Dud Sea Scrawls The Writing, clearly, is not on the wall!

Its nothing, I just had a bad day at work He said, quietly. Are you feeling better today? I got you some coke

But you know I don’t like coke so much! She protested. Did they give you the report? Do I need more blood transfusions?

Tomorrow. Come, have this He insisted.

With a stony face, he watched her drink - as charming, as sweetly yielding as ever.

Coke is always bitter She said, making a slight face.

Can you…? He began.

What? She asked him.

Can you sing that bhajan of Meera-bai? She laughed weakly at this strange request.

I just feel like hearing it He explained.

Sure she said, with a sweet smile. Anything for my husband. I’m feeling slightly stronger today. Wait

He bit his lips.

She finished the coke and placed the glass aside carefully.
The she closed her eyes and slowly began the old bhajan…softly, yet ever so melodiously.

Do not leave me alone, a helpless woman.
My strength, my crown,
I am empty of virtues,
You, the ocean of them.
My heart’s music, you help me
In my world-crossing.
You protected the Gaj-raja.
You dissolve the fear of the terrified.
Where can I go? Save my honour
For I have dedicated myself to you
And now there is no one else for me

She was always like that - when she immersed herself into something, she did it with her entire being.

A tear ran down his cheek. He recalled how beautiful she had looked on their wedding night. He recalled how much she loved him and her unquestioning faith in him, the charming simplicity of her being.

The sound of her voice became weaker and weaker, and his tears flowed freely as he stared emptily into space.

And then she stopped, and her head slumped to one side.

With trembling hands, he caressed her silent face tenderly, as if he were afraid of disturbing her peaceful rest.

His tears turned into sobs and then the sobs erupted into a heart-rending cry - the kind that wrenches your insides - the kind that makes you instantly afraid of the pain and ache it contains, and hope that such sorrow never comes your way.

The nurse ran in to see what happened, and he quickly got up upon seeing her, his eyes still empty and bereft.

Still sobbing, he rushed past her - through the open door, towards the big window in the passage.

And crying his beloved’s name, he leapt through it, into the vast and free sky that lay beyond.

- The End -