A Crash That Changed Lives!

Sitting by the window, I gazed long enough at the persimmon tree that I and my wife had planted as a token of our love. I sat reminiscing the amazing moments we spent together. I remembered those shopping sprees with her which would totally freak me out. The vacations would be so adventurous. It reminds me of her love for hiking. OH! How she loved hills! She would desire holidays in the hilly regions. I made sure to always fulfill her desires, come what may! After all, I loved her so much. I remember being upset whenever she planned on visiting her mother for days. I would phone her, every two hours and express my discomfort in her absence. She would then request me to calm down and make it a habit to live without her as well. Now I realize why she said that.

 Those cheesy days at college, still occupy my mind. How I penned letters to express my love for her! I am sure she must have felt irritated to absorb those heavy flowery words. After all, they were genuine declarations of my love. But I couldn't do anything. I just fell for her at first sight. Pages weren't enough to mention my emotions. I remember following her everywhere just to make sure that my eyes were fixated on her pretty round face and deep-set eyes that kind of seduced me. After a lot of convincing, did she agree to go out with me. I was overjoyed when she herself approached me and provided her assent. I remember the elegant style she carried on our first date. She had let loose her blonde hair, wore a ravishing red gown with a smart oxidized choker. However, I was carried away by her charming smile that provided a magnificent glow to her face. We chatted for quite a long time and enjoyed each other's presence. That made our first date a success and we committed to meet often, after that.

We enjoyed ice cream dates frequently, with she relishing on her favorite flavor, Vanilla while I found satisfaction in the butterscotch flavor. We would go for Comedy movies as that was her favorite genre. Though I would have preferred Horror movies over comedy ones, I never argued or disappointed her. Gradually, she developed a feeling that we were highly compatible. She started loving my presence in her life. I would receive calls from her side, requesting me to meet her. I would feel so overjoyed. I had no control over my emotions, whenever she called. I would leap like a kangaroo and laugh like a maniac. After being together for three years, she finally started reciprocating my love and we tied the nuptial knot. My wish had at last come true. Lord had given me the most precious gift. I planned an amazing future with the love of my life but maybe, fate didn't permit our unity.

It has been two years now without her, but my heart isn't ready to get over her. That awful incident preoccupies my mind whenever I think of my beloved wife. That day changed everything. It was the 29th of March 2016. My wife had to travel to London for business purposes. Everything was normal. We kissed each other goodbye and she left. I wish I had embraced her for a prolonged period of time. I wish I had dropped her off to the airport. That day, my feelings were overwhelming. I couldn't decipher the reason behind it. Probably, my intuition meddled and kept telling me to stop my wife. However, I never paid heed to it.

My intense anxiety compelled me to call her. She seemed fine and occupied the window seat. However, after some time, an airhostess gesticulated her to shut the phone down. "Bye honey. I'll call you as soon as I reach London. Love you." and the call was disconnected. I didn't realise then, that these were the last soothing words from Claira, my dear Claira.

Five hours had passed, but Claira never called to update me of her whereabouts thus, I decided to call her. However, I was unable to connect to her. "Maybe she is in a low network range." I thought, as I consoled myself. "I guess, I just need to relax and purge negative thoughts. I'll better watch something on TV." Saying so, I switched on the TV and surfed the channels.

I decided to check the news channel. An item flashed on the screen.

'The flight that was covering its journey from America to London namely British Airways, with over 500 passengers has crashed. According to the reports, the plane had an intense fire outbreak in one of its main compartments. None of the passengers have survived. The pilots couldn't control the situation as the plane totally lost its balance. The plane tumbled and crashed to the ground with full force leading instantaneous deaths. The pilots though have survived and have been admitted to the nearest hospital on account of severe injuries.'

 I gulped. My eyes froze. I was paralyzed with terror. My heart sank. Tears involuntarily flowed down my cheeks. The remote control I clenched automatically fell to the ground and I found myself collapsing with shock. The news item sent a shiver down my spine. "No, I can't believe this." I scanned the names of the dead passengers. Matthew D'Cruz, Veronica Higgins, Paul Johnson, Grace Smith, Claira Williams… "Claira Williams! Nooooooooo!" I screamed and cried. My heart skipped a beat. I couldn't stop weeping.

A few hours later, my Mom arrived out of the blue. Maybe, she knew what condition I would pull myself to. She consoled me and hugged me tightly. I cried the whole night as my head rested on her lap. My Mom had then offered to stay with me for a month. However, I had completely entered a state of depression. She requested me to marry again so as to move out of the past but I refused. I loved Claira and would never ever let some other women take up her place in my heart.

Eventually, my Mom gave up and returned to Dad since he had been living alone there. She asked me to join them home. However, I refused and wanted a life all by myself. I still live in solitary even today and stare at a picture of me and my wife cuddling tightly and laughing away. Her memories never let me move on. After all, she was my first love. I mop my streaming eyes even today on the mere remembrance of that horrifying incident. I have installed a huge picture of Claira in my bedroom. I may seem like a lunatic, but I speak to her almost every time. I feel my wife's presence. I feel a consoling hand over my shoulder whenever I weep. I feel a kiss on my cheeks whenever I miss her. I know she listens to me and resides with me. My heart shall always love her and my mind shall always believe in her existence.