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Hope everything's fine and you are doing good.
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~~~

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~~~

You may begin now.

🏵️⭐🏵️

~~~

This chap is affectionately dedicated to - Frienship_Dramione & icypri.
Belated birthday wishes to you both! ♥️

~~~

"The concept of growing into love is so much more intriguing than falling in love. It's like, on all our good days and bad days, I will choose to love you, I will learn with you, I will live my life with you and we will grow with each other through the passage of time...................."

Thursday | 23:32

✉️Dr. Saahab✉️

DS:
Reached.

You:
OK!

DS:
Still up?

You:
Yeah!
Did you eat something?

DS:
Yes.
You?

You:
Yes. Long back, soon after sunset.
You should sleep now.

DS:
You stayed up just to instruct me this.

You:
Yes.
Now immediately keep your phone aside and go to sleep.
You got a morning shift tomorrow, remember?"

DS:
Yes Ma'am.
Wake me up on time. I'm not setting alarm.

You:
Okay. Good night!

DS:
Good night!
Thanks!

You:
Thanks? What for?

DS:
Don't want? Then pass it back.

You:
I'm sleeping now.
You should too.
It has got very late and dare you got involved with your phone after disconnecting the call.

DS:
☮️

~~~

Friday | 19:49

✉️Manjiri✉️

You:
Still occupied?

M:
Kind of.
Among a few ladies from the neighbourhood.

You:
Did the prayer meet go well?

M:
Yes.
You didn't pick up before, why?

You:
Phone was on silent. Didn't hear.

M:
Ok!
I'll call once I get done with everything.

You:
How about videocall?

M:
Just pray that till then electricity stays.
Otherwise it would be useless.

You:
Ugh!

M: ⁠
♡

~~~

Saturday | 05:13

✉️Dr. Saahab✉️

You:
Good morning!

DS:
What's good in this morning?

You:
What happened?
Night shift didn't go well?

DS:
Nope. It was hectic.

You:
Oh!
Heading to your room or still in hospital.

DS:
On my way.
Is Vidhi up?

You:
We can call. She is not around rn.

