The Long Walk of The Hebbars

THE LONG WALK OF THE HEBBARs

"Will you still love me when I am old and not attractive anymore?"

"Yes dear, I always liked the soft skin of yours...I am sure, wrinkles are also soft :)"

by

MURALI MURTHY

"Subbu, I am tired of this daily routine. I need a break and a vacation badly. You had promised me that you would take me to Santorini long time back, let's do it this year".

A tired looking Usha in a soft and pleading tone, with her head resting on her husband's shoulder, sighs.

The Journey

Usha is married to Subramanya Hebbar, whom she fondly likes to call Subbu. Subbu is 65 years old and Usha is 62, and are married for 35 years now. Usha And Subbu had a very adorable married life and they both matured over the years as a loving couple.
Initial 4 years was Fun filled and exciting. They partied hard every weekend and took a vacation break almost every month, either on their own or with parents or with friends.
Their friends and family were spellbound with the way they celebrated their birthdays and anniversaries.
Subbu and Usha both wanted to see the length and breadth of India and made it a point to see atleast one new country every year.

They both understood each other well and were considered an ideal couple in the eyes of their Cousins and Friends.

They were Fun loving, party Animals and had a very active social life.

Usha could not conceive even after 4 years of trying to have a baby. Though Subbu was not that keen on having a baby, as he thought it would put a full stop to their lively lifestyle. He loved Usha way too much and couldn't see her sulking with her yearning to have a child, especially baby girl.
Subbu could see Usha getting bogged down and depressed every time they used to visit Baby shower or kids birthday parties.

Subbu quickly got into the act and ensured he did everything possible medically to help her conceive.

It all paid off, and Usha was blessed with a beautiful daughter - Meera, within 1.5 years.
Subbu got busy in building his career, and Usha got busy raising her daughter.
Usha loved dressing up Meera well, and the pretty child was given good care, with good manners and upbringing.

Though the couple's exciting days were over, and Usha's dream to visit Greece and Switzerland, just as a couple with Subbu was put in the back burner, they still enjoyed the life as it came, and continued to have a decent social life.
They always missed their romantic and intimate time together.

Meera grew up pretty fast, finished her education, flew to USA to do her Masters and continued to take up PhD. Meera being a very smart kid, got all the scholarship & grants from her college and put least burden on Subbu for her expenses, though she knew Subbu would do everything possible and even beyond his capability to make his daughter's dreams come true.

When it strikes, it strikes hard

Subbu worked so hard and was addicted to stress and pressure at work, it was even harder for him to quit.
One night Usha looking worried and concerned "Subbu, what happened, are you ok?"
"I am not feeling good"
"Whats happening"
"I feel uneasy, my left hand pains a lot"
A visibly unsettled Usha didn't know what to do, she guessed what was coming, as Subbu tries to gets up, tries to reach out to the water bottle. He holds his chest, visibly in pain, collapses.
Panic struck Usha with shivering hands grabs her phone and dials medical helpline. She finally manages to get some help and the Ambulance reaches within 30 minutes.

Usha knows Subbu had a heart attack and she is trying her best to control her fear, emotions and holding Subbu's hands tightly sitting very close to her husband in the Ambulance. The Ambulance siren sound was even more irritating and scary.

Despite having their close friends and relatives around giving moral, emotional support and physical help, she still found herself alone.

Subbu was carried out of the Emergency OT on a stretcher, and the doctor said "Mrs. Hebbar, he is out of danger now. You have brought him here right in time and we were able to stabilize him quickly. He had a mild attack due to a clot and we have put a stunt to bypass the clot. He will be fit and fine in 7 days"

Usha took care of Subbu day and night. Despite having all the help and support from near and dear ones, she wasn't away from her husband even for a minute.

Subbu was discharged, and was back home. Usha who didn't shed even a drop of tears from past 7 days, hugged him tight and cried out loud...Subbu had tears in his eyes as well, as Usha continued to Cry loudly for 15 minutes and Subbu didn't stop her from crying...he just held her tight and kept caressing her head and back.

