Teej

It was nine already and Manu had yet not returned from office. Prerna’s gaze was going repeatedly to the grand antique clock every five minutes.

‘Had he forgotten that it was Teej today?’ she wondered. The moon rise timing for the day was slated at 9.10 pm. Right from the morning, she had been busy with the Gauri Shankar puja to pray for Manu's long and happy life, and then she had spent some time with her friends. She did not even feel the pangs of hunger. But after the moon had been sighted, she started feeling a bit hazy.

She decided to wait for some more time and then ring him up. Time flew and when it was nine-thirty, she could not wait any longer. She picked up her cell and dialed his number. The phone got connected almost immediately and Manu asked “What’s the matter, Prerna? Is there anything urgent? I am in the midst of some important work.”

“You actually forgot?” exclaimed Prerna. “Today is Teej and I am waiting for you to come home so that I can break my fast.”

Manu knew that now he would have to wind up and go home as fast as possible. He closed his work, and set on the drive back home. They had got married just a few months back. And this was the first Teej that they would celebrate together. 

‘How could he have forgotten this important day?’

Prerna was waiting at the door when he arrived home. Her gorgeous look left him astounded. Even after fasting through the day, she appeared as lovely as ever. Her red and gold brocade wedding sari adorned her slender flame while her gold necklace and earrings studded with glistening rubies accentuated her beauty. Her hands were decorated with designer Mehendi. 

As they went in hand in hand into the room, suddenly Manu could feel her grasp loosening and turning towards her, he found her crumbling down to the ground. Catching her in his arms, he carried her to the bed. She had fainted. He felt guilty for making it so late to return from the office.

Quickly bringing a jug from the kitchen, he sprinkled water over her face. To his relief, she opened her eyes slowly.

“Prerna, are you okay?” he asked in concern. “Shall I call the doctor?”

“I’m fine, don’t worry,” she replied.

But Manu was full of remorse. He derided himself for forgetting that it was Teej today knowing full well that Prerna would not have had even a drop of water without seeing him and breaking the fast.

Prerna knew what was going on in his mind. She slowly moved towards him and held his hand in a comforting gesture.

“I said don’t worry, I am perfectly fine,” she said. “Now shall we complete our ritual?”

The love that shone in her eyes made him feel on top of the world.