Happy Independence Day and Shree Krishna Janmashtami, readers.

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|She knew her love was being reciprocated, the moment that she looked into their actions|

by medicallymessedup

•present•

Ruchi hesitated before the mirror as her reflection seemingly played tricks on her. A tentative smile crossed her face, but it quickly twisted into something eerier than she intended.

Frustrated with her own indecision, she hovered on the precipice of abandoning what little confidence remained within her. Finally after, conceding her defeat, she sank onto the bed. Despite putting determined efforts to keep a clear head for the evening, beads of nervous sweat betrayed the battle ensuing inside her.

No doubt that she was visibly presentable enough to chaperone her husband to attend her mother-in-law's birthday party but she also harbored a deep-seated doubt about her mental readiness to face them. She felt submerged in a whirlpool of uncertainties and lingering remorse. The happenings left an enduring mark on her psyche, primarily because they originated from a grave misinterpretation.

Despite Aryan being blameless from the start, his family unjustly castigated him going to great lengths for her sake. They stood by her, sidelining their son, but now, with the complete truth in hand, Ruchi faced the challenge of confronting Soham and Anchal. The impending truth had the potential to make them overhaul their choices as they had taken a stance in her favor earlier. The lone consequence of backing her was nothing more than a wave of disappointment. She was the root of the icy divide between them and Aryan and had the Mallik family abstained from being concerned for her then things might have been different. She found herself burdened with self-condemnation, perennially manifesting as the outcome of inauspicious decisions.

In the midst of her mental struggle, an unanticipated knocking on the door abruptly cut short her contemplative musings. Following some discreet shuffling of feet, a profound hush compelled Ruchi to raise her gaze. Relaxation set in as she confirmed it wasn't a foreign presence but her husband alone sharing her space.

"Hey!" She nervously addressed Aryan, the entranced gaze he cast her way injecting a subtle quiver into her knees, evoking a warm, fuzzy sensation. In response to her summons, his lush, dark eyebrows lifted like a feathery kiss, ascending in an exhilarating ascent after brushing his cheeks and and then encircling Ruchi in a fervent maze.

She coughed softly, breaking the silence before announcing she was ready to go and they could leave. Deftly retrieved the lustrous cover containing the present Aryan bought for his mother and fiddled around to grab her phone and purse.

"Baby!"

When Aryan articulated her name, the dulcet texture of her name from his lips caused an exhilarating shiver to course through her, momentarily disrupting Ruchi's stability as the phone slid through her fingers. She hastily lunged to catch it, only to lose her footing as well. Just as she, along with the phone, was on the verge of crashing to the ground, two potent arms swooped in, saving both her and the phone from the impending descent.

Her fingers instinctively tightened their hold on his nape, focusing on the expanse of his palm and the heat emanating from it, as he caught her waist. In that brief moment, Ruchi discerned a few significant details like her husband's arms were attractive and veiny, prone to papercuts; he unquestionably served as a human heater in this freezing cold, just like the way she subconsciously leaned closer to him, and a tiny, almost imperceptible mole rested just below his earlobe, tempting her to reach out and caress it.

"Baby-" His raspy tone disrupted her concentration once more as she absentmindedly crooned, "Do you comprehend the effect you're having on me?"

"What have I done, Aryan?" The query dangled in the air as Ruchi gawked at him gullibly.

"You're tormenting my mind, Baby! Quit being so ingenuously divine." His eyes plunged into an agonizing pain whereas her jaw went slack with his confession. "These curious expressions on your face make it torturously challenging to rein in the untamed part of me."

"Oh!" Her forehead furrowed, "How is that meant to be my problem?" Ruchi inquired after careful consideration. "I never did anything wrong na!"

Aryan twisted his face into an offended scowl as if his wife had demanded both of his kidneys for free but then laid his head on her shoulder, releasing a deep sigh of resignation. "It's impossible for me to forget I married you." He muttered something more unintelligible to himself inaudible to his wife, "Even if I enact fifty shades of grey here, it won't matter to you, I suppose."

