Together Forever

Bonus Chapter 1

Anika's POV

Life had been nothing short of bliss lately. Aarya, our little bundle of joy, had turned two, and every day with her felt like a beautiful adventure. She was a little ball of energy, refusing to leave my side even for a moment. It was as though she could sense how much I needed her too.

And Uday? Well, he had grown even more possessive after my pregnancy, a trait that simultaneously made me feel cherished and, at times, exasperated.

He never let me go anywhere alone. “If you’re stepping out, you’re taking me with you,” he would say in a tone that brooked no argument. It was sweet, but I couldn’t help but feel a little like a child under his watchful eyes.

Today, however, I had decided to take matters into my own hands. I needed a breather. It had been ages since Piya and I had hung out. Uday wasn’t home, so I seized the opportunity. I planned to go out with Piya for a few hours and return before Uday was back in the evening.

As I stood in the living room, ready to leave, I glanced nervously at Mom. “Mom, please take care of Aarya. If she cries, call me immediately, and I’ll come back, okay?”

Mom smiled indulgently, shaking her head at my overprotective nature. “Anika, don’t worry. I’ll take care of her. She’s my granddaughter. She won’t cry with me.”

“I know, Mom, but still—”

“Anika,” she interrupted gently, “you need a break. Go and enjoy yourself. I’ve got this.”

I hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. “Okay, thank you, Mom. Bye!”

Piya and I had a wonderful time together. We watched a movie, indulged in some retail therapy, and ended the day with a delicious meal. By the time I reached home, it was 5 PM, and I felt lighthearted and rejuvenated.

As I opened the door, I immediately looked around for Aarya. “Mom? Where’s Aarya?”

“She’s with Uday upstairs,” Mom replied.

My heart sank. “Uday? He’s home already?”

“Yes, he came early today.”

“Oh no…”

Mom gave me a knowing look. “He’s angry, Anika. Go and pacify him.”

I nodded, bracing myself. Angry Uday was a handful, but I knew just how to handle him.

As I climbed the stairs and entered our room, the sight before me made my heart melt. Uday was sitting on the floor with Aarya in his lap, playing with her tiny hands and making her giggle. He looked so absorbed in her that he didn’t even notice me at first.

I stood by the door, silently observing the two most important people in my life. My heart swelled with love as I watched them. Uday’s soft smile, the way Aarya looked at him with complete adoration—it was a picture of perfection.

My little family. My world.

But then his eyes met mine, and his smile vanished. His jaw tightened, and without saying a word, he stood up, cradling Aarya in his arms. “Aarya baby, let’s go to your grandmother,” he said softly, and before I could respond, he walked out of the room.

I sighed heavily. Yep, he was angry.

I sank onto the bed, exhaustion washing over me. My legs ached from all the walking, and I leaned back, closing my eyes for a moment. The silence in the room felt heavy, and I knew Uday wouldn’t stay angry for long. No matter how upset he was, he never forgot to take care of me.