Story of the Smile

The smile creeps slowly on her face. Like a stream of water finding its way accross dry land. It seems to visit rarely. But sometimes it just comes unexpectedly, a little shly like a newly wedded wife. First the corners twitch giving a hint and then it breaks into its full glory like the sunlight through parted clouds. This precious smile which was second nature to her is now a rare guest. But when it does come it lights the whole dark corridor of passage of time.

That smile seems to hold so many secrets - frank yet seems to suggest so many mysteries. Its innocent but very old. It has seen a lot so it doesn't come out so openly now. But there is noone to look at that smile. There is no one other than her to whom that smile matters. There is noone to wait anxiously for that smile and to match it with one's own smile. There is noone whose day brightens up by that smile. No wonder it hides away more and more each day.