The Last Kiss
It was a sunny day. The sky was the same shade of light-blue. The birds were singing in harmony. Gentle breeze was blowing outside the window. Nothing had changed since that day. It had been like this for years now, 4 years to be exact. Life had moved on, but I just couldn’t.
The morning coffee burned my lips as a tried to sip it. You always told me that I was impatient. I sat there, thinking about you, about us. Everything seemed so dark, even though it was a bright sunny day. I just sat there, accompanied by my thoughts.
Flashback:
Rohan and I (Maira) were childhood sweethearts. We were neighbours living across the street. We grew up together, and were the best of friends. I did not have any other friends except him and it was the same with him too. We used to play and hang out together and spent most of our time together.
As years passed by, our bond grew stronger, from friends to best friends, best friends to lovers, to being bound together in the institution of marriage.
Present:
A cold flow of breeze brushed past my face as I was brought back from my memories to the reality. I took another sip and held the cup, wrapping my fingers around it. It felt warm, just like you, when you wrapped your fingers around mine. I still remember the first time we kissed...and the last time you kissed my forehead.
Flashback:
It was 10th July, my birthday. Rohan had a surprise planned for today. He went to work since it was a working day, but promised to be back early.
It was almost evening and I was eagerly waiting for him. I was wearing the red one piece with matching red heels that he had got me especially for this special day. I called him up to check where he was.
Me: Hubby, when are you coming?
Him: On my way wifey.
Me: Come soon hubby, I’m waiting. . .
Him: Almost there wifey
Me: See u at home, love u hubby
Him: Love u too wif.....
His sentence was cut short by a loud BANG!
I kept saying “Rohan...what happened? Rohan are you ok?” But there was no reply.
Just in an instant my whole life turned upside-down. I couldn’t believe what just happened. I was in a state of shock. Tears started forming in my eyes. Suddenly my phone rang, it was Sidhhant, a colleague as well as friend of Rohan’s, and he told me to come to city hospital.
I rushed inside the hospital building, I saw Siddhant standing outside the ICU. “He is in critical condition. You’ll be able to see him soon.” He offered me water and tried to calm me down. I didn’t want it, I just wanted Rohan.
The doctor came out of the ICU “Are you Mrs. Mehta?” I nodded. “I need you to come with me.” We entered the Intensive Care Unit, he led me to the room where Rohan was. It was so cold, and sterile smell filled the room.
He was lying on the bed. He had a central line, an oxygen mask and other lines going into his arms. I couldn’t look at him. I closed my eyes hoping that this was a bad dream and that closing my eyes would wake me up.
I opened my eyes. Rohan was still on the bed. He looked at me. He didn’t move. He just kept looking at me. I saw a tear form in his eye. I put my hand on his hand, and held it. He was trying to say something, but no sound was coming out. I leaned in closer and heard him whisper “I’m sorry wifey, I ruined your birthday.” I looked at him, tears rolled down my eyes. I told him not to leave me. He said he wouldn’t. “I love you”, he whispered and kissed my forehead.
Present:
I sat there, at the kitchen table. Thinking about how I lost you. No matter how hard I wished I knew you wouldn’t come back. Every year on this day I feel your kiss on my forehead.
“Love you Hubby,” I whispered, and brushed aside a tear from left eye.
