Silent Hearts

37 | Thirty - Seven

Tell me, do you love me,
Or just the idea of me?

* * *

Tushar stood by the window on the 8th floor of his office, staring out at the bustling city below. The transparent glass before him, pristine and spotless, offered his tranquil eyes an uninterrupted, panoramic view of the sprawling neighborhood. The streets below teemed with life, cars weaving through traffic, and pedestrians moving with purpose, each absorbed in their own world. The distant hum of the city, a constant symphony of engines, voices, and footsteps, barely reached his ears, muted by the thick glass.

In his right hand, Tushar held a sleek black cup, the rich aroma of freshly brewed espresso wafting up to meet him. He blew on it gently, the steam swirling in delicate patterns before dissipating into the cool air. He took a small, deliberate sip, savoring the bold, bittersweet taste that contrasted sharply with the serene tingling within him.

It was most likely close to four, the sun's lessening intensity signified that. The golden light softened, casting long, gentle shadows across the cityscape. It had been a pretty stress-free day; Tushar only needed to check a few sheets and attend a meeting that didn't even last more than an hour. The day felt perfect. The weather was pleasant with softly rushing winds and rustling leaves.

It was March 29th, and Tushar had planned a special evening for his wife. He had reserved a spot at Altair-Capella, and the thought of the evening ahead filled him with excitement, akin to a teenage boy going on his first date. His heart raced with anticipation, itching him to envision the look on his wife's face when they arrived at the elegant restaurant, its ambiance as exquisite as the food. The anticipation made the hours pass more quickly, each tick of the clock bringing him closer to the evening he had meticulously planned.

He couldn't help but again imagine the look of surprise on her face when he had told her to be ready by seven in the evening, the day before. She had been watching a movie, her attention absorbed in the flickering images, when he settled beside her late into the night. Leaning close, he had muttered the words into the thin air. It felt a bit awkward at first, especially since he had never taken any woman to dinner, and the prospect of taking Nandini on a date was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

The entire day, Tushar had scrolled through Google, searching for the perfect venue amidst his work schedule. Each restaurant he considered seemed more daunting than the last. He had tried to gather ideas on what he was supposed to arrange, and what might make her happy. His mind raced with thoughts of menus, ambiance, and the little details that would make the evening special.

A few moments after his small announcement, he had felt the smaller frame of his wife leaning into him. Sensing her curious eyes on him, he hesitantly turned towards her. Peering into her twinkling eyes, he had proclaimed his desire to take her out. And, oh heavens, he could never erase from his memory the slow tilt of her lips into a smile and the warmth in her eyes at his words.

She hadn't said much, but her trembling frame and fluttering lashes told him a story he had never ceased to experience. Now, picturing her lovely face, with cheeks plump and tinted with a berry hue, he couldn't help but think back to that night two weeks before, the night of his birthday.

On that night, when he had spoken out his little wish, he hadn't really intended on acting upon the desire that had been gnawing at his sanity. Tushar had always been a man of immaculate restraint, careful to keep his emotions and impulses in check. But that day, something within him broke free. He couldn't resist the pull any longer, and he found himself delving into her, touching and kissing her skin as if she were a newly discovered dessert, sweet and irresistible.