Blazing sun, dry winds, and extreme heat kept most of the elderly indoors. June, typical of such weather, always made Sandeep Kulkarni happy though. Simi played ludo with him whenever she got bored. Summer restricted their outings and this in a way also brought them closer to their childhood. Simi had retired last year and was anxious about her free time. It’s usually not easy to sit idle after working non-stop as a cashier in a government bank. She felt in her sixties she was still doing good. Sandeep, 65, was a retired railway officer and he saw this season as an opportunity to practice all his favorite indoor games. Carrom, scrabble, ludo, and chess kept him busy most of the time. Simi added to his joys by playing along willingly.

It had been a decent marriage over the years for them. Fights saw solutions before the day ended. Their only son Aayush, now married and settled abroad, had grown up in a loving, caring, and carefree environment. His wish to become a doctor made him pursue higher studies abroad and that catapulted him into being a slave to the lifestyle. His parents sensed his inclination and nodded when he shared that he wished to marry the girl of his dreams and settle there. America blinded many and Aayush was no different. Daily Skype calls bridged that gap effortlessly and life was hassle-free and blissful post-marriage. Every two years visiting India brought that much-needed balance.

The onset of covid19 had disrupted a lot of things as soon as 2020 started. Two years of travel restrictions had got the family all the closer. The Kulkarnis had become more self-reliant in the absence of house help and other facilities. The dark period of social distancing, masks, sanitization protocols, numerous deaths, and depression was slowly inching out globally. Vaccinations and safety measures had made life bearable and worth living as infections were a lot lesser than before. Events, gatherings, festivals, and rallies had no bans anymore. Wearing masks was not at all mandatory too. For a change, the old couple saw June of 2022 a little differently. Indoor activities took a backseat and visits to their nearby stores became a shade more adventurous.

Both missed Aayush at times terribly but they wanted his happiness more. Sandeep was taller than Simi who glowed in his presence always. Dusky, kohl-eyed, and white-haired Simi had cast a spell on Sandeep all the more. She was aging like vintage wine. It was an arranged marriage but as time was passing love grew to newer heights. Less was said and more was understood now as they knew each other’s weaknesses and trigger points.

‘I was saying, Sim, let’s empty that trunk full of clothes and give them to charity. We are not going to wear them anyway, why keep them?’ asked Sandeep.

‘You are right in suggesting this, Sandy, but it demands a lot of work, will you be able to pull it off?’ asked Simi.

‘I’m surprised you have doubts. Taking care of 9-month-old Aayush was a cakewalk when you had typhoid back then, you forgot, agreed with both Ma and you gave me awesome guidelines throughout so I could be of help. This I feel is a lot easier.’ reminded Sandeep.

Simi took a moment and reminisced all those moments that brought her closer to Sandeep. With a lot of patience and grace Sandeep had tackled that difficult period of her life adeptly. They both were new parents but it seemed as if Sandeep had been a father since birth. He not only took care of Aayush but also of the house, his mother as well as Simi singlehandedly. This phase had touched her deeply. For weeks a father became a mother as well. While Simi recuperated, all duties were carried out with responsibility, love and care. He even cooked for the family when the maid had an emergency during that tough time.

Collecting her thoughts Simi answered, ‘You were young and handsome then, can’t say that now.’

Both shared an eye-lock that was full of warmth and mischief.

‘Right, skype Aayush right away and let’s hear what he has to add to this statement of yours, Sim.’ requested Sandeep.

Aayush picked up the skype video call in two rings and answered with a giggle, ‘Salutations Ma, just yesterday Mrs. Brian, my boss, asked who this handsome fit man was when she saw your 50th-birthday photograph on my desk. Hope it answers a lot about his global appeal. Gotta go as I am in the middle of a very important deadline, love you both.’ saying this Aayush hung up.

‘So, Mrs. Kulkarni, what do you say now? ‘he teased.

‘You are 15 years older, Mrs. Brian if she sees you now maybe her opinion would change but do enjoy your moment of bliss old man.’ smiled Simi.

Sandeep blushed and kept looking at the love of his life. After a few minutes, Simi moved to the kitchen as his gaze played tricks on her for years now.

Fun-filled moments like these had knitted the Kulkarinis in a very deep bond. There was respect, mischief, love, freeness as well as friendship. Aayush if had been in India he would have made the canvas of life much larger but there was so much more like this too. There were struggles every step up the way as they were growing old but they were enough. Both Sandeep and Simi at this age too were ready to do it all together. Their marriage was made in heaven Simi felt time and again. There was no loophole. There was no hidden agenda. There were no secrets between them. Was this the reason for their successful marriage she kept asking in her moments of ‘me’ time?

Society kept bringing up liners like ‘Call Aayush here. He needs to be here with you both.’ But the Kulkarnis convinced and shushed lovingly, ‘Love is gold when old. Let the two of us get all till it’s time to leave. Pray for our happiness instead and bless Aayush that he keeps getting what he wishes. Thank you, people, now the love birds need some quality time all by themselves once again. See you in the coming week.’ Both owed a lot to the pandemic they felt. Doing things together filled them with confidence and new verve. In the absence of maids their aging bones got a polish and dependence on others became minimal. Their mutual respect and care for each other grew double and their health got a boost too when nourishing food made its way due to their hard work at such a tender age.

‘Sandy, bring all the boxes from the basement slowly so that we can place the dried clothes in them. It would be good if you do the ironing and I will fold and then keep them in the boxes. This kind of exercise with regular breaks should help us plan for the US trip which is due for a long time now.’ hissed Simi.

‘I am pleased to know that you listened to me, Sim. Wait a bit, let me first give you a kiss on your silver-lined forehead.’ smiled Sandeep. The couple kissed and carried on with their tasks.

The radio just made them hear the news, ‘Chikungunya is in the air. The elderly should take utmost care.’

Sandeep and Simi echoed together, ‘Are you ready O dear partner to beat it if it makes its way to our household?’ 

‘Always and forever sweet darling, let it come’ the neighbours heard them say. 

The Kulkurkarnis were an inspiration for many in Delhi, the capital city of India.