The List

Call it an old habit that refuses to die or an obsession or whatever, Raji couldn't help it! Being from a generation that still believes in the magic of the written word- be it the romance of hand written love letters, warmth and comfort of letters from family and friends or writing a diary every single day, she really couldn't help it! Of course she got royally teased about it!

Raji was in the habit of making to-do-lists for everything! Be it for her weekend shopping, weekly cleaning or daily menu, every single thing to be done found its proper place in 'the list'!

Her family was well aware of this habit which she developed while growing up in an orderly, well organised, well planned household. Her father was extremely organised and so was her mother. She had inherited this habit from them.

It was only after marriage that hubby Max realised the importance of 'the list' in Raji's life! Popular as Ms Perfect among her colleagues, peers and anyone else who knew her, Raji's organisation hacks were legendary! She actually had people suggesting that she upload her lists online to help those in need of some sort of organisation in their chaotic lives!

Max was totally creeped out initially by Raji's habits but he soon saw its benefits and even learnt something himself! Although not a messy or untidy person, he was 'disorganised' next to his neater half!

In fact, he was absolutely in awe of how meticulous and methodical Raji was, no matter what the work! She was a perfectionist, but that, sometimes, made life difficult for a not-so-perfect person like him! With time, both learnt to accept each other without any expectations!

Max had booked a beachside villa for a weekend getaway for their first wedding anniversary celebration. It was about 2 hours away and an extremely scenic drive! Even the weather today was perfect for a long drive! It has rained all night, which made the drive pleasant.

Raji's meticulous preparation and packing had taken them some time to get moving on time, but since they weren't sure how well equipped the villa was, Raji was well prepared for anything! The boot had bed and bath essentials, 2 pans, induction cooktop, kettle, ready to eat breakfast items and even a small iron! Max felt as if they were packing for a whole week but kept quiet.

As expected, the drive was smooth and scenic and they stopped for a few pictures here and there. Finally they reached the villa around noon. Raji went inside to check the washrooms, the kitchenette and the beds while Max unloaded the boot.

Raji seemed satisfied with the cleanliness of the place and Max heaved a sigh of relief! Raji replaced the bedsheets and towels with her own and set up the kitchen. She was making a quick lunch while Max freshened up. Raji also had a quick bath. After lunch, she washed all the utensils and they took a nap.

Now it was Max's turn to impress his wife with a perfect anniversary date. It was a surprise and he hoped Raji would love it!They walked along the beach, hand in hand, enjoying the sunset, just smiling at each other. Raji realised how rare and beautiful these unplanned, spontaneous moments were.... Max looked happy because Raji looked happy! They just hugged and smiled like lovelorn newlyweds do!

They walked back to the Villa and Max suggested they change into something formal. Raji was excited as she dressed up in a red dress, wondering if they are dining at the beautiful hotel they saw during the drive.

Max opened the door for Raji as she giggled like a schoolgirl, giddy with excitement! As Max drove, Raji realised he was driving in the opposite direction. Maybe it was another hotel!

Max turned into a narrow Palm-lined driveway and stopped in front of a huge, colonial style hotel which looked really classy and expensive! He walked out and opened the door for Raji. The moment Raji stepped out, she saw a red carpet at her feet and a violinist emerged, playing her favourite tune- 'Love Story'. Suddenly the red carpet was lit up as thousands of fairy lights led the couple to a beautifully laid table for two, complete with candles and a single red rose in a vase. They took off their footwear as they walked towards the table, because they felt the waves under their feet. Max pulled out a chair for a visibly impressed Raji and sat down opposite her. A waiter came with some champagne and Raji's favourite 'strawberries with cream'. While they sipped the bubbly and enjoyed the sinful strawberries, the sound of the waves, the starlit night sky and a comfortable silence that only two people in love can enjoy, Max pulled her out for a dance as the violin played a romantic waltz.

Raji was definitely a little tipsy. She was giggling and her eyes sparkled. She was holding on to Max for dear life. Max couldn't remember the last time he had seen his dear Raji so carefree and unbridled... She seemed like a whole new person and he was loving this side of her!

The dinner was simple but it was Raji's favourite Chicken Sizzler which made her squeal and clap like an excited child! Her 'sizzler smile' made Max happy because it meant that his carefully planned dinner was going well so far! Raji's reactions were so genuine and spontaneous that they made Max smile, as he took a lot of pictures to keep these memories alive forever! The dessert was an extremely delicious Tiramisu and Raji and Max dug into it without delay.

Max took out a pocket diary from his trouser pocket and crossed out 'Tiramisu', which was the last item on his list. He had a smile of contentment and happiness as he put 'the list' back in his pocket. His planned anniversary dinner date had been perfect, just the way his 'perfect half' Raji liked it!