After a Month, Subbu was leading a very normal life without any trouble, while Usha slowly started to show signs of fatigue and blurry vision.

They consulted a doctor and got all the tests done and found the Sugar levels in Usha had shot up and was now Type 2 diabetic.
The roles reversed and Subbu started taking care of Usha, giving her timely medicines and getting her Sugar tests done daily, as she was tired and sleeping most of the time.

While all these were happening, Meera helplessly was far away in USA, as Subbu had strictly warned her not to leave her studies and come down at any cost. It was not even practical for her to fly down, considering the already shot up medical expenses, their family couldn't afford her travel.

Subbu and Usha took care of each other, fed medicines to each other.

This forced Subbu to take retirement from Work.

Subbu, who was a workaholic and so used to a hectic work life, couldn't adjust to being idle. As he didn't have any other interests or hobbies, he spent most of the time agitated and frustrated.
This frustration grew into depression and started acting weird and aggressive, he always looked angry and yelled at Usha all the time.

USA - The land of Dreams

Meera finished her PhD, and fortunately her H1B application was picked in the lottery, and she was elated. Meera got a job and it was time to make one of her wish come true - to get her parents to USA.

This was the time Usha had told her husband "Subbu, I am tired of this daily routine. I need a break and a vacation badly.......".

As the Hebbars started planning a visit to USA, a brilliant idea struck Subbu. He asked Meera to plan and book only one way travel to US.
"Dad, why? I want to sponsor the entire trip for you both"
"Don't worry Meera, you just book one way, I have my own Plans for later"
"What's that?"
"It's a surprise to your mom, if I tell you am sure she will get to know. I will tell you about it once am there."
"Alright, as you wish"

Usha was all excited to visit US, and eager to see her daughter after almost 5 years.

The Hebbars landed at Atlanta as Meera eagerly awaited her parent's arrival.
As Meera saw her parent's walk out of the Arrivals gate, she ran and hugged both of them and gave them a warm welcome.
With smiles and happiness in the air, the three of them went to Meera's apartment.

Usha being a typical south indian mom, had brought her lot of Home made masalas, eateries and pickles.

The three of them spoke endlessly for next 2 days, as Meera said she was guilty sitting here helpless, as she couldn't be around when they needed her the most.

After 2 days, Meera said she has invited few friends home for dinner as she wanted them to meet her parents.
Hebbars were ready, awaiting to welcome and meet their daughter's friends.
As the calling bell rang, a young man entered the house and Meera introduced him as Nikhil.

After a casual conversation for 30 minutes, Subbu asks Meera "Are we expecting more friends?"
"Dad, mom: I didn't know how else to talk to you guys. Nikhil and I have been seeing each other and have decided to take this relation to next level."
Taken aback, shocked and surprised, Hebbars didn't know how to respond. After an awkward silence for a minute, Nikhil in trembling voice "I am sorry Mr. and Mrs. Hebbar, but we like each other and we are serious about it. Hope you are fine with this"
Subbu quickly responded "No Nikhil, nothing is wrong and we are absolutely fine with it" looking at Usha expecting her to second him and a nod for approval, while Usha looked unhappy and disturbed.
Subbu gives an angry stare at Usha, turns towards Nikhil and continues "We are proud of Meera and we are confident her decisions and choices are always correct. Its just that the news came as a surprise, as she has never hidden anything from us".
Meera intervenes "I am sorry dad, not that I didn't want to tell you and Mom, just that you were already going through lot of health issues since 1 year and I didn't want to give you guys more tension".
Subbu gets up, hugs Meera and says "That's ok Meera, good that you have made a decision and found your soul mate, and am happy for you. When do you plan to get married?"
Nikhil steps in "We both have just started our career, we wouldn't want to get married for next 2 years. And when we decide, we will get you both and my parents here and get married in a simple function".