📳Incoming Voicecall from Dr. Saahab📳

~~~

_

_

_

Emotions are weird. Their complexity and unpredictability could be best tested in situations like those in which Manjiri was currently in.

Closing her eyes momentarily, she took a shallow sigh. It was a pretty hectic day for her. Well, she returned to Dehradun, Mohan Villa in the evening that day. Nobody from either sides, neither the Mohan family nor the Rao family allowed her to travel alone. Thereby, Jai came along to drop her. And if Jai was going somewhere, that meant Vidhi too would go. So, she too accompanied.

Manjiri was happy yet sad. She was sad because she had left the house where she grew up earlier that morning, however, by the evening, she was happy to come back to her Mohan Villa. The myriad of contrasting emotions were hitting her hard.

She genuinely felt at peace coming back to where she had started belonging but leaving the place to which she used to belong was saddening too.

The familiar faces at Mohan Villa welcomed her with so much love that she couldn't help feeling astonished. It was her family. She now belonged there.

Everyone was happy to see Manjiri back, but Adishri's contented smile deserved a mention. However, Ved showed nothing and Manjiri already saw it coming. She just hoped that it was just a brief period of annoyance that would go away with her apology and some divulgence.
One more testament!

Mohan family persuaded Jai to stay at their place overnight and leave for Agra the next day. Vidhi's cuteness and constant babbling charmed the entire family by all means. None was getting enough of her animated talks.

Hardly had she turned the knob of the door of her room, when she saw Vidhi and Vaidik running past her to enter inside. She smiled shaking her head at them. Both the kids were running here and there, and playing together since evening. They bonded well, Vidhi being the elder one was bossing over Vaidik. She was instructing him, and he was following her.

"I just go and change till then you both stay on the bed only. Continue colouring your books."

"Ok, Bua." Vidhi looked up from the book placed before her and smiled giving Manjiri a thumbs up. Vaidik looked at Vidhi and then turned to Manjiri giving her thumbs up by using his both hands, "Ok, Miru."

A while later, Manjiri stepped out of the washroom in her night clothes only to find the kids sitting on Shaurya's desk instead of the bed.

"No, I didn't feel like sleeping today, Fufaji. I tried but my eyes were not closing."

Manjiri heard and saw Vidhi talking to Shaurya on video call. In between whiles, Vaidik too was making Shaurya aware of his presence by uttering something or the other. However, Vidhi was speaking more and was not letting Vaidik hold Manjiri's phone.

Manjiri set the bed whilst waiting for the kids to finish up their conversations with their uncle, so that she too could get a chance to talk to her husband.

Off late, Shaurya had started cultivating patience. He no longer used to dodge away from topics which didn't quite make sense to him. In fact he had started enjoying having a conversation with Vidhi on daily basis. They both used to talk to each other nearly daily.

Whenever Shaurya and Manjiri used to call each other, that meant Vidhi too would talk to Shaurya for minimum ten minutes. Both shared about their days. None could clearly understand the details though.

However, most of the times, especially at night, Vidhi being an early bird used to doze off early in the evening and thus used to miss the chance to talk to Shaurya.

"Why is she still awake?"

Shaurya asked smiling as soon as Manjiri took her phone in her hands from Vidhi's. She was quick to retort opening the balcony's door.

"Blame the germs of Dehradun."

"Oh! I see."

"She is just way too much excited seeing so many new faces altogether. Getting all the pampering and all from everyone."

She muttered dusting the swing with the help of a moist cloth. Not being used from long, nearly everything there had a thin layer of dust coving it. However, before Manjiri could even think to sit there, Shaurya complained as he could see something happening beyond Manjiri's shoulder through the window opening in the room.

"Hey! I can see my desk getting destroyed back there."

"Vaidik, Vidhi, don't mess around here. Sit on the bed and play."

Manjiri urged rushing back to the room. However, before she could again go back to see him on the call, Vidhi came to her.

"Bua, please loosen my ponytail. It's hurting my head."

"Done. Now, is it ok?"

Manjiri asked Vidhi as she did what she was asked to. Vidhi nodded running back to the bed to finish up the drawing.

"Miru, what's that?"

Vaidik asked pointing his finger towards a big box kept on the shelf, as Manjiri was about to go back to the call.

"I also don't know, dear. It's your Shaurya Mama's."

Barely could she provide Vaidik an answer, that was when she heard Shaurya's murmur reaching her ears.

"Can you give me some attention?"

"Of course." She smiled adjusting the phone against the railing of the balcony. She added settling on the swing and peering at the screen, "Why aren't you on bed? Look at the time! You're supposed to leave for work at 6 or not tomorrow?"

"I believe I demanded attention."

Shaurya whispered with a soft gaze. A soft gaze that made Manjiri stare at him longingly.

"What?"

He asked with a slight grin, awaiting her answer. She shook her head attempting to form a smile, however, failing.

"Manjiri!" He asked again. When she didn't speak, he voiced softly, "... Silly Head, what is it?"

"Nothing. It's just that I think I'm missing you a lot more than any day today. Everything here is making my heart ache for you."

Her lips formed a soft smile as she rubbed the side of her eyes to not let her tears flow down. A tender, helpless sigh escaped from his lips as he eyed her rubbing her arms in feebleness.

"How I wish I could fast-forward time!"

He whispered after a pregnant pause making their wordless gazes match intensely. A minute passed. Then a couple of minutes and then a few more minutes. His fingers itched to caress and feel her skin against his at then. However, he couldn't do anything but curse the great distance between them.

