I know, no apologies can make up for the time I delayed this update.
I am really very sorry for this. Things just got a little messy.
And then the writer's block showed its presence.
Sorry to have you made for this so long. :(
So here's the next installment.
Do leave your valuable feedback. :)
"Kiss me Rey…."
Kria pouted, trying to reach out to him, but he managed to dodge her somehow. Maintaining a distance, he spoke sweetly.
"Kiri… I am driving…"
"So what Reyansh….. Kiss me"
She slurred.
"Kiss me now…"
Saying so she turned his face towards her aiming for his lips, whilst Rey found it hard to keep his attention over the road. She soon took his lips into hers and started worshipping it reverently. It didn't take long to evoke a response out of him. He started responded graciously but soon the moment was interrupted with the blinding light of an upcoming vehicle. Rey panicked, trying to control the vehicle before the impending collision, but they were far too close…
Kria woke up jolted, with heavy breaths and panic struck face. The dream… the nightmarish dream has been haunting for over a week now. Initially they were just small glimpses, tad bits of movie film one could say. But now, it had become a complete dream… and a rather daunting one. She turned around and sighed not finding Rey by her side. Times like these, she missed having him. But she had herself insisted him to take the week long business trip he had been postponing forever.
He needed it… She needed it… They needed it.
She wanted him to take it, so that she could know how far she had come along. How much she was able to function normally without being taken care of? And moreover how much the awkwardness had reduced from her side?
It was easier to judge, staying in a place which had their essence embedded, but in this time, his essence. She wanted to know how much it was actually affecting her without Rey to minimize the after effects. She knew she was pushing it, but it was time.
"Kria… are you sure you are gonna manage?"
Sharon asked skeptical of her friend's reaction. There were three more days for Rey's return, but she had to leave urgently for her mother's place. But at the same time she just couldn't leave Kria like this. She was still in a delicate situation and Sharon wasn't sure just about how much would be enough for Kria.
"For the umpteenth time, Sharon I will be fine. Just go."
Kria let out a rather exasperated sigh. She knew her friend didn't deserve it. She was just looking out for her. But she was tired of all the caring and looking out. It gave her a feeling of being weak rather being strong.
Sharon saw the disturbed face of Kria and went over to her.
"Why such irritation, sweety? Something bothering you?"
She asked softly, trying not to pry but still concerned. Unknown to her, these were the exact words Kria needed at the moment.
"It's not just something Sharon. It's everything. I mean… it's so complicated to even begin with."
She glanced towards Sharon looking for some comfort while Sharon sympathetically gazed at her before gesturing her to continue. Convinced, Kria started again.
"It's just that you guys are babying me like anything… and while I really appreciate it, sometimes it's just get too much to bear it."
"Sweety, haven't we have had this conversation before? Everything is so new, and don't forget that you …"
"have a child to think about. I know Sharon. It's just not that. It is more about how things have changed. Finally I have come in terms with the fact that I am married to Rey… that I have a child… that everything is beautiful… I now feel at ease with it. I truly do. But it's just that…"
"…it feels too good to be true."
Sharon completed Kria's words. Kria turned around to face her friend… with guilt… haziness… and forlornness filling in her eyes. Leaving the clothes on the side table, she came to sit besides Sharon.
"You understood it Shar… So tell me why am I feeling so? I shouldn't be. I mean I have so many people who love me so dearly. You guys are always there. And Rey… he is now… all that I ever wanted… and…"
But Sharon didn't let her speak further; hugging her sideways, to let the comfort seep into Kria. And consequently a tear or two escaped her eyes followed by gentle sobs. She almost cooed, trying to control her hysterical friend. Calming down a bit, Kria continued.
"He is almost the same that I always wanted him to be. And I don't know this Rey. This Rey… is so lovable... so gentle… he respects my space. Never ever forcing any decision over me… He listens to me… sorts out all my difficulties… even if it means ignoring his problems… at times forgetting about it… so that I am at ease. And I know for a fact that I am not being a very easy person to live around sans pregnancy. I feel as if I am failing him… as if I am not just the right person for him. Has he always been like this Shar?"
