If We Ever Part

 If we ever drift apart, still remember me. We'll both grow older, wiser too — even then, remember me. One day, nothing will lie before us but the future, and even then... remember me, remember our memories.
  
 We fight so much, we hurt each other with cruel words, we rage, we misunderstand. Forget all this, forgive me. Assume all the fault was mine. I won't be there in your life that day. You won't even be able to fight with me anymore, no matter how much you want to. Don't keep the hurt in your heart — hold me in forgiveness, and if you can, in your prayers too.
  
 We've had so many good times together, haven't we? So many beautiful photographs of us, haven't we? We've laughed together countless times, haven't we? We weren't always sad, were we? We've shared sorrows many, many times, haven't we? Don't forget me, remember me. We do love each other, don't we, there is some tenderness between us! Isn't there?
  
 When you read Rabindranath, you'll think of me, I know. When Hemanta or Kishore plays, I'll slip right into your memories. So many memories between us, so much laughter... tears! What you've done, perhaps you'll forget; but what you've felt — how can you forget that?
  
 When someone new sends you songs someday, takes care of you, when you hold their hand and watch the sky... then... won't you think of me, even a little? When evening falls... when your heart feels heavy... when the night grows long... when tears come suddenly... won't I come to your mind anymore? Won't you let me? Can you...!?
 Before you erase all my memories, will you remember me one last time with all your heart, please? With a little laughter, a little tenderness... will you remember? Even the day I go far away... remember these stories of mine, these mistakes of mine. You will, won't you? Love me a little...?
  
 We were supposed to grow old together, to suffer together, to live together. Even if none of this happens, don't forget. My touch, my breath... it clings to your eyes, it will remain. Never erase those things! You mustn't erase everything.
  
 One day all my hair will turn grey, I'll have to walk very slowly, my body will have no strength left, a hearing aid will be tucked in my ear. I'll walk gradually toward death...
 You did find some happiness in your life from me! Didn't you? We two may not stay together anymore, but still remember me. I'm really not as bad a person as you think I am. Really...!
  
 Will you keep me in some corner of your life? Let it be without care, without attention... but keep me there. I want to stay. I'd like to remain.