There was terror outside windows, outside doors, outside hearts. Men still took the 9:18 CST local. For life must go on. And the government issued plans and figures and memorandas. And checked your hand baggage twice. And we went on our work like mannequins with a purpose. Or without. Whatever u say. You told me in an emotionless voice about your sister. And i tried to empathize.But you were a stranger. And you could be one of them.

I painted three posters which celebrated the "spirit". And lay on a cold white bed while someone stole some of my blood. I attended three peace rallies and a demonstration that nearly turned violent and effective. I did not attend the fourth, for my feet hurt and i wanted to listen to music. On the ride home, people stared defiantly at each other, determinedly indifferent. And i saw you, or thought i did. Your lurid green kurta and soft speckled beard. And i remembered.

Doors and windows were shut but insecurity seeped in anyway. And i curled tighter against myself while the PA system declared Emergency. Blank, vacant looks greeted unsympathetic unresponsive faces until it all became a blur. There was either colour, or fear in those eyes. And suddenly i was running. Running down the tracks in wild, carefree abandon. Ity might as well have been yesterday. Or last year. Only it wasnt. For i was the only one running. And i was runnin away.

Liquid kisses under flourescent lights.Unknown fingers, unknown lips. And how terribly terribly real. Cracked windows, and a broken PA system. Dancing neon-light-shadows of unreal people in an unreal world. And i remember your hands, though your face is a blur. Intertwined fingers, interlocked hearts, intermingled feelings, and an irreversible act. On unfamiliar unscrubbed floor, amidst muffled voices and undecided sentiments. Sirens blared at a distance. You knew what had happened. Again.
And i remembered about your sister. And quietly wept.