Begin Again

Vikas checked his Notes again, Chocolate; not just any chocolate but Nutties, Lily’s favourite, the little pink bunny she always wanted when they used to stroll around in the malls but she could never find the one she desired, an autographed Elsa toy from Idina Menzel from the Frozen movie, rest all were tidbits, usual stuff a girl wanted. He was getting late for his flight but he wouldn’t forget his girl’s things. Before he left for Bangalore to join at his new job and eventually shift there with his girl, While packing his stuff for a week, as usual Lily helped him pack his bags as he had been terrible with packing stuff for trips; he would pack four pairs of clothes for a short trip of a day or two and would be clueless what to pack and how much to pack. While packing his things, Lily casually asked about this life changing opportunity Vikas was so enthusiastic about, why he was so over the moon and wanting to leave their hometown of so many years in which they both had memories both sweet and sour. He knew she didn’t want to leave their hometown where she was born but he assured her that he has thought this through and through and this was the best decision he could take regarding their future.

He recollected their earlier days when she had difficulty adjusting to his office schedule and would sulk when he would arrive late from the office. All she ever wanted was time from Vikas as she had no one else except him in her life. Vikas loved her to death and always tried his best to dedicate his time towards her. She was the sole reason Vikas mended his ways and converted his train wreck of a life after a deep personal tragedy to a healthy and disciplined one. He slowly gave up smoking and drinking and late night outings with friends to dedicate his time to her and work on their relationship. There wasn’t a single day that he hadn’t spent with her and a single night where he didn’t clutch her close to his heart and slept peacefully. She was the only reason he cracked the interview at NetApp, one of the most sought after IT firms of India. Even though the competition gave him sleepless nights and the job a daydream. It was the smile on her face and her love that kept him push through and succeed. He had been away from her since three days and was getting restless all the time he was in Bangalore. But Lily had clear instructions for him, to finish his work without missing her and without being mushy.

 

“Sir, that would be Rs. 2,850/- for the toy and the bunny, would you like to purchase anything else?” the girl from the Billing Counter at the Archies Gallery store, at the Airport asked a smiling Vikas who was caught up in his train of thoughts. “No, that would be all” said Vikas and as he was handing his Debit card for the purchase, he asked “Do you have any Big Card which says To the World’s Best Daughter ever?”, the girl smiled and answered, “Rest assured Sir, you are at Archies, we still are somewhat able to provide India with the gifts they need and definitely to a Loving father like you.” She signaled to another employee, “Senthil, please help Sir with a card for his daughter while I hold this bill“. “Thank you Mam” beamed Vikas and went ahead and chose the biggest card he could find for his lovely daughter, Lily.