PATHS OF HEART [ON HOLD]

35

As the night settled into a comfortable silence, Anuj carefully carried Anika to her room, cradling her gently against his chest. Her tiny arms wrapped around his neck, her head resting on his shoulder, and her soft breaths against his skin filled him with a sense of peace. Every step he took was slow and deliberate, as though he didn't want to disturb the fragile calm that had fallen over their home.

Anupama followed quietly behind, her hands instinctively cradling her belly as she felt the warmth of her baby still lingering from the earlier kicks. It was moments like these when she felt most connected to Anuj—when their lives, filled with the chaos of family and responsibilities, paused for these tender, intimate moments.

They reached Anika's room, and Anuj gently laid her down on her small bed. Her hand clung to his shirt as he tried to move away, and he chuckled softly, easing her grip before pulling the blanket over her small form. Anupama leaned over to plant a soft kiss on their daughter's forehead, and Anuj followed with a kiss of his own, their movements synchronized in their silent routine of parenting.

As they both stepped out of Anika's room, they exchanged a quiet look—one filled with the unspoken understanding that only years of shared experiences could bring. Anuj softly closed the door, and for a moment, the two of them just stood there in the hallway, bathed in the dim glow of the nightlights.

Anupama, her hand still resting on her belly, glanced up at Anuj. His eyes were fixed on her, but not with the same playful energy they had shared earlier in the evening. His gaze was softer, more intense, as though he was seeing her in a different light—a deeper, more meaningful light.

"You're beautiful, you know that?" Anuj's voice was a low murmur, barely above a whisper, but it sent a soft shiver down her spine. He took a step closer to her, his hand gently brushing against her cheek, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Anupama's heart fluttered at his words, her lips curling into a soft smile. "I don't know how you still manage to say that after all these years, especially when I'm carrying around an extra baby belly."

Anuj laughed softly, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheek. "Anu, you've always been beautiful. But now, with our baby growing inside you, it's like you've become even more radiant. Every time I look at you, I'm reminded of how lucky I am."

His words were simple, but they carried a weight that made Anupama's chest tighten with emotion. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes briefly as she savored the warmth of his palm against her skin.

"You always know how to make me feel special, Anuj," she whispered, her voice laced with affection. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Anuj's other hand found its way to her belly, resting lightly against the swell of her pregnancy. "You'll never have to find out," he said, his tone firm yet filled with tenderness. He bent down slightly, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before leaning in to kiss her belly, his lips lingering there for a moment longer. "You and our babies—you're my entire world, Anu."

Anupama's heart swelled with love as she looked down at him, her fingers threading through his hair as he rested his head against her stomach. It was these quiet, gentle moments that she cherished the most. Anuj had always been so attuned to her emotions, so present in their relationship, that she often wondered how she had gotten so lucky to have a partner like him.

"Come," she whispered, tugging him gently by the hand. "Let's sit for a while."

Anuj stood up, intertwining his fingers with hers as she led him toward their bedroom. The house was silent except for the soft hum of the night, creating a peaceful cocoon around them. They entered the room, and without saying a word, Anupama settled onto the bed, her back resting against the headboard. Anuj followed her, sitting close, his arm draped over her shoulders protectively.