Anniversaries aren't worth celebrating if you are alone. Mukesh sighed helplessly as he felt immensely aloof on his very first anniversary. Suchi, his wife had gone for her first delivery and the small flat in the suburbs of New Bombay had begun looking like a haunted house in her absence. He even cursed himself for hurrying the first child which had left him high and dry on what could have been a wonderful day. It was mid December and the winter was setting in nicely. He could see the mild fog which remained intact outside the window. He recollected how Suchi struggled to cope up with last winter immediately after their marriage. Those were wonderful memories; Suchi always remained in his hug looking for the much needed warmth.
A bit of despondency crept into his mind, knowing that he might be held up late in his office tonight. The few pending projects could perhaps serve as some diversion from the sudden state of depression he was going through. He shook his head in despair realizing that he won't be having the time to visit Aruna, his younger sister who was just an hour's drive from his house.
Suchi was the first to call to wish him a happy anniversary. He felt a vacuum filling up his throat as he spoke to his wife who was almost a thousand kilometers away from him. Suchi's voice broke down in the middle of the conversation and it wasn't easy consoling her. After the brief conversation, Mukesh began feeling more isolated and dejected than before. Just as he was about to enter the bathroom, the telephone rang once again. He felt elated to hear the familiar voice at the other end. It was Aruna.
"Happy anniversary," Aruna nearly howled at the other end.
"Thank you," Mukesh acknowledged her greetings with a broad smile. "What a coincidence! I was just thinking about you minutes before you called."
"Don't lie to me," Her voice was soaked in her typical enthusiasm. "It's not a day when you should remember your sister."
"Funny," Mukesh felt somewhat light as he giggled. "Actually, I thought of calling you. I am afraid I won't be able to join the dinner."
"I sort of expected that," Aruna said mockingly. "I know your job is your second wife. But, don't you think you must make a visit at least once a month? We are too near yet too far."
"Agreed," Mukesh conceded with a sense of guilt. "I haven't seen you for a while now."
"That's why I am here," Aruna began laughing at the other end. "Turn around and look out."
Mukesh rushed to the window again and spotted Aruna walking through the gate holding her cellular phone. Their eyes meet at once and they exchanged a warm smile from a distance. Mukesh switched off his handset and rushed towards the door to let his sister get in. Her right hand stretched forward even before the door opened. They shook hands gently before getting in.
"What a pleasant surprise!" Mukesh smiled without revealing his true emotions. He was moved by his sister's courteous gesture. The house suddenly became vibrant with the vivacious presence of Aruna and soon the siblings got engrossed in some funny discussions punctuated by loud laughing every now and then.
"What have you planned for your breakfast?" Aruna queried mockingly. She knew that her brother never had the patience to stand in the kitchen.
"Continental," Mukesh laughed aloud. "Bread with butter." "I thought so," Aruna joined the laughter. Once again her brother had vindicated her presumption that men hate getting inside the kitchen. She pulled out a neat packet from her vanity bag which was nicely wrapped in a glowing foil. Mukesh knew at once that it had something better than the bread he was planning to have for the breakfast.
"That's very nice of you," Mukesh genuinely admired his sister.
They began another round of non-stop gossiping with childish enthusiasm. Mukesh kept watching the swift change of expressions on his sister's face as she spoke. Aruna looked a bit taller than him although she was two years younger. She always took great care of her long, dense and dark hair which swayed below her waists as she walked. She had wrapped a light maroon shawl around her to get respite from the early morning winter breeze. She always looked great while smiling due to the cute dimple on her left cheek. Her breasts remained well in shape even after six years of married life. She always had been the center of attraction in the family being such a sublime beauty.
"The house was looking so empty," Mukesh said as he sensed that she had caught him watching her.
"You will have a new little member during your next anniversary," Aruna said while her right hand landed on his lap. It was a strange feeling for Mukesh as they had stopped touching each other ever since Aruna attained puberty.
"Yes," Mukesh spoke nodding his head. "I can't wait."
"I bet you can't," Aruna said laughingly. "You have always been a man in a hurry. That's why Suchi is pregnant so quick."