#43 …when you look forward to his arrival

Sakshi, my best friend, dropped by my house one day. When she first asked about my brother’s arrival, I didn’t much notice the apprehension in her voice. I thought it was a random question put up because I am the one who keeps talking about him.

“Yes tomorrow.”

“What time?” she asked next.

“Midafternoon.”

“Hu. Are you going to pick him up?”

Irritated over her list of questions, I blurted, “Why? Do you want to accompany?”

I was surprised to see her blushing.

“No no. I was asking casually,” she said trying to cover up.

“Is it? But you seem to be more anxious about his return from hostel life than any of us.”

“Cmon now. Stop that. Ok I gotta go now. Will see you tomorrow.”

Though I had forgotten about the episode, Sakshi’s confession some months later as to her being in love with my Bro, brought back the scene to my mind. If only I had read her thoughts then, the relationship would have been on a different pedestal now. Anyway it’s never too late to bring together loving hearts!!

#42 …when you smile unnecessarily.

“Oh I am so sorry,” I said bumping into my cousin. She seemed to have been standing deliberately in my way but still unable to draw my attention.

With gestures of her hand she asked what was wrong.

“What?” I said pretending not to understand her mimicry.

“What what? You can’t fool me.” Suddenly someone called for her. It was my brother’s pre-wedding celebrations. The house was full of guests. I was about to look back and see who was calling when she hurriedly said, “C’mon out with it fast. Who is he?”

“Who’s who?” I said continuing to pretend I was not understanding what she was trying to ask.

“Cut the crap. You have been smiling unnecessarily by yourself ever since morning. Who’s effect is that?”

Before she could extract the answer out of me, a kid came running to her and took her by hand saying she was being urgently called for. I heaved a sigh of relief and wished I would stop thinking of him which brought the smile on my face. Suddenly I looked up and found him in front. Again a million-dollar smile on my face. Even he looked confused probably wondering why I smiled every time I saw him. Thank god he didn’t know I didn’t need to see him to smile. His thoughts were enough to do the wonder.

#41 …when there is no will to power.

“You know I have always wanted to rule this world!”

“Is it? Very ambitious.”

“Yep. But I have decided if you agree to become my life partner, I’ll rather choose the most secluded place on earth and settle down with you there.”

“You know that’s not possible. I am already engaged and I am going to marry him.” 

“I know. Well in that case be ready to serve. Here comes the King of Cosmos!”

#40 …when your mum says- kitna dubla ho gaya hai- on seeing you after a gap.

My husband had to go on a long business trip this time. He generally is the one who can take good care of himself. Be it at home or out, with someone or without, he is a happy go lucky chap who eats, sleeps and enjoys life at his own terms. So it was evident that when he returned home after this trip, he was as hale and hearty as before though a little homesick. But I was surprised when my mom-in-law said, “Kitna dubla ho gaya hai” on seeing him. It reminded me of all the movies in which the mom-son love is portrayed through the same phrase. I sighed, agreed with her, and moved on to do my household chorus.

#39 …when all your saved up wishes start coming out.

When my sister in law returned from college, she was a little sad. She dumped her bag in one corner and went and sat on the sill of the window in her room. Quietly I moved beside her and asked what was wrong.

“Bhabi nobody really cares for me.”

I was astonished. On further asking she revealed the reason behind her being annoyed. One of her friends in college was having all her wishes coming true.

“Bhabi whatever she has ever wished for, her so-called friend is fulfilling it. Ever since they became friends, they know where to put forward their wishes with the surety that it will soon be fulfilled. I also have many friends, but none that special. I am so jealous.”

Though I managed to pacify her, promising to fulfill her wishes, I knew why her friend’s wishes were suddenly coming out.

#38 …when reality is finally better than your dreams.

Tring tring. I suddenly woke up and checked the clock on my mobile. 1 a.m. Guessing it must be an emergency, I switched on the light and received the call.

“Hello. What happened? Are you all right?” I asked anxiously.

“I am perfect sissy. What are you doing?” It was Anish, my cousin.

I was a little amazed at his cool tone.

“Normal people are supposed to be asleep at this hour. I am normal,” I said a little harshly.

“Oh! I am so sorry, I just didn’t realize it was this late,” he said apologizing.

“What do you mean you didn’t realize?” I sat upright and added, “Anyway what made you call me now?”

“C’mon now calm down. I just wanted to chat a while and the first name that came up in my mind was yours. I didn’t realize it was this late.”

“And why are you awake this late?”

“I didn’t want to sleep.”

“Unless you sleep, you’ll not be able to see sweet dreams dear.”

“And who wants to dream when reality is finally better than dreams.”

“I am too sleepy to understand your thoughts.” I said good night and hung up.

Suddenly I knew what he meant. He was in Love! I smiled, switched off my mobile and went back to sleep.

#37 …when absence rekindles your feelings.

It is party at my aunt’s house tonight. All the newcomers in the family are very curious to know what the occasion is. Everybody was making guesses – Anniversary, Birthday, First date, etc. When nobody came up with the right answer, I decided to tell them the story behind this day being celebrated every year in their family. My aunt and uncle had first met in their teens at a common friend’s house and instantly developed liking for each other. The feelings had just started blooming when uncle decided to go abroad for his graduation and higher studies. They hadn’t yet formally expressed their love for each other and decided not to do it in any hurry. So he flew off without so much as a goodbye hug. Next few years passed like ages for both of them even though they weren’t even sure if the other was going to wait that long. Communication of any sort was not possible with mobile or internet not having developed by that time and letters not expected with no formal relationship. They were going through the most delicate stage of their life and very prone to falling in love over and over again. But surprisingly both held on to some dreams they may have seen once. The absence rekindled feelings rather than blowing them away. When uncle returned to India this day 30 years back, he went straight to aunty’s place to first find out if she was still available and then hug her before revealing how much he had thought of her all those years away in the foreign land. Aunty couldn’t have been happier, her wait paid. Since that day, this day is treated with utmost significant in their life and celebrated with great vigour. It is rightly said, Distance makes the heart grow fonder.