Now and forever

She opened the door of her apartment, their apartment. She barely fought back her tears. She sat down on the sofa and held her pillow tightly. As she closed her eyes she recollected the day that just went past. She had just been through hell at work. Her confidence had been shattered, battered and bruised by a bunch of inconsiderate and opportunistic colleagues who blamed her for the loss of a contract. You see, she was very very good. She had been so good at what she did that it was evident the firms pitch for their largest deal ever was given to her hands down much to the growing resentment of her colleagues. They were waiting, like a bunch of Hyenas, to pounce on her whenever she faltered. And falter she did, an error of judgement from her part led to the contract slipping from her grasp. " How did I not see the obvious?" the question pounded away at her relentlessly and mercilessly. " Shes so overconfident that she thinks she can do it all", " Miss Know-it all finally falls", "Had it not been for her stupidity, we would hav ewon this contract"- these were just some of the accusations and nasty comments that she had been subject to. The tears began to flow as she wept in the solitude of the apartment.

The bell rang twice. She quickly wiped her tears and steadied herself. She couldnt let him see her in this state. After all, he too was having hard days. She opened the door to be greeted by the usual show of affection. A warm hug. He held her by her waist and walked in. She let him go and went towards the kitchen, desparate for him not to see her for a few minutes at least. "By the time he refreshes himself I'll be fine". She poured some milk into their coffee maker staring into the vacant wall in front of her when she felt his touch. It shook her up as he felt his fingers through her shoulders and went all the way down to her palms. Her palms were cold while his were warm. She trembled at his touch as he turned her around and his eyes met hers. He was smiling. A smile that meant " I felt your pain as soon as you opened the door". He didnt say a word but his eyes spoke volumes. More than ever before she saw something in him that said " No matter how bad things may be, I'll be there for you. As long as I live". He held her hand gently and took her to the sofa. He sat with her, still not uttering a word, just listening to her silence. She lay her head on his chest as he held her hand. In the background, one of the greatest love songs ever sung -Unchained Melody played on. He stroked her soft hair till she fell asleep in his strong, warm and reassuring arms. He thanked his life for being there when she needed him. He was there.