The Departure of Compulsion

: Can you hear the koel calling? They cry out in the dead of night or at first light—sharp and piercing, relentless and loud, the sound swelling suddenly before it cuts off just as fast. It sounds almost like a person's wail.
: What? I didn't hear anything. Tithi, you're being terribly fanciful again. Hush now—sleep.
: No, sleep won't come tonight. But you know what's strange? If you spent just a few nights beside me like this...you'd think I was deeply spiritual.
: I know you're not like the others. There's some enigma inside you, obscure and unresolved. Tell me, Tithi...you do love imagining conversations with me, don't you?
: Terribly!
: Yes, I know. That's why I don't stop you.
: I've stared death in the face...and yet, the thought of losing you frightens me.
: Tithi, how happy are you?
: Ha ha ha! (The laughter trembled through her chest, deep and forceful)
: What is it? Tell me?
: I'm as happy as you belong to me—completely.
: Oh, Tithi...
: Mm...
: There's something inside your chest...so turbulent, slowly settling down. Tell me, Tithi...what's wrong with you?
: I'm ill.
: What do you mean?
: Nothing. You know, I've heard—two people who love each other too much can never stay together. Nature itself won't allow it, they say.
: Where do you get such things? Surely from some novel's pages?
: Yes, truly.
: There's something strange and bewitching about you...you know, Tithi? It pains me that I can never quite reach you.
: I don't mean to bind you in that spell.
: Then what? What is your purpose, tell me?
: To write. Only about you.
: I run from women's tears...but when you weep (as if your ecstasy once flooded through all of me)...the drops from your eyes fell upon my chest! You want so much tenderness from me, don't you, Tithi? Ah, hold me gently! I'm not going anywhere, not leaving you...
: I want you to go. Otherwise I'll have no choice but to leave myself.