Arohi sat at her desk looking outside through the long rectangular window at the pelting rain and the cloudy skies while twirling the pen unaware of her bodily movements while deep in thought. Today was a particularly rough day but these few years had taken their toll on her mentally and emotionally. She was seeking answers and needed guidance because she was losing hope.

One of the counselors had suggested that writing could be therapeutic in expressing her deepest contemplations. She had decided to take on the task and to do so privately. However, as she tried to put pen to paper, she was bombarded by all that seemed pessimistic and the overwhelming sentiments had left her paralyzed.

As tears clouded her hazel orbs and her vision blurred, she took a long cleansing and meditative breath to calm her thoughts and decided to write whatever came into her mind.

To My Dearest Friend and Foe Time,

Ever since I was a young adult, I had heard these two phrases about you:

"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back." (Harvey MacKay)
AND
"Life and time are the two best teachers. Life teaches us to make good use of time, while time teaches us the value of life." (Unknown)

So my dear Time, I write you this letter because I have always been cognizant of your worth. I was taught that time was limited in life and therefore do not waste it. I have strived to do things to the best of my ability and gave them my 100% focus. With perseverance and patience, I have even been gifted with wonderful results, and it was all because of the measures of your constantly ticking clock.

When I was 27 and my younger brother was 21, you took him away from me and my family. However, I never complained because I treasured the limited period I had with him. I knew that Cystic Fibrosis and the associated seizures would affect his body and brain but not his fighting spirit. He was the reason why I became a doctor. I was grateful to you that I was given the chance to pursue my education for so many years and be able to prevent the effects of many such deadly diseases on children by becoming a pediatrician.

With each passing day, you were even instrumental in lessening my pain and opening my heart to love. That is the reason why I was able to recognize the wonderful qualities that emanated from Arjun when I was introduced to him. It has been said that sometimes you can meet the right person but if you are not in the right frame of mind or if the timing is not right, then you may let that opportunity slip through your fingers.

Well, in this case, I need not have worried since with your wonderful magic, occasions were created in a timely fashion that made me appreciate and care for Arjun and vice versa. I have never looked back nor have I regretted a minute since, as Arjun has been my rock, support, advocate, friend and lover. I would have been so lost without him. I am so thankful to have had such a partner that made my life beautiful and gave me such happiness.

When we were unable to conceive and had to endure painful fertility procedures, I never accused you of atrocities or stealing my joy. Arjun made me understand that we had each other and that we could make another child's life so much better with the love that we had in our hearts. Even though, Arjun and I were not to be biological parents and accepted our fate, we strongly believed that being adoptive parents would be just as rewarding. As a witness to our suffering and agony, you also provided a cure and solution to our problem.

Again, you played a huge part in our adoption selection process since we had to wait for almost two years before being bestowed with two of the most adorable babies: Samay and Sanjana. We named our daughter Sanjana because she was the sweetest thing we had laid our eyes on and she readily accepted us as her guardian. Her name suited the soft and meek nature of that little angel. For our champ, things took some trial and error in the beginning, but in time he learned to trust and love us as well. We even honoured your contributions and christened our son with a name that means time itself!

Now even our babies are grown up and have families of their own! Sanjana has become a teacher and enlightens the intelligence of the world's future. She teaches Mathematics to grade 9 and 10 students and enjoys it immensely. Samay had the drive and diplomacy to become a Member of Parliament and has dedicated his life in service to others. Arjun and I are so proud of these two gems who enriched our lives and became an integral part of it. We also admire their respective partners and our delightful grand children.

Reminiscing back on my life, you have always been good to me as long as I tried my best and accepted the outcomes of many difficult situations. It hasn't always been a smooth journey but the saying that time heals all wounds did remain true for me. You have even been kind to me since your ravages have not impacted my health, looks or mental faculties.

I was convinced that at 73, I had a good idea of how the world worked and had already learned all the important life lessons. I thought that this many years on earth had made me a wise and learned individual but I was sadly mistaken. Who knew that I had crucial experiences to encounter and further knowledge to garner? I definitely was caught blindsided!

