Here After!

41. Letting Time Decide

Giri

The night was calm, the only sound being the occasional rustling of leaves from the terrace garden. The city was asleep, but my mind wasn't. Anu lay in my arms, her breathing steady, her face finally relaxed after the emotional weight she had carried all evening.

I gently ran my fingers through her hair, my mind replaying our conversation. It wasn't just her mother's words that had affected her—it was everything they represented. Expectations. Hopes. The silent pressure that came with being a married woman. I knew she tried to brush it off, to act as if it didn't bother her, but I had seen the way her expression shifted, how she withdrew into herself the moment the question was asked.

I sighed, tightening my hold around her. Did it hurt me when she got upset? Of course. But more than that, I hated how she let herself believe she had to carry this burden alone.

She stirred slightly, snuggling closer to my chest as if unconsciously seeking comfort. I kissed the top of her head, whispering, "It will happen when it's meant to. And until then, I won't let you feel alone in this."

She didn't respond, already slipping deeper into sleep, but that was okay. Some things didn't need a reply.

******

Days passed by in the blink of an eye, filled with family gatherings, Anish's engagement, and preparations for his wedding, which was set to take place after Anitta's post-delivery care. We cherished every moment together—wrapped in love, sprinkled with playful fights, endless teasing, and, of course, the occasional apology trip.

To my surprise, Anu and Mom had built a bond stronger than I had imagined. Every now and then, the two of them would head off on their ladies-only trips, leaving me behind to fend for myself.

And just like that, in another three months, we would be celebrating our first wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since we first met.

As days moved forward, life settled into a comfortable rhythm. Work kept me occupied, but home was where my heart found peace—filled with Anu's laughter, her playful nagging, and the warmth she had brought into my life.

Amidst the wedding preparations for Anish and Meera, our family was blessed with another beautiful moment—Anitta gave birth to a baby boy. Our little Vihaan, or as Anu fondly called him, "Vihu baby," instantly became the star of the family. Anitta was recovering well, and the house was always filled with baby giggles, happy chaos, and the occasional cries that kept everyone on their toes.

With Anitta in post-delivery care, Anu's priorities shifted. Every weekend, instead of spending time with me, she packed her bags and flew to her home to be with Vihaan. My dear wife, who once couldn't bear to be away from me for a day, now barely had time to even call me on weekends.

One evening, as we sat on the balcony sipping tea, I decided to poke at her newfound obsession. "So, Mrs. Giri, should I start booking my weekends in advance? Or should I just consider myself single on Saturdays and Sundays?"

Anu smirked, not even looking up from her phone, probably texting Anitta about Vihu's latest antic. "Oh, don't be dramatic. It's not like I'm abandoning you."

I sighed, shaking my head. "Well, considering the fact that you spend more time cuddling Vihu than me, I think I have a valid complaint."

She finally looked at me, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Giri, are you seriously jealous of a two-month-old baby?"

I scoffed. "I wouldn't call it jealousy. Let's just say, I miss my wife."

She leaned closer, grinning. "Aww, my poor husband. Don't worry, I'll make it up to you. Eventually."