LOVE HAS ITS OWN WAYS

MAGPIE TALE- 7                TWO SHOES TUESDAY

Photograph by Robert Doisneau

Hazy, winter morning in  London, England, perhaps, probably of the Victorian era, with two earlier models of Ford cars parked casually behind. The scenario is somewhat weird. The two faces other than that of the couple wear a slightly anxious expression.

The above action appears to be incongruous in the prevailing atmosphere. Though in all probability, it was so spontaneous that nobody seemed to be unduly attracted to the scene. Even the man sitting in the chair is unmoved and composed at least so his posture reads like, though it is difficult to gauge much from his back. The woman partly visible behind the man is least curious.

On the basis of these faint cues if one can call them cues, let us spin a mini-tale.

Assuming that the two are the members of the star cast group, which is rehearsing a popular play to be staged shortly in 'The Gaiety', a famous London theater. The two lead players had a tough time to come up to the expectations of the new director who was to establish his credentials with this offering. The play being a social satire was expected to be watched, not only by middle class but also by the members of the aristocracy.

There was a lot of tension and temper flare-ups. The lead couple in the course of the protracted period of rehearsals, which went up to midnight often, perhaps, unknowingly fell in love with each other. The mysterious chemistry between them went unnoticed. So absorbed in perfecting their dialogue delivery, diction and mannerisms were they that they had no chance of exchanging a private word in the presence of the crew and the rest of the cast. On this much deserved day off and at the first opportunity, the man drew the woman in his arms with a passionate kiss. What happened next?

Keep guessing !!!

Friends welcome here as always!

MAGPIE TALE -3

A HIGHWAY TALE

It was about 10 pm. We were on our way to the airport, driving on this beautiful highway. It was lit up strategically with dazzling lights, giving the impression of some other world, The road was almost empty. The cruising speed was lulling. Unconsciously a thought process started sharing the drive. It was like a reverie. The parting scene of bidding farewell to our dear ones swam before my eyes. The events which gladdened our hearts in the company of our children started moving in a slide show in the mind's eye.  Underneath, a feeling of sadness enveloped me. I became teary. When will we be, destined to meet again was a question mark deep inside me? Though the enjoyable stay of a couple of months was fresh, yet stray thoughts were flooding my being as if reviewing the time spent with our loved ones.

Abruptly I came to myself. All of a sudden,  a swanky red car whizzed past us at a screeching speed. 

We could hardly have a faint glimpse of the people inside. But what was puzzling was the sound of loud guffaws of merry making which we caught nevertheless.

We hardly bothered about the chance encounter, though that unusual laughter intrigued us. After all, all sorts of people drive on this important highway which connects two or three states. 

However, after about an hour, we stopped at a restaurant for light refreshments and stretching our limbs. We were yet to drive for another two hours or so. To our great surprise, the same red car was parked there. Before we could enter the eatery, a group of five men in a weird dress code was stepping out of the door. Their body language and spirited movements exuded confidence and a peculiar elation, which generally we associate with some unexpected success. 

Our friend, who was seeing us off at the airport, unraveled the conundrum at once. He recognized them to be the members of an upcoming rock band, who were coming back after a  very successful performance in the capital city. The flush of success was writ large on their persona. 

FRIENDS,WELCOME HERE AS ALWAYS!