i would've held your hands and marvelled at their softness

i would've looked at your face long enough to remember every small detail, every wrinkle

i would've told you that your feet are beautiful

i would've recorded your voice

i would've watched you get ready, comb your hair, put on the big maroon bindi and made you apply lipstick

i would've sat at the dining table with you while you read the newspaper

i would've asked you to narrate your life story for the 100th time

i would've kissed your cheek and watched you wipe it instantly

i would've argued with you over something completely random

i would've gotten you shakarkandi and chaat

i would've played ludo with you one more time (and lost)

i would've called you by your name and watched you smile

i would've held on to you just long enough to make sure you don't go