A Waltz to Remember........................

Hand in hand...toe to toe
They whirled around with newlyweds' glow
As they gazed into each others eyes
The passion of yore...still burning bright
The wonted embrace they've come to trust
For decades have past...but only just.....


Today's was probably the most unusual valentine's day I've had in a while. Had the good fortune of being invited to a typical mexicano baptism reception. Warm and friendly people with lipsmacking mexican food, always makes for a good time. Add generous amounts of tequila and latin music to the mix and now we have ourselves a truly rockin' party. Had a great time with such nice folks. Never realised that latin music was so similar to our commercial hindi music. The beats kept transporting me back to the good 'ole days in aamchi mumbai. It sounded so familiar...a bit of almost every source of jhankar beat experience, right from the "deckwallah rickshaws" to wedding processions and sometimes even the characteristic disco dandia beats.

Usually this is not the typical setting where one would witness shining examples of true love. But this is where things got a bit unusual. The party had a DJ who kept churning out some really peppy music...the kind that makes you wanna do a little jig every now and then, even with your derrier firmly rooted to the chair. Most of the dance enthusiasts comprised of teenage hipsters in their usual skinny jeans and hoodies. But what caught my attention was a sight that almost didnt match the frame in totality, but nevertheless looked so beautiful on its own that it nearly eclipsed anyone or anything else around. It was this elderly caucasian couple, way into their 70s (maybe even just into their 80s), doing the salsa with absolutely no cares in the world whatsoever. They looked so happy and thoroughly enjoying each others company that it looked straight out of some seniors' TV commercial. The gentleman seemed to have a certain spring in his step that quite defied his age while the lady followed his lead with the total ease and an infectious charm. They might not have been the best dancers on the floor, but they certainly were the most suited pair for no two people looked so perfect together as they did. As I saw them waltz through number after number, I wondered how it must be to have the same dance partner for so many years and still feel the same rush like when you had your maiden dance together. As the couple danced on my thoughts moved on to my parents. Tomorrow they celebrate their 39th Marriage Anniversary. In times when people find it difficultto maintain relationships through consecutive seasons, they've spent 39 years in true marital bliss and wouldnt have it any other way!
I've never been the hopeless romantic type. Dont think I quite know what true love is, nor do I expect to unravel this mystery anytime soon. But one thing I am sure of today more than ever before - true love does exist for mere fondness of someone can't get you through the ages, not without the passion I witnessed tonight.