Book 1 of the Love and Duty Series
Anirudh Roy, the steadfast and disciplined army officer, had always lived by a set of principles, none of which involved love. His life revolved around duty, honor, and the pursuit of his ambitions. Marriage, child...
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Dhairya
"Yes mumma, I am at the airport. My flight takes off in an hour", I tell my mother who has been pestering me about my flight to Shimla.
"Okay okay, take care haan? And please be careful. Your father and I would wait at the airport", she says and I smile.
"Yes mumma, I will be careful", I tell her as I sit in the waiting area. Sighing, my mother disconnects the call after saying goodbye. Travelling alone was never a problem for me, I love travelling and exploring new places. But my parents worry a lot about me.
I sigh, looking at my watch. I informed Ani that I won't be able to pick his calls for the rest of the week. I don't want to ruin everything again especially when both baba and I are ready to mend our relationship and put our differences aside. I will tell my parents about Ani as conditions are favourable, not now.
I keep sitting in the waiting area until my phone rings. When I see it's Anirudh, I instantly pick it up.
"Hey! All set to go to Shimla?" He asks, not giving me time to say hi.
"Yep, waiting at the airport, you?" I ask, a smile making its way on my face. Whenever I talk to him, I unconsciously start smiling. He lights up my day with his rough husky voice.
"Nothing, just had lunch and then I'll go for my duty", he answers and I sigh. So that's why he called me now because after that, he will be busy with his work.
"Great!" I say but I hear some shuffling sounds from the background.
"What happened to you? Are you okay Dhairya?" He asks with worry laced in his tone and I sigh. How did he come to know that something has happened to me?
"Nothing has happened, why do you ask?" I lie, not wanting him to worry about me. I don't want him to overthink about my thoughts or even me.
He hums and says, "I don't know, you just don't sound like yourself. If something has happened, tell me".
"Ani, i-it's just I am scared to meet my baba. You know how things have been between us", I finally say and he hums, as if he knew what my situation was. I wish everything was simple and it wasn't this difficult to face baba. He might have forgiven me but that day still fogs my brain. How could I even say such things to baba?
"Dhairya, I understand", he finally says. I bite my lips and say, "Ani, I am ashamed of myself. As a daughter, I failed him. I crossed my boundaries and still, he is wanting to patch up. How can I act as if everything is fine when it isn't?"
Ani sighs from the other side and says, "Should I tell you something?"
I hum, ready to hear his long explanation but I love it when he tenderly explains his philosophical thoughts to me. How easily he gives the solution to my every problem?
