OS : Forever Always ...

'It is such a beautiful morning,' Ragini thought, as she inhaled deeply. Peace and calm pervaded all over as the gentle sea breeze wafted in through the open windows, making the white lace curtains go aflutter.

High up in the balcony of the Resort, overlooking the sea, Ragini stretched herself and yawned. It was pretty early and was slightly chilly. She rubbed her arms gingerly and gazed out - the dawn was fascinating, the way the sea changed colour as the sun slowly arose left her spellbound.

She felt relaxed, the hustle bustle of the town life got to her sometimes and she felt bad for her husband who kept painfully long hours at the Hospital. She had been longing for a vacation for themselves for some time now, and was pleasantly surprised when Nachiket whisked her off to Majorda for a couple of days. True to herself, Ragini had quipped about the luxurious vacation, but Nachiket had stopped her, in his usual inimitable way, by saying that his wife deserves only the best. And that he was not willing to cut any compromise over the same.

And here they were - in one of the most romantic nooks of the Resort, overlooking the Beach. Ragini was excited about exploring the Beach and the whereabouts, but for that she needed her husband to wake up first from his deep slumber.

She went inside to get herself a cup of tea. Unlike Nachiket who was a hardcore coffee person, Ragini preferred her cup of tea. She marveled at all the differences they had as individuals, but deep down inside her, she knew that she could not survive without him. Even for a day.

She smiled at him lovingly as she watched him sleep, on his stomach, sprawled all over her side of the bed. Her smile deepened. She felt voyeuristic but this was personally her best time of the day, when she could watch him at ease, sleeping peacefully, without any frowns or worries reflected on his face. This was that precious part of the dawn when she could thank God for bestowing the gift of his love on her life. Often he would wake up suddenly, catching her watching him thoughtfully, and he would then mercilessly tease her to death with his witty comments.

She noted that half of the comforter was already on the ground, by the side of the bed. Typical Nachiket, she thought. He was a passionate person. Passion ruled his entire being - his love, his life, his work, his beliefs, his profession. He never did anything half heartedly. Even when they fought, he was at his scorching offensive best; but again he was the most patient, loving person when they made up. He enthralled all her senses - it was like being subjected to a vibgyor of emotions through every minute of her life.

And yes, he was a tender, caring and an ardent lover. And adventurous. Ragini blushed as she recalled how busy he had kept her last night - both of them falling asleep only in the wee hours of the dawn. But she being a morning person couldn't sleep beyond her usual time frame, and hence she was up by her own volition, though her subconscious mind had protested earnestly.

She took her cup of tea out to the balcony, she knew that unlike her, Nachiket needed his sleep; otherwise he usually became cranky and restless. And often under her loving scrutiny, she had often noticed that his sixth sense made him wake up all of sudden. Usually.

Perching her teacup on the railing of the balcony, Ragini stood on her toes and peered out further. From here, she could view only a part of the Sea; she longed to watch more. Her heart longed to feel the water against her skin.

'And so shall it be' a deep voice whispered into her ears, nearly making Ragini jump off her skin. Even before she could slip on the rug covered floor of the balcony, a pair of strong arms had gathered her together. She could feel the warmth radiating from his chest.

'You will catch cold' she whispered back, as she laced her fingers in his. Her head titled back and rested against his clavicle, as he kissed her head.

'Well' he replied You have my shirt', he smiled against her neck.

Her lips curved upside in a smile 'This is my favourite'

'Mine too', he quipped 'Now that you are wearing it, I am not going to get this laundered. Ever'

Ragini knew that she looked comical in his Shirt, which was much bigger for her petite frame. But wearing it somehow gave her a sense of calm, a sense of belonging, and warmth. She sighed contentedly.

After a while, she asked - 'Why did you wake up so soon? It's only 7 in the morning'

He tightened his arms around her and replied 'I was missing you. And I know how beautiful you look in the morning'. After a moment, he continued By the way, did you sleep at all?'

Ragini shook her head in negation

'Nachiket, you encroached on my side of the bed, pushing me off.'

He cuddled her further.

'But I am fine Nachiket' Ragini continued. 'I love this hour of the day. And I love you. Even when you kick me off the bed'

'You are not going to let this one go, right?' Nachiket groaned as she nodded her head in negations. So how about I make up for this right now? How about I draw you a nice, long, relaxing bath?'

By this time, he had picked her up in his arms. Her arms went around his neck as he kissed her joyfully.

...

Sometime later

Nachiket sat on the edge of their bed, with a cup of coffee in his hand. Dressed in a Polo Tee and corduroys, he stretched out his legs on the recliner in front of him, and sipped his coffee luxuriantly. This was the best part of his day, everyday - watching his wife get ready. He loved how she usually kept things simple and effective, which however didn't stop his exuberant heart from beating wildly every time she applied kohl or put on lip gloss. Or put on her ear rings.

Coordinating colours, she was dressed in a simple chiffon churidar, something he had gifted her a few days back, on an impulse. He had booked them for a full day tour and he looked forward to spending the entire day with her. With Ragini, the simple things in life made so much sense.

He smiled inwardly as he reminded himself of his plan the next day - the day at the beach, followed by Lunch at a beachside shack. Ragini would indeed be surprised by what he had planned for her; and his dimples deepened as he realized how cutely flustered she would be with the entire thing.

...

Ragini turned around to find Nachiket watching her. She loved the way he frankly appraised her at such times; but it also made her inwardly worried and highly aware of the mercurial shifts in his temperament and approach.

She picked up something from the top of the dresser and walked towards him, her dimpled smile playing across her face.

She sat down close beside him and held out her closed palms, willing him to open them.

Nachiket was surprised. He took her hands in his, and kissed the top of her fingers. He then slowly pried open the fingers of her left hand to reveal a platinum band. For him.

He looked into her eyes, as he gently opened the fingers of her right hand. He was astounded to see that there was matching platinum band on her other palm. For her.

He stared at her in awe as she said

'See both the bands have the same inscriptions - Forever Yours. Cheesy, I know. But I also know that you have forgotten about today, Nachiket. So I covered it up for you as well.'

Nachiket turned his wrist abruptly and stared at the face of his Omega. It read 14 February.

He looked up again as Ragini shifted closer to him, his arms went around her instinctively, as if they had known all along what they were destined to do. And that she belonged in his arms. Eternally.

'Happy Valentine's Day, Nachiket', Ragini murmured softly. Her words died down as he covered her lips with his, and wished her back. In his own inimitable style.

The END