THE MERMAID - Part One.

HE WALKS along the stretch of sand on the cove, which is yet to be spoiled. No footprints disturb the multicolored pattern of the sands, no cigarette butts or empty packets thrown about by selfish tourists. No naughty boys to net the sleeping fishes or stone the roosting gulls.

The giggling foamy waves tickle the soles of his feet as his eyes gorge on the Edenic setting. He watches the sun glide towards the sea and unite in an intimate embrace, while the on looking sky furiously changes color in acute envy.

He stops abruptly, refusing to believe his eyes. The absurdity of the sight leads him to suspect his senses.. For just a few yards away, sitting on a rock is a form.. A form that is half human and half fish.. the mythical figure of a Mermaid !

She sits facing the sea. Her profile, silhouetted against the evening sky, is exquisitely shaped. Her face, featured like a Greek goddess. Her hair, exotically hued in the twilight, cascades silkily over her bare shoulders. Her fish like lower half is swathed in overlapping greenish-gold scales that glitter reflecting the fading light. He gazes at her, like in a dream, in utter disbelief.

Suddenly she turns. Is it instinct or did she hear his startled gasp? Fear floods her face and she turns to dive. He cries “Wait !”. She hesitates. Does she understand or maybe it is the harmless look on his face? Perhaps she is just as inquisitive as he is. She stays on. They stand rooted to the spot. Eyes interlocked. A deafening silence follows. Then she smiles..

Thus begins an extraordinary friendship. Between a man and a fable. A friendship sprouting from the assurance of a smile. But with that smile, an accord is reached, a pact signed.

From then on, they meet regularly. By degrees, the bond of mutual trust strengthens giving rise to a relationship so pure as to surpass all distinction. On days when the weather is just right, she takes him into her own world. Her own special world. A world of beautiful coral reefs, luminescent algae, brown ringed star fishes and giant green sea anemones, schools of frolicking fishes, acrobatic dolphins and sunbathing whales. They communicate through signs. The understanding between them grows so perfect that their silence conveys more meaning than words could ever express.

(Time speeds by and this bond molded in trust and nurtured by innocence evolves to such chaste heights that even the Gods begin to grow jealous. They hastily plot to put an end to this impending threat. The result is heartrending.)

One evening, he comes running to the cove, excited as usual at the prospect of getting to share yet another evening with his beautiful secret. But alas !, what he sees, drives him to his knees in anguish and despair..

(to be continued)