Of Fantasies and Fantods

It was 7.30 pm. He'd have left office by now. She was restless. The last time he talked to her was 8 am in the morning, after he reached office; and that too not for long. Before that, it was last tuesday; oh or was it monday? Had it been any other day, she wouldn't have felt this restless; it was her birthday today. She was hoping he'd come over to her place and that they could have a silent evening together. It had been months since they ever spent time together. He had lots of work to do in office. He didn't have time for her. She doubted if the former was the reason for the latter; or the other way round.

But when he'd answered, he said he wouldn't be leaving office before 7, and that there was no way he could make it to her place that evening. He said that he'll try to leave office early that sunday, and maybe take her out. She wasn't positive. He had made many such promises before. Only he seemed to be too tired on sunday evenings to meet her. She thought she was in someway the reason for all this. She wanted to be sure. She called another number as soon as he hung the call.

He reached home at 8. The living room was dark. His flatmate was somewhere inside. He switched on the lights. The room appeared clean; cleaner than usual. The maid they had arranged swept the floor everyday; but today everything on and above the floor seemed orderly; neatly arranged. Suspiciously, he stepped by the kitchen; his suspicion only grew, for a sweet smell hung around. He didn't enter the kitchen; he never did without washing his hands and legs. He called out to his roommate "Dude! What's special today? The entire house has a festive look compared to our daily living standards??" and turned around.

"It's my birthday today" She was standing there, in front of him, holding a chunk of chocolate cake with white frostings, in her hand, and a wide grin, that of a child, in her face. He liked chocolate cakes, and so did she. He was surprised; taken aback; he had not expected her. His roommate stood grinning behind her. He was gonna shout at her for having come there after dark when he noticed the look on her face; a hint of joy, joy of seeing him after a long time; of mischief, like she was playing with him; and along with that a hint of plea, plea to him. His anger vanished. Instead, he chuckled and placed his hands on her shoulder and said "You naughty little idiot!! Come on, let's cut the cake. I'm hungry"

The cake was not too big; but more than sufficient for the three of them, for her, him and his roommate. She cut the cake into three equal portions, as his roommate sang "happy birthday to you..". Out of one of the portions, she cut a much smaller piece, and like in most birthday parties, raised it to his mouth. He munched on it, and then bent to take the full piece. He didn't give it to her; he just raised it to his mouth. He was about to take a bite when he glanced at the eager expectant face in front of him.

Swoosh!! He smeared it over her face and stuffed what was left into her mouth. "Here you go, birthday baby" Now it was her; she was surprised; and taken aback. He looked like all the tiredness of his face got mysteriously washed away; he was there; right in front of her; after a long time; with a face that winked while it smiled; the smile that she thought she'd never see again; he looked younger, the look on his face that said it was all going to be alright; everything was going to fall in place; just like old days. She stood looking at him, her eyes locked in his, as if she were deriving strength from that look.

"Guys guys, enough of your romance. I have taken my share. Her share is here on the plate. What are you going to do?" His roommate broke their moment and asked him.

"What am I going to do?? About what?" He asked his roommate.

"The cake of course, you dork. Oh I know what you'll do. You're going to do what a dog usually does. I'd better leave to my room. Why spoil your privacy" His roommate winked and vacated the place.

The chocolate on her face provided a shield; they couldn't see her face turn red.

"Come on. Go wash your face" he directed her towards the bathroom. When she got back, he had neatly halved the remaining portion of the cake.

He rose from the couch, and came to her. He gently drew her close to him, and whispered into her ear "Happy birthday. I love you"

Their eyes locked; soon did their hands; their lips followed.