostalgic moment.

But that day was different. I reached the spot at the same time as usual, but alas! He was not there. I was so used to seeing him that it took me a few minutes to realize the man was not there. Maybe he is ill? I looked for him everywhere but found only a shoemaker and a few pedestrians. I took courage and asked the shoemaker about his whereabouts. Raising his eyelids, he replied, “No, I have not seen him today,” but yes, he would get on the bus number 102 of Plaza Street from here at 9:15 am. He would smile at each pedestrian who would pass by. He was a very kind man as he gave me more money for polishing his shoes. It was so surprising to me. Saddened, I moved on.

After all, an attraction towards a stranger is natural and is a part of our human instinct. A person, whose name also we don’t know, makes a pertinent part of our life. A Shopkeeper would nod at us, the bus conductor would often greet us with Namaste or a woman paddling her toddler would give her a beautiful smile as we cross her. Though they would be forgotten with time we would never miss them. It is a very strange relationship.

Soon I forgot about the man and that incident of life. A few months had passed, it was 22nd December and cold I was sitting alone in a coffee shop, thinking of my project, which I was supposed to start soon when a young man suddenly approached me. Shuddering his body, I sought my permission to sit beside me. He was in his best outfit, a black shirt and grey pants with an overcoat. I could not recognize him, “Yes!” I quipped. He nodded at me, “Haven’t you recognized me?” I hesitantly replied, “Well, I am sorry!” He then pulled his white hat from his pocket and wore it with enthusiasm “Now Miss!”!

He is a Chief Investigating Officer in a crime branch of New York Police. When we used to see each other, he was undergoing training. He would stand at the spot for his career ride of Plaza Street, where his office was located. He would be the only man who had dignified gentleness in him to give a smile to everyone around. Now his training had ended, and he had been posted at the head office Downing Street. Today, was his holiday so ventured in a coffee shop to find me sipping my favorite cappuccino

Oh! My God, I shrieked with joy, “Hey! It’s you, how are you? He too smiled and we both started for our never-ending chat.