I pick up the phone as soon as I see his name appear on the screen.
"Hi Purvi, I see that you're very impatient to hear my voice", he tells me and I start smiling. I know very well that he is smiling on the phone as well.
"Well no, there's nothing like that...umm...it's just that... Well forget about me, you tell me. Is everything alright? We hardly get much time to talk together now, I have all these appointments lined up and you're working so hard on your competition. Ohh Rajat... "
"Yes Purvi, I know. I called to say umm...about the competition. Our school won the first prize and umm we're moving to the finals now."
"Oh Rajat", I interrupt him, "that's excellent news. I'm so so proud of you. I told you, you'd definitely win it. But why do you seem so glum? Is everything alright? Please tell me."
"Yes Purvi, I'm fine, it's just that ummm..."
"Tell me Rajat. I'm starting to get worried."
"Purvi, actually for the competition, we will have to go to Pune and that too for two-weeks to prepare for the finals."
"Oh", I reply to him after a long pause, "but that's such a nice thing Rajat. You should definitely go and I know you'll win the finals as well."
"I know I'll do my best Purvi but I'm not sure if I should go. I mean, we were spending so many precious moments with each other and I really wanted to take our relationship forward. I don't want to lose these moments Purvi, I want to cherish every moment with you and Ruhi. I'll refuse and ask another teacher to assist the students. I'm waiting to fill the application and give an answer. That's why I called you."
I exhale deeply. I can sense the pain behind his words. I clutch the phone harder as I reply to him, "Rajat, listen to me, I know it's a hard decision. But think about it, we're a family. We aren't going anywhere. I know you love us, but teaching is your love as well. Just the way you feel that you have certain responsibilities towards me and Ruhi, you also have certain responsibilities towards your students.
I understand that we recently got married Rajat, but what if I were in your place and had to attend a one or two week convention around this time, Rajat, you would never have stopped me and would instead encourage me to attend it.
There's a very thin line between work and family Rajat and we always have to respect it. Both Ruhi and I will be elated if you go and return with flying colors Rajat. Also, our love for each other isn't going anywhere. I know we want to go further into our relationship, but this can be done when you come back as well. Our love will remain the same or it might even intensify with the distance. You don't have to worry about me or Ruhi at all. We'll always support you in everything you do the same way you support us. We love you and we'd want you to go."
"Actually Purvi, I really wanted to go as well but I didn't want to leave my family behind. But I realize there's nothing that can stop me as long as I have my family behind my back. I'll have to leave in 3 days. These 2 weeks will feel like 2 decades for me. Also Purvi, I'll go on one condition that you'll be with me when I come back, we'll go somewhere special, just the two of us?"
"Condition accepted Mr. Kumar. I will be at your service as soon as you come back. For now, go and fill the application, I'll see you at home.
...
We spend the next 3 days preparing Rajat's luggage. Some time before he leaves, I prefer to stay upstairs as he bids goodbye to the family downstairs. I know I was the one who persuaded him to leave, but my heart feels heavy. I sit on the sofa as I brace myself for his departure. After some time, he enters the room and sits next to me. But, I stand up immediately and move forward.
He catches my hand and stands up to face me. I lower my head and refuse to face him.
"Look at me love", he says as he brings his face closer to me. "I'm going there only for you Purvi. I know it's very hard for the both of us, but I'll call you everyday. Till then, you just have to be a little stronger."
"I know Rajat, it's just like... I forgot how we used to live without you in our lives, how to sleep alone on the bed, how to make and drink coffee alone... I'm going to miss these little and precious moments so much. Nothing will really be the same without you." I let the tears roll down my face.
"Don't say anything now Rajat. Otherwise I will want to stop you. They must be waiting for you. Go and text me as soon as you reach." He kisses me on the cheeks before he opens the door and leaves.
...
I'm getting so nervous right now. The whole family is sitting in the living room and waiting for the phone to ring. We all jump when it finally rings. It's him!
There's a lot of noise in the background as he speaks. But, I don't miss to hear him and his students screaming 'we won' in the background. The phone disconnects and all of us start jumping around with excitement.
Around an hour later, the phone rings again. "Hey Purvi, you at home, you alone?"
"Yes Rajat. Congratulations to you Rajat. We are so very proud of you. We knew you could have done it."
"It's all because of you Purvi. I'm finally coming tomorrow. I'll finally be able to celebrate your birthday with you tomorrow. After I disconnect the phone, you open your wardrobe and open its last drawer. You'll find your pre birthday gift there. Be ready, I'll see you directly there tomorrow."
Is he serious? I wonder how he managed to find time to get me a present even when he was so busy with the preparation of his departure. How can someone be so precious?
I open the drawer and find a dark green saree in there. He still remembers, I think about when I briefly told him that I liked this colour. When I drape the saree around me, I feel something fly from inside it and fall on the floor. I pick it up and start laughing. He actually booked a honeymoon suite for us for 2 days starting tomorrow! Oh my, so this is his surprise, we'll see!