Rishtey

Chapter - 4

Flashback...

Anamika stood in front of the dresser, lost in thought as she absentmindedly adjusted her earrings. The soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the room, but her mind was miles away. It had been another long day, and though she tried to shrug off the constant nagging thoughts, they crept in. Vineet's parents still hadn't warmed to her, and despite the years that had passed since they got married, their coldness weighed on her.

Just then, the door creaked open. She didn't turn, already knowing who it was from the familiar soft footsteps. Vineet, her husband, had just returned from the office. Without saying a word, he quietly walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. He rested his chin on her shoulder, pressing a tender kiss to her neck.

Anamika smiled softly, momentarily letting her worries fade away. She could feel the warmth of his embrace, the silent reassurance that he was with her, no matter what.

"I missed you," Vineet whispered, his voice deep and filled with love. "I know it's been tough... but you know I'm always here, right?"

Oh!! How can he always know what's in her mind?

Anamika leaned back into him, letting herself melt into his comfort. "I missed you too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just hard sometimes, Vineet. Maa, Papa... they still haven't accepted me. I don't know where I went wrong? Main bahut koshish kar rahi hoon par..." she sighs.

Vineet sighed, tightening his hold on her as if that would shield her from the pain. "I know," he said softly. "But I'll make it right, Anamika. They don't see what I see... how incredible you are. But I'll do everything I can to show them. You're a part of me, a part of this family, even if they refuse to admit it. And I'm very sure, bahut jaldi they'll accept you!"

She turned in his arms, facing him, her eyes searching his. "You don't have to do more, Vineet. I don't want you to feel like you need to prove anything to me."

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I don't need to prove anything... but I want to. I want to make sure you always feel like you belong here, because you do. More than anyone else. I don't care what others think all I know is that you belong to me!"

Anamika's eyes softened, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. In that moment, the world outside didn't matter-their bond, their love, was enough. Vineet might be fighting a battle with his family, but in his heart, Anamika was already home.

"Thank you," she whispered against his chest. "I love you."

Vineet kissed the top of her head, holding her tight. "I love you too... always."

For many moments they didn't move until Anamika looked up at Vineet, her fingers gently tracing the lines of his face. A flicker of doubt crossed her mind, something she hadn't voiced before. "Vineet," she began softly, her voice hesitant, "Will you always love me like this? Even if... things don't change with your parents? Even if it gets harder?"

Vineet's eyes softened, and he took her hand in his, pressing it to his chest where his heart beat steadily beneath. "Anamika," he said, his voice firm yet tender, "I'll always love you. No matter what happens, no matter what anyone says, my love for you will never change. You're my world, and I promise, I'll be the same, no matter what."

She searched his eyes for any sign of doubt, but all she found was the unwavering love he had always shown her. A tear escaped down her cheek, but Vineet gently wiped it away, leaning down to kiss her forehead.