Always

She was dressed in the turquoise outfit. It didn't reflect her self, but his choice for the occasion. Actually, a present. A present he brought for her when they last met at the dockyard. 6 or 7 months ago, she thought. He had taken her to the ship, to show her his workplace.

For last few years they had this kind of relationship, meeting for a few hours after long periods of time. He was always to leave for duty. She, always upset for the same reason.

But today they had all the time they wanted. He was off duty, she had taken a long leave.

She got into the garage and was about to get into the driver's seat when she thought of giving it a routine check. Unlike herself, like him. She didn't wanted to be late anyway. "First, check under the hood. Are there any leaks? Are the battery terminals clean? Does the drive belt looks worn out? Pull the engine oil dipstick out, wipe it with a clean rag or a paper towel and insert it back fully. Pull it out again and check the level - it should be close to the "FULL  mark on the dipstick." He always took interest in letting her know these things. "There's always a telltale sign" He always emphasized. " Oh, they run great" She used to reply.

Everything was OK. She halted at the newspaper stand, asked for the day's issue of local daily. It were always the small things in life that made him happy. A few good articles with the morning coffee. Anyway, today was big. He had an article published on him . She had a glance at the picture with the article, payed the person, then took to the wheels again.

It was his birthday today. Valiant Captain's 35th birthday. They met at the God's acre, behind the city church. She sat beside the tombstone and read him the news. "It's a day for the youth to take inspiration from Captain Abhi who departed while serving for the country....."  He was as stoic as he always was, she pretended to be as vivacious he always wanted her to be. They had all the time they wanted today together. Not the kind of they had always...