Khamosh Raat

 

Dark clouds had taken over the city hiding the full moon view.  Rohan hit the steering wheel with his palm as he got irritated over the slow moving traffic.

He switched on the radio and was telling another driver not to move his car between spaces.  The strumming of the guitar got his attention.  “Aur durr kahe roshan huya ek cherha…” brought her image in front of him.  As he listened to the song, he found himself serenading Juhi with the same song. They had been together since college days and he would often strum his guitar singing the same song every time Juhi made a request.

 
Blaring of the horns brought him back in the present.  He moved his car further and switched off the radio as he looked up at the sky.  The thundering had got louder and lighting kept flashing every now and then.

She was looking at her marriage and honeymoon photos when her favorite song was being played on the radio.  It brought back past memories alive which made Juhi tingle.

 
Four months had passed since their separation, still she had not forgotten him.  Her eyes had filled up with tears while droplets of rain start pouring down heavily outside.

Love

 

“I won’t be able to make it” Vikram said.  “Why not?” she asked.  “The flights are all booked and I will now have to book flight for tomorrow.  I’ll give you a call on when I will be arriving.  Love you” he said disconnecting the phone.

Avani got disheartened hearing the news as she kept the phone down.  She was making plans of spending the evening in a romantic candle light dinner.  Knowing that he won’t be around left her sad.

It was seven in the evening when the doorbell rang.  On opening the door she found the delivery boy standing with a bouquet of flowers with an envelope attached to it.  The bouquet was full of carnations and colorful daisy flowers which were her favourite.  She took the envelope in her hand which was addressed to her.  She opened it and found a letter which she began reading.

Dear Avani,

I remember the day when I first met you.  You had me mesmerized with your pretty face.  You were not sure of me, if I was the one, as you kept asking all the questions.  While I watched myself falling for you every time you spoke.  I kept praying; for you to say yes and when you did I considered myself the luckiest man in the world.

The morning starts with you waking me up when I don’t want to.  I miss you at work when the load gets heavy, cannot wait to be with you.  You scold me when you catch me picking up my nose.  Make me cry when you force me to watch ‘saas-bahu’ serials instead of cricket match.  Going shopping makes you so happy but leaves my feet sore.  When you speak I listen and when I speak, you doze off.  You taught me cooking so I could work on holidays in the kitchen while you take the day off.  You cook so better, but don’t talk about it in front of Mom please.

Watching you sleeping beside me, I pinch myself to make sure this is not a dream.  Your eyes reflect your innocence and your smile makes me nuts.  I love holding your hand in mine as we stroll across the beach.  Have silly fights and then making up to each other.  I love your innocence and the goodness that lies in your heart.   My world is empty without you. My heart beats for you.  I love you and want you to know that “You Complete Me”

Yours Loving Husband,

Vikram

Reading the letter, her face expression changed from curious, amused to breaking in a smile.  “He knew. He knew” is what she could think of as she picked up the phone and dialed the number.  “You knew” she said before he could say anything. “Let’s talk later. I am busy right now” he said and disconnected the phone leaving Avani in a confused state.

Before she could react, the doorbell rang and as she opened the door she saw Vikram standing at the door.  Seeing her amused look he said “You were saying” She got the wind of what was going on “You knew and you still pretended” as she hit his chest with her fist and he embraced her into his arms bringing her closer to him.  “How could I have forget?” he said as they looked at each other and she kissed him.

“You better change or we will be late” he said.  “Late for what” she asked. “Dinner.  I have made reservations at Orchid. One more thing; Happy Wedding Anniversary Wife”  “Happy Wedding Anniversary Husband” as they locked their lips for one more time.

P.S.: This turned out to be a pretty long one.  Wishing everyone a Valentine's day and hope they cherish the love they receive.  Spread the message of love :)

Darkness

 

It was Roshan’s first day to the work. As he bid goodbye to his parents, his mother asked him if he had everything he needed. He replied in affirmative and left. Walking down the stairs he could sense the excitement and nervousness in the same breath. Having his companion with him gave him confidence.

As he walked down the streets carefully, he could hear the plonking of the horns, buses & cars passing by and people talking on cell phones, to each other and then out of nowhere he got a push across his shoulder. He fell down, losing his companion not realizing what had happened.

All he could see was darkness which had been his reality since birth. He started moving his hands to find his companion, when a few people gathered around, helped him get up. One of them came forward and said “Here is your walking stick. Are you all right?” Finding his companion in his hands gave him a big relief and he thanked them.
 

Taking his steps forward, he remembered the poem “Koshish karne waalon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti”, repeating the lines in his mind as he went on his way to work with his companion showing the way.