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When I get time, I listen to music, or read books. If any is left, I blog!

Thursday 16 July 2015

First Love At Second Sight

In a satirical play by George Bernard Shaw, one character tells another: "First love is only a little foolishness and a lot of curiosity." Not many might agree, at least not until a break-up. What happens later, is the theme of a short story I read ages ago. Be warned that I remember neither its title nor author, only the ending.   

In a village in France in early 1900, a boy falls in love with a girl. They walk hand in hand, whispering sweet nothings and discovering each other.  Alas, good things seldom last long. Overnight, the girl's family migrates to a distant city.  Though the lovers struggle to stay in touch, the snail mail of those days lets them down. 

Years pass.  One day unexpectedly, the boy, now a middle-aged man reaches the city.  As he waits to cross the street, a car slows to a halt just ahead and a woman alights.  Her face leaves him transfixed. Fond memories of the time they shared come flooding in.  He craves to call out to her, but by then she enters a shop.  After moments of hesitation, a plan forms in his mind.

From the florist outside the shop, he buys some red roses, walks over to her car, and quietly leaves them on the rear seat.  He then steps behind a nearby lamp post to watch her response.  Minutes later, she comes out. The first thing she does on boarding the car, is to make space for her purchases.  And without even a glance, she flings the flowers out. Soon a bus runs over them.

Crestfallen at seeing the symbol of love crushed beyond recognition, he stands unaware of what Benjamin Disraeli said:

"The magic of first love is our ignorance that it can ever end."
Benjamin Disraeli

10 comments:

  1. I often response with a quote from Dumbledore- "Oh to be young ...and feel love's keen sting." I guess it is the age that gives a different perspective :D

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    1. True.
      "In infinite time, in infinite matter, in infinite space, is formed a bubble-organism, and that bubble lasts a while and bursts...."
      Leo Tolstoy in Anna Karenina: Part 8, Chapter 9

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  2. First love has memories & also pain. Flowers getting crushed is touching.

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    1. That image of crushed flowers has stayed fresh in my mind. Thanks Anita.

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  3. Vivek Rathi9:15 pm

    A touching story very well recalled! I wonder why you aren't posting anything new. Nine out of ten readers may not respond, but certainly read your posts and wish to read even more.

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    1. Vivek, you know what? When there is nothing to tell, it is better to be silent! I am waiting for something to break that silence. Thanks

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  4. Dear Sir,
    This is beautiful story and reality of life. It touches heart.

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    1. Thank you Mandar. Do drop in again please.

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  5. Jherna7:01 am

    Wow what a story!

    I like the way you write. Clear Crisp and Concise. Not an extra word. Not a line even an English pundit can change.

    Keep writing please. A real pleasure to read.

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    1. Really encouraging words, Jherna. Thanks. Hope to see you again.

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