PATHS OF HEART

25

The next morning came quietly, the soft light of dawn filtering through the bedroom curtains. Anuj stirred awake first, the weight of Anupama's head still resting on his shoulder. He lay there for a few moments, savoring the peace of the early morning. His heart felt lighter than it had in weeks. Anupama was beside him, their daughter Anika asleep in the next room, and their unborn baby safely nestled in Anupama's womb. For the first time in a long while, he felt hopeful.

As the minutes passed, Anupama slowly awoke too. She shifted slightly, opening her eyes and looking up at Anuj. There was a small, sleepy smile on her face, and for a moment, they simply gazed at each other, the silence between them filled with understanding. No words were needed—just the quiet comfort of being together.

"Good morning," Anupama murmured softly, her voice still thick with sleep.

"Good morning," Anuj whispered back, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His touch was gentle, as though he still couldn't quite believe that she was truly there with him, that the walls between them had started to fall away.

Anupama stretched, shifting slightly in bed before she glanced down at her belly. She placed a hand on it, a smile tugging at her lips. "I think someone's already awake," she said with a soft laugh.

Anuj chuckled, his hand joining hers on her belly. "Our little one's an early riser, huh?"

Anupama nodded, still smiling. "Maybe it's a sign. Maybe they're ready to start fresh too."

Anuj's heart warmed at her words. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her belly, feeling a deep sense of connection not just with the baby but with Anupama as well. It was as if, in that moment, the weight of the past few weeks had truly lifted. They had reached a new beginning—a chance to heal, to grow, and to move forward together.

"I love you," Anuj whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you so much, Anu. I'm sorry for everything, but I'm also so grateful that we're here now."

Anupama smiled at him, her eyes soft. "I love you too, Anuj. And we're going to be okay. It won't always be easy, but we'll make it through."

Anuj nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for this woman who had always believed in him, even when he hadn't believed in himself. "We will," he agreed quietly.

The morning passed peacefully. They shared breakfast together as a family, Anika chattering away happily at the table while Anupama and Anuj exchanged quiet smiles and glances. It was a normal morning, something so simple yet so precious. Anuj felt the weight of everything they had gone through settling behind them, like a storm that had finally passed.

Later that afternoon, Anuj prepared to head to the office. He hadn't been there in a few days, and he knew there was work waiting for him. But as he gathered his things, he couldn't shake the feeling of contentment that lingered from the morning. He kissed Anupama on the cheek before leaving, promising to be back by dinner.

"I won't be late," he assured her with a smile.

Anupama smiled back, her eyes warm. "Take your time. We'll be here when you get back."

The day at the office passed quickly. Anuj threw himself into his work, grateful for the distraction but also looking forward to getting home. The feeling of being in his family's embrace again was something he had missed deeply, and he was eager to return to it.

However, as the day wore on, unexpected meetings and deadlines cropped up. Hours slipped by, and before he knew it, it was already late in the evening. He glanced at the clock, his stomach sinking when he saw how much time had passed. It was well past dinner, and he hadn't called home.