THE PHOTOGRAPH

It was an old photograph , that I discovered, when finding it , was the last thing in my mind ! But In life , i have found, that beautiful things turn up from places , you least expected.

It was of a girl , who had climbed a tall tree , and she had a mischievous smile on her lips…as if having accomplished something , she was not supposed to do…that gave an extra ‘zing’ to the whole thing..it always does.

Well, I remembered a lot of things that are not in the photograph , like it was a sunny , summer afternoon , and everyone inside the house was napping. In spite of the heat, there was a cool breeze blowing , and the breeze was fragrant with mango blossoms! Oh ! how I like that fragrance!!

I remember what is not in the photograph….the opposite wall , aflame with those red bougainvillea, and standing right there was a girl…partner in crime , clicking away at the camera…

I remember too…what is not there in the photograph ! of slipping quietly away, outside the gate…then going to the town on the outskirts…of meeting those people in the army cantonment, talking and chatting with them..about how they lived…and playing with those cute babies who seemed most delighted to be in our company.

Well , I remember what is not there in the photograph…of what happened afterwards, of losing track of time…and being fetched by my fuming sister….being chided by everyone present there, for always snooping around , disobeying and getting into trouble! Me nd my friend…

I remember , it was a long , long time ago…and I dare not talk about it now to my kids…or should I?