Understanding the meaning of Love with MaAn

Anuj understands now!

NOTE:  Apologies for the delay in updating; I had some academic deadlines to meet. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Another update is coming later today, and trust me, the upcoming chapters are going to be MAANlicious, so stay tuned! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the story in the comments, and if you enjoy it, please don't forget to vote!

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As Anurag continued to excitedly discuss the venue he had found on the internet, showing intricate details of the Renaissance-Ahmedabad resort and its beautiful settings, Anuj's mind remained elsewhere. Though his face carried a neutral expression, his thoughts were clouded with anger that he couldn't shake off. He struggled to focus on his son's words, the frustration within him simmering just below the surface. Why is he hiding so much from me? Why can't he just open up? The questions gnawed at his patience.

Anurag, perceptive in his own right, began to notice the subtle signs of Anuj's simmering emotions. His father's sharp yet subdued tone, the way he barely glanced at the laptop screen, and his lack of engagement in their conversation—it was all there. Something was wrong. Paapa looks upset, Anurag realized, a flicker of guilt crossing his mind. Did I say something to upset him? Or maybe... maybe Mummy and Paapa talked about something serious, and he's still reeling from it?

Trying to lighten the mood, Anurag made a few more lighthearted remarks about the wedding preparations, but it was clear that his attempts weren't working. With a resigned sigh, he decided to give Anuj some space to process whatever was bothering him. He carefully closed his laptop, offering a tentative smile.

"Okay, Paapa, main chhodta hoon aapko thoda time dene ke liye," Anurag said softly, his tone carrying a hint of playfulness to mask his concern. He stood up, patting Anuj's shoulder gently. "Aap relax kijiye... aur agar kuch baat karni ho toh mujhe bata dena."

Without waiting for a response, Anurag left the living room, heading to his room with the decision to figure out later what was weighing so heavily on his father's mind. His determination grew with every step. Paapa kuch chhupa rahe hain. Jo bhi ho, main unse baat karunga. Lekin abhi ke liye, unhe thoda waqt dena zaroori hai.

Meanwhile, as the sound of Anurag's footsteps faded, Anuj sat frozen, staring at the empty space before him. The silence in the room was deafening, amplifying the whirlwind of emotions churning within him. His initial anger at Anurag for hiding things hadn't subsided; in fact, it had grown stronger. Anuj clenched his fists, trying to suppress the wave of frustration that threatened to erupt.

He leaned back on the couch, letting out a slow, deliberate breath. Kya ho raha hai Anurag ke saath? Kyun woh apne baare mein kuch nahi batata? Admissions ka kya hua? Aur yeh sab cheezein—sab mujhe kyun chupayi ja rahi hai? The questions flooded his mind, each one twisting the knife of doubt a little deeper. He wanted answers, but more than that, he wanted to know why his son had distanced himself in the first place.

Unable to sit idle any longer, Anuj reached for his phone. If talking wasn't helping, maybe he could distract himself. Plugging in his earbuds, he opened Spotify, scrolling through his playlists aimlessly before settling on one. Music had always been a solace for him—a refuge from the chaos of his thoughts.

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The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the city as Mukku leaned against the car door, her elbow propped on the window. The car glided down a mostly empty road, with GK Kaka firmly gripping the steering wheel. The rhythmic hum of the engine filled the quiet moments between their conversation. It was almost 5 in the evening, and Mukku's patience was wearing thin.