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This chap is affectionately dedicated to skyriseme28 -
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"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?................................."

Vatsal observed Shubhita as she settled into their new home, her presence bringing a sense of calm to the chaotic space.

He approached her hesitantly. “Hey, do you want to go get the groceries now?” he asked, his voice gentle. “We can take my bike if you want.”

Shubhita looked up at him, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes. “Actually,” she began, her tone soft, “how about we walk instead? It might be nice to explore the neighbourhood a bit.”

He was taken aback by her suggestion, but he quickly nodded, appreciating her willingness to adapt. “Sure,” he replied, offering a tentative smile. “Walking sounds good.”

As the evening sun began to set, casting a warm glow through the window of their new apartment, Vatsal and Shubhita prepared to head out for groceries.

They stepped out into the bustling streets of Noida, the sun beginning its descent in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything. Vatsal walked beside Shubhita, his hands in his pockets, stealing occasional glances at her. He noticed the way she took in her surroundings, her eyes wide with curiosity and a touch of apprehension.

Vatsal couldn’t help but notice the change in Shubhita’s demeanour. She seemed more at ease, almost carefree, in a way he had never seen her after their marriage. It was evident in the way she dressed that day, choosing a simple beige-coloured t-shirt paired with white palazzo pants. The outfit was casual and comfortable, a stark contrast to the more formal or traditional clothes she typically wore at home. This new look reflected a side of her he was unfamiliar with, yet it made him realize how much she was willing to adapt and embrace their new life together. It was as if she was shedding the burdens of the past and stepping into this new chapter with a sense of liberation and resilience that filled him with admiration. The subtle change intrigued him, sparking a quiet admiration.

Shubhita took in the sights and sounds around her, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She had never been to Noida before, and the unfamiliarity of it all was both daunting and thrilling.

Vatsal led the way to a nearby market, the two of them walking side by side. The streets were crowded with people going about their evening routines, vendors calling out their wares, and the air filled with the scent of street food. Shubhita clung to Vatsal's arm suddenly, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Have you ever been to a place like this?" Vatsal asked, glancing at her with a small smile.

"Not really," Shubhita admitted, her gaze wandering over the colourful stalls and busy shoppers. "It's different, but I like it."

As they continued their walk, they reached a bustling market area. The crowd thickened, people moving in every direction, creating a chaotic sea of movement. Vatsal kept a close eye on Shubhita, not wanting to lose her in the commotion.

Suddenly, the flow of people pushed them apart slightly. Instinctively, Shubhita reached out and grasped his arm, her fingers tightening around it. Vatsal looked down, surprised by the sudden contact. Her grip was firm, yet there was a sense of vulnerability in the way she held onto him.

He glanced at her face and saw that she was focused on navigating through the crowd, not even realizing she was holding his arm. Her brow was furrowed with determination as she moved ahead, making sure they didn’t get separated.

For a moment, Vatsal was struck by the simplicity of the gesture. It was an unconscious act of trust and reliance, something he hadn’t expected but found strangely comforting. He tightened his arm slightly, ensuring she felt secure.

They managed to push through the crowd and emerged on the other side, where the street widened and the throng of people dispersed. Shubhita finally let go of his arm, her attention shifting back to their surroundings.

“Sorry about that,” she said, a bit embarrassed, her cheeks flushing slightly as she pulled her hand away.

Vatsal shook his head, offering her a reassuring look. “It’s okay,” he said gently, his voice warm and understanding. “I understand. It was pretty crowded back there.”

Shubhita looked at him, a small smile playing on her lips, her eyes softening. “Thank you for staying close,” she said, her tone sincere and grateful.

He nodded, feeling a warmth in his chest that he hadn’t expected. “Ok,” he replied, his voice light but genuine.

“Ok? Who even responds like that?” she teased, making a face and raising an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes.

“I do. Vatsal,” he said with a playful shrug, his eyes twinkling with something undefined.

“You need to improve then. Basic manners dictate that when someone expresses their gratitude, the least you can do is to provide a proper response,” she said, her tone mock-serious, though her smile gave her away.

“Fine then. For your ‘thank you for staying close,’ my humanity’s response is – I’ll always be here, staying close,” he said, his voice tender, his eyes meeting hers with a promise that was both simple and profound.

She laughed then, a sound so genuine and carefree that it surprised him. Instead of blushing or looking away, she looked at him with a light in her eyes that he hadn’t seen before. Her laughter was infectious, filling the space between them with warmth and easing the tension that had lingered since their arrival. It amazed him, this unexpected reaction. He had anticipated a shy smile or perhaps a demure glance, but this open, joyous laughter was something entirely new.

For a moment, Vatsal found himself caught in the simplicity of her joy, a stark contrast to the seriousness that had marked their relationship so far. Her laughter echoed through the bustling market, rising above the cacophony of vendors calling out their wares and the hum of people passing by. It was a sound that seemed to carve out a small bubble of peace and happiness around them, a fleeting oasis in the midst of the chaos.

He couldn’t help but join in, his own laughter mingling with hers. The sound felt strange yet liberating to him, as if a weight he hadn’t realized he was carrying had been lifted. This moment, so small and seemingly insignificant, felt like a turning point. It was as if they were discovering a new side of each other, one that was lighter and more open to the possibility of happiness.

