I jumped into the cab like a predator unwilling to leave my prey. Once safely ensconced in the seat, I relaxed, looked at my watch with composure. What a fetish for being on time I thought. If I tell this to my friends, they say I boast.

The taxi driver seemed to be in a jovial mood. He switched on his music player and a Jim Reeves number came out sonorously: “Put your sweet lips…”

Memories flooded my mind, I thought of my college days when I hummed this tune enveloping my thoughts into a make belief romance. This time I couldn’t help it, I started once again actually singing, the taxi driver not to be outdone joined me. “I have got a whole collection of these old hits,” he explained, “From where?” I enquired, “Do you market them?” “Yes”, he replied, “Where can I buy them?” I asked excitedly.

I suddenly rued the fact that once upon a time, I also had a range of collection but lending them out I never saw them again! “Well, I market them in Chennai”, “Here in Meghalaya?” I asked impatiently. “In Nongstoin” he said. I sighed. “In Shillong?” I persisted. “No not in Shillong” was the reply. Jim Reeves ended his soliloquy and the next song was “Tell Laura I love her.” I remembered the Lauras of old times.

By the time the song ended, we had reached our destination. I hastily got out. The songs echoed in my mind. Life is a never-ending song I thought…