“Arush, enough with the endless scrolling on your mobile! Why not spend time with me instead?” Shefali fumed. Arush looked up at her as a lopsided grin played on his face. “You seem to forget that I cooked breakfast today, as you put Arya to sleep. In another ten minutes, I will be through answering all my texts, and I solemnly promise to spend the whole day with yours truly.” His small eyes became smaller as he grinned from ear to ear.

*

“Arush, no gifts for me? You have forgotten our wedding anniversary, again, like always.” Shefali’s cheeks puffed up like Lord Hanuman’s. Rubbing his cheeks against hers, “No, I have not forgotten. Just pack your bags and follow me. The best gift for a multitasking mom is a weekend getaway. Happy Anniversary, my love.” Arush flooded her cheeks with soft kisses, and Shefali, closing her eyes, soaked in the pleasures of the priceless moments.

Arush was a man of few words, and the little things he did for her spoke volumes. From caring for little Arya to meeting Shefali’s big and small expectations, he was more of a best friend and a loving companion than a mere husband. He would go to any lengths to see Shefali and Arya smiling.

*

Every corner of the house reminded her of him. “How could you leave me and go! I will never forgive you for this.”

Shefali looked out of the window, nestling her chin in the well of her palm. Soft, white, cottony wools flitted in the clear, blue sky. But she was in no mood to take in the serenity of the morning sky. Her mind was clogged with memories.

It had been almost 2 years since Arush had passed away. His tragic death in an accident had shattered three lives.

She still couldn't come to terms with it. Shefali missed him dearly. She felt a deep agonizing pain pierce her heart each time she thought of him, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.  

Nothing lasts forever!

She had taken Arush for granted and would fight with him at the drop of a hat. There was never an end to her expectations. The more Arush tried to please her, the more she wanted him to do.

They say time is a great healer, but the flood of tears ensured that her ocean of grief was filled to the brim.

His death had not only left a void in her heart but also disrupted her professional life.  Her creativity and ability to think outside the box, as a copywriter, had taken a back seat. She had not cracked a single deal after Arush’s death. All her projects were passed on to her juniors. If this continued, she feared she would soon lose her job.

The loud banter of the watchmen outside broke her chain of thoughts. She had to wake Arya, get her ready, and drop her at the babysitter. Then she had to rush to the office.

'Ding Dong!' The doorbell rang. “Who could it be at this hour? “Shefali mumbled as she opened the door.

“I am Darsh, your new neighbor. Can I have the newspaper vendor's number? “He inquired, shifting from one leg to the other. He was tall and slim. The sleeve of his light blue T-shirt tightened around his biceps. Black, curly hair covered his entire head. A few stray strands curled stubbornly on his forehead, giving it a messy look. The dimples on his chin deepened as he smiled, adding to his boyish charms.

“Sure! Please come in. I am Shefali. I work in an advertising agency and stay with my daughter, Arya,” she stated. Darsh bobbed his head. Shefali was glad that he didn't prod further. She resented talking to strangers about Arush. It was like scratching old wounds.

“I have shifted from Delhi. I work for a private bank and I am here after a transfer. My parents refused to move in with me, “he explained, moving his mobile from one hand to the other.

“He seems to be an impatient man,” Shefali pondered as she scrolled her mobile for the number.

“I have heard so much about Bengaluru weather. Does it remain pleasant throughout the year?”

Before Shefali could answer that question, Arya plodded in, teddy bear in arms, rubbing her eyes.

“Arya, see who has come. It's our new neighbor. You can call him Darsh Uncle.”

Arya’s lips widened at the corners briefly as she gripped her teddy tightly. With her tousled shoulder-length hair, big round eyes, chubby cheeks, and slightly parted lips, she looked irresistibly cute.

Darsh patted her cheeks. “Hello, Arya. Would you like to introduce your friend to me?” he crooned, bending his 6-foot frame to her eye level.

Arya’s face now broke into a wide grin. “This is Bruno! Bruno, say hello to Uncle”, she squealed. “Hello Bruno, nice to meet you “, Darsh smiled, shaking hands with the teddy’s paw.

The muscles on Shefali’s grim face slightly loosened up, and a smile appeared on her face like a ray of sunlight finding its way out of the dark clouds. Darsh caught the glint in her eyes even though it stayed only for a few seconds. Her ocean-like eyes widened, and a splash of pink colored her pale cheeks.

