A moment too many

Divya turned helplessly on the bed, feeling misery wash over her soul. There were things on her mind and more than that she had dreams in the sleepless eyes. Many times she had walked over to the window, frowning at the lonely figure sitting on the quilts that had been placed around the fire for their group. The fire had long died yet he stayed where he was, his figure highlighted by the pale moonlight. And everytime she looked at the empty bed her heart twisted within her. How she had dreamt of this night, the night they would be together, cherishing each other's company. Her eyes sought the shadows that had started to form shapes now. A glimmer of moonlight escaped the curtains and danced on the empty bed, reminding her of all the dreams she had brewed. Her eyes filled with tears and she hid her face in the pillow...it would not do! Somehow he would never understand! What was she to say to him? How was she to make him understand that she needed him, wanted him to be with her...just her! How she ached to have his arms about her only her heart knew. How she dreamt of a kiss! How she felt her skin tingle and how she wished him to look at her the way she had looked at him! Yet he would never do that! But that was not what was troubling her. It was the cold good night he had uttered! Without really saying anything they had had a fight...again. She knew he thought he was right but she wanted to tell him that even she was right! She had wanted to sit with him under the moon and talk. But she knew he would never understand!!!!

Deepak felt the wind gently whisper a gentle lullaby in his ears as he stretched on the quilt. It was a beautiful night really! The moon now high up in the sky glowed in all it's glory of lost love. He was not drunk...infact he was far from it. His eyelashes attempted to pull the curtain yet eyes wished to stare into the night. It was somehow comforting to do nothing, hear nothing and feel nothing.
"You haven't slept as yet?" the voice came from behind and he turned his head slightly before smiling.
"Apparently I haven't!"
Nisha nodded and sat on the mattress opposite to him, extracting the pack of cigarettes she offered one to him and lighted one for herself.
"I thought you had slept!" Deepak said and Nisha shook her head.
"I wasn't sleepy when I left. Just..."
"Just?"
"Leave it. It's not important. But what are you doing sitting here?"
"Trying to count the stars."
Her eyes sparkled under the moonlight as she looked at the sky.
"So how many so far?'
"Two..." he shrugged and looked back at the sky, noticing how the smoke twisted and curled in the still air before the night enveloped it.
"Nisha...could I ask you a question?'
"Sure." she said and looked at him as his face turned back to look into her eyes.
"What is it with..." he stopped and looked back towards the emptiness stretched out in front of his eyes.
"Why is a full moon romantic? What makes it so?"
Nisha knew that was not what he had wished to ask but she did not feel like probing. That was not what he wanted right now. She did not make any attempt to answer either for it had not been a question...just a thought. A passing moment of confusion that clouded his eyes.
"It's nothing but a small spec of light on a black canvas! A circle! A pale orb hanging from the sky, looking down at us! What is it about the full moon and..."
"Women?" she finally completed his sentence and he looked at her.
"Had a fight. did you?" she asked and he sighed.
"Not really no."
She offered no response and none was needed. The silence was comfortable.
"I bet she ain't sleeping either." She said after a couple of minutes and he looked at her.
"She would...eventually!"
"That is being heartless now."
"I don't care what it is." Deepak muttered and threw away the cigarette. The silence stretched between them for how long Nisha would never know. It was just alright to sit beside him. She knew instintively her presence was felt.
"I guess I would sleep now." Nisha said and stood up. Deepak made no attempt to move. His eyes closed he looked every bit adorable. Instinctively she pulled off her shawl and covered him. He opened his eyes once, looked at her face bent over him and then closed his eyes again.
"Good night Deepak." Nisha whispered and a steady breath told her he was asleep. Smiling she went back to her room. This moment she knew she would cherish forever!

To be contd.