Non-erotic The Gamechangers by Trambak

[Ramesh_Rocky]

In hindsight when I think of it, we had no business to invite a person of his stature so casually for the picnic. You could have told us about his rank and position but it is obvious that you actually know him only as your husband, nothing else. I am sure you are not aware about the awards he has received or the scientific patents he has. Nothing."

I had no answer to offer. He was right. We knew nothing about him except the fact that he was obsessed with his work and possibly good at it.

Anyway, after some time Vivek said, "My wife left me three years back. We were in love but we did not communicate much, so much just continued unsaid. I thought that silence would transcend all barriers because heart and mind connected us. By the time, she told me about her condition, it was too late, it had spread. On the first visit itself, we knew how hopeless the situation was. She died in three months. In the last few weeks, she just wanted to talk to me and I frantically ran around trying to get medical help, till she could not speak any more.

I never got a chance.

But you do.

Whatever little interaction I have had with Avik, I felt that he is a very humble person but not very good at expressing himself in social circles. He sang a song for us so spontaneously; he could have been a professional singer. He could have just refused, but he didn't!"

He looked at me quizzically and said, "Do you love him? Maybe, you do. But, do you respect him? Not much, I guess."

He was right. I did not respect him. I never tried to find out anything about him and he would not say anything aloud. I know there was a box in the basement where he kept all his mementoes and medals. For us, that was all junk, wasn't it?

Why me alone, both of you never respected him for what he was or did. Even today, he is just a clumsy eccentric little man existing in his own world. Otherwise, you Fulki, could not have said yesterday, "Have you looked at yourself?"

Vivek's words that day forced open my eyes and I found that I had deviated. Somewhere in my mind, I had moved on and I needed to come clean. So, I arranged this vacation for us so that I could tell all. I would have done so during these three days. But today, my chance to tell is gone; snatched away, the game changed everything. I was run out by your Dad on the last ball and my king is trapped. It is a penalty shoot out.

Fulki crossed over to me and said, "Mom, I never thought that the game I planned for some fun would turn out like this. That it would hurt you so much. I am really sorry. If only I could take it back."

She was not a very emotional girl but I could feel the pain in her. About her being in the middle of this fiasco. I as their mother needed to offer solace but I was not sure of myself anymore. I looked directly into her eyes, "You are not responsible for anything. If anyone is, it is me and we can still try and set a few things right if you both cooperate."

Both looked at me, wondering what was I talking about!

I carefully chose my words. "Everything boils down to the time frame and it's the right time that I need to figure out, so, when it happens you both could be around. It will make things simpler. A bit easier for us, all of us.

What I am going to tell you now, is not known to your father. Only the two of you will share my secret. I will not meet your father anymore after we go back. I will ask him to move out to his office guest room for the next 7 days while I make my final arrangements. I will need your help. I think he would agree. Fulki will be with me and Robin; you will be with your Dad. You can come and meet us in the daytime. On the seventh day, I will send you a car and you will bring your Daddy back home.

I will be waiting for you. Fulki will help me. We will call a few more people so that there are no ambiguities any more. As decided in the game, I will get married. That's what the game was all about. Wasn't it? Then let it be so."

Both of them looked in pain.

"To make things easier for your Dad, I hope to find a bride for him too. Why am I doing all this? Because, the game must be concluded. Now I need to ask you something.

Will you two allow us to be married again and make amends.

To each other! In your presence."

They were staring at me like zombies. I winked at them and said, "Is that acceptable? Say it now!" They were in absolute screaming ecstasy. Shouting and jumping. Robin hugged me. Fulki came forward but true to her nature stood at a distance. Like father like daughter. Always short on expression of love.

I kissed her forehead and said, "And one more thing, I did plan this vacation and I did decide to tell all. Just to say that how one true friend had rekindled love and inflamed the fire in me for the man whom I almost forgot, neglected, and cast him aside. I rejected him and I need to claim him back, for myself."

I held both deep into my bosom. We started to move back to meet that stupid little man.

Checkmate.