The Comfort Of Her Presence

CHAPTER 13

JAY'S POV

I cancelled all my plans for the month, deciding to spend this time with my family. I left them back in our hometown, not wanting to drag them into the chaos of constant media attention. They’ve always kept their distance from the limelight, and I respect that.

Now, standing in front of my house, a rush of emotions hits me. The familiar sight of the place stirs up a whirlwind of nostalgia. Every corner of this house, every small detail, reminds me of days long gone—days when life was simpler, before everything changed.

I catch myself hoping to see my father standing here, like he used to be, waiting for me at the doorstep. But deep down, I know he's not coming back. He’s gone, and no amount of wishing will change that. I’ve come to accept it, but it’s hard not to want to cling to the past, to what once was.

Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that I can’t dwell on what’s lost. I need to focus on what’s right in front of me. My mother and brother are still here, and that’s what matters. I’m here to be present, to appreciate the moments we have together, without letting the past cloud my mind.

I step forward, walking up the steps, and as I push open the door, I already know what to expect. The warmth, the comfort, the sense of home. This is where I belong, no matter how far I’ve gone or how much time has passed.

I step inside, and there she is—Maa, watering the plants in the garden, lost in her little world of tranquility.

“Jay…” She shouts, her voice a mix of surprise and pure joy.

In an instant, she rushes toward me, her hands trembling as they touch my face, as if to make sure I’m really here, that this is no dream.

“You’re actually here, my son... My baby…” She whispers, tears welling up in her eyes.

Before I know it, her lips are pressed against my forehead, my cheeks, my hands—kissing me over and over again, as if trying to hold onto me for just a moment longer.

I pull her into a tight embrace, feeling the warmth and comfort I’ve been missing. The tears come without warning—my own, mingling with hers. There’s a heaviness in my chest, a flood of emotions I can’t contain.

I squeeze her even tighter, letting her presence remind me that no matter how far I’ve gone, this is still home.

"I missed you, Maa," I say to her.

"I missed you too, beta," she replies, holding my hands as we walk inside.

"Seenu will be so happy to see you," Maa adds with a warm smile.

As soon as we step into the living room, Seenu, who is studying, looks up and sees me. His face lights up, and he runs toward me.

"Bhaiya! I missed you so much!" he exclaims, hugging me tightly.

"I missed you too, Seenu," I say, hugging him back, feeling a wave of warmth and nostalgia.

----

We’re here, enjoying our dinner, and Maa’s food is something I crave every day ever since I left home. I feel... super good.

I take a photo of my plate and text it to my love with the caption, A comforting meal after so long.

Within moments, she replies: 
Ahh, looks super good... I’m hungry.

I can’t help but giggle, watching her text.

Seenu bursts out laughing, pointing at me. "Maa, bhaiya is in love!"

I quickly cover his mouth, but it's too late. Maa already heard him from the kitchen.

"That's why you seem so different today," she teases, walking back into the room.

"Different?" I ask, confused.

"Yes, bhaiya, you look full of life," Seenu chimes in, with a mischievous grin.

I shake my head, "There's nothing like that."

"Of course there is," Maa says, with a knowing smile. "You’re my son, and I know you very well. Just tell me, how does she look?"

"Maa..." I try to protest, but it's no use.

Seenu snatches my phone and dashes off with it.

"Seenu, give it back!" I shout, running after him, but he’s already reached Maa and showed her the profile picture.

"Aww, she's so pretty," Maa says, smiling warmly.

Seenu’s jaw drops, "She’s beautiful," he says, eyes wide in awe.

I snatch my phone back, hiding a smile, but they both catch the small grin on my face.

"There’s nothing between us. She's just my friend," I say, trying to stay serious.

They both burst into laughter at my expense.

----

After dinner, I lie down on my bed...

Knock knock...

Seenu enters with a glass of milk in his hand.

He hands me the cup, and I take a sip...

"Bhaiya, I know what it means when we save someone's number with a red heart," he teases.

I choke on the milk...

He runs away, leaving me stunned.

Whenever someone mentions her, my heart races like crazy....

I wonder what she must be doing right now... It feels like a sweet, cozy dream, knowing she's a part of my life.

Her presence has transformed everything, making each moment feel magical.

How incredible it is that we’re worlds apart in some ways, yet so deeply connected in others. It’s as if our hearts were always meant to find each other.

                                 .....

"Do you have someone who gives you their life updates the way Jay shares with Aditi?"