Here After!

35. Bridges of Silence

Giri

The house was quieter than usual. The kind of quiet that wraps itself around you, heavy with unsaid words and unresolved tension. As I sat on the couch, phone in hand, pretending to read the news, my thoughts drifted back to the last week—the words I'd said, the silence that followed, and the distance it had created between Anu and me. She was home, just in the other room, yet it felt like she was a million miles away.

It had been a week since my outburst, and I hated how long this had lasted. The space between us was suffocating, and the guilt that gnawed at me refused to let go. I needed her, and I knew she needed me too, even if she wasn't showing it. But my inability to control my emotions had pushed us both into this spiral, and now we were both suffering for it.

Even Mom, usually a silent observer in our relationship, had made it clear she wasn't happy with how things stood. Her quiet disapproval hung over me every time she avoided my gaze or gave me curt answers. It was like she was saying, Fix this, Giri. This isn't how it's supposed to be.

I sighed, rubbing my temples as I resolved that today would be the day. I couldn't drag this out anymore. I took the day off work, hoping Anu might do the same—or at least, we could talk before she left for her shift. This cold silence needed to end, and the only way was for me to step up and take the first step.

I glanced at the clock. She was still in the other room, probably asleep. I didn't want to wake her abruptly. Instead, I decided to wait for her, to approach her as calmly and carefully as I could. Apologies weren't just about words—they were about timing, sincerity, and making her see that I truly wanted to make things right.

The minutes ticked by as I sat there, rehearsing what I would say. The more I thought, the more I realized how much I'd missed her—not just her presence, but her warmth, her laughter, and even the way she used to fuss over little things. It hit me hard how much my careless words had hurt her, and how much work it would take to mend what I'd broken.

But I was ready. I had to be.

Today, I would make things right. Or at least, I'd try. 

I was lost in my thoughts, rehearsing how I would approach Anu, when Mom walked into the living room. She gave me a questioning look and asked, "Why aren't you getting ready for office?"

"I took the day off," I replied casually, hoping she wouldn't ask too many questions. She simply nodded and said, "Breakfast is ready," before disappearing into the kitchen.

I stood up and headed to my room for my morning routine. A quick shower later, I was at the dining table, absently spooning food onto my plate when I noticed Mom emerging from her room. She was dressed, handbag in hand, clearly preparing to leave.

Curious, I gave her a look, raising an eyebrow in silent question. She caught it immediately and, after a brief pause, said, "I'm going to your uncle's place. I'll be back by Sunday evening."

That caught me off guard. "Why, all of a sudden?" I asked, setting my spoon down.

She gave me her usual calm-but-firm smile. "I felt like spending some time with my brother. So I called him, asked about their plans for the weekend, and since they're free, I'm going. We might visit a temple or the ancestral home. Don't worry, I'll make sure to be back by Sunday evening."

Before I could respond, she added, "I've already informed my tuition kids, so they won't be coming until Monday. And I gave a heads-up to Anu when she got home this morning."

Her words made me sigh in relief, though I wasn't sure why. Maybe it was the fact that she'd already planned everything and didn't leave much room for me to protest. I nodded slowly. "Alright. Safe travels, Mom."