#AtoZChallenge2016 - Acceptance

"You were never good at it"
"Good at what?"
"Acceptance"
"humph", sighed Alok. This was not the first time Tina teased him about his complaining behavior. Numerous times before too in their 30 years of togetherness, she would point to his restless attitude. And she was right. Alok would hardly enjoy the moments in his life. He was a person who just couldn't ignore the scratch marks on a shining surface. In fact, his focus on the scratches would not let him appreciate the rest of the beauty. But nobody would bother about his somberness. For he had Tina by his side to balance him out. Always, full of life, the one who would always be happy about the glass being half full. And Alok appreciated that part of his life always. She was his life support system otherwise he would have drowned in the sordid existence of his self, as in his words. She would often show her concern to him about it.  
"You have to learn to accept the reality of things as they are, Alok."
"I can tolerate"
"But to tolerate is so... so negative. Acceptance makes you at peace with the way things can go around you. You are then able to embrace the goodness surrounding it. You have to understand there are things beyond your control". This was at the time when he was not able to accept the fact that he wouldn't be able to take his IRS exam due to a spinal injury in an accident. It took him almost 2 years to come out of that condition that got delayed due to his sad state of mind.
"What is it that is making you smile?"
"I was remembering the days when we traveled to Maldives", Alok said closing his eyes as the wrinkles around them eased.
Tina smiled back and caressed his grey hair. A small drop of tear descended from the corner of his eye. "I miss you terribly", he said gulping in his throat.
"I know and so I say you are not good at it."
"What should I do? Guide me as you always have." he said looking at her desperately.
Tina moved her hand lovingly on his cheek to the line of his lips and whispered in his ear.
"Accept. Accept what happens wholeheartedly and on what you have no control."
She turned to look in his eyes again and he felt like drowning in her gaze that was so full of kindness. Does it do the same thing to every one? The After life. Does it make everyone so kind or is it just Tina because she lived her life like an angel. He wondered.
"And then?", he asked.
"You will know once you submit"


A month later


 "This is terrific, Dad. Vikram would be thrilled to hear this. I am so proud of you". Alok was grinning ear to ear, all excited after telling his daughter about his new venture he started just a week ago. A small orphanage with school for children found desolated by their families.
"I was so anxious about you after she left. I would often think that falling in love makes one miserable. But you are doing.. just .. great.", Vedha said half in tears.
Alok looked across the room where Tina was waving at him. He can still find her whenever he needed strength.
"Falling in love never makes you weak, my dear. True love always makes you strong. "
 "You are so in control, Dad. How?
Alok was silent for a moment.
"I have finally learned to accept and..", Tina smiled while leaving.
"And??"
".. and move on with life."

* * *

This post is part of April A to Z challenge 2016. And my theme is Spiritual Fictions.