"Why are you saying that, huh?" Ruchi inquired, but he simply rubbed his nose against her clothed skin and straightened up, returning her belongings. "Chalein?" He offered instead of replying to her query.

["Shall we?"]

She puckered her lips in provocation at his lack of response but took hold of his extended hand as they entered his car. His eyes concentrated on the road ahead, while hers shifted from the passing trees outside the window to his handsome side profile, glowing under the moonlight. The black sweatshirt coordinated well with his rouge pink blazer and slacks, creating an eye-pleasing visual. Ruchi discovered her newfound love for pink that night as her man effortlessly pulled off the color.

The instant they passed through the gates of the opulent mansion, Aryan glanced at his petite wife, who was visibly awestruck. "You never mentioned your parents' lives in a duplicate Disneyland!" She fretted, "I'll sue you for keeping me in the dark, Aryan Mallik!" He chuckled amusingly, shooting a quick look at his childhood home where his parents lived. It surpassed Gulmohar in size and resembled nothing less than a Dharma Production movie set.

He maneuvered the car through back gates to avoid undue paparazzi attention and applied the brakes only after reaching the confines of the private garage. He exited first and promptly extended his hand to open the door for Ruchi, eliciting a gleeful giggle from her. "Aryan Mallik, being a good boy, uhm, not bad!" Aryan seized her hand and sent her a moody frown. "I'm always a gentleman if you care to notice, Madam!"

"Oh, really?" She quipped, and he glared at her strangely. "No problem! Don't be upset. I'll now on observe you closely, Mr. Mallik." She patted her hand on his bicep, "It is not like you're planning on leaving me, are you?" She gave him a sly look with a raised brow.

His piercing gaze bore into hers, and interpreting it as a signal to act, she started to move. When he forcefully slammed the car door, allowing the resonant thud to fill the air, he swiftly cornered her by enclosing her body between his frame and the car.

"Do not even think about it! Even if you say still I won't let you go!" Aryan remarked fervently, "You're my prisoner, Mrs. Mallik! The last thing I did ever do is letting you go."

He blazed through the upheaval of her words. For him, his reality ceased to exist beyond her, and every time her existence in his life was jeopardized, he felt like a homeless wanderer, while she felt both regretful and significantly foolish.

Aryan's ragged breaths stirred a sense of unease in Ruchi, prompting her to calm him down by massaging his shoulders. "I won't leave you, Aryan." She pressed a tender kiss on his cheek, overwhelmed by an indescribable emotion. "I might be lured to go anywhere in the world, but you'll forever be my ultimate destination. You're my home."

She might not have voiced it aloud, yet an insatiable longing to spend the rest of her life with him consumed her. He was the only person she wished for ever. The prospect of facing the day without him by her side was unfathomable. How could she ever entertain the idea of abandoning Aryan Mallik, for that stupid man possessed her heart.

After what seemed like an eternity, Aryan slowly regained his composure, and with her head resting on his shoulder blade, Ruchi looked up at him, witnessing the calm slowly spreading across his face. She drew a shuddering breath as well and pledged not to engage in such thoughtless quips if it meant seeing him perturbed like this. It saddened her to see him affected by her actions. The idea of inflicting hardships on him had the potential to disrupt her happy world and usher storms into her life.

"Young Master-" The valet's voice disrupted their moment, "Should I handle your car?" He nodded and handed over the car keys to the attendant, and then, with Ruchi by his side, he entered the mansion.

The pair together moved through the foyer, and upon nearing the gathering of guests, the unease Ruchi shed earlier returned back in full force. Despite being informed that it was a private affair, twenty to thirty individuals occupied the room.