On the other hand, the more she looked into his eyes, the more her desire to wrap her arms around him increased. She was literally missing the warmth his embrace used to reward her.

"You know that's why I prefer voice calls over video calls. Somehow we end up like this with the cameras."

She meekly whispered, shaking her head to no one in particular. He sighed raking his fingers through his hair.

"Don't blame the video calls unnecessarily. Your eyes just need a reason to pool up." He mumbled in attempt to jest and then added when he noticed her avoiding his eyes, "Smile, Silly Head!"

Complying with his words, she shot him a slow but genuine smile that only widened when she caught him winking at her. However, before Shaurya could do or say anything further, shrill cry of Vaidik marked it's presence in the surrounding.

Running to Manjiri, Vaidik cried, "Miru, she spoilt my drawing."

"Damn it!"

Shaurya's distressed voice made Manjiri glare at him. Picking up that tiny human in her lap, she cooed him.

"Vidhi, come here!" Manjiri's loud voice was enough to issue a warning for Vidhi. "Bua, I didn't do anything." Vidhi muttered reaching Manjiri.

"She coloured the sky pink. Eww!" Vaidik frowned and made his head fall on Manjiri's shoulder crying out, "It should be blue. She doesn't know anything. She's dumb!"

"Shut up! You're dumb." Vidhi protested, standing up on the swing, "Sky is pink too sometimes."

"It's blue always..." Vaidik argued hiding his face in the crook of Manjiri's neck, making Vidhi protest, "No, it's pink too."

Shaurya who didn't know what was happening, just yawned waiting for the little ones to get done with whatever they were at. The sound of his yawn drew Vidhi's attention towards the phone screen,

"Fufaji, tell him that sky is pink too. We saw it that day, right?"

"Umm... Yes, Vaidik, it's pink too. Mostly at the time of sunset."

Shaurya answered in support of Vidhi. But his answer didn't manage to convince Vaidik.

"No! I didn't see. So I'll not believe, Mama you're lying."

Shaurya eyes got widened hearing that from a not even 4 years old. And then people say kids are cute. He couldn't find Vaidik cute from anywhere. However, someone was there to compete on his behalf.

"You're a liar. Fufaji isn't. He is a good boy. Such an idiot and crybaby you're, Vaidik."

Vaidik being Vaidik ignored Vidhi's words and started murmuring something in Manjiri's ears.

"She spoilt my colouring book, Miru."

"It's ok, Vaidik, there are more drawings for you to colour. Colour them!"

"No, I wanted to colour that only. With blue colour."

He snuggled more to Manjiri. Vidhi who was now kind of getting frustrated with Vaidik, moved closer and started peeling him off Manjiri's frame.

"She's my Bua. Leave her, bad boy."

"Vidhi, behave!"

Manjiri chided Vidhi, getting up along with Vaidik in her arms to stroll around. Vidhi looked towards the phone's screen confused.

"But when did I misbehave? I think Bua got changed, Fufaji."

"Don't mind them, Vidhi. Tell me do you like my home? My family?"

Shaurya attempted to distract that little one's mind. And he did succeed in doing so. It was so much easy with Vidhi. He wondered why a few found it hard to deal with her.

"Yes, very much. When I was coming here, I saw many big trees. Their height was even bigger than our home, your home." She added scrunching her nose, "But I don't like your room. It's so dull."

"Is it?"

"Yes. I don't like grey and brown."

"Ok! When you visit us next time, I'm gonna paint the walls pink."

"Really?" She asked excitedly. To which Manjiri saw him nodding. "Then paint them in baby pink colour. Make some clouds too."

"But that day you told me your favourite colour was purple."

"Oh yes. Ok then 2 walls in baby pink and the other 2 in purple."

"Cool!"

Manjiri who had been strolling with a ear to ear smile couldn't help but admire the sight and be at awe with the conversation flowing between her husband and niece. It was surprising how a person who barely used to indulge in such talks was happily being a part of it now. His soft side was worth gushing at. He who always preferred being blunt with his words, off late, had started saying anything to make that little girl happy.

_

_

_

"But Bhabhi, why are you throwing me under the bus? My life got no value in your eyes, huh?"

Dev muttered only to be a recipient of Manjiri's unsophisticated innocent look. Her eyes seemed to plead,

"Just this one time. Please!"

"Fine! You people take too much advantage of my goodness." Dev surrendered. He added in a soft tone before walking inside the room, "Let's go. I'm gonna initiate the talk and then you'll have to take the charge. Clear?"

Manjiri meekly nodded whilst mustering courage within her. She had to face it. Before it was too late, she had to address it.

"What's up, Bhai?"

Dev voiced when he found Ved doing something on his laptop. However, when Ved raised his head to glance at him, Dev turned blank. He immediately turned his neck to his side, then behind but Manjiri was nowhere.
Betrayal!
He gulped looking back at Ved. He tried to jest to ease up the situation,

"You look handsome today. I never knew men too glow when they're expecting."

"Stop it, Dev. Get straight to the point."

Ved scoffed. Dev blew out air from his mouth. None could predict how his brothers would act in a few particular situations. He wondered if he was the only one sorted among the three of them.

"Actually, Bhai..."

"Jiju, I'm sorry!"

Manjiri hesitantly appeared from behind Dev. Ved looked at her and then probed closing his laptop,

"For?"

Manjiri gulped lowering her gaze. What was she supposed to tell him? She tried hard but nothing coherent could she form. She had to look up when she heard Ved speak with displeasure.

"When you have done nothing, when you don't know anything as of yet then why are you standing here like this?"