That night, Subbu spoke to Usha "Nikhil is smart, handsome, well educated, has a very bright future and more than everything they both like each other, what is bothering you?"
"All that is fine, but I had my own dreams for our daughter's marriage. I wanted to look for an eligible boy from our own community and the wedding to be arranged in a grand affair in our home town". Subbu insists "Come on, they both are matured, sensible and successful. You and me might not have found a capable son in law like Nikhil. And they both will settle here in US, how will your cast matter here..so just leave it and give your blessing".

The next day, Meera hired an SUV and took her parents on a 3 days tour to show them places around. Nikhil also joined them.
Subbu and Usha got to know more about Nikhil, his mannerisms, respect and love for Meera and how well behaved he is. They were also impressed with his care and respect for elders, which they felt was genuine and not made up.

End of the trip, Usha was very happy with Meera's choice and indeed realized Nikhil is the best match for Meera.
Last day of their stay in US, Usha hugged Meera and Nikhil together and said "I am happy for you both, you are made for each other and you both have my blessings all the time".

It was time for Subbu to reveal his surprise plan to Usha. Subbu had all his plans in place to fulfill a long term wish of Usha. They are going to Santorini, Greece!

Usha jumped up in joy and was thrilled when she heard Subbu said "We are going to Santorini from here".

They flew from Atlanta to Athens, after a day of layover, they took a ferry to reach Santorini - a place both dreamt of visiting for over 30 years now, and Subbu had timed it I'm such a way that their 35th wedding anniversary fell on the day they landed in Santorini.


Both were overjoyed and overwhelmed with the dramatic views, stunning cliff perched township and view of the sea to die for.
That night, they visited the Oia town to witness the absolutely stunning, breathtaking view of the Sunset.

The Walk

Next day Morning, the Hebbars visited Perivolos beach - a serene, crystal clear blue waters with the calm cool breeze.

While Subbu was on a sky blue linen shirt and a white cotton trousers, Usha adorned Subbu's favourite Cyan cotton kurta and a white pajama.

They both held their slippers in one hand and other other holding each other firmly, set out for a good morning walk on this longest beach in Santorini.

"I am so happy for Meera and am glad that she has settled down in life. I am also confident she will do good in her career"

"Yes, Nikhil complements her well, am rest assured that Meera will have a very happy times ahead."

"We need not worry about her and her marriage and future"

"True...Subbu, in the excitement of being in Santorini, I forgot to wish you on our anniversary"

"Haha...thanks Usha, Wishing us a very happy anniversary..wow, can't believe we have spent 35 years together"

"Yes, for me its a dream run. Each day you made me feel good and happy"

"Now you are being modest. You know I was not a great husband all along..I have made you Cry so many times"

"No, never...you have been a good husband and a good father."

"How do you fare us together?"

"I can only thank my stars and will be grateful to god for giving you in my life. I have no regrets and I have enjoyed my life to the fullest with you around"

"Yes, even I could never imagine my life without you. I am sorry that I have lost temper many a times and treated you badly"

"You treated me like an angel for first 5 years of our marriage. I can understand that Meera in our life, finances, work stress did really take a toll on you and I am glad that I could be the one where you could take out your frustrations on"
"I know you really didn't want to have kids, but I really wanted a daughter"

"Yeah, good that we took that decision and I listened to you....we would have missed a very important phase of our life"

"I now realize what you said when I was craving to have a baby then..You said we will have to compromise on our time together, romance, intimacy..I very well remember you asked me to give any other reason to have a baby apart from hoping that you will have someone to take care in the later years"

"Yes, I also realized it's a emotional need and can't really have reasons to have children"

"And you were right...now see how Meera has flown out of the nest and has made a life on her own..we are just the two of us again"

"Yes, and I will ensure we have our romantic life back again, will continue where we left 25 years ago and Santorini is just the beginning and we should capture this moment"

Subbu started to look around and found a young lady of foreign origin running towards them in her Jogging suit.

