Barrister Babu

Chapter 96: Grown Up Som

After making sure that his wife had eaten every last morsel from the tiffin he had brought and had taken her medicines under his strict supervision, Anirudh declared himself satisfied.

Which, according to Bondita, meant he had transformed into an even bigger fussing husband than usual.

Now, with the afternoon sun spilling warmly through the curtains of Som's chamber, the two of them sat quietly upon the couch.

Or rather, Anirudh sat.

Bondita had somehow ended up comfortably nestled in his lap, her head resting against his chest while his arm remained wrapped securely around her waist. The fingers of his free hand moved absentmindedly through her hair, gently caressing it with the same care one reserved for something infinitely precious.

And perhaps, to Anirudh, she truly was.

For several minutes, neither spoke.

The silence between them had never been uncomfortable. It had simply become another language over the years.

"Patibabu."

"Hm?" he murmured softly, still playing with a loose strand of her hair.

Bondita traced circles upon the buttons of his waistcoat. "Chandni still doesn't know that Jaswant Kaka is no more."

The movement of his fingers slowed slightly.

For a few moments, he remained quiet before answering.

"Bondita..." His voice was gentle. "We cannot tell her that right now."

She sighed softly. "I know."

"You said she is recovering."

"Hm."

"And losing her father..." He shook his head faintly. "Not now. Let her become stronger first."

Bondita nodded against his chest. "Yes."

"Once she is able to stand on her own feet again..." he continued quietly, "...we will tell her together."

"Hm."

He kissed the top of her head. "We shall carry that burden when the time comes."

His wife merely snuggled closer.

For a while, the room fell silent again.

Then Anirudh suddenly asked, "By the way, is Pramita Kaki with her right now?"

"No."

"Then who?" His fingers paused.

"Som is."

"What?"

The surprise in his voice made Bondita smile.

Anirudh looked down immediately. "Som?"

She nodded happily. "Chandni allowed it herself."

"Really?"

"She asked for him."

For a second, genuine astonishment crossed his face. Then slowly, a smile spread across his lips. "She did? And voluntarily?"

"Patibabu!" Bondita laughed. "I am not lying."

"Arreh, I know." His expression softened. "That is good, Bondita."

Very good.

He leaned back against the couch. "That means she is progressing." His hand resumed stroking her hair. "Slowly, she may allow me too."

Bondita smiled. "She will."

"And once she trusts people again..." his voice turned quieter, "...perhaps she will be ready to fight."