She bent down and scribbled the number on a piece of paper. Strands of her rich burgundy hair cascaded down, framing her face. Pushing it backward with one hand, she handed over the paper. Darsh’s gaze lingered on the finely chiseled, delicate features on her face. Her brown, deep-set eyes seemed to have sunk deeper into their sockets. Only the movement of the thick, dark lashes whispered signs of life.

 “It would have been easier if she had saved my number and shared the vendor’s number. I could have texted her if I needed more information,” thought Darsh.

Clearing his throat, “Thank you, Shefali. I hope to catch up with you sometime later. “Darsh waved out to Arya as Arya, holding on to her teddy’s paw, waved back at him.

On and off, Shefali bumped into Darsh in the lobby or the lift as she hurried to work. Once when she was struggling with a big shopping bag in the lobby, Darsh offered to help. “No, no, I will manage, “Shefali protested as he took the bag off her hands. “I can do anything for a good cup of coffee. “Darsh laughed out loud, ruffling Arya’s hair. Shefali had no other option but to invite him for coffee.

Arya sat on the floor with her toys scattered around as Darsh and Shefali sipped coffee. Shefali liked how the conversation flowed, from music to movies to work. Darsh knew where to draw the line, which made Shefali relax and participate wholeheartedly in the conversation. It instantly soothed her frayed nerves. She noticed Darsh fidgeting with the paperweight lying on the table as he spoke. He couldn’t sit still, even for a moment.

“When are you going shopping again?” asked Darsh with a twinkle in his eyes, raising his cup and almost spilling its contents. Shefali laughed, bending forward, covering her mouth with her palm. Arya joined in, and soon, Dhruv followed suit. Peals of laughter filled the entire house.

Suddenly, Shefali’s face went white. The alarm of guilt in her mind eclipsed the joyful moments.

“Arush, I am sorry. No, I have not forgotten you. I miss you every minute of the day.” She felt better after repeating that in her mind. Small teardrops lined the corners of her eyes, threatening to cascade down any moment.

Darsh was too shocked to react. “Did I do anything wrong? Did my words hurt her in any way?” He wondered. He hated seeing the dark shadows that covered her moon-like face.

 “Darsh uncle, it’s Bruno’s birthday this Saturday, and you are invited. Can you come a little early to help me with the dec-or-rations?” she yodeled, in a sing-song voice, making puppy eyes at Darsh. Her chirpy voice helped break the silence that punctuated the room. Before Shefali could protest, Darsh had scooped up Arya in his hands and planted a kiss on her pink cheeks, “Of course, I will wait for you at the lobby on Friday evening. Let’s buy a surprise gift for Bruno. “

“Yay! “Arya chirped, clapping her hands. Shefali stared at Arya as her eyes widened and narrowed with excitement. That’s when she realized that she had drowned herself so much in grief that she had deprived Arya of precious little moments of joy. Wiping away the stray tear before it trickled down her face, she smiled.

Darsh and Shefali met often during weekends. They chatted over coffee. Darsh took Arya out to play in the evenings whenever he was free, and Arya enjoyed his company. Not once had Darsh enquired about Shefali’s marital status. One, he felt it would hurt her, and two, he thought she would discuss it when she felt it was the right time.

“Mumma never plays with me. She always switches on the cartoon and goes about her work.” Arya complained, jutting her lower lip. There was something about Arya that moved Darsh.

A warm, fuzzy feeling filled his heart whenever he was in her company. He felt she gave him a sense of peace. He loved to spend time with her. The stress and the anxiousness he carried in his mind had begun to thaw in the warmth of her innocence.

“Darsh Uncle, come, let’s catch the little yellow butterfly.” Arya tugged at his T-shirt. Darsh ran behind the butterfly as it flitted from flower to flower, and Arya trotted after him.

*

One Sunday, while sipping coffee together, Shefali noticed Dhruv continuously jiggle his lower legs. She couldn’t contain herself. “Darsh, why do you always seem so restless?”

Darsh’s face darkened. He raked his fingers through his coarse hair. “I have been suffering from panic attacks for a long time. I am an orphan, and my adoptive parents took me under their wings when I was six years old. They have taken good care of me, but they have never accepted me as a son. It has always seemed that they have done me a favor by adopting me. I have tried to do my best to please them. I have been an excellent student throughout school and college. Now I work doubly hard for my promotions, but nothing seems to help. Trying to be exceptionally good at everything I do now seems like a burden. It gets a little difficult to handle,” Darsh muttered. Rubbing his fingers across his temples, he continued, “Nobody has ever noticed me as closely as you did, Shefali.”

