The Pink Scarf - I

Nitesh was on his way home. He was a professor in a college and since examinations were going on, he got free from college early today. Nitesh was one of the famous professors in the college, one of the key reasons being, he loved his job and when you love something that you do, the happiness reflects in your work. He was a Btech, Mtech engineer, his passion for teaching, pulled him out of the Corporate job, paved his path towards teaching in one of the reputed institutes of the city.

He was happily married, his lovely wife Siddhi worked in an MNC. They were blessed with 3 beautiful kids Ishaan, Kara, and Mayank. While Ishaan was in the 1st year of Commerce college, Kara just completed her 10th exams while their youngest son Mayank was in middle school. Nitesh's patents expired in a car accident a few years back.

He was more than happy to reach home early, as he knew no one would be there at home, which means he would catch a nap and maybe sit down in peace to read his favorite book, he ordered online a few days back, but didn't get chance to go through it. So his plan was all set for the remaining day.

As he was taking his shoes off, he realized there was a colorful packet on the side table. That packet caught his attention. As he grabbed the packet, he saw there was a card on that packet, that said 'For You".Now this was crazy since there was no one at home and the card said, "For You". Maybe it's a surprise anniversary gift from Siddhi. Their anniversary was a day away, so he was guessing this could be it. Now, Siddhi was always enthusiastic about giving Anniversary gifts, even after being married so many years, she never stopped to amaze him. 

Though it was an arranged marriage, he always felt blessed to have Siddhi as a life partner. She was a perfect wife, a loving mother, and was amazing at taking care of the home. Nitesh though loved Siddhi a lot, yet he was never expressive the way Siddhi was.

Nitesh knew it was wrong to open the gift, but it was almost he was unable to stop himself from opening the packet. The cello tape was put in such a way, that even he opens and does a quick peep in it, she won't know. After all, it was for "Him" only, so there was no harm in a quick peep. With that intention, he carefully opened the packet and was amazed to see what was inside. It was a beautiful "Pink Scarf".

Wait, this can't be true, that means the gift was not for him. Then, whose gift is this? Or was Siddhi sure that Nitesh would forget their anniversary this year also and hence had arranged a gift on his behalf? So that kids should not get the impression that their dad was bad at remembering important occasions of life. Either way, he felt guilty for not putting in efforts the way Siddhi always puts in. 

Pink was Siddhi's favorite and she was fascinated with the scarfs. Last year when the full family went to Europe for holiday, she wanted to buy some nice scarfs, but since they were a bit out of budget, due to kids shopping, she told him the scarfs here are expensive, not worth buying.

No, this time he'll not let it go this time, instead, he would plan something grand for her. Something that Siddhi really deserved. She was such a happy soul, she never complained to him about anything. She supported him through the thick and thin, even during their testing time of life.

Not it was his turn to do something for her. He actually felt happy that he opened the gift else he would have never thought of planning something for her. He carefully put the scarf back in the packet. Now his plans got changed, instead of catching up the nap, he had a surprise to plan for his loving wife.

He carefully put the cello tapes again, so that she doesn't get suspicious that this gift was open.

So Nitesh went to the guest room to plan the surprise so that no one would disturb him. On the other hand, Siddhi entered the home shortly. She was not aware Nitesh was at home. She took a half-day off today so that she could plan something for the Anniversary. It was the 1st time that due to work pressure, she completely forgot the Anniversary. It was not until her best friend Jaya, asked where was the Anniversary party happening that she realized what she forgot.

How could she forget such an important day of her life? Nitesh was not only a good husband but was a good friend too. He had always supported and loved her. Though he seldomly expressed his love for her, yet she knew what she meant to him. He really took care of her, as well as of their kids too. 

She was blessed to have Nitesh in her life. He supported her when she had given up all hopes in life. Yes, this was her 2nd marriage, a post she lost her 1st husband "Virat" to cancer. Nitesh and Virat were best friends and when Virat came to know about his disease, he requested Nitesh to marry Siddhi, so that she can have a better life when Virat has gone. Everyone was against this decision, but Virat was like a brother to Nitesh, hence he convinced his family of this relationship, who was against this marriage.

Not only this, he convinced Siddhi of the marriage, which was not an easy one. Nitesh before marriage said, "Siddhi, I can never replace Virat in your life. But I promise you, to be your best friend if given a chance. Virat was my best friend and I promised him, I would keep you happy. Would you support me to keep my promise?

It was not an easy road, it was difficult for both of them to walk on this road, but more she started knowing Nitesh, her respect towards him increased day by day and she didn't realize when she fell in love with him.

Today, she was alive, happy, blessed with 3 beautiful kids, it was because of him only, else she would have not been in this world itself.

She was engrossed in her thoughts when she saw the same packet on the side table. She was too intrigued about the packet and saw the card 'For You".on it.

Was this gift from Nitesh, she thought. Oh my God, he remembered their Anniversary, she got excited with this thought. Now, she was eager to see, what was inside. The packing was really beautiful. As she carefully opened it, a spark came into her eyes, as she saw the "Pink Scarf".

Nitesh remembered how much she liked Scarfs, and that too Pink, it was her favorite color. She so much wanted to buy some scarfs when they went on a Europe trip, however, at last, was not able to purchase them. She was really touched by this gesture. How could someone care so much, she said to herself?

He was really sweet in his own little ways. How could she forget their Anniversary? She needs to plan something special for him to let him know, how much she loved her. Yes, Virat was her 1st love, but what Nitesh did, made her believe in love again.

With that thought, she put back the cello tapes again carefully so that he doesn't notice that the gift was open.

Since she had ample time left before anyone comes back, she thought to head out to do some shopping and do some arrangements. But before that, she called up her best friend "Jaya' and told her everything about it. Jaya told her to meet at the Coffee Place near to her place so that they can decide on the same.

As Siddhi headed out of the house, her son "Ishaan" returned home after his cricket practice. He knew no one would be there at home as of now, he had some plans of doing some musical practice. He loved playing the guitar and wanted to do some practice for the upcoming musical contest in the college.

He thought of taking some rest, before starting the practice. While he was sitting on the sofa and relaxing, he noticed there was a packet on the side table. As he picked up the packet to check, whose packet was it, he noticed the small card "For You" on this.

He carefully opened the packet to check what was inside and was surprised to see a "Pink Scarf in it.

To be continued.....