Relationship Status - It's complicated

Chapter 40 - Knight in Shining Armour

Shiv

"They seemed like nice people, right ? I don't have a lot of recollection of when they would live here. I guess I was too busy then. Do you remember them, Shiv?" I had walked into Papa's room after Anjali informed me how Sanjana's mother had questioned her about us.

I sat Papa down on the bed and informed him to take it forward with Sanjana's parents. Sanjana and Harshit had decided to get married so Anjali and my past should not matter now.

Anjali's voice echoed in my head. "That is true, Shiv. Sanjana and Harshit matter the most but haven't we both seen how families play an important role too? I am so sorry I started feeling all awkward and became answer less."

"Anjali didn't want me to come here to tell you, Papa. She is..I mean I myself take offense if anyone asks me about Shikha so, I am not even sure how Anjali must be feeling."

Papa nodded and looked like he was in deep thought.

"I'll handle it my way, beta. Please take care of Anjali beti. She is in our house with a very new and very important relation."

I looked at my old father, lines of worry and experience showed clearly on his face.

"And that is not all, right? What is worrying you, Papa?" I asked him.

After a long pause, he said, "Beta, I had a thought this morning but I am scared to share this with you, Harshit and Anjali."  

I heaved a sigh, I think I knew what he was going to propose, "Please Papa, you are not going anywhere. Not away from us." He had often said, he will live separately with Dadi once Harshit and I were married so that there was no interference from him in our lives."

Papa smiled a little, "Beta - that is the correct way. It is time you and Harshit also separate out. His room needs renovation. It is better he looks for a different apartment, perhaps not far away from here. Anjali and you can take this home and I'll move in with Beeji in our ancestral home in Punjab. (another word for mother).  But, right now, I want you to talk to Harshit and make sure he is really ready for this marriage and I want you and Anjali to welcome Sanjana beti with open arms. It is possible she comes with per-conceived idea of you and Anjali but allow her to get to know you two better before reacting in a way that becomes harmful for our family dynamics."

My heart suddenly felt heavy. I felt buried under a lot of emotions after listening to my father. "Papa, I'll talk to Harshit and I am sure Anjali and I will be able to welcome Sanjana. Anjali has already spoken to her. They have started already forming a bond. Can we please drop you moving away or Harshit moving out for now? Atleast until the wedding?"

I wanted to propose that Papa lives with me and Anjali and if Harshit wants to move out, he sure can. I knew Harshit would have strong opinions regarding this as well but given that he was getting married, it was difficult to speculate his mindset in these days. I wanted to talk to Anjali regarding this since her opinion was of utmost importance too. Admitted she never spoke about the need to move out and live a separate life but her silence didn't mean, I could assume she was okay with my proposed arrangement.

Papa sat in silence still in deep thought. "Please Papa, drop it for now. Let's just focus on getting the Roka done first."

Finally, he gave a silent nod, "Ok. Please take care of Anjali and I am saying that again since she will really be frank with you. So, make sure she always has that outlet where she can talk to you freely regarding any matter, beta." 

"Yes, Papa. I am really working on my marriage with her." I walked back to my room after wishing Papa good night. 

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