Here After!

43. When Love is Tested

Giri

Returning home after our anniversary trip felt like stepping back into reality. The days moved on in their usual rhythm—work, home, occasional family visits, and the quiet comfort of having each other.

The only significant change over the past year was that Anu had finally stopped working night shifts. Though she had been hesitant at first, it became clear that this was less about her preference and more about the unspoken pressure from family.

"If you're always working odd hours, how will you take care of yourself?"
"A normal routine is important if you're planning for a baby."
"You should be home at night; it's not good for your health."

It had started as gentle nudges but soon became a silent rule. And though neither of us said it aloud, we both knew why she agreed. It was easier to comply than to argue endlessly.

But the pressure didn't stop there. The topic of us not having a baby had become a constant, lurking in every family conversation like an uninvited guest. And lately, the suggestions had shifted from casual remarks to full-fledged advice.

One evening, we were having dinner at home with Mom. It was a simple meal—dal, rice, and a vegetable curry, something warm and comforting after a long day. The conversation was light until Mom casually dropped a bomb in the middle of our meal.

"Anu, now that you are only on day shifts, don't you think it's time to visit a doctor?" Mom said, scooping rice onto her plate.

I felt my grip on the spoon tightens.

Anu, sitting beside me, lowered her gaze but gave a small, polite smile. "Mom, we're not in a rush. Everything will happen at the right time."

Mom sighed, shaking her head. "Giri, it's not about rushing. It's just a consultation. Sometimes, there are things we don't know... maybe a simple suggestion from a doctor could help."

I set my spoon down with a clink. "Mom, we don't need a doctor to tell us when it's the right time. We're perfectly fine as we are."

Mom looked at me with soft persistence. "Giri, I'm not saying anything against your decisions. But five years is a long time. Anu is not getting any younger, and—"

"Mom," I interrupted, my voice firm, "I respect you, but I need you to respect our choices too."

Anu placed a hand on my arm, a silent plea for me to stay calm, but I could feel the frustration rising inside me.

Mom exhaled slowly, choosing her words carefully. "Giri, you know I would never force you into anything. But this is not just about you. Anu is my daughter too. And as a mother, I worry."

Her words stung. Not because she was wrong, but because she wasn't listening.

I pushed my chair back abruptly, standing up. "If you really cared about Anu, you would stop making her feel like she's failing at something that is not in her control."

Silence filled the room.

Mom pursed her lips, as if holding back more words, then simply nodded. "I'll say no more. But think about it, at least for Anu's sake."

I didn't respond. I simply walked out of the dining area, feeling Anu's gaze following me.

After dinner, I sat in our room, flipping mindlessly through my phone, trying to shake off the conversation. But I couldn't.

Anu walked in quietly, closing the door behind her. She hesitated for a moment before sitting beside me on the bed.

"Giri..." she started softly.