aurore - an unusual love story √

part eighty five

Raghav Raichand sat still on his bed. The room was filled with scented flower bouquets, that made the environment pleasant.

The clock struck 12, in the night.

Normally he was never up till this time, pertaining to instructions from his neurologist.

But today was special.
Today was to make him feel beautiful about life, once again.

He slowly got up, and walked towards  the picture of his late wife. It had been exactly five years since she left him.
Not alone though, he was amongst a beautiful family.
A family, who cared for him... like no one could ever imagine.

Yet, he knew... the pain... of losing a beloved. Not only after enduring that, but before.
He had seen his son, and had realised....what his silent daughter once couldn't make him realise.

" Siddhi...

How long?
I turned 77 already, yet.... I couldn't succeed in accomplishing what has kept me alive all these while, without you. " , Raghav's voice broke.

No one ever told him, but Google did.
Surviving for eighteen years after a cerebral attack, was....almost a miracle.
Yet, he was doing completely well now. Because, his life had only love.
Love, care, human touch, kindness.
No hatred, no fragility.

His granddaughter......was a jewel.

No one knew to what extent she healed him, over all these years.
Through her innocence, her calm yet adorable nature, and her positive outlook towards life.

Raghav could never thank almighty enough, for having sent her into his life.

But, the biggest regret he lived and almost died with everyday, was....he did not know if he could ever thank...and apologize...to the one, who actually left the baby girl behind, to save his dying soul.

He looked into the eyes of his wife. She, as if stared back, intently.
" Siddhi, I believe you are nearest to the unseen, the almighty.

Then, why don't you ask Him, to just fulfil the one last wish of mine?
Will I... Will I have to die with this burden, regretting forever? 

I got the chance to undo one mistake of my life.
Why not the other?

Why do I have to keep waking up everyday, to the fact, that though my son hardly shows, his soul craves for the love he deserves?

Why do I have to see my granddaughter, though having the best father on earth, live motherless?

I have asked for forgiveness, thousand times over. Why can't god accept my apology... ?

And.... Send Sonara back to us? To him? To her?

Will I have to die with this grief, ultimately? "

Streams flowed down cheeks, as he kept staring at his wife, whose eyes showered almost the same grief, most importantly, something she died with.....

_____

Jai stood at the door to his daughter's room for a long time now.
Unsure, if he should get in.

She was lying on the bed, with her back facing him. Though it was pretty late, and a long time after the party had wrapped up, he could feel she was not asleep.

She was upset with him.
They had not exchanged a single word throughout the party, her eyes mostly watery, pertaining to the confrontation on the terrace.

Finally, getting over the indecision, Jai walked upto her bed. And slowly sat down beside her.

Softly, he placed his hand on her head. She did not stir, instead lay still, facing the other side.