You Complete me

Maa

The following day, Ranvir departed for work a little earlier than usual. Sia felt a knot of worry tightening in her chest for his well-being. He had been pushing himself relentlessly for days on end. As she pondered these thoughts, the doorbell rang, breaking her reverie. She opened the door to find Massi standing there. They embraced softly, and Sia invited her in. Massi settled onto the sofa, her face drawn and somber. Concerned, Sia asked, “What’s wrong, Massi? Is everything okay?” With a heavy heart, Massi replied, “How can it be okay, Sia? I miss your mother so much. Tomorrow marks her death anniversary.” Instantly, Sia’s face fell, the weight of the moment crashing down on her. This time of year had always been a struggle, a painful reminder of loss. She usually kept herself occupied to escape the sorrow, but this year, the silence was deafening. A deep sadness enveloped her as they chatted for a few hours before Massi finally left. Sia felt a profound emptiness; memories of her mother flooded her mind. She recalled how life used to be, with her father coming home on time, their weekend adventures, and the warmth of sleeping together as a family. Laughter and games danced in her memory, but now they felt like ghosts. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she thought of her last moments with her mother, and she longed to hold her photograph close, seeking comfort in the memories that felt so distant yet so vivid.

Now, even her mother's beloved photographs and treasured belongings were absent from her life. They were in her father's house, a place she couldn't bear to go. Sia's mind wandered to thoughts of her father, wondering if he ever missed his wife. Just then, a notification broke through her melancholy.
Ranvir:

Baby! Please have your dinner okay! I'll be late.🥰❤

A heavy sigh escaped her lips, the weight of loneliness pressing down on her. She understood the demands of Ranvir's job, but it did little to ease the ache in her heart. Her head ached, and tears fell freely, a reflection of her deep-seated sadness.
She embraced her pillow, lying down as exhaustion took over, and soon she drifted into a deep sleep. In that quiet space, she sensed a hand gently brushing through her hair. When she opened her eyes, she found Ranvir's mother beside her, lovingly stroking her head. Sia sprang up, surprised, "Mom! You’re here...? You didn’t let us know you were coming." Without a reply, Maa pulled her into a warm embrace. Sia was feeling a flicker of the comfort her own mother used to provide. "Don’t be afraid, my dear," Maa said softly. "I’m here with you, and your mother is watching from the heavens, proud of all you’ve become."
Hearing this, Sia's tears flowed like a river, her heart heavy with sorrow. She clung to Maa, seeking solace, and Maa wrapped her arms around her, whispering comforting words. After a while, Sia felt a flicker of calmness return. "Maa! Let me make us some tea," she said, her voice still shaky. As she stepped into the kitchen, she noticed Ranvir plating dinner. Without looking up, he remarked, "It's dinner time, not tea time, your highness!" When he finally turned, Sia rushed to him, enveloping him in a tight embrace, her sobs echoing in the quiet room. Ranvir held her close, gently stroking her back, murmuring, "It's okay Babba! All of us are with you Jaan! You know na i can't see you like this. Please Baby don't cry.. I love you❤" Just then, Maa entered the kitchen, wrapping her arms around Sia from behind, playfully saying, "I love you too, baby!" Sia managed a small giggle, a brief moment of lightness amidst the heaviness.
After chatting for a little while, Maa said cheerfully, "Alright, my little ones! Get cozy on the sofa. I’ll bring the food." "No!" Sia and Ranvir replied in chorus. Sia firmly stated, "No, Maa! You’re not going to work while I’m here." Ranvir added, "That’s right, Maa! Just relax and watch some TV. We’ll take care of everything." After their heartfelt insistence, Maa finally stepped away to let them manage.
Just as Sia was about to turn away, Ranvir gently caught her wrist, pulling her into his embrace. He delicately tucked a stray hair behind her ear and asked in a soft voice, "Why didn’t you confide in me about this?" Sia lowered her eyes, murmuring, "I know, Ranvir, that you’re facing a lot of pressure at work. I didn’t want to trouble you. But how did you come to know?" Ranvir replied, "I’ve been aware since last year. You kept your distance during this season, and then, out of the blue, you booked your tickets to New York. I grew worried and asked Aasmi, who filled me in on everything." Sia nodded, her heart swelling. Ranvir cupped her face, resting his forehead against hers, and whispered, "Nothing... truly nothing is more important than you!"
They brought the cutlery and food along with them. Maa had already switched on the TV, creating a cozy atmosphere. They all gathered around to enjoy their meal together. Maa began sharing stories about Ranvir's childhood, recounting his playful antics, and Sia listened in awe, her eyes wide with surprise. Just as Maa was about to dive into another tale, Ranvir's cheeks turned crimson, and he interjected, "Maa! You don’t have to share everything." Sia chuckled at his embarrassment. Both of them nestled their heads on Maa's lap, where she lovingly stroked their hair. Before long, Sia drifted off to sleep. Ranvir stood up, kissed Maa's forehead, and then Sia's, saying, "Maa! She needs you more tonight. I’ll just sleep on the sofa, alright?" Maa gently ran her fingers through his hair and replied, "I’m so proud of you, my dear! I’ve truly raised a gentleman." He touched her feet in respect before heading off to sleep.
The next day, Ranvir's peaceful dreams were interrupted by a loud wake-up call. "Ranvir! Get your butt out of bed! You're going to be late, and your boss is ready to give you a lecture that could rival a TED Talk! Get up, you snoozing sloth!" Sia was on a mission to rescue him from his cozy cocoon. When her sweet words didn’t work, she resorted to a pillow smackdown. Ranvir shot up like a jack-in-the-box, his hair a glorious mess that made him look like a cute, confused lion. Half-asleep, he grumbled, "WHAT?" Sia responded, "Sir, it's 6:00 am! Time to join the land of the living!" "I'm not heading to the office today; I'm on leave," Ranvir stated. Sia moved closer and perched on his lap like a little one, inquiring, "Why? You told me these next two weeks are vital for the project. So, what's the reason?" Ranvir embraced her and said, "I can't leave you alone today. I'm not going anywhere." Sia kissed his cheek and replied, "But I'm not by myself. Mom is here. You don’t need to give up your work for me. If you really want to stay, just come home early." Ranvir looked at her with concern for a moment and then kissed her forehead.