Here After!

24. Night Blooms from Fear to Love

Anu

I started adjusting to the new changes and my life with Giri. He is making every effort to ensure I am comfortable. Mom is no less; she is also giving her best as a mother. While she never misses a chance to make some complaints, she is more of a friend to me than a typical mother-in-law. She is a supportive woman, and sometimes I feel like she gives me more importance than Giri, perhaps to make sure I never feel alone.

The days flew by, and before I knew it, almost a month had passed since our wedding. Tomorrow, I will be returning to work, still on the night shift. I was surprised when Giri suddenly asked me to get ready for shopping, specifically for office necessities. It seemed unnecessary since I was just resuming what I had left a few days back. But I decided to go along with it, unsure of what I might need to buy.

I wandered through the store, my eyes drifting over the shelves as I randomly picked up some pens and notebooks, unsure of what I really needed. I felt a bit uneasy about Giri paying for my things, but he insisted, brushing off my concerns.

When we returned home, Mom greeted us with a question that caught Giri off guard. "Why didn't you take her to buy outfits?" she asked, a hint of frustration in her voice. I could see Giri struggling to find an answer, so I quickly stepped in, hoping to ease the tension.

"Mom, I have plenty of clothes right now," I said with a reassuring smile. "I don't really need any more at the moment." She seemed to consider my words for a moment before nodding, the tension slowly dissipating.

Once I got settled in, I followed my usual routine of calling Mom and Dad. We exchanged updates about our days; they listened to me, and I listened to what they had to share.

In the evening, I spent some time with Mom while she was busy with her home tuition sessions. She had around six to eight students from the neighborhood who came over for lessons. Teaching them was her way of staying occupied and warding off boredom.

Mom once confided in me that after her retirement, she felt a profound loneliness at home. Gayu had gotten married and moved in with her in-laws, and Giri was at work during the day, leaving Mom alone until he returned. To fill the silence, she started planting vegetables in the backyard and giving tuition to nearby students in the evenings.

Seeing her now, I can tell she is genuinely content with her life. From her demeanor and the way she carries herself, it's clear she's enjoying herself to the fullest. Mom has had her share of tough times, but she has always fought through them for her children. She's a true warrior and deserves immense respect. There might be many strong women like her out there, but she is the one I know personally and admire deeply.

Coming from a family of teachers, I've always known that educators are well-trained not only to shape the minds of children but also to nurture and guide their families. In my own life, I see similarities between my Dad and Giri's mom. Both lead disciplined lives characteristic of teachers, yet they aren't the stereotypically strict kind. They are true gems who understand their students and guide them with empathy and wisdom.

However, my Mom is a bit different. When she steps inside our home, she leaves her teacher persona at the door. At home, she is wholly a mom—loving, caring, and nurturing. Her teacher's side fades away, and she becomes the heart of our household, embodying all the warmth and affection of a devoted mother.

Life feels incredibly good when we are surrounded by people who love us unconditionally, guide us perfectly, and ensure we never fail or fall into loneliness. I'm beginning to feel myself slipping into a comfortable, reassuring zone, enveloped by the warmth and support of those around me.

When it comes to Giri, I find myself at a loss for words. He is a simple man with modest dreams, always caring and considerate. Our relationship's status is unclear to me, but I know that being with him makes me happy. I cherish the time we spend together, and he has a way of making me feel incredibly comfortable.