The vista from the hill overlooking the photogenic port was picture post card like. Raj walked across, high above the river, heady from the tasting, looking to be alone yet not lonely in a crowd.
The lounge of the restaurant felt medieval. Dressed in the dark clothing demanded by the tradition of the folk singing, she walked onto the small stage. Eyes closed, head lifted upwards, a song of longing and nostalgia. The song, lyrics not understood, felt like a wistful and melancholic realization of the contradiction of the joy in living given the sorrow of reminiscing that makes it alive. Raj fought hard to not shed a tear, inexplicably on both counts.
Happiness is at best a refutation, it is what it is not rather than what it is. Raj had never been so happy to be so moved with a sense of what’s missing. Saudade & Saudacao!
