Waited For You

Chapter 39

{ The Present} :-

By the time afternoon settled in—
The door opened.

“Sanchi!”
Her mother’s voice filled the house before she even stepped in.
Sanchi looked up.

Swati walked in first—graceful as always, her presence soft yet lively, followed by Saurabh, calm, composed, carrying that quiet strength that never really left him even after retirement.

“How are you, beta?” Swati cupped her face immediately.
“I’m good, maa and for your information you were gone just for few days,” Sanchi replied softly.
“Did you miss us?” Saurabh asked, placing a gentle hand on her head.
“I really did, papa.”
They both looked content.

Everything felt…
Normal.
Warm.
Like home.

After settling down, Swati looked around.
“Where is Atharv?”
“He’s at the office,” Sanchi replied. “He’ll be back by 6.”
“Oh,” Swati nodded, then added casually, “Did someone come here when we were not here? We got a call from Avyansh.”

Sanchi paused for a second.

“Yes… bhaiya and bhabhi came.”

Both her parents exchanged a knowing look.
“They must have come to talk about your wedding date and everything,” Saurabh said calmly.
Swati immediately turned to Sanchi.
“Are you alright with all this, beta? Or do you need some time?”
Sanchi looked at them.
There was so much inside her.
But she just said—
“I’m fine with everything, maa.”
That was enough.
Swati’s face lit up instantly.
Saurabh smiled softly.

“We always knew Atharv is an amazing boy,” Swati said proudly. “Don’t trouble him.”

Sanchi blinked.

“Mumma… you’re saying it like I’m a bully.”
Swati raised a brow playfully. “Beta, between the two of you… you are the bully.”
Sanchi stared at her in disbelief.
“My Atharv is such a sweet baby.”
Sanchi almost laughed.
“Come,” Swati said, pulling her along. “I’ll show you what I brought for you, Siddharth and Atharv.”

Evening came.
And right on time—
The doorbell rang.
Sanchi opened it.
Atharv stood there.
Tired from work—
But the moment he saw them—
His face lit up.

“Uncle! Aunty!” he stepped in quickly. “I missed you so much!”
Saurabh raised a brow. “Is it?”
Atharv nodded enthusiastically—
Like a small kid.
Completely unfiltered.
And it was true.
Around them—
He became one.

Swati laughed softly. “We went for just few days and you already missed us?”
“Of course,” he said without hesitation.
They showed him the things they had brought.
Clothes.
Little gifts.
Thoughtful picks.

Atharv took them happily—
Then, without thinking twice, he hugged them.
First Saurabh.
Then Swati.
And he held them—
A little longer than usual.
Not awkward.
Not forced.
Just… genuine.

Dinner was warm.
Lively.
Comfortable.
Like nothing had ever been broken.
Midway, Swati spoke—
“Atharv, your bhaiya and bhabhi are coming tomorrow for the marriage discussion. Are you alright with it?”
Atharv didn’t even think.
“I’m okay with anything Sanchi chooses.”
Instant. Certain.

Swati and Saurabh both looked at Sanchi.
That look.
See? He’s sweeter than you.
Sanchi rolled her eyes lightly but said nothing.

Later, Saurabh added—
“We’ll be heading back to our house tomorrow after the discussion.”
Sanchi frowned slightly. “So soon?”
“We’ve stayed enough here,” he replied calmly.
But before she could say anything—
Atharv spoke.
“Why are you leaving?” he said, almost immediately. “I like it a lot when you’re here.”
There was no hesitation.
No formality.
Just… attachment.