Reshimbandh~Silken Threads

30. The Anniversary

Trigger Warning: Violence, Death

-*-*-

August 2012

Late afternoon.

Arjun's Apartment.

Arjun plopped on the bed after a long shower. Staring at the ceiling. 

"Arjun, if you're done showering, shall I make-" Roshni stopped as she walked into the room, seeing Arjun mindlessly stare at the ceiling. For the past few days, he had been worried. She ran her fingers through his hair, sitting beside him. 

He put his hands around her waist, laying his head on her lap, he snuggled. "Arj-" Roshni began. "Uhm" He voiced, closing his eyes. She sighed and continued caressing his hair. The faint smell of her rose and jasmine scent relaxed his senses.

After a few minutes of comforting silence, Arjun opened his eyes. Roshni was looking at him, with love and concern. 

"Rosh, will you go to London?" 

A slight crease in her forehead. "With you?" 

"No. With your in-laws and Neha." 

"Neha has agreed to go?" She remembered that last week when they brought up the topic, she had vehemently denied. 

"Not yet. Kaka asked me to convince her. When she comes today, I will talk to her, again." His eyes fixed on the ceiling, once again. 

"Is it important?" Roshni waited for an answer. "What is going on, Arjun? Why are you so worried?" She asked, softly. 

He sighed. "You know, we have been busting some drug trade links, lately. Last month we had that factory destroyed. They have started retaliating. Last week, two of my inspector's families met with an accident."

"You think it was not an accident?" 

"Yes, and I think you should," Arjun paused. 

She nodded. "What if I go to my parents house, to Nagpur?" 

He replied thoughtfully. "I can arrange for security there." 

"Done, then." She smiled as his face relaxed. "Now, what's the plan for the evening?" 

He sat upright. "Nothing much, just me and my favourite wife." 

"What do you mean favourite?" Roshni feigned anger. 

"You, my dearest, my favourite wife." He placed his finger under her chin. 

"And what about my kids?" 

"They will enjoy their playdate." He smiled. 

Roshni pouted. "Arjun, they're nine months old. They are not supposed to have playdates, yet."

"Don't worry, our in-house babysitter will take care of them."

"Well if you've decided everything, tell me the menu." She sighed.

"I don't want either of us to be busy in kitchen, so, how about Pulav and Kadhi?" He cupped her cheek. 

"Works." She pressed her forehead against his, closing her eyes. Arjun snaked his arms around her back, pulling her closer. Their breaths mingled and their hearts synced. The twins were busy taking their afternoon nap and our love birds finally had some peace.