"No, I know. I know it's me who did everything." Manjiri beseeched, her voice turning feeble with every word escaping through her mouth. "I know I'm unforgivable and that's why I'm here waiting to hear my punishment. But please don't give me this silent treatment, Jiju. Please!"

"Come here and sit." Ved muttered pointing towards the couch in front of him. Manjiri slowly walked obliging. Ved asked when she looked up at him, "Who am I to you, Miru?"

Dev too walked inside further muttering, "I'm also sitting though no one asked me. But still..." His words faltered on noticing that one look from Ved. Sheepishly grinning to himself, he took a seat next to Manjiri announcing, "...carry on."

Manjiri's low-pitched words made Ved dart his gaze from Dev to her.

"You're my Jiju, my biggest cheerleader. I've found a brother and a father figure in you..."

"Then does this child of mine thought well of the consequences of her silence, actions and those words?"

Ved pointedly asked placing both of his palms on the centre table and bending a little to look at her properly,

"For once you had thought of taking someone's help, my help... Then things would be different. Pain and complaints would be less. What meaning do I draw from your those complaints and dissatisfaction?... That Shri and I made a huge mistake. Or that we, our haste are the sole reasons of both you and Shaurya's dissatisfaction to one another?"

"It's hard for me to explain of what I went through and I don't think any figure of speech could help me here. Just know that my dissatisfaction towards him or the marriage was only because I was dissatisfied with myself. I take full responsibility of everything." Manjiri voiced meekly wiping her tears with the help of her fingertips, "Trust me, Jiju, I no longer have any complaints with anyone or anything now."

"Look, Miru, I think there's God's betterment in every trial. So for that, there's no use of putting the blame on anyone, in case if you're still putting inherently. You both had your equal share of stupidity. One didn't know what to do and other one didn't know what to know." Ved's voice weakened as the memory of Shaurya's state of desolation from that night when he had a conversation with him on the terrace came back to his mind. "But this is also true that for the first time in my life, I've seen Shaurya becoming so confused and emotional. It was hard to grasp that a self-assured human like him could be so unsure about his some actions and words. And it's obvious cause his ego got hurt."

By now, Manjiri's guilt had once again engulfed her completely. Dev looked at her with concern when she furiously rubbed the wetness flowing down her cheeks.

"I know it's bad. But, anyways, there's always a first time. Don't think too hard, Bhabhi. He is ok now. Who else other than you know it better, right? He is chilling there in Chandigarh now."

Dev asked throwing his arm around Manjiri's shoulders. He didn't know why but he hated whenever anyone or anything used to hurt her. He just wanted to make sure that with Ved's words, she doesn't start being hard on herself yet again.

Manjiri for him was like a little sister he never had. She was his sister-in-law, sister, friend, partner in crime, fellow-chef... In all a go to person for nearly everything. And so was he for her.

"Dev!" Ved interrupted, wordlessly telling him to not intervene. Dev nodded and shifted back. That was when Ved resumed looking at Manjiri, "You both need some time and each other's support to come out of it completely. And I'm glad that you both are willing to mend your relation."

Manjiri nodded finally looking up at him.

"You're his wife, Miru. The companion of his happiness and grief and so is he for you. Look, you both can hide everything from us but you both are ought to open your hearts in front of each other, right?" Ved asked to receive a yet another nod from Manjiri. He took a sigh whilst adding, "The burden of those allegations is very huge. You have to help him in taking it off. Are you getting what I'm trying to say?"

"Yes, Jiju."

Manjiri's soft voice was close to a whisper. Ved enunciated getting off the couch,

"That's the thing. That's all I had to say. Rest it's all up to you both."

"Jiju..." Manjiri called out to Ved before he could leave from there. "Pardon me for being so mean to you that day. I was very wrong. I've understood that trusting you blindly can never make me blind..."

Ved's gaze turned soft on sensing genuineness of Manjiri's words. She did undergo a hell lot of things, one couldn't deny that. She for sure hurt him with her pointed words, but do we not hurt only those, in this manner, around whom we feel safe the most? People complaint that she never expressed herself but it was ironical that those very people only got offended when she did what she was expected.

Ved stepped forward, he murmured caressing Manjiri's head.

"I only like that trust in these eyes. Tears look awful."

"I second that." Dev smiled. He further knocked his finger on Manjiri's forehead, "Knock, knock!"

She angled her face to look at him dumbfounded.

"Ask who's there?"

"Who's there?"

"Needle."

"Needle who?"

"Need-a-lil smile right now."

Dev sang making a funny face, thus succeeding in making Manjiri giggle and Ved to shake his head at his antics. Although, Ved's lips too had a hint of smile.

_

_

_

✉️Dr. Saahab✉️

10 February | 15:25

You :
Entrance results are out.
I couldn't make it.

16:47

DS :
Happens.
We still got more in hands.
Wait for those universities' results.

📵Missed voice call at 16:48📵

DS :
Currently, I'm in middle of something.
Will call you back once I get out from here.

You :
Fine.
I was very sure of my selection.
It's just my crappy luck again.

DS :
It's perfectly fine.
Don't stress.

You :
No, nothing is fine.
Maybe, I don't deserve to get enrolled in a PhD program.

DS :
It isn't the end of the world.
We'll fight again and make it.

DS :
???

DS :
You there?

17:09

You :
I'm sorry.
Actually, we (Dev Bhaiya, Sam & I) are at a clothing store.
And Sam had snatched the phone to get me try a dress.

DS :
No issues. Enjoy.
Divert your mind, it's needed.
Text me when you get back home.

You :
Okay!

