Three coins in the fountain

Cradled in Love

I am nearing the conclusion of this story, and my hope is to wrap it up before the long weekend comes to an end. My daily workload has been quite demanding, with over 12 hours of work each day, leaving me with little energy to dedicate to anything else. This has unfortunately led to delays in completing the story. However, I want you to know that I have taken the time to read your comments, and I'm truly appreciative of your feedback and support.

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As he returned home after a long and exhausting day at work, a sense of trepidation gripped his heart. The apartment, meticulously clean and flawlessly organized, was a testament to the painstaking efforts of Anu. The air was imbued with the intoxicating scent of Italian herbs, a fragrant that painted the room with memories of shared meals and stolen moments of intimacy.

It was more than just a pristine living space; it was a silent apology. Anu, in her own subtle way, sought to mend the invisible fractures that had appeared in his heart. A desperate attempt to make amends for a night spent in the company of Anuj, a wound that cut deep into his soul. Yes, it hurt to know she had spent the night with Anuj, but he understood that there was no need for her to apologize. No promises of exclusivity had ever passed her lips. Theirs was an unconventional connection, an open relationship founded on the bedrock of mutual understanding and respect.

He had never dared to expect more than what Anu could provide. Yet, the pain still gnawed at his heart. He had fallen head over heels in love with her kindness, her boundless empathy, and the vastness of her heart. Anu's enduring generosity, even when it led to her own terrible heartbreak, was a testament to the remarkable person she was. She was the sun, and he was merely a planet, revolving around her warmth.

Yes, he loved her, and deep down, he suspected that Anu was privy to the depths of his affection. Yet, this love was his burden to bear, a weighty secret he carried silently.

Interrupting his reverie, Anu emerged from their bedroom, a vision of elegance draped in a pink mirror-work saree. Her eyes, deep and brown like anixnite, held an enigmatic allure that could unravel his innermost thoughts. Those eyes possessed a unique power, capable of breaching his defenses, delving into his soul, and transporting him to distant realms of emotion. Her smile alone had the ability to illuminate his heart, casting away the shadows of his worries.

"Aarav, aaj aap late kyu ho gaye? Waise acha hi hai aaj aap late ho gaye kyuki maine bas abhi abhi sab tyaari khatam ki hai," she inquired.

"Mohtarma, Khaane main kya banaya hai?" he responded, his heart warmed by her presence.

"Garlic Cream Fettuccine and Chicken Parmesan," she replied with a mischievous twinkle in her deep brown eyes.

"Anu tumne chicken kyu banaya? I know you don't like the smell of chicken. Tumhe nausea ho jata hai," he expressed his concern, his love for her evident in his eyes.

"Vo aapki favorite dish hai na aur aaj mera maan tha ki main aapka favorite kuch banau," she explained, her gaze never leaving his.

"Ab zyada baatein mat kijiye. Dinner k saath karte hai," she said, moving closer to him. She gently took his bag and blazer, carefully removing his tie. "Haath dho kar aaye jaldi tab tak main ye rakh deti hoon," she continued, her actions filled with love and care, making his heart swell with affection for this woman who cared for him so tenderly.

Dinner had been an exquisite affair, leaving him in awe of Anu's culinary skills. He couldn't help but marvel at how she could create such a delectable chicken dish without ever tasting it herself.

As they savored the flavors, the morning's incident remained untouched, a fragile bubble of unspoken tension.

Breaking the silence, Anu inquired, "Nivedita se baat hui aapki aaj? Uska mujhe call aaya tha ki next week Germany se wapis aa rahi hai kuch 1-2 mahine k liye?"

"Uska message aaya tha mujhe, lekin main chahta hu ki vo mujhe bhi call karti. Lekin mujhe khushi hai ki you are playing role of adult paternal figure in her life," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of apprehension.

"Aap yesa galat kyu soch rahe hain? Aap ye sochiye ki vo ghar aa rahi hai, vo bhi 1-2 mahine k liye. Vo humare saath yaha rahegi, iska matlab hai vo aapke paas rehna chahti hai," Anu explained, her eyes reflecting her sincerity.