My gorgeous Arjun is battling for his life and is losing out fast. It all started about five years ago when he was 73. The handsome man who would remind me of our anniversary and my birthday was forgetting little things here and there. At first, we would joke and comfort each other since we were getting older and these types of changes were inevitable.

However, as a few more months passed, I noticed how my sweetheart would put things in the most strangest of places and would deny doing so even after the children and I had observed the occurrence. He became moody and withdrawn as well which is so unlike the jovial Arjun we all know and love!

After a thorough check-up and a full follow-up, we were hit with the devastated news and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. It was a huge blow and it took Arjun quite some time to come to terms with what would happen next. Again, we were well aware of the disease's detrimental effects and understood that my friend, time would be our worst enemy. Nevertheless, we stood tall in our faith and love for each other, ready to face any hurdle that would come our way!

For three years, Arjun did very well with medications for memory loss that were tested and adjusted based on the adverse effects and change in the disease stages. We even adapted many non-drug approaches to deal with behaviour changes. Since Arjun and I were always physically active, we would enjoy our short duration walks but also incorporated Tai-Chi in our routine. Those were some wonderful instances that maybe I did not take advantage of fully.

We even made the necessary financial arrangements and took care of all our legal requirements. We did our best to plan ahead and ensure that Arjun's requests and needs were respected and validated. The children were supportive and understanding even though their sadness was arduous to hide.

For Arjun's well being and comfort, we moved into an assisted independent living care facility so that things would be less stressful for both of us. We eventually had to start Arjun on some anti-depressants as well since the non-drug avenues were no longer as effective as before.

Nonetheless, Alzheimer's strengthened its foothold on my darling husband and we tried to combat its effects in the best ways possible. Even though we were able to hinder its rate of progress, we were unable to completely stop it. Many years ago, I came across a quote by my favourite and talented author Agatha Christie, who said,

"I learned...that one can never go back, that one should not ever try to go back – that the essence of life is going forward. Life is really a one way street, isn't it?"

So even through all these hurdles, we tried to live our lives and accept our challenges. Our love did not diminish and we cherished the gift you gave us. But then you just couldn't help yourself, could you, dear sadistic time?

You took my beloved's ability to recognize his loved ones! It was acceptable when Arjun could not recognize our son and daughter-in-laws and the grand children. We dealt with it in a composed manner as it was not always prevalent. But it was absolutely heart wrenching when he did not recognize our kids. The shock and sorrow on their faces was unbearable to say the least.

Then you decided to deliver your cruelest punch ever for which I will never forgive you! He keeps looking for his Arohi and does not acknowledge the one that is right in front of his eyes. His mind is playing such tricks on him that he seeks out the younger version of me and gets so upset when I appear in front of him. I have to cajole him with albums and stories to assure him that I am his Arohi!

There are still moments when he knows me but they are slowly disappearing and I blame you for it! Why are you subjected me to such heart shattering pain? I have always respected your will and been conscious of your power, then why are you doing this to me? Why can't you stand still for a few moments to give me the needed peace and time with my loving Arjun?

I want him back even if it is just for a day! Won't you grant this one wish of mine? I will do whatever necessary but please reach into the future and stop those hands of yours! I will be forever in your debt. So if you are listening to me, my dearest friend and foe, please help me.

Sincerely, Arohi

As Arohi placed the pen on the paper and wiped the moisture from her cheeks that matched the droplets found on the window glass, she heard the faint voice of her napping husband, "Arohi, where are you?"

Arohi quickly stood up from her chair and made her way towards the bed. As she sat on the edge, she took Arjun's hand in a comforting gesture and replied soothingly, "Darling, I am right here. Did you have a bad dream?"

Arjun used his other hand and caressed Arohi's slightly wrinkled cheek and relayed, "I love you so much, Arohi. You are the best thing that ever happened to me." Arjun slowly scooted to the other side of the bed and made room for Arohi. He patted the area and continued, "Stay with me, honey. I need you beside me."

Arohi did not even hesitate for a second as she cuddled with her husband. As he went back to his dreamland, Arohi made a note of Arjun's adored features and proferred thanks to time who had finally answered her prayers. In relief and gratitude, Arohi also fell into a peaceful sleep in the shelter of her Arjun's arms.