'Once upon a time a fairy came down from the blue heavens' Nachiket started. 'he was dressed in a pretty pink coloured gossamer gown, with sparkles all over. Her wings were made of fine pink mesh and she wore a diamond tiara on her head.'
'Papa, you have told this story so many times', Nishi whined. A cute, four year old, she was particular about the stories her parents told her. It was usually her Mother who put her to sleep every night, and she had a vast repertoire of stories at her disposal to please her daughter.
However, being with her Father had it's own perks. He was seldom strict and let her stay awake past her night hours, which irked her Mother to no ends.
...
Ragini's cousin had come visiting, with her husband and in-laws. They were visiting Mumbai for the first time and had decided to meet Ragini and family, before leaving for Jaipur the next day. Ragini's Mother had also come along. It was a sudden visit, in the middle of a working week. Both Ragini and Nachiket were caught unawares till late afternoon, but Ragini's Mother had offered to help them out.
The visitors had left only sometime back. Ragini had tried putting Nishi to sleep in between, but the kid was too excited, meeting a part of her family for the first time, and had kicked her way out of the covers.
Finally, when the clock had struck 11, Ragini had scooped Nishi up - who was still in a state of merriment, and deposited her in her Father's arms, bestowing him with the onerous responsibility of getting Nishi changed into her night suit and then getting her to sleep, finally.
The next 15 minutes was a struggle as Nachiket managed to get Nishi into her bunny print pyjama suit, help her brush her teeth, tie her hair into two plaits and then settle down with her on the bed.
He could see Ragini moving around in the drawing room, speaking to her Mother, who she had convinced to stay back with them for the night.
'So what?' Nachiket replied back, cuddling his daughter. 'Why can't you listen to the same story again? Especially it's a story of a beautiful fairy, who comes and visits all children and gives gifts to the good ones.'
'Ok', Nishi nodded thoughtfully and then added 'I want an ice cream. Otherwise I will not sleep.'
Nachiket's heart tanked. He was hoping that Nishi would fall asleep soon. He had planned something special tonight. He hadn't forgotten that today was the day when he had first met Ragini seven years ago. A day that changed his life and made it beautiful.
'Now Nishi', Nachiket started You can't have an ice cream now. Its nearly 11.30 p.m. Come baby, let's sleep. Or else your Mother will come and scold both of us.'
Nishi started howling.
Nachiket looked up sheepishly, trying to quieten Nishi down, as Ragini poked her head into the room.
'What happened?' she asked.
'Papa is telling the same old story' Nishi complained.
'No, she is asking for ice cream now' Nachiket clarified in turn.
Ragini smiled at the two stricken faces in front of her - the two stricken faces making up her whole world.
The Father-daughter duo were now looking at each other accusatorially. Ragini laughed at both of them; she then moved to the bed and picked Nishi up. Nishi's small arms went around her Mother's neck, as she slightly rocked the child. Ragini had still not changed and appeared tired, but the calm smile on her face didn't' waiver for once as she paced around the room, with her daughter in her arms.
Nachiket stared at the scene in front of him in awe - it was definitely difficult being a Mother. He got up from the bed, went to where his world was concentrated, and engulfed both of them in a bear hug. Nishi looked up from where her tiny face was hidden in her Mother's hair and plopped a kiss on her Father's cheek. And smiled.
Nachiket had an idea. He eased Nishi off from Ragini's arms and put her down in the bed, in the middle of the pillows. He then turned to Ragini and pulled her in his arms.
Nishi's eyes danced in merriment, while a faint pink started spreading itself across Ragini's face.
Nachiket started
'Ok Nishi, I have a new story for you tonight. A story where there is a Prince and a Princess. Let me tell you how they met years ago and how they got together.
'The Prince stayed in a faraway kingdom, all alone. He went visiting his friend one day, and met the Princess on the way.'
He looked deeply into his wife's eyes and continued
'... and at that moment, he knew that he had found his best friend for life. And that they would always stay together. Good thing - the Princess also felt the same way.'
He twirled Ragini around in his arms, at an imaginary fairy tale tune. He could almost see the stars sparkling in her eyes.
'However, the Prince's sister didn't like the Princess at all. But the Prince was very sure that he wanted the Princess as his best friend only and that his heart belonged to her only.'
By this time, Ragini's eyes could only connect with Nachiket's. Everything else was a blurred oblivion.
'I love you Nachiket', she whispered as he pulled her closer.
'Mom', a slight voice clamoured back into their senses. Both Nachiket and Ragini turned towards the bed to see Nishi nearly asleep, though trying hard to stay awake to continue with the story.
Nachiket bent down to place a soft kiss on Ragini's lips and then whispered to her 'I am taking Nishi to her room. There is something for you on your dresser top drawer'.
He carefully picked up Nishi from the bed, breathing in her baby scent, which always tickled his senses. He closed the door softly behind Ragini and padded to Nishi's room. He was glad to find his Mother-in-law there; Nachiket spoke to her for a while while laying Nishi carefully down on the bed.
...
Some Minutes Later
Nachiket pushed open the door to his bedroom quietly. It was relatively dark inside. Except for a row of candles placed along the headboard of their bed.
As his eyes started getting used to the relative darkness in the room, his heart started thudding.
His mouth remained open as Ragini stepped out in front of him from a silhouetted corner. She looked ethereal in red silk. Nachiket moved towards her as in a dream, taking both her hands in his and kissing them thoroughly.
He brought her closer into his arms. He could almost feel her heartbeat, matching his. This was special, he knew. And would always remain so.
...
A sudden, hesitant knock on the door made both of them jump apart.
'I will get the door' Nachiket said hoarsely. Ragini scampered around for her robe.
A minute later, Nachiket walked in, clutching Nishi's hands. She was rubbing her eyes with the other hand, while her favourite monkey hung around her neck.
On seeing her Mother, she started simpering 'I want to sleep with Mom. Here'
Ragini picked her up, while looking at Nachiket apologetically. He smiled slightly, while blowing the candles off.
He had not changed since he had returned from work; he had only disposed off his coat and tie. He suddenly felt tired. Picking up his night dress he moved towards the bathroom, as Ragini settled down on the bed with Nishi.
By the time he came out, they were asleep, Nishi plastered to her Mother. He sighed inwardly, and made his way to his side of the bed.
...
Next Morning
Nachiket dreamt that he was in Wonderland and that Ragini was kissing him.
He smiled in his sleep, but slowly realised that something was wrong when he felt a dead weight settle on his right arm. No no, something wonderful actually, he realised when he opened his eyes to see his wife's face in front of him, all smiling. She was partly encased in his arms.
Nachiket looked at her surprised. Then he looked over to see Nishi sleeping peacefully at the other side of the bed.
Ragini smiled impishly as he realised that she had shifted towards him in the morning. He kissed her soundly, and felt her relax against him.
...
Two hours later
'Ragini, I will be late today. There's an important surgery today which will take time' Nachiket said aloud, as he settled down for breakfast.
Ragini's Mother was trying to feed Nishi, who was busy playing with her Monkey.
Ragini entered with the coffee and sat down beside Nachiket.
'Ok, I will be home on time' she said as she helped herself to a sandwich.
'Papa' Nishi turned around from her seat 'Papa, I want the red dress that Mom was wearing last night. And all those candles. Yes.' she wailed.
While Nachiket choked on his coffee, Ragini started coughing, the sandwich having lodged itself at the back of her throat.
Ashaben turned away to the window, laughing noiselessly.
Nishi was indeed their daughter, she mused. 'Chip of the old block'.
The END
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