Gift of Magi

Your day is much longer than mine,

Your way back from office even longer.

I need a refuge, to run off my temper,

A  long irritating unforgiving day, it’s been

This summer evening in Powai

Rings in a much needed weekend.

A crowded cafe is the cave I need.

A hot cup of coffee and the cool air conditioning

Till the humid day begins to lighten

I have lingered long past my cup gone cold

Reluctantly I step out into the evening.

Kids race each other with balloons in hand

Lovers occupy all the benches,

That the sleeping mongrels have spared

Then escaping the crowded shopping street,

I follow the first hint of a breeze,

And an unexpected snatch of jasmine

Looking for a creeper in the neighbourhood

I spot an old man selling jasmine strands

Somewhat lost in this unfamiliar terrain

Sees me;  breaks into a toothy grin

I buy enough to adorn the gods

And some for my hair,

He is pleased that I didn’t bargain

I am pleased with my unexpected find,

I leave the market behind

And quicken my steps homeward

The buds are in a hurry,

Blooming one by one as I walk,

Eager to surprise, unprepared for one.

You are home early, one of those rare days

Smiling you hold out some jasmine strands

Was this indulgence, yours or mine?

The buds have bloomed,  every one of them.