#MaAn: A flight of fate

||3|| Anu's Curiosity, Departure from Ahmedabad, Sleepover and Anuj's Outburst

### Anu's Question

A few days after their return to New York, Anu found herself unable to shake off the questions that had been nagging at her since their trip to India. One evening, as they sat together in the living room of their cozy New York apartment, she gathered her courage and decided to ask her mother and Anuj about their past.

"Mama, Papa," Anu began tentatively, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "Can I ask you something?"

Anupama and Anuj looked up, their attention immediately on Anu. They exchanged a brief glance, silently communicating their readiness to answer whatever she had on her mind.

"Why did you and Papa get divorced?" Anu blurted out, her eyes wide with curiosity and concern.

Anupama's heart skipped a beat, though she had anticipated this question would eventually come. She took a deep breath, her gaze shifting momentarily to Anuj before focusing back on Anu. "Sweetheart, sometimes in life, adults face challenges and misunderstandings that are difficult to overcome. Your Papa and I... we had our share of those challenges."

Anuj nodded in agreement, his expression soft yet pained. "Anu, marriage requires a lot of understanding, patience, and compromise. Your Mama and I, unfortunately, let our differences get the better of us at times."

Anu listened intently, absorbing their words. "But you still love each other, right?"

Anupama and Anuj exchanged a heartfelt look, the unspoken answer passing between them. "Yes, Anu," Anupama replied softly. "We will always care deeply for each other. Sometimes, love is complicated, but it doesn't diminish how much we feel."

Anu nodded slowly, processing their explanations. "Okay, Mama, Papa. I just wanted to know."

Anupama reached out, pulling Anu into a comforting embrace. "Thank you for asking, beta. We want you to understand as much as possible."

### Departure and Arrival

A few days later, Anupama and Aarav began preparing for their departure back to New York. Anu helped her mother pack, feeling a mixture of sadness at leaving her extended family in India and anticipation to return home. Anuj visited them one last time before their flight, bringing small gifts for Anu and Aarav.

"I'm going to miss you both," Anuj said, ruffling Aarav's hair affectionately. "But I'll visit you soon in New York, I promise."

Anu hugged Anuj tightly, feeling a pang of sadness at saying goodbye. "We'll miss you too, Papa. Please come visit us soon."

With tearful farewells and promises to stay in touch, Anupama and Aarav boarded their flight back to New York. Anuj watched them go, his heart heavy yet hopeful for the future.

### Anuj and Anu's Return to New York

A month passed quickly, filled with Anuj focusing on his work and Anu settling back into her routine. Anuj kept his promise and visited Anupama and Aarav regularly in New York. They spent weekends exploring the city, visiting parks, and enjoying family dinners together.

One sunny afternoon, Anuj received a call from Anu. "Papa, when are you coming to visit us again? I miss you!"

Anuj smiled warmly. "I miss you too, Anu. How about I come next weekend? We can go to the zoo!"

Anu's excitement was palpable over the phone. "Yes, Papa! That sounds amazing. Mama and Aarav will be so happy."

True to his word, Anuj arrived in New York the following weekend. They spent a delightful day at the zoo, laughing and sharing stories as they admired the animals. Anu clung to Anuj's hand as they walked, feeling a deep sense of happiness in his presence.