I am a strange mixture of successful lovers, broken hearts, lonely persons, tensed businessmen, housewives, children and almost everyone and everything. Above all chaos and busy schedule of daily life, I am someone who is full of creativity and masti. Most often you’ll see sweet couples coming to me holding each other’s hands and busy chatting between themselves, as if I am made for listening to them. But I never get annoyed. I enjoy their togetherness, their love. They are a part of my life. Some people find it tough to digest. But, for me they are a promise for the peaceful future. I love their company.

Sometimes one or two lonely persons also come to me seeking my company. What can I do? I have to take care of them too. I give them shelter; I give them company. They cry and make me all wet with their tears. I have to bear it too. I often wonder why they are so lonely, so desperate! What ails them so much? I don’t know. They never let me know that. But, they share their tears with me. Maybe they find great comfort in my company. And I consider it as my greatest achievement.

I hate the roadside Romeos. Still I have to bear their company. They come to me in their costly bikes and make me all dusty. I never say a word against that. Afterall, I am made to give company to everyone. They remain with me until the evening sky becomes dusky. They talk a lot of uncensored stuff. I listen to them silently. What more can I do? Sometimes I feel like throwing them away. But I can’t do that. I have to be patient. Afterall, I am not a foolish human being. Unlike them, I am patient, friendly and helpful to others.

Human beings harm me a lot. But I never cry; I never complain. I know my place. I know my job. I have to do it with devotion. I am strange. But everyone loves me. Small kids with their parents, couples, lonely persons, young girls and almost everyone come to me for relaxing and enjoying a cool and fresh evening.

When the night lays its hands on me I become quiet. Everyone returns to their homes. But I remain awake. Quietly, I observe the illegal things going on in my shelter. Silently I observe the prostitutes waiting for customers. I never blame them for their job. They become nude for food only. Is it their fault only? No, it isn’t. It’s the outcome of human being’s deception, hatred and desertion. I quietly observe everything, everyday and every night. I never grow impatient. Afterall, I am there to give comfort, to give shelter. I am there for the convenience of human beings. Do you know me? Yes, you do. I am none other than the ‘Chandmari flyover’ in Guwahati. You are also welcome to get my company. But, please don’t make me dirty with your dirty thoughts or deeds. Show me love, not hatred. Please!!

Binoy B Gogoi