This 1775 painting depicts the utkata nayika: a heroine impatiently waiting for her beloved. She is typically in a garden or a grove, perhaps a bit scared because of the dark the night lit up by lightning.

Notice her posture-- her hand holds on to her scarf, and she is restless and stands on a bed made of leaves. The nervous energy is palpable, making me wonder if this is a secret rendezvous? Her beloved could be the god Krishna, who balances himself on one leg and plays the flute. Is she, without realising, mimicking his posture?

Waiting for anyone is hard, and more so, when separation has been a long one. This image captures myriad emotions of longing and anticipation perfectly.