PATHS OF HEART

13

The wedding celebrations had been nothing short of magical. Anupama and Anuj, now officially married, had spent the day surrounded by loved ones, basking in the joy and blessings that had poured in from every direction. But as the night descended and the last of the guests left, a sense of calm enveloped them, marking the beginning of their first night as husband and wife.

They arrived home to a beautifully decorated house. Their families had made sure everything was perfect for their return — flowers adorning the entrance, soft fairy lights twinkling in the hall, and the smell of fresh jasmine lingering in the air. Anika, who had been the little ball of energy throughout the evening, was finally beginning to slow down, her eyes drooping with exhaustion.

Anupama carried Anika inside, her heart full. She felt the weight of the moment as she looked around their home. This was no longer just a house—it was now the sanctuary of their little family. Anuj, walking beside her, placed a gentle hand on her lower back, silently sharing in her thoughts. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a bond so deep it didn't require words.

"Should we change her first?" Anupama asked softly, looking at Anika who was barely awake now, her small body limp with sleep in her mother's arms.

Anuj nodded. "Let me help. She's had a big day, just like us."

Together, they took Anika to her room, which was just as beautifully decorated for the night. Her tiny bed had fresh sheets, and a soft lullaby toy was already playing in the background. Anupama carefully laid her down and started undressing her from the tiny lehenga she had worn for the wedding.

Anuj watched his wife with admiration as she gently handled their daughter. He stepped forward to help, gently wiping Anika's face with a warm cloth, clearing away the remnants of the day — the little crumbs from the sweets she had eaten, the smudges of makeup that the excited guests had playfully applied to her cheeks. Anika, in her half-asleep state, wriggled a little, but the soothing rhythm of her parents' hands made her relax almost immediately.

Once she was changed into her soft nightclothes, Anupama cradled her briefly, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight, my little angel," she whispered, her voice full of affection.

Anuj smiled, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder before leaning down to kiss Anika's cheek as well. "Sweet dreams, baby girl."

They tucked her in, the soft sheets rising to her chest as she turned on her side, her tiny fingers clutching the edge of her favorite blanket. In no time, Anika was lost in peaceful sleep, her soft breaths filling the room.

Anuj and Anupama stood for a moment, watching her. There was something so pure, so overwhelming about the love they had for their daughter. It was a quiet moment, shared in the glow of dimmed lights, with the world outside feeling far away.

"Let's go," Anuj whispered, intertwining his fingers with Anupama's as they left the room and quietly closed the door behind them.

They headed to their own bedroom, which had been set up in the soft glow of candlelight. The bed was covered with rose petals, the delicate scent of roses mixed with the sweetness of sandalwood. It was a room made for new beginnings, and it hit Anupama all at once — this was the start of their married life, their new journey together.

Anuj noticed the moment she hesitated at the door, the weight of it all sinking in. He squeezed her hand gently, giving her a reassuring smile. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.

Anupama smiled back at him, a mix of emotions swirling within her — love, excitement, anticipation, and even a little nervousness. "I'm perfect," she said, stepping into the room with him.