PATHS OF HEART [ON HOLD]

23

The morning of Anupama's fourth-month checkup was filled with an unsettling silence. Sushma and Meera bustled about, trying to prepare her for the appointment, but Anupama felt a heavy weight in her chest. Anuj was supposed to be by her side, but the thought of him made her stomach churn.

As she sat at the breakfast table, Anuj walked in, hopeful but apprehensive. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice tentative.

Anupama looked down, avoiding his gaze. "I don't want you to come with me," she stated flatly.

His heart dropped. "What do you mean? I thought—"

"You remind me of everything that happened. I need this to be about the baby," she interrupted, her tone firm yet pained.

Anuj's expression crumpled, confusion turning to heartbreak. "But I want to be there for you... for our baby."

"I can't," she whispered, her voice cracking. With that, she turned away, leaving him standing in the doorway, feeling utterly defeated.

---

After Anupama left with Sushma and Meera, Anuj felt his world crashing down. He tried to shake off the despair but couldn't. The weight of his betrayal loomed large, and he felt the tears prick his eyes. The sounds of laughter and excitement from the other room felt like daggers to his heart.

He retreated to the guest room, the isolation suffocating him. Once inside, the door shut with a dull thud, and he sank to the floor. The sobs wracked his body as the reality of losing Anupama settled in. Panic surged through him, and he pressed his palms against his face, feeling utterly alone and trapped.

---

Hours later, Sushma and Meera returned, their faces glowing from the news of the baby's heartbeat. But the moment they walked into the house, they sensed the heaviness in the air. "Where's Anuj?" Meera asked, scanning the room.

Sushma shook her head. "He should be here."

Madhav and Rajesh appeared, concerned. "What's wrong?" Madhav asked.

"Anuj is missing," Sushma replied, worry etched on her face. "He was crying earlier."

Rajesh frowned. "He went to his room. That's all we know."

Meera exchanged a glance with Sushma. "Let's check on him."

They hurried to the guest room and knocked gently. "Anuj? Are you in there?" Sushma called out. Silence followed. When Meera opened the door, they were met with the sight of Anuj on the floor, tears streaming down his face.

---

"Anuj!" Meera cried, rushing to his side, while Sushma followed closely. They knelt beside him, their hearts breaking at the sight of his despair.

"Please, talk to us," Sushma urged, placing a hand on his back.

"I can't... I hurt her," Anuj choked out. "She doesn't want me around. I deserve this pain."

Madhav and Rajesh entered, the atmosphere heavy with concern. Meera pulled out her phone, showing Anuj the ultrasound pictures. "Look, Anuj. This is your baby. The doctor said everything is perfect. Anupama needs you. You both need each other."

But the images only deepened his sorrow. "She didn't want me there. How can I face her now?" he cried, his body shaking with grief.

Sushma squeezed his shoulder. "You need to talk to her. We'll help you. You can't give up."

---

They made their way to Anupama's room, hoping to convince her. "Anupama," Sushma started gently, "you need to talk to Anuj. He's hurting, too."