A Thousand Years

Chapter 20

Suman's POV 

Three years later...

I kept looking at my phone, waiting for the video call from Shravan. I joined the army three years after our marriage and was currently posted near the border in Rajasthan. I wanted to spend the first few years with Shravan and Sagar, living as a family together. I had also convinced Kavita Aunty to come live with us. She was hesitant to move back to Bhopal as she had bad memories associated with the place but eventually agreed. Two years into our marriage, we gave birth to a little girl who we named Shreya. Our little family was finally complete.

Initially, we were worried about how Sagar would react as our attention would be divided. But during this time, Shravan's bond with Sagar grew even stronger. Sagar surprised us by turning into a protective and caring older brother. Shravan was worried that Kavita Aunty might mistreat Sagar and love Shreya more. So, he made it clear to her that he would not tolerate Sagar being treated differently simply because he was not his biological son. Kavita Aunty grew angry hearing that Shravan would think like that because she and Sagar had grown very close and she considered him her own grandson. Just like how she was a doting mother, she was an even more doting grandmother. She was always spoiling him with desserts and telling him Shravan's embarrassing childhood stories. Sometimes, it seemed like she loved Sagar more than Shravan.

I broke out of my thoughts as I saw Shravan's name display across my phone. I excitedly accepted the call. Talking to my family was my favorite part of the day as I missed them every second I was away from them. I felt like my heart would burst out of happiness when I saw Shravan and Sagar waving at me. I laughed when Shravan took Shreya's little hand and made her wave too. I thought I couldn't fall any more in love with Shravan but he proved me wrong. With every passing day, I fell more in love with him. Whenever I felt restless, he knew how to calm me down. He always understood what's on my mind or how I'm feeling without me ever even telling him. He just makes life so easy and peaceful. My biggest fear with rejoining the army was that I would be cut off from my family and that I would be a bad mother again. But, Shravan made being a mom so easy. He always made sure that the kids were talking to me regularly and that I was aware of everything that was happening in their lives.

I pouted, "Hmm...you called me ten minutes later than our usual time. Do you not miss me anymore?"

Shravan laughed, "No Sumo, that's not true. We miss you all the time. Bunty was here to pick up Aditi and you know how he is...once he starts talking then he doesn't stop".

I noticed Sagar blushing when Aditi's name was mentioned so I asked, pretending to be unaware, "Aditi has been coming over a lot lately, hasn't she?"

Sagar's face turned crimson and slapped his forehead, "Not you too, Mom! Sometimes, we do homework together...that's all".

Shravan spoke up, "Which reminds me, guess what, Sumo? Our Sagar got a perfect score on his math exam! He even got first place in his debate competition yesterday. I guess, he really has taken after you in academics". Shravan lovingly ruffled Sagar's hair and told him that he was proud of him.

Sagar's eyes brightened up, "Mumma, my badminton competition is next week! Will you be able to come this time?"

I sighed, "I'm sorry, Sagar...it seems like I won't be able to come this time either". Sagar nodded and said it was okay. He forced a smile and hid his disappointment. But, little did he know that I would be able to come to his competition and was planning on surprising him. I glared at Shravan who was grinning as he knew the truth. I shook my head hoping that Sagar wouldn't see his smile so my surprise wouldn't be ruined.

Suddenly, Shreya started babbling in her baby language and gurgled, "Mummm". I squealed in excitement as I thought she would say her first word.

Shravan laughed, "Well, we are getting there almost. She has half of it down". He spoke to Shreya in a high-pitched voice, "Say Mum-ma..." I laughed seeing how cute Shravan was when he spoke in his baby voice. Who would have looked at teenager Shravan and thought that he would become a caring husband and father one day? My life felt so complete with him.

Shravan and I laughed seeing how Sagar made silly faces at his little sister, making her giggle. I missed my family so much. Shreya yawned and Shravan gently picked her up saying it was bedtime. While Shravan was tucking Shreya into bed, Sagar updated me on everything that was going on in school and home. He told me how he was excelling in studies and sports. He told me about his recent argument with Aditi and how he took care of his grandma, Kavita Aunty, when she felt sick yesterday. I was happy that even though I was miles away, I could still be a part of my family's life. Shravan truly kept his promise of making sure that I wouldn't miss out on anything.

When Shravan came back, Sagar wished me good night as he had to get up early in the morning to complete an assignment. Finally, Shravan and I were alone. I sighed, "I miss you, Shravan".

He looked at his watch and said, "Not for long! You will finally be back home in 5 days, 3 hours, and 4 minutes". I giggled seeing his excited face. Sometimes, he still acts like a kid. We both talked about our days. I could tell that Shravan missed being in the army. He was so proud of me when I rejoined the army. I still remember when he was seeing me off. He said that he would wait for me and pray everyday for my safety. He told me not to worry about anything back home as he will take care of everyone. He fixed my badge and placed a soft kiss on my forehead before whispering that my happiness is his happiness.

I noticed that Shravan was rubbing his eyes and realized that he was tired. Although I wanted to talk to him longer, I knew that working and taking care of the family was tiring for him so I wished him good night. I laid in bed and looked out the window at the stars and thanked them for bringing Shravan into my life.

Five days later....

I stepped off the train and my eyes searched for the one that I yearned to see. Suddenly, I saw an arm pop up and wave in the crowd. I dropped my luggage and ran into Shravan's arms. I was home. I tightly wrapped my arms around his neck, never wanting to let go, as he spun me around. There was no place more comfortable than being in his arms. I moved back and my heart warmed up seeing his bright smile. I could tell that even though he was the one who convinced me to join the army, he missed being away from me. Shravan taught me the true meaning of love. Love is selfless - even though Shravan wishes to have me around more, he would never ask me to sacrifice my goals for him. Instead, he has always motivated and encouraged me to do better.

Shravan rested his forehead on mine and whispered, "Welcome back home, Sumo". He picked up my luggage and we walked hand-in-hand to our car. I giggled seeing the smile that was plastered across his face. He looked like an excited little kid. We sat in the car and he kissed my hand. He sighed, "I can't believe you are finally home. You have no idea how much I missed you".

I pinched his cheek and smiled, "I do...because I missed you just as much, Shravan". When we reached home, Shravan parked the car and I helped him get the luggage out. Suddenly, I felt his arm lace around my waist and turned me around. I looked into his eyes that were full of love as he moved close and placed a soft peck on my lips. I giggled, "What are you doing? What if our neighbors see us?"

He pulled closer and smirked, "So? I don't care what anyone thinks. I'm seeing my wife after a really long time and I missed her. Also, the kids will steal you away from me when they finally meet you so I won't get to spend alone time with you until later". I laughed and gently slapped his cheek. He pulled my arm and said, "Let's go inside, the kids are restlessly waiting for you".

As I stepped into our house through the gate, I saw everyone waiting for me on the porch. Sagar ran into my arms and hugged me tightly. Shravan brought little Shreya to me and I looked up in surprise at Shravan when she called me Mumma. I felt like my heart would burst as I hugged my family. Bunty told us to look towards the camera as he took a picture of us. I looked over at Shravan next to me and he smiled back at me. I was the luckiest woman on earth and I never thought that I would ever be happy in life. But with Shravan by my side, I don't need anything else. I have loved him for a thousand years and I will love him for a thousand more...no, actually I will love him for eternity and we will belong to each other in every lifetime. We were destined to be with each other, since the day we crossed paths because Mil Jaate Hai Jo Bane Ek Duje Ke Vaaste (Those who are made for each other will meet).

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