When The Masks Came Off

they sat inches apart,
each putting up
a brave smile,
as their breaths
turned shallow,
and hearts hammered, 
for the smiles held back
a lot more
than they seemed to say

one hid her pains
growing deep in her chest,
to curl up her lips
into a smile,
her best jewel as he'd say,
the other,
hiding the missings,
deep in his heart,
for years, 
yet wearing his smile
that she'd fondly call
cupid come alive

one last blush,
they forced,
and he swiftly turned
to leave,
but a thud
broke the silence,
as the masks came off,
and then -
their bloodshot eyes met
all at once,
one choking up,
and the other -
fighting
the fierce flood of tears



© sashikant mohanty