Their shared laughter created a connection that felt intimate and real, a budding companionship that was starting to take root. Vatsal watched her, captivated by the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, how her whole face lit up with genuine amusement. He realized then that he wanted to see more of this side of her, the side that was carefree and full of life.

The moment was a respite, a brief pause where they could simply be themselves without the weight of expectations or the shadows of their past looming over them. Amidst the bustling market, surrounded by the noise and the crowd, they found a sliver of peace and hope. It was in these small, unexpected moments that their bond began to grow, layer by layer, building something that felt both fragile and resilient.

As they continued their walk, the moment lingered in his mind. It was a small thing, but it spoke volumes.

They wandered through the market, stopping at various stalls to pick up essentials. Shubhita meticulously selected fresh vegetables, rice, lentils, and spices while Vatsal gathered other necessities like cooking oil, flour, and cleaning supplies.

The market was alive with chatter and bargaining, and Shubhita found herself getting lost in the rhythm of it all. She selected vegetables, rice, lentils, and spices, her hands moving with a confidence that belied her unfamiliarity with the place.

At one point, she caught Vatsal watching her with a soft, almost amused expression. "What?" she asked, looking back at him.

"Nothing," he said, shaking his head. "It's just... I didn't expect you to bargain this way."

Shubhita shrugged. "Then more surprises or shocks for you are awaiting, Vatsal."

At that, he couldn’t help but shook his head smiling. “Fine. Carry on.”

They finished their shopping and made their way back to the apartment, their bags heavy with groceries. The walk back was quieter, the reality of their situation settling in. Shubhita was lost in her thoughts, the weight of the day finally catching up to her.

Once back at the apartment, they began the task of organizing their supplies. The small kitchen was soon filled with the comforting scent of fresh produce and spices. Shubhita took charge, her movements swift and efficient as she put things away.

"Do you need any help?" he asked, stepping into the kitchen.

"Actually, yes," Shubhita said, smiling at him. "Can you clean these vegetables while I start cooking?"

At first, Vatsal offered her a are-you-serious-kind-of look since he was expecting a good, significant task. He knew cooking basics but maybe she didn’t know that he knew. Nevertheless, he nodded, rolling up his sleeves. "Sure."

They worked together, the small kitchen becoming a space of shared purpose. As Vatsal cleaned the vegetables, he found himself feeling a sense of contentment he hadn't experienced in a long time. Despite the challenges, there was something profoundly comforting about this simple domesticity.

Shubhita began cooking, the sound of sizzling spices and the aroma of freshly chopped ingredients filling the apartment. Vatsal couldn't help but feel a sense of home beginning to take shape, however small and humble.

As they sat down to their first home-cooked meal in the new apartment, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment. The food was simple but delicious, and they ate in comfortable silence, the day's exhaustion finally catching up to them.

As they sat there, the night settling around them, Vatsal realized just how much Shubhita's presence meant to him. She had chosen to stand by him despite the uncertainty, and that gave him the strength to believe that they could build a life together, no matter how modest their beginnings.

As they finished their meal, Vatsal leaned back in his chair, savouring the lingering taste of the food and the warmth that had settled between them. Shubhita began to clear the table, and he quickly stood to help her, wanting to share in the small responsibilities that came with their new life together.

“Let me help you with that,” he said, taking the plates from her hands.

She glanced at him, a soft smile touching her lips. “Thank you,” she replied, her voice gentle.

In the small kitchen, they worked side by side, washing dishes and tidying up. The routine tasks felt grounding, a way to anchor themselves in this new chapter of their lives. Vatsal found himself stealing glances at Shubhita. She moved with a quiet confidence, her earlier laughter still echoing in his mind.

Once the kitchen was clean, they settled into the living room, the only light coming from a small lamp that cast a warm glow. Vatsal turned on the television, the low murmur of news filling the space. They didn’t really watch it, but the background noise was comforting.

Vatsal noticed the weariness in Shubhita’s eyes, the toll of the past days evident in her features. “You must be tired. Why don’t you rest?”

She nodded, her eyes drooping slightly. “I think I should. It’s been a long day.”

As she made her way to the inner room, Vatsal found himself lingering in the living room, his thoughts swirling. The apartment was small, and their future was uncertain, but for the first time, he felt a sense of hope. Shubhita’s unwavering support and quiet strength were a balm to his worries, giving him the resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

After a while, he too retreated to the room, finding Shubhita already asleep on the makeshift bed. He quietly slipped under the covers, careful not to disturb her. The soft rise and fall of her breathing was a soothing sound in the silence of the night.

As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, Vatsal allowed himself to relax. They had taken the first steps towards building a life together, and though the road ahead might be fraught with obstacles, he felt a quiet determination. Shubhita had chosen to stand by him, and he was resolved to do everything in his power to make this new life a happy one for both of them. As the last thing he wanted now, was to see her regretting on her decision.

In the darkness, all of a sudden, his hand found hers as he turned on his side. She stirred slightly at that contact, alarming him. However, before he could retreat his hand, her fingers curled around his in a gesture of unconscious reassurance. Vatsal closed his eyes, letting the warmth of her touch and the promise of their future lull him into a peaceful sleep.

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This is it for now. Hope you liked it. I am sorry for the mistakes.

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