Unspoken Ties

Chapter-3 The Little Moment

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The garden was peaceful, bathed in the soft golden hues of the setting sun. You sat on the wooden bench, a book resting in your lap, the pages fluttering lightly as a cool breeze passed through. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves-it all made for the perfect evening. You always found solace in books, losing yourself in stories that made your own reality a little more bearable.

Being a village girl never meant being naïve or uneducated. In fact, you had always been among the brightest during your school and college years. Academics came easy to you, and your teachers had high hopes for your future. But life had its own plans.

As you turned a page, lost in thoughts of your past achievements-the dreams you once had, the ambitions you had set aside-your phone rang, pulling you back to the present. A smile instinctively formed on your lips when you saw the caller ID.

"Hello, Y/N dear," a warm, cheerful voice greeted from the other end.

"Hello, Mom. How are you?"

"I was doing fine, but hearing your voice has made me feel even better," she chuckled, a sound that always brought comfort to your heart. She was a woman who had always treated you like her own daughter, offering the love and warmth you had longed for.

Your smile grew, but there was an underlying sadness in your heart.

"And Dad? Is he taking his medicines on time?"

"Oh, don't worry about that. If he refuses, I'll shove them into his mouth myself," she said with a teasing tone. "You know he's scared of me."

A small laugh escaped your lips. "Of course, he is."

Then, her tone shifted slightly. "Well, I actually called to inform you about something. I don't trust Jungkook to remember, so I thought I'd tell you myself."

Your smile faltered at the mention of your husband. A familiar ache settled in your chest.

"What is it, Mom?"

"Jungkook's cousins are returning from America after three years. They've been studying there, and now they'll be staying with you two for a few days."

You paused. Jungkook had cousins? He had never mentioned them, not even in passing. But then again, he hardly spoke to you about anything personal. Expecting him to share such details about his family would be foolish.

"Y/N? Are you there?"

You blinked, shaking your head as if to clear your thoughts. "Y-Yeah, Mom. I'm here."

"What happened? Were you even listening?"

You felt embarrassed for zoning out. "Sorry, Mom. What were you saying?"

"I was telling you to make arrangements for them. They can be a bit picky, so everything should be according to their taste."

"With us?" The words left your lips before you could stop them.

"Yes, of course. Why? Do you have a problem with that? If you're uncomfortable, we can arrange something else."

Your heart clenched at her concern. You quickly shook your head. "No, no, Mom. It's not that. I just... I wasn't expecting it. I'm actually excited to meet them."

"Oh, you're so sweet, dear. I hope you'll enjoy their company."

You forced a small smile, even though deep down, you knew it wouldn't make much of a difference. Jungkook's family might be warm, but he himself was distant-so painfully distant.

"Now, I have to go," his mother continued. "Your dad is sneaking into the kitchen, probably going for the ice cream. I'll catch him red-handed. Take care, sweetheart!"