SHE WAS NEVER MINE

9.

People were offering their blessings,

Yet, life felt like a curse at this moment.

Everyone was leaving, except one person.

It was him, Virat, her husband now!

"Anu," Anushka's mother shook her by the shoulder, getting her attention.

"All your belongings have been transferred to Virat's car. Tomorrow, Rohit will come with the others," Anushka nodded at her words.

Where were all her senses to react, to respond?

They were sitting inside the house. Virat's eyes continuously scanned her. Deep down, he just wanted her to feel okay, but he knew she wasn't.

It was time for the bride's farewell. It wasn't a normal farewell one sees at weddings. Anushka wasn't crying at all. Her mother and father were emotional. She hugged them before moving to Rohit.

He kissed her forehead, trying to hide his tears. He said, "All my happiness is yours, and all your sadness is mine now."

"Take care," he said to Virat, who nodded convincingly. He gestured for Rohit to step aside from the others.

"Is everything okay?" Rohit asked.

"Yeah, actually, we need to meet Maa; she needs to know this," Virat said, calmly.

"She will be shocked," Rohit said. "Will she accept Anu?" He asked.

"Maa will understand. I just want you to go there before us and explain everything to Maa. I don't want to repeat all of this in front of Anu," Virat said. Rohit passed him a smile.

"Thank you so much!" He hugged him lightly.

"She is my wife now," Virat passed him a smile.

Virat led Anushka to the car, and they sat inside and drove.

Anushka rested her head against the window, and Virat looked at her.

Sadness looked poetic on her face,
Happiness would be magical for sure.

"Anu..." Virat called out to her.

She looked at him.

"We need to go to the hospital to meet Maa. Are you comfortable right now?" He asked. She simply nodded her head in agreement.

Rohit arrived at the hospital before Anushka and Virat, explaining everything to Saroj aunty. She was shocked but realized that her son had made the right choice.

When Virat and Anushka reached the hospital, they approached Saroj aunty. She welcomed them with a smile, and they sought her blessings before sitting beside her.

"Give time some time; everything will be fine," Saroj aunty said, cupping Anushka's face. Anushka looked at Virat.

Perhaps, this is where everything would indeed be fine.

They spent some quality time there.

"Her life has been cruel enough. Try to make it smoother for her. Be patient with her," were Saroj aunty's words to Virat before they left the hospital.

Upon reaching Virat's house, he handed her the keys.

"These are the keys. Go ahead. I'll bring the bags," Virat said, passing her the keys. Anushka opened the door and entered, with Virat following closely behind, switching on the lights.

The house was in disarray, but Virat quickly set about cleaning it.

"In the morning, Rohit kept calling me repeatedly, and in the rush, I didn't get a chance to tidy up," he chuckled, clearing the mess from the sofa and gesturing for Anushka to sit.

"So, this is our home. This is the hall, there's the kitchen, and that's Maa's bedroom. There are two bedrooms upstairs. You'll sleep in mine because the other one's bathroom doesn't work properly, and I'll take that one. Don't worry; I'll manage up there. If you need anything, don't hesitate. Feel free to ask. Actually, you don't even have to ask; all of this now belongs to you," Virat explained as he tidied up the floor.

"Oh, my goodness! My room looks like a zoo. Wait for a while; I'll make it more comfortable for you," he said abruptly and rushed upstairs, with Anushka following.

"Do you need anything?" he asked, noticing her standing at the door, watching him.

"Nothing," she replied calmly.

Here he was, trying to make everything better for her. She wondered why. At a time when everyone should have left her, why had he chosen to stay by her side? Why had he picked her amidst all the chaos? Why had he done all of this?

*

After 2 Days

Anushka lay in bed, her eyes opening slowly to the morning light. As she blinked away the remnants of sleep, she found Virat standing at the door, watching her. Their eyes met, and he greeted her softly.

"Good morning, Anushka."

She replied, her voice still laden with exhaustion. "Good morning."

Virat smiled gently, concern etched in his eyes. "How are you feeling?"
Considering Anushka's fever from the last 2 days.

Anushka hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Better."

Virat nodded and gestured towards the door. "Breakfast is ready. Come downstairs when you're ready."

After freshening up, Anushka began to descend the staircase. Her footsteps echoed in the quiet house. As she reached the bottom step, She sattle down on dining table, Virat served her food and spoke up.

"Anushka, I'll be heading to Bengaluru for the India A match. Would you like to join me?"

She paused, considering his offer. "I'll think about it."

With that, she continued her ascent up the stairs. Just as she was about to disappear from his view, Virat called her name.

"Hey, listen?"

"Yes, Avi?" She didn't realise when she mentioned his name. Because Avi always called her from behind, with exact same words.

Anushka's breath hitched at her accidental reference to Avi's name. Panic surged through her, and she felt her legs giving way. She clutched the railing for support.

Virat quickly noticed her distress and hurried after her as she retreated upstairs. Her panic intensified with every step he took closer.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry Virat I didn't mean it, I'm sorry!" She cried harder.

Anushka dashed into her room, her heart pounding in her chest. Virat followed her, concerned for her well-being. He remained at the door, not wanting to crowd her, but his worry was evident in his eyes.

"Anushka," he spoke softly, "I'm so sorry if I triggered that. You're safe here. Just focus on your breathing. In and out, slowly." He demonstrated with deliberate, slow breaths, hoping she would follow suit.

Tears streamed down Anushka's cheeks as she hugged her knees, trembling. Her breaths were still erratic, and she struggled to regain control. Virat's presence at the door provided a lifeline of comfort.

"I didn't mean to upset you," he continued, his tone filled with genuine concern. "You don't have to explain anything now. Just take your time. I'm here, Anushka. You can talk to me when you're ready, or not at all, it's your choice."

He sat at the door, making sure she is fine. He stayed there for a long time, watching her because no matter how some one wants to be alone in a panic attack they require someone's warmth.

Anushka slowly began to match her breaths to Virat's calming rhythm, his support and understanding helping to ease her panic. The room gradually seemed less daunting, and the weight of her anxiety began to lift.

•

'what am I to you he asks

I put my hands in his lap
and whisper you
are every hope
i've ever had
in human form'

-rupi kaur