~~~

"I guess these would be fine. What say?"

Sameeksha looked around picking out some clothes from a heap of clothes. Manjiri's head was spinning. First, she didn't like shopping. Second, she hated crowdy places. Given that it was a sale, crowd was inevitable. Third, she clearly wasn't in a good mood because of her results.

"Yeah! Now can we leave from here?"

"We need to leave right now..." Dev reached them in haste making Sameeksha protest, "But why?"

"Shri Bhabhi is going into labour. All have rushed her to the hospital."

Nobody exchanged words after that and reached the hospital in about twenty minutes or so, all the while silently saying their prayers.

Manjiri was restless. She couldn't know how to start feeling that everything would be okay. She had waited for that moment to come from so long but at then it felt like she needed some more time for some extra preparation from her side. She was not ready enough to see her sister go through so much discomfort altogether.

Ved was equally anxious. Or can say even more than Manjiri. He would sit down on a metallic chair tapping his feet at one moment, and at next moment used to take long strides along the corridor outside the room in which Adishri was in. His everything was on stake. In a moment, he could win everything and he was fearful to even acknowledge that he could even lose everything in the world in that very moment. It was difficult for him to look at his lady withering in pain.

One could clearly hear Adishri's screams whenever the door used to get opened for closing again. Manjiri covered her mouth with the help of her hand, she couldn't think of anything but her sister's pain at then. She gulped hard, keeping herself from becoming teary.

It took long five hours until some hope started surfacing in everyone's heart. Adishri was prepped for the delivery. Ved was with her inside now.

While Manjiri stood out, staring at the door with her lips pressed and hands joined. Her heart was racing at an unknown speed. She opened her phone to see if Shaurya was available, however much to her dismay, he wasn't. Though, there were a few texts from his side already awaiting her.

