JUST ONE LAST TIME..

Dr.Sunayna held the letter in her hands, her face had a strange expression. She looked a bit confused and in pain. She had just entered the house and was longing for a strong cup of coffee after a tiring day at college when she saw the letter. Malti must have taken it out and kept it there on the side stool.

A letter...but whose. It had her name and address but not the sender's. Her son who studied in Manipal never wrote letters. He communicated through WhatsApp or emails. Her daughter was married here and never wrote letters. All her friends were also here. Then who was this letter from? She was too excited and opened it before Malti got her coffee. She tore it open and started reading ... 

My dear Suny,

....

Yes she was addressed as Suny and it was only Vibhor who called her that. Vibhor was her best friend Sumita'a brother-in-law, with whom she came in touch with during her friend's pre wedding days. A thorough gentleman, he was with the army. But that's all she knew about him. Why a letter from him? 

She started reading it with the first sip of coffee.............

I know you are surprised to hear from me out of nowhere. I still remember you as the most beautiful girl at Sumita and Vivek's wedding. The girl in the pink chiffon and pearls never actually left me. Your sweet voice was so mesmerising and held everyone, including me under its spell. 

You were softspoken, skilful, intelligent but I guess you never looked into my eyes or else you have not missed yourself in them. The way you decorated the house, arranged the trousseau all showed your creative side...and your paintings, the ones I had a chance to see when I visited your house with Vivek were just extraordinary. Your musical laughter was also extraordinary and have given me company till this day.

Vivek's Mom, my chachi( aunty) did not miss my feelings for you. She could sense my emotions for you and she asked me in a straightforward way. I could not lie to her, she had brought me up like her own after my mother left and bared my heart to her. Yes Suny, she did see you in my eyes and my heart but she was too tied up by the societal norms. She told me ,"Vibhor! We are Saraswat Brahmins. We have never had any body from outside our cast in the family. Sunayna is a Kayastha and nobody in the family will accept her. After your mother as it is, only your Dad is there for you. Do not break his heart and go away from him."

Throughout the ceremonies I always longed to see you. Side by side I would plead with Chachi  to help take my love story forward. But her stern looks always reprimanded me. Then one day the ceremonies were over and I was back to my regiment.

I know I should not be saying all this now that you are well settled in life with a loving and caring husband, a mother of two and a grandmom. Yes I came to know about your wedding from Sumita. It was through her that I came to know about the various phases of your life.

Dad and Chachi's constant pleadings and all efforts never helped them find a daughter-in-law, perfect according to society rules and they passed away expecting one...endlessly waiting...

As I wait for the end now. Yes Suny, I am waiting for my fast approacing end. I took voluntary retirement from the army and spent my time roaming the country. Then one day I collapsed. I was diagonosed with blood cancer. I am here, in your city, in the cancer ward of the army hospital...breathing my last.

But I do not want to die without letting you know of my feelings. I do not want to keep you away from the truth nor do I want to keep myself away from that feeling. I had once taken down your address from Vivek's diary and that's how I sent you the letter. Hope it reaches you!

Sunny, I just want to see you one last time...just one last time!!

Looking forward to...

Just yours...!

The letter ended and tears rolled down Dr.Sunayna's cheeks. She never nursed any feelings for him. Nor could she ever see his feelings for her. Now.....

Now what should she do? Should she grant a dying man his wish? Should she tell her family? Her husband? Will he trust her? 

As soon as Dr.Chintan entered he sensed something amiss. He asked Sunayna and she broke down. Wiping her tears she handed him the letter. Dr.Chintan wrapped his arms around her as he read the letter. He then held her hand and walked out with her to the car. The ignition on, the car raced towards the cantonement and stopped outside the army hospital. Dr.Chintan a medical professional himself spoke to someone on the phone and then led Sunayna to room number 406 in the cancer ward. There on the bed was him, an emaciated, pale, aged picture of Vibhor. He was in pain and had much trouble breathing. He saw Sunayna and Chintan together. He looked at Sunayna, smiled, took one deep breath and closed his eyes. Satisfaction writ all over his face, he sliipped into forever sleep.

©®Madhumita

*Based on a true story. Names of characters changed.