25th December 2024

Merry Christmas, everyone! The year is about to end, and it's time to look back at it and thank our blessings. We all have lost a lot, but so have we gained! 2024 marks the second straight year that I haven't harmed myself. Life has been tremendously tough, but it would be unfair to focus only on the pain, ignoring the moments of happiness.

I have Anya back in my life, albeit as a friend. Of course, things would have been different if my mother hadn't reacted as she did a decade ago, but I believe that's how fate decided to pan out our lives. This year also marks the completion of 4 years without Evelyn. Over the years, the pain associated with this separation has significantly reduced. I do miss her sometimes, and I still love her. The intensity of hate has diminished, and I feel relieved. She has taken her path in life, and based on what our mutual friends have indicated, she is happy with the person she is with. What could be more satisfying than that?

I had my final session with Dr. Verma yesterday, and I have to confess that journaling has indeed healed me. I am not 100% fit, but a lot of the darkness is indeed past me. I have been recommended to Dr. Fadnaviz in Mumbai, and he will continue with my treatment. As for Ruhani, well things took quite an interesting turn. When I think about it, penning down my closing moments in Delhi would be the perfect end to this journal, don't you think?

The mutton biryani being served on the Air India Express flight tastes exquisite. But under the sharp sting of spices, I can still feel the aftertaste of silky raspberry. Love indeed tastes perfect.

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I saw her by the departure entrance, looking frantically for me,
Hoping I hadn't checked in for my flight scheduled at half past three;
The moment our eyes locked, my knees wanted to give in,
I wanted to terminate the journey before it could begin.

She ran into my arms, hugged me tighter than ever,
I wished time would freeze, and I could have her in my arms forever;
No words were spoken for a long minute, as she melted in my arms,
My Ruhani was an enchantress, one of a million charms;

We didn't care that the world was looking at us, as we locked our lips in embrace,
Nothing mattered anymore, I had transcended time and space;
Her lips tasted of raspberry, her breath had the aroma of affection,
She felt so right in my arms, my Ruhani was pure perfection.

"I guess you know my answer now", she said as we gasped for air,
"I thought you knew we were made for each other, the celestially perfect pair!"
"I am sorry Ruhani", I apologized; "I couldn't risk losing you",
"I was so afraid of the consequences that I didn't think this through."

"This is why I ain't leaving you", she said; "I know you are pathetic at self-care",
"So I have applied for a transfer too, and in a month I will be there";
"So hurry up, Mr. Romantic; or you shall end up being late",
"Remember that for my troubles, you owe me a fancy date!"

"Of course my love", I said as we kissed; "I will do anything for you",
"First board your flight mister", she responded; "You have stringent security to get through!"
"But can I hear the three magical words before I get through?"
She blushed, and whispered into my ear, "Shekhar, I love you!"

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