𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬

𝟐𝟑. 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

Kissing the frame that held a photo of a younger version of me and my girl, I felt a wave of nostalgia rush through me. Gently, I placed it on the side table, lingering for a moment longer than I should have.

I had a busy day ahead at the hospital, and I needed to hurry. But my mind was already distracted, today, I had to pick her up from her apartment. Lirio had invited her for tea, and I wanted everything to be perfect.

Stepping into the shower, I turned on the faucet. The water hit my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

I closed my eyes and buried my faces in his palm

And ran the fingers through my hair to calm down the inner turmoil, the thought that had been haunting me-our first kiss.

It was a single, fleeting moment, yet it consumed me. My first kiss. Our first kiss. It played on repeat in my head, driving me insane. The way her lips felt against mine... I could still taste it.

And yet, she has no memory of it, completely unaware of the impact it’s had on me.

I don’t know how long it will take for her to remember, or if she ever will. And it’s tearing me apart. What if she reacts differently than I expect? What if it changes everything?

Also on the engagement day the accident happened has been driving me insane.

I shook my head, trying to push those thoughts away. I couldn’t afford to lose myself in them now. Not when I had to keep it together.

The cold shower might have helped, but even that wouldn’t cool down the fire she had unknowingly lit within me.

After finishing my shower, I dressed quickly, choosing a simple shirt and formal pants.

Once I was ready, I headed downstairs, the soft sounds of morning filling the quiet house.

The scent of freshly brewed tea lingered in the air as I made my way into the living room, where Lirio sat, calmly reading a newspaper.

Her presence was always steady, almost comforting in a way. Approaching her, I bent down to touch her feet.

“Good morning, Lirio,” I said as I placed my hand on her feet.

She smiled down at me, placing a hand gently on my head as she blessed me. “Good morning, mera Duggu .God bless you . May Madhav guide you today, and every day.”

I straightened up, feeling a sense of warmth from her words. “Thank you, Lirio. I’m about to head out soon. I’ll be picking up Ritu for tea later today.”

Lirio gave me a knowing nod, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Come to pick her up soon, ghar ki Lakshmi ko intezaar nahi karte," she said with a soft smile.

I knew exactly what she meant, my papa used to say the same thing. Ghar ki Lakshmi… and all to my mother .

“I know, mai meri Lakshmi ko wait nahi karaunga,” I replied confidently.