THE COUPLE

POEM

One day evening a car

halted in front of our flats.

They must be man and

wife (may be)

got out of the car

with their belongings

and the driver of the

taxi helped them carry

the belongings to their flat

which was lying vacant

since a long time

they entered the flat 

kept the windows open.

The flat was already

kept tidy and clean for them by the

labourers of the  owner.

Everyday  barring Sundays

both woke down the stairs

at sharp 9AM in the

mornings and walked

down the path to the station.

He was a ‘serious’ man and was reticent.

He remained talkative only towards the lady.

We, the occupants of the adjacent flats

tried in vain to befriend them

but their answers

were in monosyllables.

The man was tall, sturdy and healthy.

He was perfect match for the lady.

He was well-dressed and always wore

full-sleeved shirts

and the lady’s sartorial elegance

was charming and attractive wearing

sleevless blouses.

In the evenings

with the street-lights

they reached the flats

switched on the lights and fan.

They were in the

flat for nearly three years.

One day a taxi stopped

in front of the building

and both of them with

their belongings

stepped down the stairs

and walked towards the car.

No idea, where they went.

Without bidding adieu

to the occupants of the building.

And we were recounting that evening

they reached the flat of our building.