The Day We Meet

Tell me, the day you come to my city, come to me,
what exactly will we do then?

Will you want to see me in a black sari that day?
Or red? Or blue with white borders?
Or do you prefer only simple, everyday things?

Should I line my eyes a little thicker that day?
Should the bindi be large, or is medium better?
And earrings? Maybe I'll wear jhumkas that day?
You love those!

Tell me, should I tuck jasmine in my loose hair? Or put red roses in my bun?
Should I wear armfuls of silk bangles? Or do you prefer glass ones?
Should I bring some tuberose sticks for you? You've always been enchanted by those white blossoms!

What would you like to eat? What should I cook and bring for you?
I'm not very good at cooking, though—
still, I'm sure I can learn your favorite dishes.
I have faith I can do many things for you.

If it rains that day, won't we get drenched?
Won't our first monsoon together be written on every green leaf?

Tell me, what will you ask of me?
Will you want me by your side always?
Will you object when I try to leave?
Won't you insist that day, saying "I love you, I love you,"
filling me with a love as vast as the sky?

Listen, won't you and I go wandering?
No no, don't take me to some fancy restaurant.
We'll sit together by a river in some quiet place, how's that?

Don't bring me expensive gifts,
I don't want such things, I only want you—just that would make me tremendously happy.

Instead, bring me a packet of roasted nuts and ice cream.
And a letter wrapped in your love...will you write one?
Sit beside me and sing a song or two thinking of me that day, how's that?
And when you come, wear that white shirt I love so much!
Did I forget anything? Well, if I did, I'll ask for it later.

See how much I've asked for?
You're always saying...what will I give you, what will I bring, what do you want!
Now look, I've handed you quite a list!
What should I bring for you? You didn't say!
Fine, take some time to think! Then give me a nice long list, okay?

Listen, you'll never leave me, will you?
Will you keep me safe like this for a whole lifetime?
And will you always let me be this crazy for you?
If I drive you mad saying "I love you, I love you" all the time, will you chase me away?
Between your work...if I keep saying "I miss you, come close, come to me"...
will you really bear with me for a whole lifetime?

You'll have to!
Otherwise I'll torment and burn you to death!
I'm terribly selfish about you!
Did I take your hand thinking I'd let you go?
No, never! I'll keep you with me for the rest of my life.
I won't let you go anywhere!

You see, I'll love you so much, so very much,
you'll never be able to leave me, not even by mistake!
Won't that be wonderful?
Listen! I love you! I love you terribly!
I love you—and saying this over and over...I love even more!