"Excuse me Miss, do you mind taking a picture of us please?"

The young lady obliged and took couple of pictures on Subbu's Phone.

"Hey, if you don't mind, can I ask you a question Sir?"

"Sure, please"

"Are you both together? I mean, are you a couple?"

"Yes, we are..my name is Subbu, and this is my wife Usha. Infact we are here in Santorini celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary"

"Wow...that's awesome...my best wishes to you both. Can't believe a couple are together for 35 years!!"

"Thank you. From the place where we come from - India, marriage and Love are once in a lifetime and we don't believe in changing our partners."

"But will you not get bored of staying with one person for life? Will your love not pale down?"

"It’s easy to fall in love, but it’s much harder to stay in love with the same person for the rest of one’s life."

"Wow, I liked what you said...I will try to remember it"

The young lady waved at them and continued with her Jog. After jogging away for 100 meters, she turned around and saw the couple continuing their walk with her head resting on his shoulders and their hands held firmly. She had a smile on her face.

"You know what, I want to learn cooking"

"What??"

"Yes, I am serious..anyway, I am bored and nothing to do at home. Henceforth, you relax and I will cook"

"Haha...ok...and what will you cook? Do you even know how a Coffee is prepared?"

"No, frankly I can't even manage boiling water..but you teach me. That way it will keep me busy and best way to make you happy and also not agitated sitting at home doing nothing"

"Ok, I can't believe you would want to do that.. let's see when we get back home"

"I am serious..I want to do it"

"Ok Subbu..will help you learn cooking.."

"Thanks Usha...Thank you for being a lovely wife that you are"

"Where did this come from?"

"No, I really mean it.,..thank you..I really love you and thanks for being through thick and thin, I think we have done a good job as husband and wife"

"Oh yes, no doubt. We have laughed the most together and cried together...but do you know how scared I was when you got your heart attack, I didn't sleep even for a minute during that entire week"

"Yep, though I was half awake, I could see the pain and agony in your eyes..I just wish we never go through such bad times again"

"Yes, I just want both of us to be healthy till the end"

"Whose end? What if you die first and I stay alone?"

"I would prefer that, as I can't stay alone without you"

"Yes, let's hope it works out that way and I don't want to be a burden on you. Me bedridden and you taking care of me all the time"

"Well, it's not in our hands, let's just hope both do not see those days"

"What will I do of you pass away first?"

"You are already an old man, so I don't expect anyone falling for you at this age...even if any of your Ex's are ready, I want to be the only woman in your life. So just hire a poor family, help them to lead a good life and in turn let them take care of you in your last days"

"Promise me, you will also do the same"

"Okay..."

"Do you remember that you had asked me long time back - What would you do if I am no more young and attractive. I didn't have an answer then, as I wondered how do I express love without kissing or making love."

"Yes, so now that I am not young and we both can't make love, do you still love me?"

"After a good life that I have led with you, experiencing emotions and love, I now feel physical intimacy is just one way of expressing Love. Showing compassion, affection, taking care of each other, having this assured feeling that someone is there for you who loves you and cares for you unconditionally, is more satisfying and I equate it to making love"

"Thank you, that I could be that to you and I love you for what you are. I still remember just after our engagement, you took my permission to touch my hands and said I liked the softness of your skin."

"Yes, I always wanted my wife to have a soft skin"

"But I now have started to get wrinkles"

"Wrinkles are soft too..I like touching your skin more now, as wrinkles has made it more soft...I still miss having sex with you though"

"Subbu, do you want to go back to the Hotel?"

"Oh..yes baby...super, let's go and let's do it"

"Subbu, we have reached the end of the Beach; we need to return to the Hotel, have breakfast and It's time for you to have your Blood Thinner Medicine..You old man".

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I love it when I see old couples together, not just staying and living together, but being naughty with each other - it makes me believe true love does exist.

No matter how old you both get, never stop holding hands, never stop saying I love You.

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