✉️Dr. Saahab✉️

11 February | 00:39

DS :
Will give you a call around 2 a.m.
Look after yourself and Bhabhi well.
Hang in there... Think of the baby.
Soon your hate and fears with regard to the hospitals will change.
Bitter memories would be transformed into sweet ones.
Since you gonna gain someone from there this time.
Be courageous my Silly Head! ⁠♡⁠ ♡

~~~

Taking a grateful sigh, Manjiri closed her phone and leaned against the wall looking in the direction of the room. She was thankful to him. His way of telling her that he was with her was heart-warming.

"Sit down, Miru! This way you'll exhaust yourself."

Mrs Kaveri Mohan's words drew Manjiri's attention instantly. She obliged sitting next to her. She held both of the older lady's hands in between hers. Something she would have done with her own grandmother if she would have been present there.

After half an hour or so, a shrill cry of a baby was heard. Manjiri took a deep sigh of relief, her tears began blurring her vision in an instant. She didn't know who all gave her a hug until she didn't see Ved coming out of the room with his little baby in his arms. A nurse was following him, she announced with a smile,

"It's a gorgeous baby boy. Many congratulations to you all."

Ved first passed the baby in his mother's arms. Those arms had been awaiting for that moment since so long. Mrs Dipti Mohan cried happy tears hugging her grandson. Shaurya's mother, Mrs Suniti Mohan, too had tears in her eyes. Both the ladies took their sweet time in affectionately whispering blessings in the baby's ears. And then eldest Mohan lady, Mrs Kaveri Mohan, too held the baby with her weak trembling hands with the assistance of Ved and his mother.

Manjiri rubbed her eyes smiling at the scene in front of her. She couldn't be any happier with whatever that feeling was.

After long minutes, Ved finally carried the baby towards Manjiri, Dev and Sameeksha. Manjiri smiled hugging Ved by getting squeezed in the crook of his arm. Her eyes pooled up with fresh tears as she finally held the baby in her arms. She smiled gladsomely kissing the tiny fingers of the youngest Mohan.

"Welcome to the world Baby. Mausi had been waiting for you so long."

"He took after my Dii." Manjiri smiled looking up at Ved. In response to her tease, he chuckled a little caressing her head, "Don't be so quick to decide that, baby's Miru Mausi."

"We too want to hold this little guy." Sameeksha demanded from behind, almost leaning on Manjiri's shoulder to adore the baby. Dev was quick to join in too, "Yes, let the baby know his brand new Chachu and Chachi too. Please!"

Manjiri passed the baby to them. Looking at those two showering their adoration on the little one together, she couldn't help but miss Shaurya a lot more than usual at then.

"Can I meet his mumma?"

Manjiri asked turning to Ved and then looking at the nurse with a hopeful gaze. The nurse's expressions were hard to understand but she had to nod when Ved instructed her, "Allow her. She's her sister."

Manjiri looked at her sister with concern filled eyes, as Adishri was sprawled on the hospital bed lifeless. Taking her hand in between hers, Manjiri took in the feel of her sister's hand. It indeed was a long journey for her. It was evident with all the exhaustion and soreness surfacing on her skin. Her cheeks were red, dried up.

"Miru!"

Adishri whispered partially opening her eyes. Manjiri leaned closer to her murmuring,

"Dii, you ok?" Adishri responded with just the blink of her eyes. "You have a son. A beautiful baby boy. Congratulations!" Adishri nodded at Manjiri's words, those words made her break into a smile despite the pain.

Manjiri bent forward and kissed Adishri's forehead after rubbing both of their joyful tears.

_

_

_

"Baby's full?"

Manjiri inquired peeping to look at the little one's face as Adishri corrected her clothes after breastfeeding her baby.

"Seems so."

"Give him to me now. And you have your dinner too."

Manjiri put the big bowl of soup before Adishri before gently picking up the baby from her lap. Adishri smiled as her sister cradled her son in her arms, cooing something to the baby and strolling around taking small careful steps.

In minutes, the cries of the baby were fading as he was slowly drifting to sleep, however, the sudden tootling sound of Manjiri's phone disrupted his sleep making him whine again.

Manjiri lightly swing the baby in her arms whilst picking up the call,

"What kind of an uncle you're? Always being the enemy of my little one's peace."

"Excuse me! How am I supposed to know you're where and with whom? Or when am I supposed to make a call to you?"

"You called for?"

"Nothing. Just checking on you." Taking a brief pause, Shaurya probed, "By the way, Silly Head, when was the last you went through your e-mails?"

"Umm... Well, not sure when. Probably a week ago or so. Nobody mails me anything important. But why?"

No sooner could Manjiri ask that, then Adishri called her from inside, "Miru, bring him here. Is he asleep?"

"Ahh!" Shaurya groaned while Manjiri mumbled out, "Shaurya, I'll call you in some time."

"Manjiri, listen, I won't be able to pick your call now since I'm going in the OT. Will get free in morning only now." He added with a sigh, "There's a request, kindly, make sure to go through your mails before today's date changes. Ok?"

"...ok!"

"Bye!"

"Bye! Perform well."

"Hmm."

Since the day baby was born, Manjiri was having eventful days. She had made herself so involved with the baby, his needs, his mother, his mother's need and their comfort, that she was left with a very little time for not only Shaurya but herself too.

However, she had made sure to return to her room before the clock could strike 12. In fact, she was back at 11:20 only. Given that the baby planned to sleep early that day without creating much chaos in the household.

She climbed the bed and opened her phone to do what she was asked to. She looked on surprised when she noticed that she had recieved a mail from Shaurya 18 hours ago.

She didn't even waste a second to open that.

📥📥📥

From : Shaurya (drshauryasinghmohan@remail.com)

To : Manjiri (manjirirao@mail4me.com)

Cc:

Subject : Be my Valentine forever and ever!

My silly Silly Head,

First and the foremost, before anything else or before I forget - Happy Valentine's Day to my one and only Valentine.

I never knew that one day I would do such a thing to remind you of how much I adore my special someone.

Well... Period!

Manjiri, I'm not as poetic as you. Nor I'm that descriptive when it comes to pen down something but I'm trying.

Ok?
Bear with me.

You've to since there's no other option available.

You would be surprised to know that reading your that letter has effortlessly become my habit now. It makes me smile every damn single time. Of course, I ignore a few paras in between and you know why. But the ones wherein you've openly admitted your inclination towards me is something beyond explanation... Which man on earth wouldn't love to know that he has power on his wife or how insanely his woman admires him.

Isn't it funny that I'm being this dreamy? I feel like a love sick teenager... What have you made me, Silly Head?
This was not me.
