Madav approached the biggest tree in the garden, a gentle smile graced his lips. The pleasant wind was like a music of old memories to him. He touched the tree, tracing the old mark he and Padmini did on that very long ago.

It had been years since the last he came here, so much of memories flashed before him. They were still fresh and vivid. 

Madav spend an hour in the secret garden behind their neighbourhood before heading to his house. More memories flashed as he walked from the garden, passing Padmini's house to his. So much that he laughed at how silly they used to be during their early stage of friendship.

Madav opened the door to his house, the cracking noise of the door welcomed him. It has been many years since they left this house and shifted to east of London. Despite shifting to a new house, Madav refused to sell this house even after his mother's request, the house holds too much memories to be sold away.

He walked to the kitchen, a smile adorned his face. He remembered how Padmini used to plug-in the earphones while working in the kitchen, singing and dancing. Dragging him along, plugging one side of the earphone in his, both danced. Danced like no one is watching.

That was one of the thing Madav admired in her. Change on behavior, taking things light with a smile. Right now, he missed her being in his arms.

He heaved a sigh and walked up the stairs. He missed this house so much; every part of the house has its own story.

The corner of the hallway where he sneaks a kiss from Padmini, the end of the hallway where Padmini used to trap him to do makeover on him whenever she feels bored, the living room where Madav and Padmini spent late night watching movies.

Those will never fade away.

With the heavy beating heart he reached to his room door. The room looked exactly the way he left it, things scattered everywhere. His room was in a mess.

Madav leaned to the nearest wall and slide down as the most devastating memory hovered. It was still heart trenching even though it has been five years since his entire universe crumbled down. 

Everyday in the past twelve years had been a devastating day for him. For him to witness Padmini's health, her memory, her thinking ability, her strength went from bad to worst. Everyday was a traumatic day for Madav to watch her unable to do anything but stay on bed all day. 

Wiping away the tears Madav stood up and walked to the window, reminiscing old memories. Walking around the room, on top of the cupboard Madav gaze fell on a very familiar box. The box that had Padmini's letters. He took the box, dusting it off. Madav found a letter in an envelope that has not be read yet. 

*-*-*-*

Hi, Sailor man.

It's 16 April 2008 today but I don't know what year is it now.

So the first thing I want you to read is, I love you so much, Madava.

You must be wondering how I found where you hid this box, don't you? I saw it long back but didn't want to touch it or even look at it. You wouldn't like it.

But with my deteriorating health. Madava, I know how things going to end. 

Thinking about it, I decided to write this letter before I lose my sense and thinking ability forever. I know you would one day come back for this box thus a letter for you from your Paddu.

I'm totally aware of what's happening to me and what will happen to me at the end. Madava, I won't be there with you forever but that does not mean you should lose yourself. I want you to be you, never lose yourself for losing me.

My journey might end here but yours continues. If you can go back to Navy, go. Get yourself distracted from my thoughts. It's okay if you don't think of me. It's okay if you find a new love. It's okay if you start to live your life forgetting me.

It's okay.

I'll be gone but your life goes on. Live your life to the fullest. I'll always be with you. I'll always love you with all my heart.

Madava I'm sorry if I have hurt you during those time where I am not being me. I'm sorry and I love you.

Thank you, sailor man, for always being there for me. You will always be my hero.

Love,

Paddu. 

*-*-*-*

His hand curled around the stems of yellow tulips and roses while the other held the new letter he found as he stood at Padmini's grave. 

"Happy seventeenth anniversary, Paddu. I've found your letter today, love. Thank you for this. Thank you for letting me feel you closer to me even after leaving me alone in this world five years ago. I miss you and I'll always love you, Padmini" he kept the yellow flowers near her tomb stone. A cold wind rushed over his body.  

"I'll see you soon, Paddu"

ONCE MORE HE FELL IN LOVE WITH HER AND ONCE MORE HE LOST HER, 

 THE LOVE AND THE PAIN, BOTH GOT DEEPER. 

~~~~~ Alzhiemer's diseases is a DEATH before DEATH. I was terrified of it but you fought till the end.  ~~~~~~

********THE-*-END********

Not every ending comes with happily ever after. 

No matter what happens, TRUE LOVE stays strong always. 

Thank you all for reading this story, a story that had floating story line and a sad ending that nobody wants...

Yet, I do like to know if this story worth a few lines from you.

Thank you.

Love,  

Deva <3