Every time she came to dry/collect clothes
Our eyes found each other
She was my landlord's daughter

My bachelor's room was on the top floor
Even though I suffered from weather extremities
I preferred isolation over chaos

Being Zamindari Jats, they owned a few properties in Munirka Vihar 
Affluence was defining 
Education missing 
I sensed she wasn't very educated 

During one of our eyes exchange
The zephyr played cupid
As she was trying to collect the clothes
Few flew here and there
Keeping aside my book
I helped her in collecting it

शुक्रिया भैया, she said
My heart plummeted with the addressal
We both knew there was anything but brotherly/sisterly feelings for each other
Nevertheless, that set the stage at play
Sometimes she used to sneak during barren noons 
Sometimes when the power used to go out
We chatted in hushed tones 

Gathering courage, I kissed her
She kept her mouth open
She didn't know the art of kissing
Yet her flesh was aflame 
She ran away leaving me feel guilty for my misdemeanor 
She didn't come for a few days 
The next time I saw her, she looked despondent 
I apologized for my behaviour

भैया, पापा ने मेरी मांगनी करदी, she whispered 
That's all she said
And that's the last time I saw her.
©LR