I'm typing all these words at 6 a.m. in the morning, soon after returning from my shift.

Like seriously?

Ain't regretting though. But yeah, kind a struggling. Writing is not my thing.

I even hated writing letters and essays in school. I'm a pro at debating, make me speak anything anywhere. Even if there are a hundred people in front of me, I won't hesitate in delivering a speech then and there unprepared.

But this is tough.

I know shying away and being hesitant are your departments. But what to do it looks like you're being a bad influence. Or maybe it's because of those moments who made shy not just you but me too... I so wanted to tell you a few things that following day but just couldn't. And speaking on phone about all that didn't seem easier either.

Well, I am now thinking to erase it out and restart again... But you know, now I'm feeling too lazy to press the backspace key multiple times.

Thereby, I'm letting it be.

You too be a cooperative wife and don't laugh at my words. Although, swooning is allowed.

Swoon!

Your presence fills me with warmth, and that warmth is unmatched. To me, you're a reflection of every emotion of mine. You kick me to be a better version of myself, every single day.

I don't know when I realised I loved you but all I know is that when I did, I also realised that I've been in love with you since a very long time.

I've no idea what I did or how I did. But I know I might have destroyed some of our sweet memories since the start of this new year. I know I'm too pompous to utter a sorry but trust me I really am. I regret taking you for granted. I regret thinking that apologizing to you could wait, providing an explanation to you could wait, clearing out certain doubts could wait...

You know previously, I only used to sympathise with you since I never knew how does it feel to get your feelings neglected by the people who claim to love you. But off late, I've started empathising with you as now that feeling isn't alien for me anymore. You were right. Sometimes, wanting to communicate but not being able to makes one hate himself. I too have experienced this recently. My own people mistook my words and actions, and there I couldn't even provide them a clear clarification.

You were right when once you said that the world only wishes to see one's 'I'm-satisfied-with-everything' moment and not the 'I'm-tending-to-breakdown-any-minute-now' phase.

It's hard for me to explain of what I felt but honestly, now I've no complaints with anyone. Perhaps, sometimes, it's not the fault of misunderstandings or communication gap or the disappointment, but the circumstances.

I can never forget that Monday's night. The same night when we broke a wall, a barrier between us together. I still could hardly believe that your letter had given us so much to talk about. From talking about our deepest pains, worries to hopeful life-purposes. From bitterly crying to softly beaming at each other. We did it all. We nearly talked all night, connecting uniquely or can say reconnecting this time to never disconnect.

I used to believe that our relation used to hold more significance in my life. Yes, I was under this very impression. Don't mind but I used to think that you took me as just a companion, nothing more than that. But Silly Head, you proved me wrong.

Your letter highly contradicted with my believes. Have you heard of - 'he fell first, but she fell harder'?
If yes, then your letter reflected that.

I was an idiot to not figure out your love, care and efforts for me. I literally had no clue that I'd you so smitten. And perhaps, there's no way I can love you the way you do. Despite my shortcomings, you never once blamed me in your letter. You didn't point out my any imperfections. That was indeed surprising.

See, I know I'm imperfect. I too need to make improvements in me but the Shaurya in your words is just perfect, holding a respectable position in your heart.

Whenever you talked about improvements you just write about improving yourself, never demanded any from my side.

Trust me when I say that it's taking me a lot to admit that I'm dense. Yes, I'm agreeing on this without getting offended. I'm an egoistic human. I was an idiot to not acknowledge your efforts that night. I was an idiot to call you what not. However, I'm promising you that I'll work on this for sure. I'm trying to fix all my flaws. I'm also trying to patch up what I lacked.

When they say there's nothing stronger than patience, I never really gave that much heed but I believe them now. At long last, my patience won. I waited for you and my wait was worth.

Previously, I wasn't agreeing on this when they a few from our family said that I'd started taking you for granted. But then whilst reading your letter, I realised I'd, consciously or unconsciously. You were ready to pour all the love you had but I was too invested in myself to collect that. Thus, I let it loose and you started running out of it. You ran out of not just love but self-love too. You depleted yourself to the point that your self-love's place was very effortlessly occupied by self-loathing.

Screw intimacy and communication.
Your letter was just enough to make me feel all the love in the world when I'd started hating myself. When I'd almost agreed on being a man who was not enough, who doesn't deserved to be loved. I'd literally lost all hopes of being with you or having you back. But Silly Head, you had already done the preparation. God had his own plans ready.

Thank you for choosing me to love you!

And maybe you're right, comfortable silences with conversation via eyes is our love language. Spoken words don't do much justice in our case.

Time for some confessions which you might not like to hear from my mouth. Or you might like but wouldn't admit.

I love watching you blush and fumble for words when I do something to you. Those moments of that early morning were beautiful... You don't know what all you instilled me with in those moments of our togetherness. A descent amount of contentment. Pride. Fulfilment. Trust. A belongingness which could be only attained from you.

Our deep longing for each other led to that. We collapsed into each other for something more meaningful, something deeper, something inexplicable. It wasn't just an act but an intoxication. It was me completely intoxicated by you. And to be honest, it was more pleasing to know that you too were into it as much as I was. We held each other for the first time as lovers.

Manjiri, it wasn't just something to do to fill in time. It had a meaning, it had a substance. It wasn't a selfish desire but my way to recommit to you.

And I verily hope that from that connection, a new sense of hope must have carved in you. A sense of stability in our relationship which we were looking for from quite a long time did surface in my heart. I hope it did surface in yours too. You didn't say it in words but your reciprocation and responsiveness said it all. Perhaps! Perhaps not... Only you enlighten here.

I just hope you didn't schedule it in just because you felt dutiful.

