I feel like I have been here forever. I don’t even remember those who brought me here in the first place. When was it? Must have been long ago. That small pond in front of me had crystal clear water in those days. Over time, the growth of unwanted vegetation underneath has changed its color. However, it remains as still as it has always been. Together we have been silent witnesses to the changing colors of several seasons. The trees around me have grown taller while their long branches are now bent under their own weight. The wind feels the same. It rustles up the leaves in the same manner like it did all those years ago. Sometimes gently, just to tease them. Sometimes violently, to bring them all down and sweep into the water.

I haven’t changed much except the body is not all that firm anymore. The surface has become rough and deep lines have appeared everywhere. After all, it has been through a lot, but somehow it still holds up. I am still here. Every day I see the rays of a new beginning dissolving into the darkness of yet another end. The whispers of the wind, thunder of the clouds, dancing of the rain drops on the water, the chorus of the cicadas; I am still an audience to nature’s symphony.

I am a part of many lives.  I see the mynas making their place in the hollows while the ant army carries the carcass for their lavish feast. Squirrels run around to grab the fallen fruits. Dogs come by. Sometimes they take shelter beneath me. Sometimes they just raise their leg, do their job and leave. I hate it but I can’t do anything. I have to silently bear everything. Like the old man who often visits me in the evening just before sunset. Like me, he just watches the world pass by without paying him any attention.

The nights are generally difficult. Humans don’t come around. I am on my own in the company of moths, ants, grasshoppers, beetles and other bugging creatures.  It is quite uncomfortable in the dark. Sounds which appear ordinary during the day become unidentifiable and eerie during the night. The chirping of the crickets makes it difficult to sleep. Violent winds sometime seem to threaten my very existence. No one is aware of my discomfort and fears.

Not everything is bad though. There are also interesting stories to hear. Like the other day, this man came along with his kid. The kid seemed to be in a sulky mood and this man was trying to cheer him up while he carried him in his arms. They came and sat with me with the father putting his arms around the boy’s shoulders. The boy’s small legs couldn’t reach the ground. Apparently the boy was upset as he didn’t do well in a recitation contest at school. He forgot a few lines in the middle. He had rehearsed it so well but somehow he went blank on the stage. The father could feel the boy’s sense of disappointment and failure. He tried to make him understand that it was fine. Things don’t always go well in spite of our best efforts. There will be another day when words will flow just like the wind from the mountains and he will be applauded by one and all. The father was sincere in his efforts but the boy wasn’t to be cheered with philosophy. They left for home after some time. Hopefully the boy will do well next time. He will have to lose a lot more to understand what his father was saying. But he will understand eventually. Everybody does.

I get such slices of people’s lives every now and then. Like that old man I mentioned, often I can hear him talking to himself. At times he also sings a song. He sings quite well actually. Maybe he used to sing in his younger days. Maybe he sings to express what he otherwise cannot say. I don’t know.

Aah!! Now there is the young couple again. Walking close to each other, chatting, smiling and laughing with moments of silence interspersed in their togetherness. Today they again chose me as a witness to their story. They have come here earlier a few times. They chat about each other’s lives. Family, friends, latest gossips, movies, fashion and all. Although I am old and have not experienced any of these things, I enjoy their conversations every time. They talk more like close friends but I know they are in love. The boy blushes every time the girl pulls his cheek or ruffles his hair to taunt him. He doesn’t mind her laughing at him instead he just keeps looking at her.  The girl goes quiet when she sees the admiration in his eyes. Now she blushes too. Oh yes! They are very much in love. The boy holds her hand casually. The girl doesn’t do anything about it. Slowly they come closer. After what seemed like eternity but indeed were only a few moments, the boy leans forward and kisses her on the cheek. She smiles quietly. She looks in his eyes and quickly gives a soft peck on his cheek.

The branches gently shook in a cool breeze passing by. Several leaves fell and created ripples in the water. Together, we all celebrated the first kiss of love.