Mr. And Mrs. Bhalla

18

Author's POV

The evening had settled over Delhi, bringing with it a gentle breeze that carried the lingering scent of jasmine from the garden below. The Bhalla house was unusually quiet, the day's chaos finally giving way to the serenity of the night. Raman sat on the balcony, staring at the sky, lost in thought. Ishita, sensing his quiet contemplation, joined him, handing him a cup of tea.

"You're awfully quiet today," Ishita said softly, sitting down beside him.

Raman glanced at her, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Just thinking," he replied, taking a sip of the tea. "About everything that's happened... and everything I've done."

Ishita tilted her head, concern evident in her eyes. "You've been through a lot, Raman. It's okay to feel overwhelmed."

Raman sighed, placing the cup on the table in front of them. "It's more than that, Ishita. I've made so many mistakes-my anger, my stubbornness... I almost lost everything. And sometimes I feel like... I'm not good enough for you."

Ishita's heart clenched at his words. She reached out, gently placing her hand on his. "Raman, you're human. We all make mistakes. But what matters is that you're trying to change, to be better. That's what makes you a good person-and a good husband."

Raman looked at her, his expression softening. "I don't know how you put up with me," he said, his voice laced with both admiration and guilt.

Ishita smiled, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Well, it's not easy. But then again, you're not too bad when you're not being a grumpy old man."

Raman chuckled, the sound low and warm. "A grumpy old man, huh? I suppose I've earned that title."

"You have," Ishita teased, leaning closer to him. "But you're my grumpy old man."

Raman shook his head, smiling to himself. He hadn't expected this marriage to turn out the way it had. Initially, it was a mere obligation, a solution to a problem. But now, sitting here with Ishita, he realized just how much she had become a part of his life. He turned to her, noticing how the soft moonlight highlighted her features, making her look almost ethereal.

"You know, I never thought I'd say this," Raman started, his voice tender, "but I'm really glad I married you."

Ishita's eyes widened slightly, surprised by his sudden confession. "Really? Even after everything that's happened?"

Raman nodded, his gaze steady. "Especially after everything that's happened. You've stood by me through it all, Ishita. I don't think I would have made it without you."

Touched by his words, Ishita felt a warmth spread through her chest. She had always hoped that their relationship would grow beyond the initial awkwardness, but hearing him say it out loud meant more than she could express. "I'm glad we found each other too, Raman," she replied softly. "Even if it wasn't in the most conventional way."

Raman smiled, his heart feeling lighter than it had in days. He reached out, taking her hand in his. "I think... we make a pretty good team."

Ishita chuckled, squeezing his hand gently. "We do. And I think we're just getting started."

As they sat there, hands intertwined, the conversation flowed easily between them, touching on everything from their childhood memories to their hopes for the future. Raman found himself opening up in a way he hadn't with anyone in a long time. He talked about his mother, about the guilt he carried for not being able to save her, about his fear of not being a good enough son, husband, or even father someday.

Ishita listened intently, her heart breaking and healing all at once as she realized how much pain Raman had been carrying alone. She reassured him, sharing her own fears and vulnerabilities, letting him know that he wasn't alone in his struggles.