However, I've to tell you this that you're much better at communication through actions and touch than words. To me, your responsiveness was an incomparable bliss. That newfound intimacy coupled with your few words of affirmation meant the world to me.

I used to think that materially I was just well familiar with the faint fragrance of your hair, the quirk of your lips when you smile and the tone of your every audible sigh and gasp... But Manjiri, now few more are added in the list. My eyes seemed to have memorized those twin moles on your back, that scar near your underarm which you told that it's a birthmark. How not to forget about the sweet feeling of pain caused by your nails. And that flush rising on your cheeks every damn time when our eyes used to get locked during all that time. Those glistening sweat drops staring me down your neck and forehead. The chime of your anklets, that clinking sound of your bangles... I can go on and on, Silly Head, but let's just pause here else you might freak out.

Maybe, all that was special because we both were aware of what we felt. I knew you loved me. You knew I loved you.

And I promise to love you for the person you used to be, who you possibly will be, and the person who you're currently till the end of my life. And now I do not know who I was when you wasn't introduced in my life.

If you gonna over-think, I'm all set to over-explain everything over and over again. If it take you hours to explain something, I would listen to you for hours. I promise! But please do communicate.

However, a few more things are there which I want to urge to you -

• Be confident in yourself, my wife. Leave your inhibitions at the door. And guess what, hints don't work well with us. We've got equal shares of dumbness over here. So we have to start being direct!

• Everything is so much better when you respect yourself and smile. I wish you understand how I see you. You're beautiful to me in the most honest of ways. You're worthy, adequate, compatible and sufficient. You're suitable to me in every sense. And dare you called yourself a wife against your husband's status from now on. I'm telling! Manjiri Rao still exist, Mohan surname has nothing to do to destroy it's existence.

• Explain your likes and dislikes freely. Start feeling better about yourself, you're cherished Manjiri. You're much more than what you give yourself credit for.

• I know these days you're not satisfied with yourself again. I can sense that with your talks and texts. Or maybe you're too busy with the little one. But, Silly Head, know one thing that you're just 23 now. Life is a game of winning and losing. It's like chess, changing with every move. Not one's one move is capable enough to decide for his or her success. Definition of success is subjective. You think I'm successful but for me I'm not. Look at me, I'm 28, I know what's my purpose but still struggling. Stop seeing yourself so low and keep trying.

• I always want to fix your problems. Sorry if it at times gets annoying, but I just want to safeguard you from every possible negative thing or feeling. What to do I never felt so protective and vigilant for anyone else before.

• It hurts when you get upset with me. I deliberately don't try to upset you but sometimes it just happens on it's own and I feel badly about it. When you get upset I feel badly about upsetting you and also with myself for doing whatever stupid thing I did. I would repeat this again that I really don't want to be the person who I at times turn into when we fight.

• Wear your vulnerabilities like badges. There is no shame in there. Completely own every part of your personality with pride. I don't see any fault if you prefer being a reserved person or being too sensitive. Or your dressing style or even your height.

See, now let's come on to a very practical thing. I'm aware of your insecurities and you are too. I know many would advice you to don't have them, avoid thinking about them... But we both know they don't go away this way. They aren't so polite that if you ask them to not disturb you, they would stop. No, right?

Therefore, we gonna try to drop them very sensibly. We both have picked up fears and ill-feelings unconsciously, hence, we need to be utterly conscious in dropping them. Manjiri, do always remember that what is heart-breaking is most often life-changing. Confrontation is a must. Let's make it a rule. We would from this day on confront our feelings openly rather than avoid them. We would reflect on the good and make efforts in making time for joy, for us.

My heart craves for a solace that only you can provide, Silly Head. I wasn't joking that night when I whispered this in your ears that you're my solace. I really meant it at then and now too.

I won't mind repeating this that you're someone to whom I want to come back after a long day, take you in my arms and feel at peace. You make my heart feel light in my chest.

Silly Head, you're worthy. I hate it when you call yourself worthless. You matter. Your words matter. Your interests matter. Everything related to you matters to me the most. Get this thing clear in your silly head. You, your love has consumed my being totally. Something within me too breaks whenever I see you breaking down awfully.

You have become the definition of stillness to me. Even though your own emotional state remains anything but still.

You palpably put me in place, nonetheless your own thoughts quite often remain out of place.

You assuredly are making me an optimistic soul despite the fact you hardly remain an expectant human being yourself.

You indeed have brought a purpose in my life. Being around you is an addiction. My being smiles having you around. You make me a blessed out human. Perhaps because you have started to complete me in the most beautiful manner, whether it is intentional or unintentional I don't mind that. He actually don't mind anything as long as you remain a part of my life, willingly.

You're the most important person to me in the world. And I want to feel like I'm the same for you.

I've fallen for you really bad... and I don't want to get up ever since I'm drawn to you in countless ways. Can't wait to reach you.

Looking forward to see you super soon.

Yours truly,
Dr Saahab.

(P.S. - I chose the mailing option cause according to my special someone, my handwriting is awful.)

(P.P.S. - Stop flexing your good handwriting. Mine would be better than you if I'd took my cursive handwriting books seriously in school.)

📤📤📤

"Thinking about the casual intimacy of showing someone you love an unfinished work of art, the underlying message saying, I trust you with my unpolished heart...................."

~~~

Dear ones, do share your honest views on this chap and the story, as this is the only source of motivation which literally pushes me to pen down.
This can also help me in improving. So yes, eagerly waiting now.

I would really appreciate if each one of you will come and put forward your genuine reviews + expectations from me and
"JI HUZOORI".

~~~

This is it for now. Hope you liked it. I am sorry for the mistakes.

In case if you want to share your views or suggest something, you are more than welcome.

⭐My sincere request to all the SILENT READERS - Do vote this chap.⭐

Till then take care and stay connected.

Love ♥️✨