"No need to worry, Baby!" Aryan slowed his gait as he drew her knuckles closer and tenderly brushed his lips against the tumultuous peel of her cold skin. "I'll be right there with you. If you ever feel uneasy, just let me know. Remember, we either stay on your wish or run on your say." His comforting gesture provided a considerable boost to Ruchi's self-confidence. "Worry not, I think I'll pull through the night." She shook him from his apprehension with a radiant, infectious grin. "I want to bail you out, so I'd like to stay." In her peripheral view, she noticed his mother approaching them. "Quit worrying about me; it's time to carry out your plan to mend things with Aunty and Uncle." She exacted.

Anchal smiled at Ruchi, who bowed down to greet her, but Anchal surprised her with a warm embrace. "Happy Birthday, Aunty!"

"Thank you, Ruchi!" Anchal beamed in gratitude and affectionately patted her head. "You look beautiful, beta."

[Beta- An adoring endearment used for 'my child']

"Indeed, she does." Aryan murmured, his dreamy gaze fixed on his wife.

"Aryan got me this dress." Ruchi enthusiastically informed Anchal, who was surprised by both the information and her excitement. "Right, Aryan?" For a brief pause, he kept his lips sealed until Ruchi's intense glare coerced him to speak up, "Yeah, I did." He stepped up to hug his mother, but on receiving no response from her, Aryan retreated back helplessly. "Happy Birthday, Mom!" He resorted to wishing her softly.

"Aryan-"

"Tell me about college, Ruchi." Anchal intervened, thwarting the attempt to involve Aryan in their conversation, unsettling Ruchi. The crestfallen expression on Aryan's face went prepensely unnoticed by his mother and left her feeling miserable.

"Things are going well, Aunty." Ruchi replied politely, yet she couldn't overlook the urgency in Aryan's eyes to talk with his mother, transforming into a plea of words. "Mom, there's something I wanted to share with you-"

Anchal cast a pointed look at him and preceded a gentle word to her, "Hold on for a minute, my dear. There are some matters I need to discuss with this young man." Within moments, Ruchi saw her mother-in-law disappear with her son in tow. She caught him affirmatively blinking his eyes to assure her while she fervently prayed for the conversation to flourish optimistically.

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Soham spotted his daughter-in-law in a slightly awkward stance within the sea of guests and although she tried to blend in, a subtle anxiety lingered on her face. Sadly, as Ruchi graced their home for the first time, they were unable to extend a customary reception for her like any other normally good in-laws.

"Ruchi!" He beckoned, seeking her attention. "How are you doing, beta?"

"Uncle!" Ruchi exhaled with relief upon encountering a familiar face. "Namaste!" She respectfully pressed her palms together in greeting. "I'm fine, Uncle. Aap kaise hain?"

[Namaste- A traditional greeting originating from Hindu culture. It is a respectful way of acknowledging someone with folded hands and a slight bow or nod.]

["How are you?"]

Soham acknowledged her respectful gesture with an empathetic smile, contemplating how this naive soul could have fallen for his idiotic son. They're worlds apart. Aryan was a wild rebel whereas she was a traditionalist. They were an unlikely match yet fate enigmatically bound them together. He felt content as his son chose a humble girl like herself yet a part of him nursed bitterness towards his own blood for playing with her emotions. The father's love and faith in him restrained Soham from holding Aryan accountable but each glimpse of Ruchi's innocence left him with a sense of utter helplessness and anger. As a father, he couldn't bring himself to prioritize one child over another. He had no inclination to witness the young girl go through more austerities than what she had already endured in the past and he was ready to go against his son to ensure her well-being.

"I'm at my finest since it's my wife's birthday fest." There was a light humor in Soham's expression which changed as he was reminded of something that led to a question he couldn't resist asking. "Rustom had the task of being your chauffeur for today but I heard you ended up taking a ride with Aryan. Did he force you to do so?"

"Not at all, Uncle. Why would he force me to do that?" Ruchi alluded contrarily, "I myself requested Rustom Uncle not to go through the hassle of driving me around since Aryan and I were set to arrive at the same venue. It seemed more convenient for us to travel together."

