It was 10 at night. Dhuruv and Diya were still at the Beach. The splashing waves and the cool breeze soothed their nerves and lingered them.
Though it was late and dark, the beach was brimming with families, young lovers and Romeos. Few were bumping into the waves, few lolling on the sands enjoying the gentle wind and there were children playing football and with balloons. The palm reading lady in a simple cotton saree, carrying a wire basket in one hand and a black wand in other hand was scanning for customers. The oodles of shore side eateries, the soan papdi and cotton candy sellers dinging the bells, the ice cream vehicles and the brightly lit rifle shooting game shops depicted the beach culture in a vibrant way. There was the corn roaster creating enormous sparks while roasting corns; he artfully sprayed a bit of butter on the cob, a fresh squeeze of lemon with a dash of salt and chilly powder.
Amidst all these, they felt like it was just the both of them at the beach. People around became invisible, all the sounds except for the waves faded off. They had been soaking themselves in the alluring view of the moon rise. When the red ball of fire was emerging from the distant middle of the sea, "⏰Tududu..Tududu...Tududu⏰" Diya was interrupted with the soft chimes sound of her mobile alarm. The mobile blinked 5.30 am and she had to shift to normalcy from her sleep cum dream mode.
While still in bed, her eyes moved slowly under the eyelids and the reminiscence of her dream made her lips curve. Before she could indulge herself into it, the alarm beeped again. She turned it off and swiftly got out of the bed to start with her morning routine while Dhuruv and their little son Aadhav were sound asleep. Her whatsapp showed one unread message and she knew it was from Dhuruv. He used to ping her while starting back from office every day and today the time read 3.00 am. He had reached only a while back.
Dhuruv works for a corporate company; he works on odd hours and always comes late night. So, Diya had taken up an offer at a private concern to beat her loneliness. After resuming her career, life started moving in a fast forward mode and made her turn brisker than ever.
Aadhav and Diya had to leave their home by 8, so that they can be on time to school and work. Diya kept piping hot dosas in the hot pack for Dhuruv, packed lunch boxes for all of them and quickly gulped her food. Even a few minutes of delay will make them miss their buses. Just before wearing his shoes Aadhav ran into the bedroom and planted a gentle kiss on Dhuruv’s cheeks and waved him good bye. He loved his dad a lot and missed him too, as weekends are the only days they spend time together. But, when Dhuruv is at home it will be the best time they would ever have.
Diya wondered how things have changed. It was not the same until few months ago. Dhuruv’s late night work schedule and the parental stress would give unreasonable mood swings and bad days. Though the couple had known each other for more than a decade, there were monumental differences in almost every single thing. In spite of all the differences, there was one common thing; they loved alike.
It was Dhuruv who suggested her resume her career when she was hesitant if she can manage work and home; he supported in all possible ways when he was around. That decision of them opened doors for new experiences and made her realise her capabilities. Their true-love and the respect they had for each other, made them realise problems are inevitable part of any long-term relationship. They learnt to deal with disagreements and accept one another as is. Now they both would loveably say “I am happy if he is happy; I am happy if she is happy” and their weekdays are also blissful!
Thanks for reading. This is my first attempt writing a short story. Hope you enjoyed it. Please leave your review or feedback!