"First of all… I don't know where it is coming from… all this crap… that he deserves someone better… or you are failing him… I don't know if it's your pregnancy things or anything else. And I know this is not your Rey if I put in your words. Sweety we were in college when you were head over heels for each other and then it occurred. And after that he has come a long way… actually you both have. You are no no longer the same… both of you. You are seeing him through the college perspective and yourself too. So don't berate yourself over it."
Kria nodded slightly in response, letting the things seep into her. It was true what Sharon said but… she wasn't entirely convinced. It was just that… that… she didn't know what it was... she had no words to describe it. But an uncertainty always remained at the back of her head.
Meanwhile Sharon started gathering her things to leave. As she was about to go, she tapped on Kria's shoulders.
"Don't try becoming a superwoman, you still are pregnant and a little weak."
Kria looked over her earning a tap on her head and a chuckle from Sharon.
"Did you seriously think I would not catch over your little façade to try to be strong and independent? You got to try a little harder with me. And am pretty sure Rey knows it too but opted to act oblivious to it. Goodbye sweety. And take care." Pressing a kiss over her forehead, Sharon took her leave.
Kria resumed working setting up the cupboard. Singing to herself, she made sure every fold, every crease was removed from all the pieces of garments. It made her happy… working. As she was putting over her clothes, she notices a creek at the end of the cupboard. She didn't know what got into her, as if her hands had a mind of their own; they moved towards the creek, followed it and then came over a knob kinds of object. Struggling a little she opened it and succeeded. Taking out the box, she stared at it for long. It contained a ring - a platinum band with words carved over it.
I will love you forever.
She couldn't understand why Rey would hide it like this. But then thought of asking him when he returns. She felt like wearing it and she did the same as she resumed her work.
"Kiss me Rey…."
Kria pouted, trying to reach out to him, but he managed to dodge her somehow. Maintaining a distance, he spoke sweetly.
"Kiri… I am driving…"
"So what Reyansh….. Kiss me"
She slurred.
"Kiss me now…"
Saying so she turned his face towards her aiming at his lips, while Rey found it hard to keep his attention over the road. She soon took his lips into hers and started worshipping it reverently. It didn't take long to evoke a response out of him. He started responded graciously but soon the moment was interrupted with the blinding light of an upcoming vehicle. Rey panicked, trying to control the vehicle before the impending collision, but they were far too close…
The car collided against a tree trunk, and the windscreen shattered. While Kria remained safe with only a cut over her hand, it was Rey who suffered the greater damage. Kria shrieked seeing the blood profusely flowing out of his head and glass shards embedded in his limbs. She called out his name… trying to wake him up… but he didn't move.
Kria woke up shrieking, sweating profusely as the effect of the dream. She tried to reach out to the jug but it fell down and then she realized how vigorously she was shaking. Drawing circles over the belly, she tried to soothe the child inside and also her heartbeats… but it was not helping… not as much it should. Reaching out to her phone, she hit the speed dial, wanting to hear his voice.
"Come back please…." She said. It was a miracle that she was able to make a coherent reply, but she wasn't going to think over it. Disconnecting the call, she walked towards the nursery, still shaking due to the horrid dream.
"Kria…"
Rey called out as soon he entered the house early morning. The call last night had scared him to the bits and taking the earliest flight possible, he came back.
"Kria.."
He called out again and this time he was greeted with a hug, as she almost came running over to him.
"It's all right Kiri… Nothing will happen… See am here… Shhh… stop crying.
He cooed into her ears making them sit on the couch as Kria sobbed relentlessly. He was almost mortified seeing her in such broken state, but tried to soothe her down. Soon he felt her relaxing, and felt the rhythmic pattern of breaths against her chest. He glanced at her face, which was now relaxed. But he could almost make out he worry lines and the tears over her face. He was anxious to know what happened, but decided to let her sleep while he checked on other things. He tried getting up, but her grip was too strong. He tried again, but this time she protested more vigorously in her sleep.
"Don't leave me… Please don't leave me."
His heart skipped a beat, over her sudden outburst. But he could sense the underlying fear in those words. So he did what she wanted him to do. Sitting on the couch by her side, he waited for her to wake up and with passage of time drifting to a slumber himself.
Thoughts.
