Just watching the clock turn. Time just flies by. As I hold your hand and look into your face, I keep thinking about the things we’ll do when you wake up.
The window next to the bed is wide open. I can see the sunset and the birds making their way home. When I see them, I’m hugging you. I feel beautiful.
There are only a couple of minutes before 7 o’clock, and all I want to do is freeze the time for us. I close my eyes and put slight pressure on my mind. I want to relive a few moments with you.
I’m beginning to count ’em one by one on my fingers.
1. I am sure that the first time we met, you knew me more than I would know myself. And it’s been that way ever since. The only thing I know is that I’ve been blessed since the day I met you.
2. “DOBA, please make some aam achar na!” and the next moment I remember lip-smacking to it. You grin at my stuffed face and serve me even more.
3. Mommy’s mad at me, which starts by not cleaning my room and ends up not studying. And you’re my loyal partner who fights with her on my behalf.
4. It’s my 16th birthday, where I pester Baba for a puppy. He denies. You go to the market for groceries and return home with Sasha. I am so happy when I hold it and feel its tiny moist lickers on my cheeks.
5. I’ve got a week for my finals and I’m so stressed. You come into my room and smile. You say nothing yet I feel better. Your presence is enough DOBA.
6. I have topped my Boards and everyone is happy. I watch you come close to me and stuff my mouth with Gulab Jamun. You hug me on the forehead, you look me in the eye and you smile. The last time I saw you that happy was when we greeted Mumma at home, holding Chintu in her arms.
7. For the last 20 years, for the first time ever, I invited a girl to our Pooja. You look at her and you already know the rest. You smile at me and I blush.
8. I moved to a big city for the job and we barely talk. You’re always waiting for the day that you see me. I assure you I’ll be back early, and you believe me.
9. I’m going on a trip, and all that pops into my head is you and mom. I buy you something that would always make you feel my warmth. I plan on seeing you and wiping your tears with joy.
10. I got a call from Mumma and I returned home. The first thing I see is a bald YOU and it staggers me. Your happiness has no bounds. You are too weak to stand up and hug me tight. I drag myself to you and hug you tight. We both cry.
The count ran out of my fingers and I woke up next to you. This time I wipe my tears and look at you. Hoping for the day you will wake up stronger.
The doctor has told us that you have just one night with us. Is one night enough for the whole life? Can we wrap up the rest of our lives in this one night? Answer me Doba!
मैं तेरा सरमाया हूं, जो भी मैं बन पाया हूं! तुमसे ही! तुमसे ही!
Please, Stay!
I love you. Always and Forever.
//Stay.
Gaytri Santosh
gaytrivedibachega 