1/11/2026

I’m sitting opposite you in the cafe. There is a warm breeze blowing. I had debated before we left the hotel room whether I should have worn shorts but went against my judgement to wear the pants instead.

You on the other hand are looking resplendent. You’re wearing the same top you had when we went on our first date. You haven’t aged a day since the first time I saw you.

I puff out my chest a bit and open my mouth just a tiniest bit, but before that you stop me and say – baby Beda, hoditini. Walle jaga idu athara mana mariyadi tegi Beda.

I stop and say – what? What are you talking about?

You – I know that face. That’s the pre burp face and you’re just going to embarrass the both of us with that thunderous burp so stop it.

I laugh out… a little too loudly. A couple across just gives us a sideward glance.

You – helade tane. And you roll your eyes.

I look behind you for a split second, hoping you wouldn’t notice. But you do. Your eyebrows go up slightly questioning what I am looking for. But before you turn around, they both shout – Booooyah!

You jump a little startled. More people look at us now. You want to shout but you are controlling your anger in public. LOL. You say – jeez what the fuck even? What are you two doing here?

Nemo pulls up the chair next to you. Zena (that’s what I am going to call Lil Sis here, you know… after Zena the warrior princess) pulls up a chair next to me.

Zena – congratulations! You really think we wouldn’t be here? Jiju told us about it weeks ago. Dolores is flying in tonight cause she had some meeting.

You – of course he did.

Nemo hugs you and says – welcome to the family! We’re crazy! You’ll fit right in!

We both laugh.

You – so wait, you guys are here today, but we’re supposed to leave tomorrow, so you guys flew in all the way here just for a day?

Zena – nope, Nemo and I have 2 weeks off, so we’re going to spend 2 days here, sight seeing. And then tomorrow we are going to Germany for 3 days, after that Switzerland for 3 days and finally to Seville for 4 days.

Nemo – yea yea, in Sev…Seville. There is this festival. Everybody wears like old clothes and stuff.. and… and… and… there are these big big trucks which are open behind you know… and it’s not closed so you can see what’s behind. And… and… the back is filled with tomatoes. So im going to pick some up in my hand. And Zena is going to take some in her hand and we are going to squish them… and we are going to throw it at everyone. Hahaha

You – oh that sounds fun! even i want to do that!

Me – baby you and I are going to spend the next 2 weeks in that villa on the beach. And I’m going to do you on the hammock thrice a day, we are not changing the plan now.

Nemo just face palms.

Zena almost chokes on her wine.

You (looking at Zena) – are you sure you are up for this?

You’ve always been such a caring person, the motherly instinct in you just comes hurtling out always. It’s one of the things I love about you the most.

Zena – sumne irtiya you know I’m totally fine. I got this, I can do anything I set my mind to. Right Jiju?

She extends her fist, and I bump mine against hers and we imitate an explosion.

We finish up our lunch and get up. We’re about to go back to the hotel when Zena says – hey wait i want a pic.

I give my phone to the waiter and he takes a picture.

You look at the picture and you realise – your life was always whole.

Love Forever And Always,

XOXO,

A