TOUCH OF LOVE

Ruhi & Akash were married for over nine years but were never happy together. Though they lived under the same roof, they never spoke to each other. The daily chores were managed by the domestic helper and they were busy with their respective work. They were social in their respective friend circles, however they ended up in argument when with their mutual friends.

One day, their helper who worked for them for over 9 years complained of severe body ache & fever, on further investigation by doctor they learnt that he was covid positive. The unfortunate series of events took away the life of the helper & his wife deserting their 7 year old son. This had left them both in a state of turmoil. They decided to bring their helper’s son home until the pandemic situation was under control.

 Since they could not stand each other, they decided to write and leave notes to manage their daily chores and the little boy who was home now. Their biggest debate was on the colour of the room, and what clothes the boy will wear. Piles of notes were all over the room which read ..blue, cream, lavender, light brown, t-shirts, denim………etc. The little boy walked into the room and collected all the papers and went to them, “Uncle & Aunty, I will also play this writing game with you both”

He took a piece of paper and wrote, “Mom liked purple and dad liked white. I am sorry for being so stubborn many times, I loved sleeping in my mom’s lap, miss my dad’s motivations. I am trying to be strong but am scared. I don’t know what will happen to me. I miss you both a lot”, tears rolled out of his eyes as he wrote.

Ruhi and Akash sat next to Darsh reading the note with teary eyes. A sudden realization had struck them, how they fought over petty things that were so insignificant. Uncertainty had shattered the child’s happy world, this pandemic has galloped many near and dear ones across the globe, such an unimaginable loss. They wondered why such inhumanity existed amidst them.

“Am sorry Ruhi for being mean to you always. I could not stand you but I did miss your nasty looks when you were not around”, said Akash with a sigh

“Am sorry too. We have no reason to be like this. Our blessings are many to be so complaining & thankless?”

“Agree, can’t deny that” said Akash with a hug.

“Darsh, do you think we can qualify as your parents? Will you adopt us?” asked Ruhi.

Darsh nodded his head with tears in his eyes yet. Can’t say that Ruhi & Akash never argued again but the touch of love taught them to live happily for sure. Letting go their past and becoming more accepting in their presence.

This pandemic is very uncertain but what if it was here to teach each one of us a lesson?