You Are Enough

𖹭 Abir

"Bhaiyya! today's work is done, and by the next week, our preparations will be completed finally!", Sakhii didi said chirping, and I chuckled at her excitement to meet the small kids and give them gifts.

We were working for a new school near Champaner village and the opening will be around the festival of Diwali.

The work was in full swing, and I had to visit the construction site to look at the progress. And all this meant that I had to stay quiet a few times in the village, near the school, due to work.

My wifey Mishti would then handle the work of NGO and the preparation of gifts for the children.

The work took a toll on both of us, and we were away from each other. But we always made sure to help each other as much as possible. We dreamt of the children and their happiness when they would receive their surprise in the form of their new school and gifts which they would get during the festival.

After all the hectic yet exciting project, finally after months, the work is done and the opening of school will be held next week.

The work at NGO was wrapped up early today, and everyone was tired of working for the past months. So, finally managing all other NGO work and taking a look at our next new project, I thought of returning early for home today.

"Didi, you need to take a rest too. Aap subh se kaam kar rahi hain (You are working from the morning), and it's already evening." I reminded didi again, and she smiled warmly at me.

"Mein bhi abhi ye kaam karke yaha se jaldi ghar jaungi. Theek hai!"(I will finish this work and return home soon, Ok!) Sakhii didi replied.

She was wrapping the gifts and I helped her in the work. The gifts were too many and required quite a lot of time. We managed to wrap some of them and keep them safe. Then we went to our respective routes to our homes.

I tip-toed near our room, smiling widely at the thought of Mishti's surprised face, when she would see me early at home today.

Hiding near the door, I peeked inside to find my wifey.

But I got confused seeing the condition of our room and hearing Mishti's voice from inside.

"Badi Maa, this is so difficult. I am fed up with all these things now!". Saying so, she placed a big blue suitcase on the bed.

I stood still at my place, as my mind could not process what was happening. What is she saying? And why does she sound so irritated?

Just then, I heard Badi Maa's voice from the phone. Probably the phone is on speaker. "Meri Gudiya Rani (My dear), why don't you ask Abir-"

"Nooo! don't even take his name, Badi Maa. I know he won't do anything because he is very busy these days." I gulped as Mishti reasoned with her Badi Maa while I saw her opening the cupboard and removing her dresses and placing them in front of the bag.

"Badi Maa, I will be leaving in a few minutes from here."

I stood frozen on seeing the scenario, and my heartbeat stopped for a second hearing my wife's words. I had thought to surprise Mishti, but the scene in front of me left me surprised -and heartbroken.

"Mishti," I called her, just a whisper, entering the room with a heavy heart. Never in my dreams, I thought my Angry Chorni would leave me. My heart denied, but looking at the condition of our room, the situation said the opposite.

Piles of clothes were kept on the corner of bed, some were inside the suitecase. Mishti was still removing some other clothes and keeping it near the suitecase.

My heart sank, seeing the gorgeous red traditional outfit kept in the corner. It was my gift to her at our anniversary!

I darted away my eyes to hide my disappointment, but I caught the sight of beauty products lying on the couch - carelessly and unattended. I saw the earring set near it along with some accessories at the farthest corner of the couch - as if it were supposed to be called untouchable. My mind screamed- 'I gave her that as a gift on her birthday!'