Lucy

 "Yes Mom! I will have my dinner now." - Rakshit lies to his mom, banging his empty utensils. For the past three months, life has not been very kind to him. He still can't digest the passing away of Nikita and her last moments still bring tears in his eyes. His only solace lies in the fact that he isn't alone and there is someone else to share his grief- Lucy, their two year old Dobermann whom Nikita left behind, for him to take care of.

Rakshit's entire world now revolves around Lucy. Although managing a pet entirely on it's own is a tedious task, Rakshit has managed to carry it on his shoulders till now. However, it's true that he gets frustrated, impatient and looses temper at times. However, that doesn't stop him from loving Lucy even more. After all, Lucy is the last living memory of Nikita, that she has left behind. 

Lucy suddenly runs towards him and licks his hand. He smiles and takes his hand before his eyes. Memories rush backwards...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two years ago:

Rakshit and Nikita are living together since past two years. They are not very keen to marry right now. Their families were not initially in favor of  the relationship, but gradually they gave in. 

Recently, they have adopted a baby Dobermann. Their mother had died while giving birth and so the breeder had surrendered the baby to a local shelter, unsure of how she will survive. But god had some other plans for her and luckily the baby survived. The shelter then posted an online plea for adoption when the baby was a month old and ready for a new home and it was from there that Nikita took her in.

Since they never wanted to have a baby and also since having a pet baby doesn't need any social prejudice, Lucy fitted in the void perfectly. Taking care of an animal comes with it's own disadvantages and they faced multiple problems initially, but gradually with time they have come over it.

Their relationship is lacking time and intimacy but seeing Lucy happy and healthy seems to be worth everything to them.

This is how days are passing by with joy and happiness.

One fine day, at around 8 PM in evening, Rakshit gets call from an unknown number. On picking up the call, Rakshit gets the shock of his life. Nikita had met with an accident, while coming back home. A bus driver lost control and rammed straight in to her vehicle while she was starting her car at her office corner, where she parks it.

Rakshit quickly gets dressed up. Lucy is barking and crying for no known reason. He quickly starts his car and reaches the hospital.

Nikita is lying semi conscious in her bed. On feeling Rakshit around, she faintly opens her eyes, smiles and speaks in a low weak tone - "We might not be able to be together in this lifetime. But don't worry. I will come get you in every lifetime that follows. Take care of Lucy and don't abandon her. She has no one without us. Raise her like a single father and I know, one day she will surely make you meet someone, again with whom you will eventually move on. Promise me that you will take care of Lucy and that you will move on. Promise me!!". Tears roll down Nikita's eyes and Rakshit crying loudly holds her hands tightly.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Present:

So much time has passed by and her memories still are afresh in his mind. Lucy has kept him strong and has helped him heal. But even today, Nikita's last moments still makes him teary eyed.

Rakshit gets quickly dressed up, chains up Lucy and they go out for a night walk. This time of the day is Rakshit's favorite time. He sits with Lucy on the nearby lake side and observes people talk and walk while he remains silent with his best therapist in the world, who has fur, four legs and can't talk. They express and communicate via silence and each other's eyes.

Very soon, another Labrador walks nearby to Lucy and she jumps is excitement. Rakshit is a bit surprised, because no one goes out with their pets in the nearby areas, so late at night.

A sweet voice wakes him out of his surprise - "Hi! I am Tista. Recently moved in here. Glad I could meet a pet lover here. Do you also often come out so late with your pet?" She is wearing a blue salwar and jeans with a pink lipstick shade. Her fair skin seems to glow more under the moonlight and her smile seems to be the only medicine, Rakshit has been longing for. He runs out of words and Nikita's last words flash in front of him - "Raise her like a single father and I know, one day she will surely make you meet someone, again with whom you will eventually move on."

"She must be smiling at me from above" -  Rakshit whispers himself and gets up. He seems to have found a new ray of hope to finally move on......