Half Face Through The Half Window

By Aamer Sohel Khan

I could see her half-face through the half-window open. She looks beautiful as always. It’s been ten years since we were together, I still think we are but sadly she does not feel the same way. I was standing across the window watching her leave, gazing at her but keeping mum. I knew she noticed me but she too did not say anything. The evening cold breeze started, our eyes met from the distance and we felt a sudden rush of emotions, still not moving even an inch from our places. The moment froze, I could see ten years floating in front of us like a fairy tale. Moments of love and fight, moments of happiness being together and moments of bitterness while away, flashing and running like a movie in front of us. It’s her decision to leave, I never supported though. It all began a few months before. She was walking back from the work, we decided to meet and have dinner. I was waiting at the restaurant. I could see her now walking from the distance, smiling. Suddenly two men on a bike came and threw acid on her face,

she tries to protect her face but she could only save half. I ran but just to grab her and take her to the hospital. Two men still unidentified disappeared in the darkness. Our life since then is changed. She alone decided to stay back from me. I am still watching her from the half-open window, across the window she walked up to me and in a way saying the last goodbye and seeking my support on her decision. How could I let her go? How could I let those ten years of love go? I came out holding her hand, and now I could see her full face, the acid marks still looks fresh, and she needs to heal them. She needs to heal her heart. I said you are so beautiful, let’s continue the way our love was, let's bring that joy to our life and let’s live our dreams. I am here for you and always be. I can’t let you walk like this, I hugged her. Her body was warm; she was trying to move away from me. I hugged her tighter, holding her in my arms, assuring her my love and my heart. She stopped her struggle of moving away from me. She holds me tighter, crying rubbing her skin to my face. There is roughness, smoothness and calmness in her touch. I took her to the same restaurant we decided on the night when the acid attack happened. She was sitting and smiling at me. I felt complete. In my heart I decided, I never goanna hear her last goodbye until I take my last breath.

By Aamer Sohel Khan