sᴛᴀʀ-ᴄʀᴏssᴇᴅ - 𝒜 ℬ𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓀𝒶 𝒱𝒶𝒹𝒽𝓊 𝒜𝒰

Re-united

Five years had passed since Anandi had seen her husband. These five years had felt like eternity, Jagdish's promise being the only thing that had pushed her through the long time.

His words were still clear in her head. In a breathy tone, he had told her that he'd come back to take her home. She had been looking forward to that day ever since. No matter how much they fought, they had grown quite close in their time together. It took her some time to understand what their relationship was but now she knew. She was in love with him. She always had been but they were both too young to even think of that. But not anymore – now she was an adult. She understood her feeling towards Jagya and it made her fluster. She could barely wait anymore. She knew that Jagya and her in-laws would arrive soon.

"Anandi! O Anandi! Your mother is calling you home immediately!"

"Tell her I'm on my way!"

Gathering her books, she got up and ran towards her home. In the past five years, if anything hadn't changed, it was Anandi - still running around, in hurry, with a smile on her face. Panting heavily, she reached her home and barged in.

"I'm here Ma, what did you need me fo-"

Her words got caught in her mouth. Sitting on the chairs were her in-laws. The day had finally come. She was going to meet her family and her husband. She could barely stand still.

Sumitra stood up and hugged her tightly.

"Anandi, meri laado, how much you've grown! It's so good to see you after so long!"

Anandi smiled at her and hugged her again.

"It's good to see you too Saasu Ma!"

"Anandi, let's not shower all your love on your mother-in-law! Save some for your father-in-law too! ", said Bhairon, Jagya's father.

"Of course not Baapu Sa! I've missed you too!"

Anandi went and hugged him too. There was genuine happiness on their faces and that relieved Khajan Singh, who was still skeptical of his daughter's in-laws.

They sat and talked for a long time, reminiscing about good times.

"Where is our dear son-in-law? We were hoping to see him here too"

"Of course Khajan Singh Ji, he must be on his way"

Hearing that made Anandi fluster again. He was on his way. She was going to see him after 5 years.

----------- Jagdish's POV ----------

The bus was moving painfully slow. He was finally going to see her after five long years. Only he knew how difficult these past years had been for him. He had grown too used to her presence. The day she left had deeply hurt him. He was desperate to have her back and now the terrible wait was over. They were going to bring her back. Anandi. Her name was echoing in his head. Finally the bus came to a halt.

"This is the last stop! Please un-board the bus!"

Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Jagya got out of the bus and started speed walking towards her house. She must be so grown up now – he thought. But then again, so was he. The thoughts and feelings he was having were out of his understanding. He knew that he was used to her presence but he never understood why. Even now, he just knew that he needed her. Why he needed her, was beyond his understanding.

After running all the way, he arrived at his sasural. It had been a long time since he had visited her home. He could still remember the day he had arrived, dressed like a groom and how Anandi had laughed at his failed attempts to complete the ritual. A smile crept up to his face and he rushed in.

As he entered the house, all the people looked up to him, stopping whatever they were discussing. His eyes wandered around to see her. But she wasn't there. He couldn't help but feel disappointed.

"Jagya! Come here! Meet your in-laws."

His father's voice brought him back to reality. He nodded his head and went to his in-laws. He touched their feet and asked for blessings.

"May you have a long, healthy life and May you always stay happy!"

Anandi's father hugged him and patted his back.

"Come, have a seat. Anandi will bring something to eat soon"

Hearing her name seemed to lift his spirits once more. He smiled and sat next to his mother. She caressed his face lovingly.

"Anandi! See who's here!"

His heart started beating faster. Any moment now, Anandi would come in and they'd meet finally.

But she didn't come. Her mother called her once again but in vain. All of them looked at each other and Jagya stood up.

"I'm gonna go see her. Maybe she's being shy."

He went to her room but to his horror, she was lying face down on the floor.