The roads brought her back to this location, Because of everything she had gone through. Memories, she clutched on too tightly. Letting go wasn’t an easy thing to do. How could she forget him? The one to whom she had bared out her soul. But, forget him, she must. Was it the end of my love story, she thought. Recalling the times, the roses he had bought She shook her head and told herself naught. Living in an illusion was she. It wasn’t meant to be. It took her time to accept this reality. Broken was she. Wiping her tears, she took the step forward, opened the door to her reality. It’s been a year, since she experienced the life's unsaid moments, where she had once met herself. A lot has changed since then. So, she thought. She for one, people for another. But in reality, they made her feel alive… …the ones who brought her back to life. Again, one more time. A gentle wind on a summer evening On the walkway, there are fewer people, Or on broken paths. Amid delight and stillness. Despite everything, they marched on, with dignity and strength. In awe, she looked around. There were stories to be felt The one’s on courage and hope Stories of love and survival, And that of hurt, wrath, and betrayal. Love stories – both lost and found Reminiscences of a bygone era. It was a night like today, with the stars twinkling above, and the waves lulling her, That she rediscovered love. Within. (c) Pallavi Lumba. January 19, 2022