Aahatein

By Hritika Horo

“Forever is a lie? Maybe not.”

The white curtains danced along the wind. The windows clanked on its own making one aware of the weather outside the confines of one's home. Home, a place where we all find peace and solace, a place where we belong and where we want to belong, a place where we want to return at the end of the day in the comfort of our loved ones. 

The intensity with which the wind was blowing outside was a sign enough to mark the arrival of a thunderstorm. It was already evening, the sky had turned dark but the clouds covering the sky made it appear darker than the usual days around that time. There was lightning in the sky, followed by a loud thunder which had the capacity to make any individual shiver. A drop of rain fell on the ground, followed by another and the other drops followed the same pattern. Soon, the ground was completely wet and a strong aroma of soil mixed with rain water filled the surroundings. 

It was raining heavily, the sound of rain giving comfort to the rain lovers while a turn off for the people who were stuck outside in such weather. The water droplets were entering inside the room through the open windows and the curtains were half drenched. The room was dimly lit with soft lights to suit the comfort of the eyes. 

A girl carrying a laptop in one hand and black coffee in another entered the room. Keeping the laptop on her bed, she rushed towards the window, placing her coffee mug on the side table, she tried to get hold of the curtains. In the process, her hands and face got drenched. The water droplets fell on her face making her stop for a moment. She closed her eyes and let the droplets fall on her face reminiscing the good old days when she used to get drenched in the rain, laugh and play without a care in the world, dancing her heart out till her feet ached. 

She heard the footsteps approaching her, very well aware of the owner. A strong pair of arms encircled her waist making her feel ticklish, she kept her hands on top of his and turned her head towards him only to find him giving her a puppy look. 

“You're late…” 

“I know and I’m sorry…” 

No matter how much ever she tried, she could never stay angry with him. He always used to make her melt in a matter of seconds, that was his effect on her. 

She turned around with teary eyes, a lump forming in her throat making it difficult for her to speak anything. She didn't utter a single word yet her eyes spoke volumes. He always said that she had very expressive eyes and she always replied back saying that it's only him who actually knows to read her eyes. Today was the same case, there was something in her eyes that always hooked him to her, her eyes always used to give away what she really felt. No words were exchanged yet the feelings were shared between the two hearts which were incomplete without each other. There was longing in her eyes and he was sure his eyes reflected the same. He cupped her face, making her close her eyes and relishing the feel of his palms on her face. A drop of tear involuntarily fell from the corner of her eyes as soon as she closed her eyes, gliding through her cheek and wetting his palm in the process. 

She opened her teary eyes looking at his face, reminiscing his features. He swiped his thumb and wiped the tear off her face. He pulled her in for a bone crushing hug, she held onto him for her life, fearing she might lose him the moment she loosen her hold. He placed a kiss on her temple making her eyes close, he bent down and whispered in her ear, 

“I’m always there with you….” 

She cried harder the moment she heard those words. As soon as she opened her eyes, he was gone. Again. Just like all dreams come to an end, her dream ended and there was no trace of him or his footsteps. 

She was still standing in her room alone, it was still raining outside, the thunderstorm was gone but she didn't know how to deal with the thunderstorm which was brewing inside her. His disappearance from her life had created a void in her heart which nobody could fill.

She looked at his huge picture which was hanging at the side of the wall and traced the nameplate of his military uniform in the picture. 

“Until next time…” 

He was gone long back but she didn't know how to let go of him. She already lost him, now she didn't have the courage to let go of his memories too.

Sometimes learning the art of letting go hurts more than holding back. There are certain things which aren't in our control and we can't do anything about it. The only thing which remains in our hands is to go with flow. Letting go means letting go of her dreams too, the only place where she gets to see him and she wasn't ready for that. Maybe she'll get to see him in next life, maybe when her time comes she might find him waiting for her in the other world. Maybe the next time she sees him, he’ll stay with her for a longer period of time. Maybe death won't do them apart in their next life and they would get a chance to grow old together. Maybe they would be able to compensate for the loss of this life. Maybe…

By Hritika Horo