Dwindling Ache



And then he held me so close that I could feel the tender warmth of his amour, that I could smell the blossoms of his enthralling, prepossessing love which had all these years, thrown a mystic glamour as of a radiant paradise upon my life. Reclining together under the August’s moonlit blue, all I could feel were his deep breaths which were so calm, so soothing after such a hectic day of mine, though treating the ill was my passion since childhood. The perennial wave less serenity that reigned the amber twilight sky, made the moment still and I could cherish each and every bit of it.  

Did you like it? Asked James, running his gentle fingers through my hair.

What? Said I.

The surprise which I planned for you, my sunshine! He said.

I smiled.

James was always this kind. No matter how much frenetic and busy schedule he had while shooting and filming, he always tried making each day a memorable one for us. He never looked for reasons or occasions. All he did was to come up with some special, some funny and even some wild surprises every new day.

The grey sultry evening of August descended upon the city and a mild warm air, a memory of summer, circulated in the streets. I was consoling one of my patients about her father’s demise who lost in the turbid world of alcoholism, could never make his daughter proud, when my phone rang.

Bae Calling… 

Hi love, what’s up? I asked.

At what time are you returning? James asked.

Not very sure love, as there are cases of some new virus in the town. Might get late till 11. Said I.

11? That’s great! James said with a strange happiness.

What about you? I asked, ignoring his strange tone.

I have already left from the shoot location, heading back to home. Actually today no one’s there to pick you as driver has asked for a leave. So call me when you are done, I will pick you up. His tone as serious as some malicious malady.

James could change his tones and expressions within seconds, after all he was an Actor!

Driver asked for leave? But he never asked me… James interrupted me.

He must be afraid of you, my angry bird! He laughed.

Ok! Will call you, bye! I said.

Bye Love! James hung the phone.

I gestured Nurse Lili to let the next patient in.
…

It was already 11:05. The busy St. Simon Road was bustling with a congested traffic. The gloomy street lights brooded over the houses and the pacing automobiles. Crowd of pedestrians, shoppers and others could be seen trudging along the pavements outside the shops or trying to cross the road. In the hustle, one could savor the delicious aroma of Oriental delicacies floating in the autumnal air. It came from 'The Bistro', the pungent grilled kebabs, fried chicken and sweet meat balls, tempting passers-by to stop for some relishing refreshment. I checked my phone.

10 Messages from Bae

I hastily opened my contacts and dialed Bae.

Hey Sweetheart! I’m on my way to pick you up. Said James.

Ok! Come soon, Love. I hung the phone.
…

As we drove through the streets of St. Simon, night seemed to be darker. I saw the close lunar space where millions surge by, and began having thoughts about the irredeemable pollution of that expanse. Today, we live in a world where unfortunately the differentiation between true and false appears to become progressively blurred by manipulation of facts, by exploitation of uncritical minds, and by the pollution of the nature. It was the time to stop and introspect ourselves. It was the real time to give a second thought about the scenario and estimate its possible aftermath.

My thoughts about Ecology and its future were interrupted when James stopped the car near the Bridge.

You look lost. He asked.

Never mind! Just random thoughts. I smiled.
…

We finally reached our Home Sweet Home. I was just heading towards the cupboard when suddenly he held me in his arms and ran towards the upstairs. Utterly surprised, I constantly asked James that what now he was up to. The next milieu which I saw, melted my heart the same way like the warm tropical sun smelts the snowy glaciers on the rocky, distant hills.

The terrace was all blazing with the fairy lights and a dozen of tealight candles. The fresh fragrance of roses and tulips made everything so much lively. The light harmonious music was so much calming that it took me to some other astonishing world- a world away from miseries, woes and trouble; a beautiful world of blossoms and bounties; a world like a painting that stretched into the eternal harmonics of all the cosmos; a world which had no one else but only me and James. We danced together on the sweet tones and melodies. Being in his arms was as pacifying as the first spell of rain. 

After a delicious, relishing, sumptuous supper and a marshmallow-heart hot chocolate, we reclined together under the August’s moonlit blue; all I could feel were his deep breaths which were so calm, so soothing after such a hectic day of mine, though treating the ill was my passion since childhood. The perennial wave less serenity that reigned the amber twilight sky, made the moment still and I could cherish each and every bit of it.
 
Did you like it? Asked Steven, running his gentle fingers through my hair.

What? Said I.

The surprise which I planned for you, my sunshine! He said.

I smiled. A drop of tear rolled down my cheek. I rubbed it away before Steven could see it. I knew despite noticing, Steven acted to be unaware and oblivious. He was well acquainted with my past and didn’t want to interfere into it as he believed that everyone needs space however close people may be. He sensed my unspoken, unexpressed pain and comforted me with his warm embrace.

We together glanced at the enchanting sky when a luminous star twinkled up in the heavens. James! I murmured.
…



(TO BE CONTINUED...)

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