Blood and heart

Epilouge

Eight months later...

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. It was a peaceful Sunday morning, and two souls lay entwined, holding onto each other as if the world outside didn't exist.

Reyansh stirred awake first, his eyes fluttering open to the sight he cherished the most—Naina, lying beside him, her face glowing softly in the morning light. Every day of the past year had begun like this, with her by his side, a constant reminder of the vows they had made. Today was different, though. It marked their first wedding anniversary, a milestone of love, endurance, and the quiet comfort of being with one's soulmate.

His gaze lingered on her, admiration filling his chest as he took in every detail of her face. The delicate arch of her brows, the soft curve of her lips, the serenity that seemed to radiate from her even in her sleep—it was all so familiar, yet still capable of taking his breath away. Slowly, his thumb brushed against her cheek, the touch feather-light, as though he was still afraid this might all be a dream.

In that silent moment, Reyansh couldn't help but marvel at his fortune. She was everything—his light, his safe harbor, the best part of his existence. And he was grateful for her, more than words could ever express.

As if she could feel the depth of his thoughts, Naina stirred gently beside him. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing those deep blue orbs that had always captivated him. Her gaze softened the moment it found his, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips.

"Good morning, Ansh," she murmured, her voice low and husky from sleep, yet it held a sweetness that warmed him from the inside.

Leaning down, Reyansh pressed his lips gently to her forehead, lingering for a heartbeat longer than usual. "Good morning, biwi jaan," he whispered against her skin, his voice a soft caress, the words brimming with affection.

They stayed like that for a while, just savoring the quiet closeness, the warmth of their bodies intertwined. There was no rush, no need for words. For in that space between waking and being fully aware, they had everything they needed—each other.

Later, after breakfast, the house buzzed with life. Laughter echoed through the living room as everyone gathered together, the familiar sound of family filling the space with warmth. Chatter flowed easily, stories and jokes shared over cups of chai.

But despite the lightheartedness, there was something nagging at the back of Naina's mind. A tiny seed of doubt that refused to go away. How come no one had mentioned their anniversary? Not even her own husband had acknowledged it. She knew she was being childish, but still—shouldn't someone have said something by now? Especially Reyansh?

Her eyes flicked toward him, trying to catch a glimpse of any sign he remembered, but there he was, sitting relaxed and smiling, completely at ease. She bit her lip, the thought gnawing at her. Had he forgotten? She didn't want to make a big deal out of it, but still, she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

As the morning wore on, Naina forced herself to push the thought aside, trying to join in the conversation. Yet, her mind kept circling back to that one unanswered question. Could it really be that no one remembered?

It was evening, and the only sound in the room was the soft clicking of keyboards as Naina and Reyansh worked in silence. The air between them was thick, the kind of quiet that felt heavier than words.

Finally, Reyansh broke it. "Biwi Jaan, how about dinner tonight? It's been a while since we've had some time for ourselves." His voice was gentle, but it only added fuel to Naina's simmering frustration.

She bit the inside of her cheek, annoyed that he hadn't wished her all day. He had been so absorbed in work, and it stung. She wanted to refuse, to let her irritation win, but her heart betrayed her. "Hmm, okay," she muttered, keeping her gaze glued to the screen.