The Spring just knocked the doors of German cities. Long-awaited Spring was welcomed by every single being. Fresh leaves erupted and flowers started to blossom. Beautiful shades of rainbow were quite often now. Animals and birds too came out of their cages. Long-term winter silence was broken by the birds' twitter. It seemed that they too couldn't hide their excitement. Human beings were a bit happier but for many different reasons. For instance, my German colleagues were happy that they could do more outdoor sports now. My wife was happy to get rid of heavy winter jacket. I was happy that I could ride my cycle again, especially on the way between home and office.
I opted a route via forest this time. I could feel fresh air, green and dense vegetation, chirping noise of the birds. It was a sense of joy while going to office. On a very first day, I came across a graveyard on the route. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the graveyard and honestly I was not that scared. If I recall my childhood memories, I have often believed that someone would come out of his graveyard and kill people. The credit goes entirely to those horror shows (AAHAT, THE ZEE HORROR SHOW) for this non-scientific belief. I was astonished to evident different sort of burial crosses (a sign of Jesus Christ or Christianity) beautifully carved with names of the person or family. Blossoming flowers on and around the graves, attractive crosses and beloved family members taking care of them seemed like its worth dying. Soon a couple sitting on a bench caught my attention but I ignored as I was heading to the office.
In the next few days, I saw that couple quite often. They were always indulged in a deep talk probably cherishing their old memories. But I wondered why they had to come to the graveyard to spend time. I never saw them nearby any grave or even looking at any grave. They appeared to be isolated from the rest of the world. As I was always on my cycle I could only see a glimpse of them. Every single day I started to observe their exchanging emotions and build up my own story. I wanted to validate my build-up story but I couldn't get the courage to meet them in the graveyard. I was not sure whether I was allowed to enter as none of my relatives was buried there. Even if they allowed, what would I talk to them ? Do they speak English or do they understand my German ? It took me several days to get rid of such questions and finally got the courage to see the couple.
It was 6 PM. There was hardly anyone there which made it easier for me to enter. I directly headed to them.
"Good Evening, how are you ?" I broke their conversation.
I was amazed by the way they dressed up. They looked charming together.
"Good Evening" They both greeted me back but looked puzzled.
" Hi, Iiiii am Ssssssaurabh. I am doing my PhD in the University. Actually I take that front road between office and home. I saw both of you several times sitting on this bench and having a deep conversation. I was curious to know your story. Your unbreakable bond of love is an inspiration to all young folks who are often confused in finding their soul-mates. Even though they find life partners, the love seems temporary rather eternal like yours." I stammered in the beginning.
"Hold on, young boy ! You speak very fast. I am happy that you came here. Anyway I am Friedrich and she is my friend Jasmine. My wife died couple of weeks ago and her husband died too. I was very sad after her sudden demise. Therefore I planned to come here everyday and spend the entire day next to her grave. I was talking continuously to her grave every single day. One day I saw Jasmine. She was crying like a baby. I went to her and soon we became very good friends" Friedrich destroyed my built-up stories.
"Okay, but I never saw you sitting next to the graves of your spouses. You always sit on this bench." I revealed my in-built curiousity.
"Actually we have the same story. I met my wife when I was 19. In the last 40 years, we fell in love, got married and had three beautiful kids. Life was going very normal. I was in an executive position in Siemens and my wife was the professor in the university. The children were growing up. We were busy in our works. One day my wife had a car accident and died on the spot. I was shattered. I couldn't have a last word with her. There was a lot to say. These 40 years passed like a short summer which never came back." Friedrich broke into tears.
Jasmine softly said "Friedrich !!" She patted his shoulder. They hugged each other.
After a while Jasmine continued "I also met my husband nearly 40 years ago. He ended his life like a blink of an eye. He had a heart attack. I come here to apologize him that I never really showed my feelings to him. I love him but couldn't express it because life became an express train. We thought we would spend time after retirement. But he died at the age of 59. We all try to predict life which is highly uncertain but the certainty lies in the present moment. We take this fact for granted."
Friedrich added "Yes, I did the same mistake and never realized this. Now we sit together, cherish those memories and revive our love. Anyway, are you married ? "
I replied "Yes, I am."
Both resonated the same word "So now you know what you shouldn't do !" They blessed me
I thanked them and left. It was already 8 PM. I went to home and hugged my wife. I felt so fulfilled.
I thought to wave them everytime I pass by the graveyard.
I didn't see them the next day not even in the evening while returning home. This happened in the next days as well. They were not there anymore. I was worried. I went to the bench they used to sit. I sat on the bench. Suddenly my eyes fell on the grave right in front of me. "Jasmine Thoms (20-04-2016)" was carved on it. Before I could understand what I saw, I eyed on the adjacent grave. "Friedrich Thoms (23-04-2016)".
I fell down on the bench. I recalled what Jasmine and Friedrich told me. They were actually a couple. Jasmine would have died in an accident and Friedrich couldn't handle her sudden demise and died too in a heart attack three days later. They cherished their memories here and intentionally imparted their life's biggest lesson on me. I was blessed to spend time with them and be aware of what is important in life.
