Here After!

23. Navigating New Beginnings

Giri

The days passed swiftly, and before we knew it, nearly a month had flown by since our wedding. Tomorrow, Anu will be resuming her work, still continuing her night shift. This meant we would only get to spend two to three precious hours together on weekdays.

As she came into the room, I suggested we get ready for a small shopping trip. "You might need to purchase any office necessities," I said, trying to sound casual.

I still wondered if, as a husband, I should have been more proactive about these things. If Mom hadn't highlighted this, I wouldn't have taken her shopping. There's so much I still need to learn about being a husband. Anu won't ask for anything if she needs it. Even though it's only been a short period since our marriage, I hardly recall her asking me for anything. If she doesn't ask, how can I know about her needs?

"Ready ?" I asked, trying to mask my thoughts with a smile.

She looked up, a bit surprised but nodded. "Sure, let me grab my bag."

We headed out and made our way to the mall. As we walked through the aisles, I noticed her glancing at various items, hesitating before moving on. It struck me how little she asked for, always content with what she had.

"Is there anything specific you need?" I asked, hoping to encourage her to speak up.

"Not really," she replied with a small smile. "Just a few things for work, maybe some new pens and a notebook."

I nodded, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there might be more she needed but wasn't mentioning. We picked up the items she pointed out.

After the purchase, Anu insisted on paying, but I denied it, feeling it was my responsibility. Though she was taken aback, she didn't say anything further. We returned home with our small haul. When Mom saw us coming back almost empty-handed, she raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why didn't you take her to purchase some office outfits?"

Anu quickly responded, "I have enough with me as of now, Mom."

Mom seemed satisfied with her answer, but I couldn't help feeling a pang of guilt. I made a mental note to pay more attention to her needs in the future. Anu always seemed so self-sufficient, but it was my duty to ensure she had everything she needed and more.

After dinner, Mom and Anu went up to the terrace to check on the homegrown veggies. While they collected the fresh produce, I took a moment to check on my plants. Originally, they were Gayu's, but now they had become mine. As I examined the plants, I noticed several Lunar flower buds that were set to bloom tonight. These flowers were my favorite.

In the early days, whenever there was a bud about to bloom, I would stay awake to watch it, earning a good scolding from Mom for my late-night vigils.

Tonight, as I stood there, nostalgia washed over me. The sight of the Lunar flowers preparing to open reminded me of those simpler times. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Anu approaching until she was right beside me.

"These flowers are beautiful," she remarked, following my gaze.

"Yeah, they are," I replied, smiling. "They're called Lunar flowers. They bloom only at night."

She looked at me with curiosity. "Do you stay up to watch them bloom?"

"I used to," I admitted with a chuckle. "Mom would always scold me for staying up late. But there's something magical about watching them bloom."

Anu smiled and took my hand. "Let's stay up and watch them together tonight."

I was pleasantly surprised by her suggestion. "Are you sure? You have work tomorrow."