One Last Time

There's dead silence in the house today, it has to be.... after forty years of togetherness, Rajni has left this world after brain haemorrhage and hospitalization of four days. He is wretched in pain, and was feeling restless and has therefore left the bed and stepped in the balcony to breathe in fresh air. 

In a silent night, he eavesdropped Hitesh saying, "I strongly believe that love is mutual, No point in forcing you when you have decided to leave.It's so easy for you to leave Banglore and Pa, just tell me one last thing, have you ever even just for a second be in love with our family just like you do with your dreams." ....he guessed he appeared in the mid of their conversation.

There was no reply from Alankrita....

Hitesh continued....

"Do you respect our feelings? Ma wanted to see you, but you were busy chasing your dreams one after the other, these WhatsApp, Skype and Viber calls are unable to soothe her soul, I have seen that emptiness in her eyes. Can you find the sense of belonging, warmth, and solace among million people out there? In this big world, there is a small world, our home! I wish you could realize this in time and prevent your loss."

Alankrita broke into tears and feebly said," I am not the one who repeats her mistakes, this time I will leave with a comeback plan for sure, I just need a few days to wrap up things."

Tears rolled down his eyes, he wanted to hug Hitesh back but could not travel the distance between two rooms. He has always been a strict disciplinarian and has put the burden of his wishes on his tender shoulder. Rajni has always advised him to show the tender side of himself, but today he's falling short of words....he wiped his tears and looked at Rajni's photo and extended his arms to embrace and recalled her words...." Our kids are part of our heart and soul, so let this heart beat and soul smile."....

He tightly holded the photo and murmured I want that family hug ....one last time!!!

Alas! No one is there to hold on except her words and memories.