Memory's a funny thing.

Festive seasons are like birthday parties for me. They keep us very busy and in business, we are kept a little lonely as well.

When I turned today, a person I had previously dated was two arm lengths away. I was caught by surprise. My first instinct was to turn back around before he caught sight of me to avoid the awkward moments of eye contact. It was scorching hot. I continued looking in his direction when I realized he was absorbed in a conversation which gave clearance for staring. So, two arm lengths away with throngs of people separating the both of us, I observed him in his new haircut. He looked better than I had remembered him to be. Someone who had shared a piece of history with me was now a stranger, like a black distant figure fading into a tunnel. I cannot remember what I had liked him for. Strangely, all I remember are the minute forgettable details: places, dates, timings, food, bus stops, playgrounds, movies, tile designs, the concert we wanted to go for but never did, random details that don’t deserve attention. Everything but the person himself. Is this how memory works for all? Or for all the things that didn't eventually work out?

It’s gonna be a new year soon and I guess new beginnings are enough reason for cheer.