The space separating the couple
Was no longer the same
No longer imbued with tender glances
No longer habituated with long lost habit

It reeked of a sense of loss
Laced with nostalgia at the outer edges
Crowded with what ifs, and only ifs
Insulated from the excitement of wild spontaneity

As if it had a life of its own
Distinct from the two individuals
It was destined to connect
Or disconnect, depending on its fancy

Moving across different sets of couples
Causing intrigue, anxiety, apprehension
Conniving, plotting, crafty at the fringes
Planning its next move artfully, playfully

Subir Chakraborty
9th Feb 2023