An ego defeated
A hope reignited
To share a blissful night
Both hearts were excited

"Shall we go on a walk, my lady? A walk to our birthdays."

Face held high, the figure bent a little, Riya held out her hand. With a smile on her face, the old lady scooped her hand in Riya's as the duo set out for a walk under the streetlamps. They could've easily called a cab and set out to their own ways, but something about sharing their birthday held them together.

Even as a child, Riya had learned to run before she could walk. She had always had life on her heels. This was the first time she was embracing slowness with the same affection. And to her own displeasure, it didn't feel that bad. It was just...different.

They crossed the busy streets to reach the foodies hub. Whether they went there by will or were forced to visit, no one knew. It was that enchanting smell of pizza which was so hard to resist. Riya had thought granny would want to do something old fashioned. So she was happily surprised when the old lady suggested devouring some pizza.

Being a weekday, it wasn't crowded that time. Just two other tables were occupied when they entered. A couple, busy staring at each other, and a group of friends keeping the place alive. The young boys and girls weren't quite shouting, but they were just loud enough to keep the couple aware of their presence.

Riya and granny took a corner table, away from both. It was their time, and they wanted to be alone. Alone together.

"So, how does it feel to live a hundred years?" Riya asked after they ordered their pizza.

The old lady could just smile to that.

"I guess it feels the same. Apart from the weakness in my body, my heart still feels the same as if I'm your age."

"What we're you doing out there at this time of the day? And that too alone?"

"I was out to celebrate my birthday."

"But why alone?"

"Because I'm alone. Apart from a handful of friends at the old age home, there is no one out there to call my own. I am alone."

The feeling of isolation hit Riya hard. She imagined herself at that age, alone like the granny. No, I can never live like that.

"Oh, but I'm here now, right? You're not alone anymore. So let's skip this sad talk and change the mood a bit."

Before the old lady could say something, a waiter arrived with their pizza. The conversation stopped for a moment as their mouths became full. But Riya wasn't a one to stay silent for long.

"Tell me about your dreams," she asked pulling a string of cheese from her piece, "I mean, at this stage of life, do you still dream about the things, or are all your wishes fulfilled?"

Old lady munched on her piece silently. She chewed it on slowly before replying.

"Ofcourse I have dreams," she stated the obvious, "Yes, many of my dreams are satisfied, many are shattered as well. But that doesn't mean I should stop dreaming, right? We're humans. We're meant to dream big."

Riya could just nod. Even at her age, she had faced both happy and sad moments. She was sure the old lady would have countless to tell.

"But ofcourse, there are always some dreams that can never be fulfilled."

"Like," curiosity gripped the young mind.

"I always dream of going beyond this Earth. Of watching the earth go round and round while I try to plant my feet on the moon. I would have just balanced myself out there when an alien would come and scoop me up in his arms. He'd make me sit on one of the rocks and play a nice melody on his violin. We'd dance out there on the moon, all the while watching this Earth go round and round."

Eyes wide, jaws dropped, a piece of pizza held between them, Riya could stare at the old lady sitting un front of her. She wasn't even sure if she should call her an old lady anymore. Because her dreams weren't old at all. It was just her body that was wrinkled, that heart, it was still young and full if dreams.

Suddenly, a thought struck Riya as she darted off from their table. The old lady tried to call after her, but who was she to stop a young blood. This girl was a perfect image of her when she was young. It was as if she was just her other half.

After a couple of lone moments, Riya returned. She stared deep into the eyes of that old lady. Breaking their contact, she signaled something to the waiter. A slow tune of violin instantly started playing in the background. Riya again looked into her eyes.

"We may never go to the moon. It might just be a distant dream for us. But let me be your alien tonight."

She got on her knees and held her hand out.

"Will You dance with me oh lovely lady?"

A huge cheer bellowed from the group sitting in the far corner. The old lady could never deny such a cute offer.

She stood on her wobbly feet, stumbled the first couple of steps. But then, they were dancing to the tune of a violin.

Soon, the group surrounded them. A couple of them even started to dance alongside. While the rest clapped and tapped their feet cheering the duo on. A moment later, even the couple joined them in the dance.

It was a night no one wanted to end. But they all knew that nothing's permanent. Everything has to end in time. And so did that moment as well.

After sharing their goodbyes and thanks to the friends and staff at the hotel, Riya and the old lady were again standing out on the road. Hand in hand, they stood there awaiting a taxi.

For Riya, it was a night she would never forget in her lifetime. While for the old lady, it was the best possible ways she could have celebrated her hundredth birthday.

Standing there, under the streetlamps, she could only utter a couple of words to Riya.

"Thank you!"

***

"The moment would only feel nice if you have someone to share it with."