PATHS OF HEART

17

As the car carrying Anuj slowly disappeared down the road, Anupama stood by the door for a few more moments, her heart heavy with a mixture of emotions. She missed him already, but she knew this was temporary. He would return soon, and they would pick up where they left off, continuing their journey into parenthood together. With a deep breath, she closed the door and headed back inside.

The house was unusually quiet without Anuj bustling around. Anika was still sound asleep, her small body sprawled out across her bed, clutching her favorite stuffed toy. Anupama smiled as she stood by her daughter's door, watching her peaceful sleep. Despite the calmness of the morning, a slight ache settled in her chest. The absence of Anuj, even for a few days, felt like a piece of her was missing.

Determined not to dwell on it, Anupama busied herself with her morning routine. She prepared a simple breakfast, knowing that both her parents and Anuj's parents would soon be up. Life in the Kapadia-Joshi household had been bustling ever since the pregnancy was revealed, and Anupama had come to rely on the support and presence of her family. Meera, Rajesh, Sushma, and Madhav had all taken it upon themselves to be involved in every step of her journey. It was overwhelming at times but also heartwarming to see how much love surrounded her.

As the kettle whistled, Anupama heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw Meera, Anuj's mother, entering the kitchen with a gentle smile on her face.

"Good morning, beta. You're up early," Meera said as she wrapped her shawl around herself, the morning chill still lingering in the air.

Anupama smiled back. "Good morning, Mummy. I couldn't sleep much after Anuj left, so I thought I'd get a head start on breakfast."

Meera's eyes softened as she reached out to pat Anupama's hand. "It must feel strange without him around. But don't worry, he'll be back soon. And in the meantime, we'll keep you company. You're not alone."

"I know, Mummy. I'm grateful to have all of you here," Anupama said sincerely. "It makes things a little easier."

As they sat down to enjoy their tea together, Sushma, Anupama's mother, and Rajesh, Anuj's father, joined them, followed closely by Madhav, Anupama's father. The early morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the kitchen table as they chatted and planned the day ahead.

"I was thinking," Sushma began as she buttered her toast, "why don't we take Anika out to the park today? It will be good for her, and you can get some fresh air too, Anupama."

"That sounds like a great idea," Meera chimed in. "Anika will love it, and it will be a nice distraction for you. Plus, you need to get some light exercise. The doctor recommended it, didn't she?"

Anupama nodded, grateful for the suggestion. A day outside, surrounded by nature and watching her daughter play, sounded perfect. It would keep her mind off Anuj's absence and help her relax.

By the time breakfast was over, Anika had woken up, her tiny feet padding across the floor as she ran into the kitchen, her hair still a little messy from sleep.

"Mama!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Anupama's legs. "Where's Papa?"

Anupama bent down to pick her up, kissing her cheek softly. "Papa had to go on a trip for a few days, but he'll be back soon, my love."

Anika pouted for a moment, clearly not happy with the news, but then her attention shifted as Madhav lifted her into the air playfully.

"How about we go to the park today, Anika? You can run around and play with the other kids," Madhav said, bouncing her lightly.

Anika's face lit up with excitement. "Yes, yes! Park, park!"

The family laughed at her enthusiasm, and with that, the plan for the day was set.