Gift of love

Sunil was steady with Pinky.They were in deep love and planned to get married after she finished her post graduation course in a few months.She was busy preparing for the final semester examinations.

“Pinky, you need a break.All work makes Jane a dull girl.Let us go to the lakes and row in the moon light.It will refresh you.I will be at your hostel in five minutes.Be waiting at the gate”Sunil said on her mobile.

She changed into a light woollen for it was chilly outside and hurried down.He was waiting in his tiny red Maruti with the engine purring.She hopped in only to find herself wrapped in his sinewy arms.

“Not here.The security is watching.Let us go to lakes” she demurred.

The sky was overcast and the wind a little strong.Sunil said “We will row a short distance.It is cool and the lake is beckoning.”

They took a small manual rowing boat and went to the middle .She was leaning on his broad shoulders listening to his soft singing of the latest love tune.She in turn sang and life seeemed all rosy and beautiful.They spoke of their plans for the future after she finished her education.

It was then the wind became very strong with the small boat swaying from one side to the other and uncontrollable.”Let us go back, Sunil.I am scary”Pinky said

Sunil asked her whether she knew swimming and when she answered in the negative, he gave her the single life jacket in the boat telling her “Wear it now.I will row close to shore.You can always swim to the shore safely if something happens”

“What about you?” she asked

“I will swim my way.Don’t worry.” replied Sunil

There was blinding lightning followed by deafening thunder accompanied a gust of strong wind.The small boat toppled when they were about hundred yards from the shore of the deep lake.

Pinky reached the shore after struggling in the darkness and rain.She waited for Sunil little knowing that he did not know to swim and that the only available life jacket he gave her was his gift of love.