{L} is for Love Conquers All

“Good morning Mamma. Love you. Wake up now, it’s eight-thirty already,” says little Sam, enveloping Zaira in a warm hug.

Zaira tilts her face towards Sam, sleepily rubbing her eyes, while trying to plant a kiss on his chubby cheek. Her head is still throbbing and she has no urge whatsoever to get out of bed. She hasn’t slept all night again and it is only in the wee hours of morning that she was lulled to sleep, in Zubin’s comforting arms.

The cloak of depression hasn’t left her side for over four years now. Medication, mediation, therapy, a caring husband like Zubin who loves her dearly, a cherub for a child, an extended family to stand by her side and a bunch of very dependable friends; Zaira has it all. Yet, that sinking feeling refuses to leave her side day in and day out.

“Happy Anniversary, my love,” Zaira hears Zubin’s chirpy voice among the voices in her head, that are prodding her to hide under her blanket and curl back to sleep.

“Happy Anniversary, Mamma,” chirps Sam. “See what Daddy has got you!” 

Zaira has completely forgotten it is their tenth wedding anniversary.

She sits up, pushing the pillow behind her back.

“Thank you, my loves. How could I forgot! Is it April 13th already?” says Zaira embarrassed, but smiling despite the gloomy feeling dragging her down.

Zubin is holding a few canvases in all shapes and sizes, tied up with multicoloured, pretty ribbons. He is also holding a big box, gift wrapped in a turquoise blue wrapping paper .

Zubin plants a kiss on Zaira’s forehead and places the gifts on the bed.

Zaira opens the box and discovers a huge collection of paints and brushes.

“Gosh! Zubin, it’s been years I painted. Can’t even remember when was the last time.”

“That’s why, love,” says Zubin smiling radiantly.

“I’m not sure I can, Zubin.” 

“Well, Zara, whenever you are ready.”

After Zubin leaves for work and Sam for his day-care, Zaira showers with her favourite bergamot body wash, indulges in a luxurious head wash and gets ready. It had been ages since she has showered so early. She wears her favourite jumpsuit, that she hasn’t in a long time and even spritz the Versace, Crystal Noir liberally. She has a date with herself.

Zaira picks up a canvas, mounts it on the stand and uses the brushes to apply continuous strokes of colours. As she progressively moves ahead, she experiences a catharsis of sorts. That ache in her chest lifts away like a cloud. Her inner being feels like the love of a clear, blue sky. Her shoulders relax a little more, as she works diligently the next couple of hours, creating a fascinating piece of art.

Three years later:

Zaira wakes up each day with a spring in her feet, looking forward to another morning of creative indulgence. She spends her day in her studio creating art, which is now displayed along side Yamini Roy’s, M.F. Hussain’s, Satish Gujral’s; to name just a few.

 

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My theme for this year’s Blogging from A-Z Challenge is April Anecdotes. These are twenty-six compelling tales of some real people, and some not so real people. These tales will be surreal, peppered with a dose of non-fiction, but some might just be a figment of my over active imagination. You can read my theme here.

You can read my previous posts from #AtoZChallenge2018 here:

A is for Anachronism or Misplaced in Time?

B is for Burden or Unburden?

C is for Control

D is for Destiny’s Child

E is for Enchantment

F is for Far from the Maddening Crowd 

G is for Goblins, Gnomes and Gypsy Spirits

H is for Heart, Mind and Soul

K is for Kiss