 “Darsh, you cannot force someone to love you. I feel you should stop trying so hard. If they have not loved you all these years, it’s unlikely they will develop feelings for you now. Just let it be,” counseled Shefali, running her hand lightly over his shoulders.

Darsh was deeply touched by her gentle words, comforting touch, and the genuine concern reflected in her eyes. His shoulders sagged with relief, as if a heavy burden had finally been lifted off.

Their eyes locked, and he smiled, his eyes brimming with tears.

“Why don’t we go out for dinner tonight?” Shefali suggested, trying to brighten Darsh’s mood.

Darsh nodded. “You know something, after I started spending time with Arya, I have not had a single episode of panic attack.”

“I feel there is something that is bothering you. I have never seen your smile light up your eyes. If you feel like talking about it, go ahead,” Darsh cajoled her to open up when he noticed Shefali looking aloof at the restaurant. He could not bear to see her suffer in silence.

Shefali had dropped Arya off at her friend’s birthday party. Darsh’s company had not lifted the shroud of grief from her mind, but it had let the heaviness sediment deep inside. Shards of guilt kept pricking her when she spent time with him. “Would this hurt Arush’s soul? “-was the constant question that kept popping into her mind. She knew she was not doing anything wrong. Darsh was just a good friend. But her pensive mind kept throwing up questions for which she had no answers.

Initially, a few teardrops wetted her cheeks, and within moments her shoulders shuddered. Covering her face with her palms, she sobbed. The restaurant was less crowded that night, so they had a quiet, cozy corner.

Darsh sat still, realizing she would feel better once she brought it all out. He handed her a glass of water. Shefali drank all the water in one quick gulp. Wiping her face with a tissue, she poured her heart out to Darsh. She told him all about Arush. She spoke rapidly, her words coming out in a rush, like a speeding train, punctuated by sniffling sounds. “I usually don’t get emotional in front of others. I don’t know what got over me. I am so sorry to have ruined your evening,” she uttered, dabbing at her tears with a tissue.

“I am so glad you emptied all your bottled-up emotions. It will make you feel light. And don’t worry about ruining my Sunday. You can make up for it on another Sunday.” Darsh’s lopsided smile made Shefali smile through her tears.

“Don't you think you need to move on in life? You are too young to stay alone like this. You are going about life, lugging the burden of grief along. Don’t you think you are depriving Arya of a normal childhood? I have experienced a childhood without parental love, and I understand the pain it brings. Arya has not only lost her father, but also your undivided attention. I am not asking you to forget Arush. He will always be a part of you. Do you think he would be happy to see you brooding and crying? From what I have heard, he always tried to keep you happy. Wherever he is, he will rest in peace only if he sees you facing life headlong. You are too lost in the past to find the joyful moments of the present. Both Arya and you deserve a better, much better life,” Darsh asserted. Then, realizing he had gone too far, he stopped and fixed his eyes on the floor.

Shefali looked at him, flustered. She didn’t know what to say. Resting her back on the soft cushion, she closed her eyes. She nodded when she realized that Darsh was right. “Yes, Arush would certainly like that. Why didn’t I think along those lines before?” Shefali thought to herself. “I will surely give it a thought. I have noticed Arya being completely at ease in your company. She smiles and laughs more often.” Shefali continued, “As a matter of fact, even I do. Thank you, Darsh.” Darsh smiled with a wave of his hand. “You don’t have to be so formal, Shefali.”

"What about you, Darsh? Do you have a girlfriend?" Shefali asked, folding her arms across her chest.

“I had a girlfriend for 5 years. But she was not keen on a commitment. So, we just parted on good terms.” Shefali noticed that his eyes had turned a tad watery.

She immediately changed the topic. “You know, Darsh, I have been trying to write a catchline for a new filter coffee brand. After speaking to you, I think I have had a brainwave.”  

“Let the ideas flow. Sometimes they strike at the most unusual places. Remember Archimedes’ realization while in the bathtub,” giggled Darsh. Something stirred deep in her heart as she saw the dimples on his cheeks deepen. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. When Darsh caught her staring, her face went red. They finished their meal in silence.

