Dear Life, Copy That! (AR OS) 10/25/13

"Dear Life, Copy That!"

"Riddhima, where are you? Come along!" Muskaan called out while opening the door to Riddhima's room.

She sat by the window sill, tears streaming down her face, staring into space.

Muskaan walked up to her and gently stroked her hair, trying to gulp down the lump that formed in her throat on seeing Riddhima's disheveled self.

Riddhima looked up at Muskaan, startled at once. Her face, a myriad of emotions ranging from longing and pining to incredulity and confusion, looked quizzical at the sudden interruption.

"Its time. He's leaving!" Muskaan barely whispered.

Riddhima nodded in understanding and wiped her tears at once. "I'll be there in a minute!" she said cueing Muskaan to give her a minute to resurrect her broken self.

Muskaan nodded in accord and left the room.

Riddhima looked into the mirror and steadied herself. She cleared any remaining strains of the tears that ran down her cheeks without any restraint just a moment ago.

This was what she did every time he had to go, leave her behind for his duty towards his country. She relieved her frustrations and her pent up emotions through uninhibited tears before she went down to see him off with a calm facade, lest her tears break his resolve to leave and serve his country. Making her way towards the dresser, she told herself to cease the sobs, "Copy that, woman!"

She picked up a folder and a package from the dresser and made her way downstairs. He wouldn't leave without a present from her, something he could hold on to every time he missed her at work...

At the foot of the staircase, she paused to have a good look at him and hold back any leftover sobs. He was surrounded by the entire family, hugging and wishing him luck for his assignment.

Clean shaven and dressed in what was typically known as an "Air Force Blue" Ike Jacket and a crisp light blue shirt with the herringbone patterned necktie knotted into a Nicky and fastened into place, he looked regal and made every bit an august presence that would send Aphrodite into a chill of frenzy and envy.

Sensing her presence in the room, he turned around and strode towards her in a swift but suave fashion. In an act of supreme sepulchritude, he blinded her senses as he came to a standstill inches away from her, his pearly whites set into an admirably radiant and disarming smile, leaning closer to claim her mouth. Oh dear!

He caressed her supple cheek and leaned in further, their noses almost touching. She closed her eyes as she felt his manly lips a bare inch away from her lush, dainty ones. He blew warm dandling breaths on her quivering lips as he took in her pulchritudinous visage, enamored by her ravishing persona that ached to be satiated by his amorous touch. Lowering down, he took her in a gentle kiss and felt content rushing through his agitated nerves.

His lips were soft and urgent on hers, conveying the agony and vulnerability that tormented him on leaving her behind. Sensing his distress, she kissed him back with an earnestness assenting to his resolve and upholding his morals.

They broke apart for want of air and looked deeply into each other's eyes, searching for unconditional love and support as his colleagues caught up with him, motioning him to leave.

She smoothed her hands down his erect shoulders, trailing onto his arms and blinked at him in assurance. "You better leave now, Mallik or I might change my mind!"

He leaned in once again to capture her lips but Riddhima pressed a hand to his chest and mandated him to stop, "Mallik, Copy That!" He frowned in denial but acquiesced when she glowered at him mockingly. Turning around, he walked through the door and sat in the car, his gaze lingering at her until she vanished out of sight.

"Riddhima, come have a last look at him. It's time, beta!" Ananya's voice jerked her out of her reverie as realization of the happenings around her dawned on her.

Slowly, she walked up to the coffin that he rested in, looking pristine and divine, his visage a picture of content and harmony. She gulped back the tears that threatened to spill any moment. It was only apparent that his family wouldn't shed a tear at a sacrifice considered to be a moment of absolute pride and honor, in silent accordance.

Caressing his cheek one last time, she rested her head on his chest and kept a raincheck on her emotions. Lifting up, she put down the folder in her hands and the contents of the package she held, on him, motioning his hands to rest on her last present, one she beckoned to go with him as a memento of the infinite love they shared. Just as she was about to bid him adieu, she leaned in and placed her lips on his cold, pale ones and whispered love to his ears.

She stood up with the help of Rahul, Armaan's younger brother, who held her in a comforting embrace as the honor guards draped the casket with the flag and lifted it, advancing towards the burial in the ceremonial funeral procession. Copy that, Mallik!

Buried within was a file enclosing test reports confirming Riddhima's pregnancy and a tiny shirt with a customized print on it, Basket & Mallik ❤️ Armaan Mallik Jr.

Happy Reading, Cheers!