One Last Kiss

He sat very close to her, holding her hands in his own and admiring her beauty. They had held hand in hand for more than 30 years now and battled the storms of life, raised three daughters, nurtured, educated, loved and made them independent. They had seen the worst of times and the happiest of moments together. She had willingly saved every penny for their first house and to repay their car loan. She had gracefully raised three daughters and made them dauntless, fearless women ready to take up any challenges in their lives. He had worked sincerely and honestly all these years to give her a good standard of life and make her comfortable in all aspects. He ensured the best of education to his daughters, settled them well in their lives and felt a sense of satisfaction. He could now, spend the rest of his life with her and begin to enjoy everything that they had planned for. They now had a plush home that they call their own, array of servants running up and down, comfortable cars to move around and a fat bank balance to go on world tours.

He looked at her eyes, which were gleaming all the time. They were expressive as if speaking to his soul. She had long shiny hairs like that of a 20 something old and a flawless complexion that could light up a moonless night. Her soft tender hug was enough to comfort anyone ailing in the family. She was the binding force of them all. Each evening the family would get together on the dinner table and relish the lip smacking, mouth-watering food she served them all with innate care and concern. Not once, did it ever happen that anyone in the family would have gone to bed with a dis satisfied meal. She ensured everyone got their share and had a peaceful sleep. Oh she was the best referee of the WWF matches that the siblings would time and again get into. She was just and took care of everyone’s feeling and emotions. She stood for what is right and made her daughters learn the same.

As he caressed her, kissed her on the forehead as he always did but she did not move a bit. He held her hands and she did not hold it back tighter like she always did. She did not smile back at him and thank him for being a part of her life like she always did. He spoke to her of the daily mundane jobs at his workplace, of how he entered into a quarrel with his superiors but today she had nothing to say that could comfort him. He inquired her of proceedings of her day, but she spoke nothing. He begged her to answer but she won’t. He wailed and screamed, he said he needed her and he was not ready yet to take on life all by himself. After all 30 years were not enough. He wants some more years to be with her. He wanted to see the beauty of life with her. He charged her; she had promised she would never leave him. He wanted to know what his mistake was for which he was being punished. He could not believe Gods whom he had prayed diligently all his life would take away his most prized possession.

As he covered his face and wept uncontrollably, he felt a caress that he had always known and a voice that said, “No matter where I am, near or far. We are meant to be always together. Our togetherness in this life was limited until here. But do remember, we will meet again on the other side. No rush, no hurry, no pain. I don’t want to see you ailing again. I am leaving behind my daughters with you. Your purpose here is not over yet. They are for you and you for them. They have promised they will always be around to look for you when I am gone. Our love shall cross the boundaries of time and years after years we will be united again. Until then, remember of all the good old days, don’t let a tear roll. For those who have come have to go one day but the bonds they never wane.”

He held her hands and kissed again for the one last time on her forehead and sobbed and accepted the divine Plan.

P.S: It is heart wrenching to lose one of your parents. The pain is insurmountable. At various stages in life, you feel the void that losing your mother at a young age has created in your life. I lost my mother 6 years back. But it is certainly not comparable to a man's agony who has lost his companion of 30 years and taken life back in his control.

Hats off to You Papa for braving it gracefully.

With Love,

Megha S.