Aurous Charms

15| One Step at a Time

Published on 11th August 2024.
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Another chapter is here.
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Have a happy read!

♡ So, before you go
Was there something I could've said to make it all stop hurting?
It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless ♡

The kitchen was filled with the aroma of Akriti's favourite parathas and fresh tea. Yash moved with practiced ease, determined to make the day a bit better for both of them.

The events of the past few months had been tumultuous, and though the love they once shared was now strained, Yash hoped that small gestures might help rebuild what had been broken.

Akriti emerged from their bedroom, and entered the kitchen, her face pale and tired, her movements slow and deliberate. She was eight months pregnant now, and the weight of the past few months had taken a toll on her.

She wore a simple, loose-fitting dress that barely concealed her growing belly, and her face was etched with tired lines. Despite the attempts at normalcy, the atmosphere between them was palpably tense.

She glanced at the breakfast spread and gave him a curt nod. Yash watched her carefully, noting the way her eyes darted away from his. He tried to make small talk as she sat down, "Good morning, Akriti."

Yash said as he set a plate of gobhi parathas and a steaming cup of tea in front of her. His voice was filled with a hopeful warmth that seemed to be his only armor against the growing coldness between them.

Akriti sat down at the table and picked up a fork. "Morning, Yash." She replied, her voice subdued. She took a bite of the paratha and nodded, "It's good."

Yash smiled faintly. "I'm glad. I just wanted to make something special for you." He wanted to keep the tone light. "How did you sleep?"

Akriti took a sip of tea, then responded with a faint, "Not great."

The conversation felt forced, like they were both walking on eggshells. Akriti's attempt to mask her discomfort was evident, but Yash could see through it. She was still struggling with it and though they had decided to stay together for the sake of their child, the emotional chasm between them remained.

They ate in relative silence, the only sounds being the clinking of cutlery and the occasional sip of tea. Yash made several attempts at light conversation, but Akriti's responses were minimal, revealing a distance that neither words nor actions could fully bridge.

As Akriti finished her breakfast, she excused herself to rest. Yash watched her go with sadness. He was determined to make things work, not just for their unborn child, but because he still loved Akriti deeply, despite the mistakes he had made.

Later that afternoon, Yash watched Akriti as she napped on the couch. Her breathing was steady, and her hand rested protectively over her growing belly. He knew that Akriti was often exhausted from carrying their child, and he didn't want to disturb her, but he seized this quiet moment to connect with their unborn baby.

He sat beside her, "Hey, little one." His voice was gentle. "I hope you know how much we love you already. I know things are a bit rocky right now, but I promise we're doing our best. Your mom is amazing, and I'm going to be the best dad I can be. I can't wait to meet you. I hope you're growing strong and healthy."

Akriti stirred slightly but didn't wake up. Yash continued to speak, his voice low and soothing, as if trying to make amends with the little life inside her. He wanted to believe that if he could do everything right for the baby, he might eventually find a way to heal the rift between him and Akriti.