Shards

The sterile scent of medicines , disinfectant and cleaning agents clung to the air , the rhythmic beating of heart monitors . Diya’s once vibrant face was pale and her skin stretched thin over her cheek bones , she lay on her deathbed . Suffering from cancer. Was a lady who had witnessed 68 years of life , unlike others she was lucky enough to find true love in this world of disguises.

-“Sorry…. We tried our best, she don't have much time left”,

said the doctors ,with a pause they continued

-“take care”,

while looking at Ashish.

Ashish was 70 years old , not so fat a man , wearing a beige coloured cotton shirt and trousers that balanced comfort and a touch of classic style ,was sitting beside Diya , his partner with whom he had witnessed ups and downs of life for 44 years. The room was quiet. Tears burst out from Ashish’s eyes . Holding Diya’s Bony hands, they together shared a quiet moment so profound and intimate , it felt that even the vast universe can't comprehend its depth .

-“Do you remember our first dance , Diya ? You laughed really hard when I stepped on your toe.” said Ashish.

A faint smile appeared on Diya's face ,

-“you were a……terrible dancer back then…..Ashish . I loved every moment…that I spent with you Ashish”

Said Diya in a faint voice .

-“I know , but you taught me”

Ashish chuckled softly, tears streaming down his cheeks.

He gently brushed a strand of white, shiny hair from Diya’s face. Looking at Diya , a flood of memories that they spent together hit the spot . This was the chapter of life he wanted to skip . Diya rolled her lifeless eyes slowly towards Ashish, her expectations were true , the pale , long face of Ashish seemed like it would burst out into tears. She knew the flood of emotions Ashish was stuck in .

-“I’m…. Sorry d..dear, you will be ..all…alone”

Whispered Diya.

-“No” said Ashish, “You , your memories, all are with me and they will be with me”.

-“I’m happy that you are going first , so that you will not long for the one you love”

-“Oh dear…” I will love you till eternity..

-“I know Diya”.

Ashish gently hugged Diya in the soft shades of warm colors, it was as if they were lost into eternal peace . It was a cold and silent morning, the sun shining brightly and beautifully.

Ashish gently wakes Diya .

-“It's about 8 in the morning”.

Ashish helped her get up and sit straight . Today also , they were at the hospital.

-“ I have prepared food for you dear,” said Ashish.

-“We… will have it to..(cough) together”

- “ yes of course” exclaimed Ashish.

The food was neither presentable nor delicious but as Diya kept it in her mouth, tears streamed out .

-“It’s been …44 years we've been together” , “ How is my kitchen ?” , “you.. created a mess..again” “I have called…a caretaker for..you”

Hearing this from Diya , “ you should take care of yourself Diya ” said Ashish.

She holded his hand , only to see a burn mark . They both shared eye contact.

Before Diya could say anything Ashish took his leave to call the nurse.

One could see the commitment, love and care they both had for each other in the way they were taking a morning walk . In a full pink hospital gown, with her white shiny hairs tied back , holding the hand of her husband who was 70 , in a loose trousers and polo shirt with white stripes walking in the corridor of the hospital .

-“How's your arthritis dear ?”

Questioned Diya to Ashish.

“The doctor prescribed to walk often , because it's a low-impact exercise that keeps the joints flexible, helps bone health, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis”

“I pray to Him… that your life ahead may be as bright as the sun,” Diya whispered, her voice faltering as she tried to look at the sun. Expressing a heartfelt wish for Ashish’s future to be filled with happiness and success. The comparison to the sun symbolizes brightness, warmth, and positivity. Despite her weakened state, she tries to look at the sun, which signifies her hope and the strength of her wish for him, even as she faces her own mortality.

“Why? When you can’t even look at it, I want you to always look upon me,” Ashish replied, his voice filled with tender determination. Ashish responds with a poignant and loving statement. He questions why she would wish for something as bright as the sun when she herself cannot look at it due to her condition. Instead, he expresses his desire for her to always focus on him, implying that he wants to be her source of comfort and strength. Which highlights his deep love and the emotional bond they share, emphasizing that he wants to be the center of her world, especially in her final moments.

“2 years after our marriage it was the first time we had an outing together, just the two of us . We visited the UTSAV MELA ( festival ) . What a beautiful day it was” remembered Ashish. She was dressed gracefully in a traditional brown saree, made of simple cotton. The saree was paired with a short-sleeved choli. It was wrapped around her waist and pleated neatly, with the pallu (the loose end) draped over her shoulder and covering her head, a sign of modesty .I spotted a vendor selling fresh gajras, their fragrance filling the air. Without a second thought, I bought one and hurried back to Diya . When I placed it in her hair, the joy on her face was worth every step I took. “How..is it looking?” she asked me. A smile appeared on Ashish’s face as he remembered . “Can we go to the giant wheel?” She asked me. How come I can tell her I'm scared? I accompanied her , my expression betrayed me . “Are you scared?” She asked with a beautiful smile. The wheel started rotating, what I thought would be a disaster turned out to be one of my fondest memories as she offered her hand to me.

What was a beautiful life , they cherished together, now had become lifeless .