How blissful is solitude depends on the circadian rhythm of
the universe. Whether it rained today, whether the dark night was star-studded,
if there was mist in the air when you walked out this morning – all of it
matters. The black coffee as usual lived up to its Coffee Day norms. I was a
seasoned customer now (literally) – been used to the curious stares of young
couples wondering why I sat all alone flipping the pages of a book in a prime
dating location. And the subtle cold stares of the staff pondering when I’d
clear the table.
“Everyone has a Tibet of the mind, a notion of a pure,
distant land, a place of personal escape, the heart of lightness. For some, it
may be glimpsed through music, or fasting, or drugs, or prayer, or excessive exercise,
or perfect love….” read the book. The timing of the book in my life was
perfect. I had just embraced Buddhism – a late manifestation of my true self. My
unremitting practice of detachment for several years now was well documented in
bits and pieces. A great many mortals would have been on the receiving end of
this drill.
Your choices in life make what you are. Whether you while
away your time staring deep into someone’s eyes while it rains…or you keep to
yourself reading non-fiction; contriving an imaginary world around you is your
choice. Either of the choices are strictly a work of fiction mind you. My
fiction was jolted by the coffee bill suddenly placed on my table - a polite
way of the staff asking me to fish off.
