The olfactory receptors often induce a surge of memories. The smell of old books conjures up a recollection of childhood memories, of fairytales and granny, who used to read me those stories at bedtime. The fresh fragrance of frangipani flowers reminds me of long summer afternoons spent at my maternal grandma’s house. Isn’t it pretty interesting that such smells, most of the time, register memories entwined with our childhood? At least, I’ve experienced it in that way.
I’ve minimal furniture at my home. I don’t like clutter; it makes me feel like a claustrophobic. So, I often have to shuffle things to make space. As I was sorting the books, which definitely are prioritized over other things, suddenly a light-blue envelope slipped from one of the tomes. As I opened it, few petals of a dried rose, as thin as paper, appeared. A few moments; the sudden rush of memories almost dazzled my thought process for some time. It was like facing a few thousand-watt flood light just after emerging from a dark cave!
I could almost see that tall, not-so-fair boy with big, clever eyes and aquiline nose. He didn’t say anything, handed me the envelope on a rainy evening. I didn’t return the favour. Never exchanged a word after that evening. Still, I retained the envelope quite painstakingly. Why? I asked myself. Deep down, a voice whispered, you know! Or maybe, you never know!
Scattered Thoughts 
The thing about the unsaid and the unexpressed is that it continues to haunt your memories. I love the mystery that surrounds the what ifs, could haves, and the should haves of life. These scenarios always play in my head and sometimes act as a good escape from the mundane 🙂
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These thoughts help us to escape momentarily… from the present to the past…a quick fleeting visit 🙂
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Those dried rose petals, might be unspoken feeling , or a feeling waiting to be felt, you will know or may be never know,.Sooo beautiful , the words, the emotions, the scene was almost in front of my eyes.
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The essence of the moment is captured so beautifully. Thanks and regards 💐
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Smell does trigger memories. The most nostalgic memory for me is the smell of first summer showers on dry earth.
You have left your post with an intriguing note- the envelope.
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Touching and relatable maniparna…
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This post can easily make someone nostalgic and can trigger the brain to remember some special forgotten memories. Loved the presentation and specially loved the last line of the second para.
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Sometimes we will never know and we can only wonder and ponder. Some people will leave strong impressions on us that we will never forget…and we might also be left wondering who they really are. Hope you are well, Mani. Very well written 🙂
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There are always a few unanswered things in Life.
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It’s true. Probably we will never know!
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Down the memory lane. An unspoken feeling of affection.
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Nice Mani 🙂 I am reminded of a particular game of golf I played with a great friend, every time I smell Dandelions which have been just mowed over. My friend passed away about 20 years ago and still that memory is triggered. Thanks for sharing and reminding me of him (Harvey). 🙂
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Wonderfully penned, and something we can all reate to even if it hasn’t happened as you describe. I hope you weren’t hot too hard by the recent bad weather.
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