Gesture

Just when I was wondering whether the flames of love are still alive between my parents, that too after 20 yrs of their marriage, they dispelled my doubts.
Other than taking care of dad, meeting his needs even before he mentions, handling him in his sulky self, complying with his likes and dislikes; I also see mom religiously calling up dad every evening to ask him about his time of return and if he has any preferences for dinner. I found it monotonous. I was also wondering that how precise and banal the conversations could become after spending two decades together.
After brooding over the dying flames, I thought that mom’s call to dad was not a routine but a gesture to assure dad that she is waiting for him back home. But while I was marveling at that thought, I wondered if dad reciprocated. Or did he even acknowledge it?
Unlike other days, today; mom felt asleep in the evening, so could not call dad.
And dad called.
On calling up, he promptly asked her ‘wasn’t she supposed to call him?’
Mom’s smile that followed his call was one I’ve never seen her in ever before.
It was the one which nothing but only her husband’s love could bring to her face.
And that was it.
Dad’s call and mom’s blush was suffice to rid me off of all the skepticism.