Chapter 36 -New Horizons

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Lavanya stirred quietly in the dim morning light, waking before anyone else, as had become her routine. The house was silent, save for the soft breathing of Varun beside her. She gazed at him for a moment, her thoughts wandering. His features, peaceful and relaxed in sleep, reminded her of how far they'd come. There was still a lingering tenderness in her heart, though she wasn’t fully ready to embrace it. Months of tension, arguments, and awkward silences had created a gap between them, but she could feel that slowly closing now. With a soft smile, she placed a gentle kiss on his forehead before slipping out of bed.

She moved gracefully through the house, preparing for the morning pooja. The items for the ritual were laid out with care, and she lit the lamp, watching as the small flame flickered to life. Moments later, her mother-in-law, Meena, joined her, and together they performed the rituals. Their chants were soft yet filled with devotion, filling the peaceful morning air.

Once the pooja was done, Lavanya’s day shifted into its usual rhythm. At precisely 4:30 am, she approached Arun and Aarti’s door. She knocked softly, knowing they had to wake up for college. Aarti was rejoining after a long break, and Lavanya had shared a few of her new  dresses with her sister-in-law since Aarti lacked clothes. 

“Arun, Aarti,” she called gently, “time to get up. You need to catch the bus.”

Arun groaned slightly, but Aarti stirred first, giving Lavanya a tired but grateful smile. Lavanya reminded them both to be ready on time before moving on to the next task.

By 6:00 am, Lavanya quietly returned to her bedroom. Varun was still asleep, the morning light now casting a soft glow over his face. She stood at the doorway for a moment, watching him, her heart stirring with emotions that were both familiar and new. She had seen him at his worst, but she could sense a change in him lately. He seemed more attentive, more aware of her presence.

“Varun, time to get up,” she said softly. He mumbled something incoherent, but she knew he heard her. After all, he had a habit of waking up in those precious moments just to watch her. 

Lavanya left him to wake at his own pace and headed to the kitchen, where Meena was preparing breakfast. Meena, noticing Lavanya’s slightly rushed demeanor, said, “Lavanya, don’t stress too much today. It’s your first day at the new office. You should start getting ready soon. I’ll handle things here.”

Lavanya smiled and nodded, appreciating her mother-in-law’s concern. “I’ll be quick. I just need to make sure Varun is ready too.”

Meena added with a knowing smile, “And don’t forget to wake him properly. You know how lazy he gets sometimes.”

The sound of the front door closing echoed softly as Arun and Aarti left for college, their hurried steps signaling the start of a new day. It was only 6:30 am, and the house had fallen into a brief lull.

 Lavanya had about an hour and a half before she and Varun had to leave for their offices. The kitchen was still warm from the breakfast preparations, and Meena had retreated to her room for a moment of rest. 

Lavanya sat down at the dining table, finally catching her breath after the busy morning routine.

Her phone buzzed on the table, the screen lighting up with a familiar name: Amma.

Lavanya’s lips curled into a smile as she answered. "Amma?"

"Lavanya!" Her mother's warm, excited voice crackled through the phone. "I just wanted to call and wish you luck on your first day! Appa’s here too, we both wanted to talk to you."

"Amma, Appa!" Lavanya’s heart swelled with emotion. "Thank you! I was just thinking about you both."

Her father’s gruff but affectionate voice came through next. "Lavanya, I can’t tell you how proud we are today. You’ve worked so hard. Going to a new office in the city—our Lavanya is an independent woman now!"

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