"The scenario is different now, Ruchi. You're aware of his actions, aren't you?" Soham necessitated, but she promptly cut him off, "He didn't do anything wrong, Uncle." She asserted earnestly. "Nothing that we mistook him for on that night; in fact, he's completely innocent."

Soham, with a disapproving shake of his head, turned his eyes away. He couldn't bring himself to listen to Aryan's absurd justifications through her, just because she was constantly under the pressure from her spineless father to continue weathering the pretense of a marriage with his son, regardless of his infidel tendencies. It was indeed tough for him and his wife to believe in the harsh reality of the child they raised themselves just because they're unknown from the truth.

"You don't need to act as Aryan's advocate in front of me just because I'm his father. No matter what, neither Anchal nor I would back him in any wrongful acts. We are firmly supporting you in this, and-" He reported.

"I am an outsider known to you for just a month whereas he's your flesh and blood, his importance in your lives would surely surpass mine." Ruchi allowed her thoughts to spill out, unable to discern the reason behind their resolute decision. "Then, how can you turn your face away from him because of me?"

Soham witnessed her turmoil amid the torment of her own inquiry. He was recently exposed by his wife about the shrouded episodes in Ruchi's past and since then he was churning in hatred and resentment towards her culprits.

"I'll surely answer you, beta, but before that, you should come with me." He conveyed, and Ruchi trailed behind him, relying on her instincts. They stepped away from the celebratory atmosphere and strolled into the exclusive portion of the manor reserved exclusively for family members. She remained quiet throughout, but her inquisitiveness took charge as they stopped amid the sprawling gardens stretching from the back patio and finally coming to a stop before a towering tree. She paused, directing her gaze between her father-in-law and the flowerless tree. "What is it, Uncle?"

When she questioned him, Soham wasn't thinking of her as a fool incapable of grasping the basics; rather, he saw her as a little girl who grew up too soon without experiencing the goodness that often accompanies hardships. He sensed that the reservations woven into her mind during that period were impairing her ability to align with right and wrong today, as she was solely focused on the darkness, overlooking the light peeking at her through a hopeful aperture. She was uncertain about her importance in the Mallik family, and he wanted to assure her by dispelling that uncertainty.

Soham inched closer to the tree and ran his fingers along the robust bark with a fond smile gracing his face. Subsequently, he invited her to occupy a seat on the concrete bench beneath the cover of the same tree. Ruchi complied with his request and while anticipating his words she proffered, "What's so special about this place, Uncle?"

"This place was absurdly dear to Anchal during her pregnancy. She'd sit here for hours until I returned from work and joined her." He softly began to share all the while his eyes stayed locked onto the tree which held her undivided attention. "She was eager to fight me each time I insisted her to retreat indoors even in the chilly winter."

"But Aunty doesn't seem like someone who might start a quarrel. She's too sweet to involve herself in anything like that, Uncle." Ruchi unintentionally voiced her perspective, accidentally opening up to him.

"Don't fall for her sweetness, beta." Soham remarked with a disbelieving look, "Your mother-in-law is a fencing maestro, and I've been her personal opponent throughout these years. You can't imagine the bizarre stunts she made me do with her sword pressed against my neck. Besides, she was at that time experiencing hell of a mood swings."

"Oh, really! Aisi thi kya woh pehle?" She seriously mulled over as her eyebrows rose in inquisitiveness, "So what sorts of things did she make you go through?"

["Oh, really? Was she like this before?"]

Soham's mouth clamped shut when she pried into the affair he definitely didn't wish to discuss with his daughter-in-law. Thus, he cleared his throat and decided to shift the direction of their conversation. "It's a tale for another occasion, but keep in mind, she's not a saint."

Ruchi folded her arms and brooded in the vacant space, "You didn't drag me here to gossip about Aunty behind her back, did you, Uncle? In that case, rest assured, it's not going to work on me, no way." She set forth. "You are acting up just like Aryan while trying to butter me against Aunty just like your son does against my bestfriend."

