The Letter on the Dining Table - I

Meera still had that letter in her hand that she found on the dining table. She was going through the letter again and again. The letter read, “Sorry Meera, I can’t do this anymore". That's all the letter spoke to her. This one-line sentence may look so straightforward, yet she was looking hard to find more meaning to it. How could Akash do this to her? How could he do this to Amairya and Kaira, the love of their life?

Meera and Akash were childhood buddies, being neighbors brought them closer. No wonder they always had each other’s back. Be it school or college, they were inseparable it was an easy phase for them because they knew no matter even things go wrong, they always have each other. It was not until college did, that they both realized their feelings were more than just being friends.

So far things were easy for them, same school, same college, but change is the only constant thing in life. Meera wanted to pursue MBA; how could Akash be left behind? But Destiny had some other plans, though Meera got into her dream college, Akash couldn’t make it.

Meera was not able to rejoice in her achievement, while she was more concerned with Akash not being able to get through, on the other side, Akash was happy, as Meera was able to get into her dream college.

While she was supposed to shift to Mumbai for her further studies, Akash was able to get admission into an MBA college in Bangalore.

So yes, Destiny was playing a major role in their lives, while they both were trying to put a brave face for each other it scared them like hell.

Akash knew Meera was always tougher than him, emotionally, she was sweet, smart, and strong-headed, in short, she was the perfect woman, it was time for him to go down on one knee.

Meera knew this day would come, so though it was no surprise, yet this felt so right.

Akash had planned the proposal exactly how Meera would have loved it, maybe this was why they loved each other.

Well for both of their families, it was no surprise for them, they knew both were perfect for each other, but yes, right now their focus should be on finishing the MBA successfully.

Both had promised each other, that they would not let their relationship become any hurdle in this new journey, instead, they would support each other and once they get a job, they’ll get married.

The beginning of this new chapter was not easy for both, however, their power of love helped them to sail through this.

Not only did they complete their MBA, but Meera got placed in an MNC in Bangalore at a very good package, on the other hand, Akash also got an offer with a company in Bangalore itself. Though the package was not very high, he got something he wanted to do.

But more than that what mattered to them was their marriage, they were looking forward to embarking on this new journey together.

We all look forward to the New Beginnings of life, but we often forget new beginnings bring along new challenges in life. So yes, as they started their new journey, they came across new challenges, they both had to face.

Life was treating them well when 2 little angels entered their life – Amaira, and Kaira and this changed their life in a better way.

Being parents was not easy, it’s a thankless job and they both ensured they supported each other. Meera was on cloud nine, with a wonderful family (husband and kids), an amazing job, and she had everything she could ask for.

But, sometimes, when things are too good, we ignore a few things that need our attention. Meera got so engrossed in the kids and job, that she didn’t realize that something was going on with Akash.

The unfortunate thing was Akash didn’t realize what he was getting into, though he knew something was wrong with him, unless we know we need help, how do we take help from someone?

Akash was a fitness freak, but slowly his health started deteriorating, he felt tired all time, and very soon it impacted his work too. He started losing interest in everything and everyone.

Even his two little angels were not able to cheer him up. He slowly turned into someone, even he didn’t know existed in him.

Unfortunately, we still live in a society, where emotions like fear, and sadness are still not associated with men, it doesn’t suit their macho image, hence they try hard to hide it not only from others but from themselves too.

The system of the society has been built on 2 pillars one – women are allowed to be emotionally vulnerable, and express their emotions, whereas on the other side these are a big No for men.

So yes, it’s challenging for a man even to acknowledge that he is undergoing all these emotions, and feelings, leave even discussing it, and bring it to the table.

Meera did notice that Akash was going through something, but he was neither ready to acknowledge it nor accept any help. There was sleep disorder, loss of appetite, lack of concentration, and lack of energy, these all were pointing to something, no one would have ever thought.

She was trying hard to connect with Akash, but every time but she was only pushed far away by him.

To make things worse, the guy who had never tasted alcohol in his life was now drowned in alcohol, though this never gave a solution to his problems, it helped him to forget the issues of his life.

Meera had no clue, how to help Akash, he had started on the journey of self -destruction and it came as no surprise that Akash lost his job soon.

So now Meera was the bread earner of the family, struggling hard to find balance and time for her kids and Akash.

Poor kids had no clue, what was going on with their father, though they still loved their daddy, but it seemed the man living in their home was not their daddy anymore.

And then when Meera thought things can’t go any worse, she found this letter on the dining table. She had no idea where Akash was and whether he was still alive.

She was so shocked by the letter; she just didn’t know what to do. She tried calling his cellphone, but it was switched off. She tried calling a couple of his best friends, but unfortunately, nobody had heard anything from him. She checked in their bedroom for his belongings, the wallet, his favorite watch, his clothes everything was in the wardrobe, it now seemed he had left without carrying anything.

The funny thing about thought is it's always easy to think negative, then positive, and right now the circumstances were all pointing in one direction, this didn’t seem right. Meera wanted to cry out loud, her whole world had come to a stop, but she could not afford to do that too, since she knew in the next room Amaira and Kaira were sleeping, cluelessly of the fact their dad left them forever and is not going to come back.

As she was engrossed in her thoughts, she heard a voice from behind her, “Mom, did Dad left us, sorry we were not good daughters. We promise we would be good girls and shall listen to you. Please promise that you won’t leave us.

As she looked back, her 10-year-old daughter Amaira was standing, with tears in her eyes. She hugged her mom tightly and cried. Meera consoled her and said, “Sweetheart, how did you know dad left us? She said, “Mom, I had a dream last night, that dad left us. We all tried stopping him, but he just said, “I can’t stay here anymore, need to leave. Be good to your mom” and with that, he just left us, without even looking back. I was just coming to your room to tell you about the dream and seeing you sitting here with a letter in your hand, and the look on your face could tell me that my dream came true mom.

 Meera wiped the tears from her face and said, “Amaira, mom promises you, that she would never leave you and Kaira. You both are my lifeline. I can’t imagine my world without you. I know dad left us without saying anything, but you still have your mom, and she is not going anywhere.

I know it’s going to be a difficult journey ahead for the 3 of us, but as long as we have each other, we’ll sail through anything.

Though Meera consoled Amaira, but she was still figuring out where was Akash. As a process, she had to file a missing report for him, but she was herself scared, what if she hears the bad news? How would she handle it?

Few years down the line…