Understanding the meaning of Love with MaAn

Feeling of Family Completeness

Everyone had finally gone back home. The night was quiet, but an air of lingering tension surrounded Anuj's mind. Anurag, though tired, kept his usual charm and faint smile. He hadn't joined in the garba, not feeling up for it after the morning's events. His body ached from the bruises he had suffered, yet he tried to mask the pain. Anuj had stayed by his side the entire evening, keeping a close watch, not wanting to leave him alone even for a moment.

After making sure Anurag was settled, Anuj returned to his own room. GK Kaka checked on Anurag one last time, his paternal instincts making sure all was well, before he too retired for the night. The day had been heavy, brimming with emotions that Anuj couldn't quite contain. Worry, anger, helplessness, and a fierce protectiveness toward his son had taken a toll on him. Even as he lay down, exhaustion gnawing at him, his mind wouldn't let him rest.

Sometime in the middle of the night, he jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest, sweat dampening his forehead. In his sleep, he'd relived the awful sight of Anurag being hurt again. The fear that had gripped him in that nightmare didn't fade as he opened his eyes-it only grew stronger, consuming him. Without a second thought, he threw aside the blanket and rushed to Anurag's room.

As he entered, he found Anurag fast asleep, his face calm in slumber. But it wasn't enough. Anuj's heart still raced, the terror lingering deep inside him. Overcome by the need to protect, he quietly moved closer, sitting down on the edge of Anurag's bed. His hands trembled as he reached out, finally pulling Anurag gently into his arms, cradling him like he was a little child. Anuj held his son tightly against his chest, his heart beating wildly, his breaths uneven.

Anurag stirred, feeling the grip around him, and slowly opened his eyes. As he looked up, he was surprised to see Anuj's face etched with worry and a vulnerability he had rarely seen before. Anuj's eyes, though weary, reflected an ocean of fear and love, and he was trembling, his hands holding Anurag just a bit too tightly, as if he feared letting him go even for a moment.

"Papa?" Anurag's voice was soft, filled with concern. Anuj's grip loosened slightly, but he didn't let go. He simply buried his face in Anurag's hair, breathing in deeply as if to reassure himself that his son was safe.

"Tumhe kuch nahi hoga, Anurag. Main hoon tumhare saath," Anuj whispered, his voice cracking, letting his emotions flow in a way he had never allowed himself before.

Anurag stirred gently in his father's hold, his voice soft but steady as he tried to comfort him. "Papa... shant ho jaayiye, kuch nahi hua hai. I'm alright, dekhiye," he said, showing a reassuring smile. "Aap jaaiye... aur thoda so jaiye. Mere liye chinta mat kijiye..."

But Anuj's eyes were filled with a deep, unshakeable worry. "Nahi, nahi..." he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper but laced with conviction. "Main yahin rahunga... apne bachche ke saath." With a sense of finality, he shifted himself fully onto the bed, nestling beside Anurag as if he had no intention of leaving.

Anurag let out a small sigh, half-amused and half-exasperated. "Papa, yeh kya kar rahe hain aap? Yahin so jayenge?" He glanced at his father, raising a brow with a playful smile. "I'm 18 now, Papa... really, I'm fine. Dekho... door bhi locked hai, koi nahi aa sakta. Main bilkul safe hoon. Aap itna kyun pareshan ho rahe ho?"

But Anuj didn't budge. He tightened his hold, pulling Anurag close, resting his son's head against his chest. "Tujhe chhod ke kahin nahi jaaunga, samjha?" he murmured, his tone soft but resolute. "Aaj toh tu mere paas hi so ja, bas."

Anurag tried to wriggle out, chuckling softly. "Arrey! Papa, jaaiye na, main thik hoon! Agar mujhe kuch chahiye hoga toh main bula lunga, pakka! Jaiye ab..."

But Anuj only smiled and shook his head, his tone turning a little playful. "Tujhe kya problem hai? Kya main apne bete ke paas ek raat nahi so sakta?" he said, his voice carrying a rare mix of humor and protectiveness.