"You've got quite the insight into the similarities between us father and son." Soham chuckled briefly, taking a break from his issues with Aryan. "I'm thankful to know that there's something that lad inherited from me because as far as I can tell he's a carbon copy of his mother. He's an upgraded version of Anchal, with the same fiery temper, theatrics, and tantrums that unfailingly get under my skin. I'd fail to recognize him if not for the handsome genes I passed on to him."

"Perhaps there's some truth to that, but Aryan also possesses your attributes beyond his looks." Ruchi trailed off as she contemplatively steered the conversation. "He's determined to establish his worth beyond his family's, much like you did in the past by taking the business to greater heights of success. He's diligently working to be the perfect son by learning from his mistakes. His strong will is similar to yours." She furthermore questioned mildly, "Then why would you think he's not like you, Uncle?"

The question disturbed Soham as he rubbed his face, accentuating the lines etched on his visage. "You're well aware of his actions, yet instead of voicing your complaints to us, his parents, even against all reasoning, you're adamantly supporting him, Ruchi. I do love him, but blood ties aside, there's no sugarcoating the fact that what he did was outright inexcusable. We were first hand witnesses to his blatant activities in the dead of night. His commitment to you means he cannot be with any other person. Period." He laid it out plainly for her, "After all that has occurred, I am at a loss as to why you are reluctant to question him."

"How can I not support him even after knowing the real reason behind him being present there that night." Ruchi vindicated purposefully. She did not want Soham or Anchal harboring further misconceptions about Aryan. The thought of him and his parents drifting apart was mortifying her. She couldn't bear him facing unwarranted consequences for things he wasn't at fault for. He was true to her and their sacred vows. So, why cannot she take a stand for him? It wasn't merely her duty but rightful prerogative to advocate for him amid these confusions and unjust allegations targeting him. "Aisa bhi toh ho sakta hai na ki hum sab ne jo dekha wo galat ho ya humne use galat samajh liya ho, Uncle. Zaroori to nahi hai na ki jo jaisa hume dikhta ho woh waisa hi ho."

["It's also possible that what we all saw may be incorrect or that we misunderstood it, Uncle. It's not necessary that what appears to us is exactly how it is."]

Soham's appraisal fractured due to her wilful attestation. He appeared distraught and his voice strained, "What are you saying?" For the first time in days, as the fog of disappointment and anger dissipated, he found himself surmising the various scenarios that could have led Aryan to that position. The bitter recollection of vehemently castigating his son had kept him awake for nights; however, at this moment, he was uncertain about the validity of his actions.

"Aryan ne us din jo bhi kaha tha woh sab sach hai, Uncle." Ruchi's voice wavered under the burden, yet she resolutely laid bare the truth, "He didn't deceive me or involve himself in any inappropriate behavior with that girl. Geetika is his friend, and I am familiar with her too. The obligatory fixes led Aryan to that situation but he was blameless throughout our accusations."

["Whatever Aryan had said that day is true, Uncle."]

The skin brunched around Soham's eyes as he looked at Ruchi directly. Her heart raced in apprehension as she waited for his reaction. She deemed herself at fault. If she hadn't blown things out of proportion that night, maybe the catastrophe Aryan was currently entangled in could have been dodged. It wasn't her character portraying a dumb damsel but a mentality shaped by distorted interpretations of love and relationships. It might have been straightforward for many to differentiate between the righteous and immoral, but what minimal alternatives does one possess when they're solely acquainted with the bad and the badder. Ruchi was beaten and broken like a vessel offered up to the whim of the potter, bereft of any chance to determine its own fate.

"What did I do?" Soham held his head in remorse. "I threatened him to-Oh God!" The flashback of presenting Aryan with the divorce papers taunted him like a loser. "I failed to understand him even when he pleaded with me to. How bad of a father can I become?" His eyes moistened dimly as the guilt consumed him. "Aryan was right all along; I never fulfilled the role of a worthy parent. What sort of a father doubts his son's character?" He sat there with his head bowed down.

