Dancing Flames (Pranushka story)

He's Hungry!

*Mangalore bajji : A fried snack made of certain flours mixed with curd and water.
......................................................................
His heart seemed to hit his rib cage like a piston in an engine. Tears camaflauged with the icy cold rainwater that soaked his entire body. Parking the jeep absurdly in a place on his way back home, he walked through the woods, crossing the bridge and stared at the surroundings cursing his fate. Had destiny taken them for granted? Why were they not left to cherish the most beautiful part of their life together after swallowing all the bitterness of their past?

The path, trees, river and everyother element around him remiscised her memories. Their moments of togetherness. Yet he determined to stay strong. Deep down, he had faith in himself and was sure to get her back. But that sentence lingered in his mind and his heart sunk each time he tried to build hopes.

She died SIX years ago.

"She's alive. Sandhya is alive. My wife is alive!"
He clutched his hair speaking to himself and barged into the house.

Steam escaped from the glass tumbler in front of him just like memories out of his mind. The mint-lime tea was supposed to be medicine for the dreadful headache, but he didn't bother, while food was far from thoughts. Hunger was abstract in real sense.
- - - - -

"It's brilliant right? I knew it! Should've added a little more chilli powder and salt."
She squealed stuffing another peice of chapati into Vihaan's mouth.

"Are you crying? Vihaan!"

"Crying? Yeah crying."
He wiped his tears and emptied a jug of water.

"What happened? Is it too hot?"

"Just like you!" he winked earning a smack on his head.

"Tell me!"

"You should try it. It's.... Umm.. Flavory?" he commented unsurely.

She furrowed her brows, narrowing her eyes at him, before taking a bite herself.

She coughed and gasped for breath gulping a whole tumbler of water. Vihaan tried his best to control that thunderous gush of emotions which he miserably failed to do. He held his stomach after rolling around for quite some time and saw his wife, arms crossed, face grim. Danger's ahead!

She picked up a flower vase and threw it at him.

"Sandhya! That was close! You would've hit my head!"
He peeped from behind the sofa.

"It would've atleast knocked some sense in you! Your wife's pregnant and she still surfs up the best recipe websites just to make you happy and here you are laughing away to glory! Don't speak to me!"
She held the pan of curry and twisted her lips, heading towards the kitchen.
"Come inside! "

Vihaan sheepishly grinned while merrily marching to her.

"I know it's impossible for you to stay hungry."

He dreamily looked at her while his hands were tucked in his pockets.

"So, heat the leftovers in the red boxes kept in the refrigerator before I come back from the shower. It's nine o'clock already." she smiled sweetly fluttering her eyelashes.

And his jaw dropped.

" Serves me right for triggering her. Consequences of a love marriage!" he whispered yelled.

"I heard that!"

"You know what? I'm hungry, but at the same time,late for my shower. How about we cook something.. together?" he winked, sweeping her off the floor and stole a kiss before she could protest.