Snapshots

Valentine

I whistled softly to myself, tapping out the beat on the steering wheel as I drove home after work. I'd been feeling unnaturally content throughout the day. I didn't have any cause as of yet to feel so happy, but it just seemed to be a good day. Everything had been going my way today, to the point where I couldn't help feeling a bit apprehensive.

"This is a problem with you teachers", I scolded myself. "You're so used to seeing things screw themselves up, you don't even want to enjoy something going right once in a while!"

So I pushed away the nagging feeling and concentrated on happier thoughts. Today was the 13th of February. To most, it would mean the day after was Valentine's day. To me, this year, it was something a bit more. It meant my husband was coming home today to spend a few days alone with me before he had to go off again on another tour.

I wiggled my toes in anticipation. I was elated, and literally couln't wait!
Virat and I hadn't got to spend quality time in..... well..... a long time.

I was used to this. I really was. I knew what I was getting myself into when I married the captain of the national cricket team. I knew his schedule would be crazy, and I'd have to adjust. I did too. It was going pretty well..... up until 2016 Asia Cup happened. Then, it felt like everything that could possibly be shoved into one season, were.

What with endless tournaments, numerous test matches, a series with England that felt like one of those infinite geometric progressions I taught at school, Mahi Bhai's retirement and subsequent change of captains, and myself being promoted to Teacher Consultant at my school, it felt like our relationship was only surviving on surprise visits, stolen moments of affection and phone and video calls.

I'd started bugging Virat for a vacation since the middle of last year, and he'd promised to give me one. He was sweet like that. But then life got in the way, and it never really happened.

"And it most certainly won't be happening now. Not with Virat captaining all three formats", I thought, sighing.

Now, don't get me wrong, I couldn't be prouder of what my husband did, and I'd always be supporting him; but I just missed us, you know?

My phone chirped from the passenger seat. I glanced at the screen and saw 'HOME' displayed on it. I frowned. Virat wasn't supposed to be back until late tonight, and no one else could have been at home. I wondered if Nirmala, the lady who helped me out with housework, had decided to stay until I arrived.

I clicked the bluetooth device on in my ear, and spoke. "Hello?"

"Hey babe."

I couldn't hold back the surprised laugh, nor did I want to. That voice! Even though it was huskier than normal, I would know that voice anywhere!

"Virat!" I squealed, practically vibrating with excitement. "Jaldi aa gaye tum?"

"Haan. Socha ki duniya ki sabsi khubsurat ladki ke liye itna toh main kar hi sakta hoon!"

Something was off with his voice. It sounded more.... clogged?

"Acha?" I asked.

"Bilkul. You're beautiful, baby. And smart. And funny. And amazing. And....."

"Alright, alright", I said, cutting him off. "I'm also your wife; and I can tell there's something you are scared to tell me."

He sighed. "I swear, is my head made of glass or something?" he grumbled.

I smirked. "No. I've just got X-ray vision. Now, out with it."

"Okay", he took a deep breath. "Don't freak out, but..... uh..... I might not be feeling too well."