Lost in the delectable brew, found in delightful moments! The catchline echoed in her mind.

*

“Darsh, my boss approved my slogan for a coffee brand. After almost two years, my superiors have recognized my efforts and have given me another contract.” Seeing her eyes glisten, Darsh’s face brightened. Finally, the smile had made it to her eyes.

“I assume I was the inspiration behind the slogan. I am willing to settle for dinners every Sunday,” Darsh quipped. Shefali slapped her forehead.

Days flew and months flew. Shefali looked forward to spending time with Darsh as it made her feel light and peppy. She felt drawn out of the cocoon she had woven for herself. It was not that she didn’t think of Arush. She did, every day, but now she cherished the happy times she had had with him. Darsh’s company had helped her bury her grief in the deepest corner of her heart. She let it lie there in peace. Shefali also noticed that Darsh was no longer fidgety.

One morning, as Shefali scurried around getting ready for work, she slipped and fell in the bathroom and could not get up. Arya ran up to Darsh's flat and asked him for help.

“What happened, Shefali?” he asked, his voice cracking with emotion. He helped her stand by supporting her arms on his shoulders. " My ankle is hurting. I am not able to move. " Shefali groaned in pain. She felt conscious of his proximity. The earthy scent of his cologne made her feel heady. Her heart missed a beat. She felt her blood rush into her face, making her cheeks burn.

Darsh stared at her expressive eyes. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun. A few stray strands gathered around her face as if inviting him to tuck them behind her ears. Her closeness made Darsh nervous. A slight tremor passed through his entire body. Regaining composure, he helped her onto the couch and looked straight into her eyes. Her eyelids fluttered like the wings of a dainty butterfly. Her eyelashes moved up slowly as she met his eyes. Their eyes locked, and this time, Darsh could see sheer love for him in her eyes.

“Mamma, is it hurting a lot?” Arya’s soft, quavering voice broke their chain of thoughts.  Shefali pulled Arya towards her and threw both her arms around her.

Darsh brought a cold pack and placed it on her feet. “You will be fine. There is no swelling. It is just a sprain. Just rest your feet for a day. I will do my best to take care of the rest.”

Arya jumped with joy. “Darsh uncle, you are staying with us today? Yippee! “She squealed. The twinkle in her eyes and the glow on her face melted Shefali’s heart. Darsh stood with arms akimbo, staring at Arya, and moved his eyelids rapidly in jest. Taking the day off, Darsh took charge of the house.

Shefali’s eyes followed Darsh, and when he caught her doing so, she turned her attention towards the ceiling.

Darsh rustled up khichdi for lunch and served it with curd and papad. Tasting a spoonful of the hot khichdi, Shefali closed her eyes, with a soft “Mmmm”. " I didn't know you cook so well," gushed Shefali. “Now, come on, I know you are putting on an act. It’s just bland khichdi." Darsh chortled, shaking his head from right to left. “No, Darsh, it’s delicious. I loved it. Thank you so much for all that you have done for us. “

Placing his hands on Shefali’s, Darsh asked, looking deep into her eyes. “Wouldn’t you have done this if I had fallen and hurt myself?” Not able to meet his loving gaze, Shefali looked away. “Madam, I am waiting for an answer, “Darsh murmured, as Shefali nodded in affirmation. " By the way, I am good at doing the dishes, cleaning the house, and washing clothes. Try me! " Darsh pulled up his collar and spread his arms wide, making both mother and daughter double up in laughter.

“Darsh Uncle, I am hungry, “Arya bellowed, holding her tummy with both hands.

“I am sorry, my princess. I forgot all about you.” Putting his arms around Arya, he brought his cheeks close to hers. Arya hugged him back, covering his face with sloppy kisses.

Shefali stared open-mouthed at them.

“Darsh Uncle, why don’t you stay with us forever? “Arya asked with her arms still around Darsh’s shoulders. The question Darsh had failed to raise despite several attempts, Arya had asked so innocently. Shefali was too shocked to react. She glanced sideways at Darsh.

“Should I? I promise to help you get lost in the delectable brew and find yourself in the delightful moments.” Darsh cocked his head towards Shefali, biting his lower lip as her face turned crimson red.

“We don’t have all day. Is it a ‘Yes’ or a ‘No’?” Darsh teased. Shefali nodded, throwing her arms around Arya.