"Aapki galti nahi thi, Uncle." Ruchi voiced in anguish, "Both you and Aunty acted that way because of me. Your intention was to protect me from the injustice of suffering, but still, what did I do? Aapki ankhon ne jo dekha use hi sach samajh liya par maine bhi to use har baar ki tarah galat hi samajh liya na aur phir bina soche samjhe maan liya ki Aryan bhi mere maa-baap jaisa hi khudgarz hai." For the first time, she poured out the bitterness in her heart against Sunil and Srinija to a stranger, however she barely felt any regret for denouncing their savage reality, genuinely feeling safe under Soham's sheltering presence. "Aapko shayad yeh nahi pata, lekin aapke bete ne mere liye bina kuch chahe sab kuch kiya, jo ab tak mere khoon ke rishte nahi kar sake." Her chin vibrated as she confided, "He called off the engagement to prevent me from ruining my life and shouldered the blame to protect me. Even now, whatever happened with him was my fault; if only I hadn't impulsively acted on my foolishness that day, none of this would have happened with him. He took the brunt of the blame because of me; I am the culprit, not him."

["It wasn't your fault, Uncle. Both you and Aunty acted that way because of me. Your intention was to protect me from the injustice of suffering, but still, what did I do? What your eyes saw, you considered it as the truth, but I, like always, misunderstood it and without thinking, believed that Aryan is also as selfish as my parents. You may not be aware, but your son did everything for me without expecting anything in return, something my blood relations couldn't do until now."]

A burdensome silence descended upon them following the revelation, leaving Ruchi to reflect on her existence, while Soham observed her burning in the furnace of guilt and remorse.

"Agar hum tumhara saath nahi dete to phir hum mein aur baakiyon mein kya farq reh jaata, Ruchi." He solicited, the sheen of pain pricking his voice. "I was on cloud nine when my little ones were born. Anchal overwhelmed our abode with our two tiny minions." He clarified Ruchi's probing query, as the world had limited insight about his daughter's life. "We cherished our small universe until destiny, with its cruel twists, played its hand." He masked his eyes, absorbing the painful memory that robbed him of his daughter. Ruchi, absorbing his words, shuddered with empathy, visualizing the grief the family must have faced from the demise of their precious little girl. "We had our son by our side, yet there was a vague sense of something missing until you stepped into our lives." Her hollow gaze momentarily dissolved at the sound of her name. "The melancholy etched on your face struck a chord within me as if it was someone grieving in my own family. The second you exchanged vows with my Aryan, I found it impossible not to accept you as my own daughter. If not a father and mother, then who else will be the pillars of strength for their daughter, bache?" The insinuation left Ruchi in wide-eyed bewilderment and devoid of words. "Anchal and I wish to be your parents, not just as in-laws, because to us, it's like destiny gifting a second chance to be the safeguards of our other daughter. Don't we have the right to bask in the presence of our daughter, who bravely fought her battles alone for years? Shouldn't we have the right to witness and extend our heartfelt wishes for her good health and happiness?"

["If we didn't support you, then what difference would remain between us and others, Ruchi."]

Ruchi succumbed to the emotional tumult, crumbling into unrestrained tears. Her wails echoed beneath the open heavens, exposing the rawness of her suffering. Her tears, a symbol of her relentless pursuit to earn her parent's love, were now yielding to the nurturing affection bestowed by her in-laws. She was torn between questioning the architect of her fate and expressing gratitude for the requital of her pent-up emotions. As a wave of tension rippled through her body, a tender embrace cocooned her, coaxing her to involuntarily lean into the soothing touch.

Anchal cast a concerned look at her husband before turning back to her daughter-in-law, as they both appeared withdrawn. Ruchi clung to her as if this was the only place she belonged, the comforting sanctuary of her parents, who willingly embraced her despite her shortcomings. Anchal's fingers caressed Ruchi's hairs being guided by concern, wordlessly bestowing the wealth of a mother's love during her tears.

