Little Joys- From The Epic Ramayana

Anniversary- LakshMila (Part II)

Lakshman did not realise Urmila's overthinking had gone bad until very recently. She had stopped responding to his little jokes. She had stopped those little eye contacts with him during family gatherings. It wasn't that she stopped, he couldn't see her eyes searching for him like they usually did.

In Urmila's pov, she was now believing he didn't care much and as per her friend's stories, he had perhaps lost interest. And now their lives might be like the typical royal couple: only duty and devotion. She didn't want that but took in all her courage and started preparing herself for that kind of life.  She didn't want to expect things and get disappointed later. It was a gloomy phase for her.

Lakshman realised something was wrong. He had not paid attention to her previous comments and arguments because they would always fight for silly things and get back. But this was not silly. And he had to get her back. It felt she was slowly losing a part of herself, her chirpiness, her confidence, her varied interests and much more.

But he didn't have time. He had to accompany Maharaja Dashrath to Magadh, for a very important event and deal. It was morning and they were leaving in the afternoon. 

'A later job' he thought, disappointed in himself.

He came to his room to pick up some luggage. Urmila was painting something.

"Milaa, I have to leave for Magadh immediately. With Pitashree.  We will be back in just two or three days okay?"

Urmila gave him a weak smile, but genuinely wished him a happy and safe journey.

Lakshman went looking for some accessories on their dressing table. All other stuff had already been packed.

He nervously came to her and said a final bye.

"Okay Mila, see you soon"

Urmila stopped her painting to come to him because she expected a hug. But he went off hurriedly. And there, she faced disappointment again.

After he left, she threw her stuff aside and led out a frustrated cry.
"I am so stupid! I believed in love and that it lasted. Well, love exists but it is rare. How could I believe it will be there for me? Especially love that is reciprocated. "

"You are overthinking Urmi, think of the initial days. You both were so happy. That was love" a voice in her head said.

"What if that was all normal for couples, nothing special. Just because you are his legally wedded wife" another said.

Urmila decided to sleep to shut out the voices in her head.

Since she took her little nap during the day, she was awake until midnight. The empty bed didn't help much. It wasn't new he was not there but today she missed him a bit too much. The room felt extra cold. She stood up to curtain the balcony doors but saw some other scenery from the same.

It was a particular area in the garden well lit up with diyas and flowers. Peeking in more, she understood it was Shatrughan arranging these things. He arranged a swing in between the setup and also put a gift there.

Urmila was delighted. First things first, love made her happy. No one realised that because she had this exterior of the fun loving girl, and she had her own disciplined , strong and wise personality for sabha and administration. But inside, she was a really romantic person.
Secondly, it was gossip. It would give her chances of endlessly teasing the youngest couples. And this gossip needed to be shared with Laksh.

Shatrughan brought Shrutkirti to the setup, closing her eyes, carefully supporting her along the path. When he removed his hands from her eyes, he really shouted "Happy Wedding Anniversary!!" Shrutkirti hugged him back saying the same.

'Adorable' the scene made Urmila very happy. She decided to finally close the balcony and give the couple their moment.
It did make her sad, it was her wedding anniversary as well. Their wedding anniversary.

But she can't do anything about it. No doubt, all of that overthinking and drama, she really really loved her Laksh. And she would do anything in her power to make him happy. Even if that included waiting for him forever. If she loses her love for him, she will lose herself.

'So be it' Urmila smiled remembering Lakshman and decided to put an end to her overthinking and past issues. It didn't matter what he could do for her, she wanted to focus on what she could do for him. Her love will be enough for both of them.

With that thought, she clutched one of his angavastra and slept peacefully.

The next day, after taking a bath, she went to the dressing area. She had to dress well today, it was a special occasion. Having done everything, when she crossed the box where her sindoor was kept, a rolled paper caught her attention. It was a letter. There was no seal as such, but it was wrapped with a beautiful set of very simple payals, just one silver line with a small blue gem in between. Simple and elegant as she liked.
She curiously opened the letter, hoping it wasn't just any stupid document lying around. But it wasn't.

It was everything that she had to hear.

The letter read:

Dear Mila,

Did I ever tell you how much you mean to me?
You might not believe it cause I'm always joking and making fun of you.
I have, a few times, but never enough I guess. Not enough because it made you doubt that I will ever break my loyalty towards you.
I just hope you will realise the intensity of my love on your own. I realise that I have been hoping a lot out of you. Without even trying to understand what your hopes are. I thought I would not become the usual husband we have in our society. I didn't want the bond between us to be so formal. It is true that in many ways I would never be able to fulfil your hopes and expectations from me. And you do know that. I know you have accepted that. But it is unfair.
I accepted you in my life not only because I had to fulfil your love towards me. Also because I need you more than you need me. I am nothing without you. It is sad, as the younger prince and his wife or my life in the shadow of our siblings, people would never know of you as much. In me, they will never see the husband I try to be better each day. Because with whatever I can, I want you to be happy, comfortable and peaceful.
Not only a better husband, thank-you for making me a better person. You have been a motivation all along. You are my person in a room full of people. I never thought I would experience deep true love. You accepted me with all your heart and I cant stop thanking my stars on the same.
And I don't know why you think I am very desirable that you would get a co wife very soon. I am not, every day I look at you and wonder, what good deeds have I done that made you mine? Because you are the most beautiful woman in the world. You are literally perfect in all aspects. And even if I was a bit desirable of what you think of me, you will be my one and only wife.
Not just because I am influenced by bhaiya, but also because I want to keep it so. I can't imagine being with anyone else. I have a lot to tell you but it is all for when we meet in person.
Thank you for your patience all this while. I will try to make up for the lost time.

Happy Anniversary love!

Yours & only yours,
Laksh

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A/N: LakshMila is my favourite but I can never write them well romantically.  Comic, definitely (people on India Forums know).

I tried to write realistic couple struggles for them. I hope it made sense lol.