Chapter 37 - Missing Grandpa! (1/2)

|Innaya|

I lied down after I placed the empty glass on the table. Setting the cushion behind my head, I adjusted myself comfortably on the sofa with my legs stretched out.

I went through my gallery, looking for the picture of Grandpa and mine. It was a random click by Mom when we were lazing in evening, with my head on Grandpa's lap and Grandpa caressing my hair softly. I stared at it for several seconds.

”Grandpa, you know it's been almost two months of me being married to your good boy.” I chuckled to myself recalling how Grandpa mentioned him as a good boy in his letter.

”Though I am not sure how easily so much time went. It just feels like yesterday. He takes good care of me. Sometimes he reminds me of you in terms of his understanding, his concern, and most importantly his patience.” I sighed going in memory lanes, remembering how beautifully Eshan had handled everything, right from the first time we met in my bedroom.

I wiped the corner of my eye before I smiled. I miss you, Grandpa, deeply.

*

(Flashback)

I hid my face deeper in pillows as silent tears rolled down my eyes. I was going through photo gallery but after one point, the void of Grandpa became prominent and I couldn't help but cry at my loss.

The bed dipped beside me and I felt Eshan caressing the back of my head. I did not want to explain to him anything and hence, I remained silent. I thought he would leave, assuming I was sleeping but he didn't.

”Sweetheart, sometimes hiding your pain would only result in hurting you more... I know you miss Grandpa and trust me, we all do... I know your pain is more and I could never understand the depth of it, but sweetheart, you think Grandpa would be happy seeing you this way?” Eshan whispered softly after a while and I just clutched pillow tighter in my fist.

Eshan moved on the bed and wrapped his arms around me before pulling me into his arms. I still did not face him; instead, I hid my face in his neck. His fingers reached my scalp, paving their path through the dense mass of my hair. His other hand rubbed my back in a soothing motion.

He held me silently, giving his assurance and strength wordlessly. He whispered after the gap of few minutes, ”I will tell you a story. Once a boy, must be sixteen years old, somehow got involved in wrong things. He did not know how to come out of it or with whom to share it. He was lost, without a single way out of that maze. He thought it was the end, he prayed to God to show him the path, to show him the light...” his voice trailed off.