"Ruchi, what's going on? Why are you crying?" She gently cupped her puffed face, urging, "Sweetheart, talk to me. Kya hua hai, bacha? Kuch to bolo." Ruchi's lips shook, wanting to voice her thoughts, but failing to speak. "Soham, did you say something to her?" She asked her husband and then readdressed her, waiting for a response. "Did Aryan say something to you? This boy, I swear..."

["What happened, dear? Say something."]

Ruchi interrupted her worried dialogue by holding onto Anchal's hands. Her heart filled with peace as their affection and care surrounded her, making her feel as if they were her own. She refrained herself from questioning anything anymore, cherishing the love she had long yearned for. She couldn't believe the fortune of having a loving family, leading her to ponder over the potential good deeds in her less-than-perfect life. She was thankful to her God and them, who viewed her as a human being and not just a nuisance.

"Nobody said anything, Maa." Her voice faltered as she mustered the strength to speak, "Can I call you that?" The innocent, hesitating inquiry swayed Anchal and Soham, who were elated to see her reciprocating their affection and trust.

[Maa- Mother]

Anchal heaved a sigh of relief, a smile playing on her lips at her simple action. "If my children won't call me Maa and my husband as Dad, then who else will, huh?" She pressed a kiss to her forehead and tenderly wiped away her tears with the end of her saree. "And what was the need to cry so much over nothing? You could have called us without crying so much." She reprimanded mildly, "Do you even understand how valuable these tears are to us, especially if your health had taken a toll?"

"I'm sorry, Maa, I shouldn't have done that." Ruchi held her ears, fully aware of the unnecessary distress she caused her.

"She's shedding tears because of your fear, Anchal." Soham taunted, and both women turned to him with puzzled expressions. "Ever since she learned about your fencing abilities, she's been terrified. Like if you ever get angry, you might punish-"

"I learned fencing purely to keep you in check, Soham." Anchal rested a hand on her hip, giving him a haughty glare. "I can assure you, trying out my hobbies doesn't extend to my kids or anyone else, in case you were wondering."

Ruchi giggled, but swiftly silenced herself with a finger on her lips as Soham narrowed his eyes at her for finding amusement in his plight.

"Dad, you told me Mom could get anything done with the tip of her sword, so shouldn't you be used to it?"

"Well, well, seems like there was a funny little chat about me going on behind my back, ha?" Anchal remarked, scrutinizing them as they squirmed in their seats.

"Ruchi dear, it was meant to be under wraps." He muttered quietly to her.

"Uh-oh! Sorry!" Ruchi bit her tongue with a childlike expression. "Next time, I'll keep my lips zipped and won't share anything without asking you first."

"Worry not, Soham! Next time, I'll spill the details about your escapades and grant the children full liberty to let it waft away." Anchal couldn't help but snide as her husband sulked in the corner. "That's enough! I'm done with your antics for today. Come inside, now." Anchal ordered both to get on their feet in a no-nonsense manner. "Freezing your bones out here instead of coming back inside. What's to be done with the people who have been invited by you, should I send them back?" She instructed sternly. "Immediately, both of you, head inside."

"Great, here comes the lady in charge." Soham grumbled as he rose, accompanied by Ruchi.

"Sweetie, would you like to wash up?" Anchal inquired with care and upon getting her confirmation she added, "Alright, let me walk you to the washroom.

Ruchi readily agreed, nodding with a cheerful nod, and strolled ahead, leaving Soham, standing back with Anchal, who couldn't hold back a sigh of contentment. 'This place holds the weight of losing our daughter two decades ago, but today, it feels like we've been given the gift of our little girl once more." Anchal hugged her husband close and earnestly murmured, "I can't imagine losing either our daughter or our son again, Soham. Please." Her voice, filled with angst, "I want nothing more than to see both of them happy together."

"Rest assured, Anchal. I give you my word. Our children won't endure any more difficulties. They deserve every happiness in the world." Soham consoled her.

Lots of Love,

ANKITA