"Mum, Modiji declared a complete lockdown from 12 tonight and your flight is post-midnight, what will you do mum?" Amaya panicked as she spoke to her mum who had travelled to Pune for a lecture.

"Don't worry sweetheart, I am trying for an earlier flight" consoled Aditi Mehra who was stranded at the airport as she looked around the mad rush of travellers who were eager to reach their destination.

"Amaya, I need to talk to the airline, will call you later" she said as she quickly rushed to the Indigo window inquiring for any availability of seat from Pune to Delhi but unfortunately there were none. Infact, they were overbooked as she saw the gentlemen arguing with the airline staff for canceling his booking.

She looked around as she gulped her fear as no hotels would accommodate her at such unprecedented times.

Aditi Mehra was a senior lecturer at the prestigious Delhi School of Economics who had traveled to Pune as a guest lecturer. Being separated since the last one year she now lived in Delhi with her parents and her twelve years old twins Aryaveer and Amaya. She bit her lips as she looked around wondering what to do next just when her phone buzzed and she stared at her phone swiping it right to answer it.

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Back in Delhi, Amaya looked at her nani Suman who anxiously asked "What happened Amu, what did Aditi say?"

"She is trying for another flight nani but" she answered apprehensively just when her twin Aryaveer entered the living room saying "Chill nani, she will be fine"

"Arre how will she be fine, I was warning her not to travel but no, who listens to an old lady in this house" Suman blabbered looking at her husband Surendra who was calmly watching the commotion as he stood up walking towards his wife as he said "You need to relax, old lady. Pressure high nahi karna hain, kal se koi doctor soctor bhi nahi milna"

"But nanu, what will mom do now?" Aryaveer asked as Amaya quickly picked up the phone and dialed the number who had, would and always be there to help them whenever needed.

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Abhay Mehra, the CEO of A Cubes Software paced around his conference room as he delegated the important key points to his directors who had just been called in an emergency meeting after the news of lockdown spread like fire.

Abhay, who was farsighted knew they would all have to work from home and wanted to meet his team shooting them the required directions to ensure smooth functioning of their projects as far as possible.

He had shifted his base from Delhi to Pune after his seperation and had engaged himself working day and night to bring A Cubes Software to the top rating software making companies.

He was about to exit the conference room as he saw his phone beeped and immediately answered viewing the number.

"Hello"

"Dad" Amaya said as she continued "Dad, Mom is stuck in Pune"

"She is in Pune?" he asked as he entered his cabin easing his tie and frowned when Amaaya's panicky voice answered "Yes dad, she came there for a day and was supposed to fly back tonight but all flights have been cancelled because of lockdown"

"Relax sweetheart, she will be fine. You don't worry. Let me call her and will update you once I speak to her" he assured his daughter as he shut his laptop and without a second thought dialed his soon to be ex-wife's number.

"Hello" Aditi answered as she sat on a bench looking around the commotion

"Aditi, where are you?" Abhay asked straightaway.

She bit her lips as she looked around when he questioned her again asking "Aditi, where are you?"

"At the airport" came the curt reply

"I am coming, wait right there" saying Abhay immediately left his office informing the security to lock up as he sat in his SUV and drove towards the airport.

He drove at the max speed owing to the fact that the airport was located at the other end of the city and it was just an hour before the lockdown started.

He informed his daughter who immediately called her mom saying "Mom, dad is coming"

"Yes, I know. You relax sweetheart and where is Aryaveer?" Aditi asked smiling as she pictured her son who must be busy playing his Xbox, unaware of the surroundings.

"hey mom" Aryaveer greeted his mom and Aditi replied back asking about his whereabouts. They spoke for a while and hung up as she promised to call her ma the next day.

She smiled picturing her kids, who were her lifeline, her reason to survive, her happiness. Amaya was her replica in looks but had inherited her dad's qualities whereas Aryaveer was a complete lookalike to Abhay with Aditi's impulsiveness.

She closed her eyes, trying to relax as she waited for her ex-husband to come just when her thoughts walked down the memory lane.

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"You're again late Abhay, I am sick and tired of waiting for you all the time" Aditi yelled as she watched her husband enter their bedroom after conveniently forgetting their dinner date.

"I am sorry, I forgot Aditi" Abhay explained as he exhaled waiting for the volcano to erupt.

"Forgot?" she whispered sarcastically as Abhay walked towards her and cupped her shoulders saying "I was too tied up Aditi, you could have called and reminded"

"Oh yes, now blame it all on me. Super Mr. Abhay Mehra. What do you take me for, your secretary who would remind you of each and everything all the time. Today is my dad's birthday, please call him and wish, today is our kids PTM please attend it, today is our daughter's dance concert, please keep yourself free... what all will I keep reminding you ABHAY" she yelled as Abhay whose eyes spitted fire held her arm as he spoke sternly "Stop shouting, kids are sleeping and yes if you think reminding me makes you inferior you should have gone all by yourself"

"Yes, celebrated our anniversary all by myself" Aditi spoke as a tear dropped down her cheeks.

Abhay looked at her all guilt driven as he had actually forgotten their anniversary. He ran his hand over his hair as he stepped closer trying to apologize just when Aditi stepped back as she said "I can't take it anymore Abhay, everyday fights, everyday arguments, everyday begging for your attention. I just can't do it."

"I am sorry Aditi, I seriously am. I was just too tied up and it just" he shook his head as he was at a loss of words just when Aditi sat on their bed as she said "I want a divorce"

Abhay who was stunned looked at her as he asked "What?"

She looked at him as she repeated "Divorce Abhay, I cannot do this every day"

"You've lost it" he declared as she got up and looked at Abhay saying "No I have not, I am serious Abhay"

He narrowed his eyes as he looked at her deeply asking "Just because I forgot our anniversary, you want to end this relationship?"

"No Abhay, it's not about today but many such todays which has compelled me to think about separating. You're never home and whenever you are all we do is fight and argue. I am tired of all this" she confessed softly as Abhay looked at her and shook his head as he stepped out of their bedroom.

The next few days, he had tried talking to her but Aditi was adamant she wanted to separate just when Abhay who had lost his parents decided to call his in-laws for intervention. They too tried to reason out but all Aditi gave was a silent treatment to them.

Abhay looked at the kids pitifully as they were at the receiving end most of the times and decided to agree with Aditi's decision.

Aditi agreed to walk out of their ancestral bungalow when Abhay stopped her saying "This house belongs to my kids Aditi, they are going nowhere. If anyone would leave it's me. I will go away" saying he had left without a backward glance. It had been almost a year since they parted ways but Abhay made sure to spend quality time with the twins as and when possible.

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"Aditi" Abhay called her as he watched her lean back with eyes closed on a bench right outside the airport. He gently shook her repeating "Aditi?"

"huh?" she quickly came out of her thoughts as she saw Abhay standing in front of her. She gulped her pain as she got up gathering herself as she greeted Abhay who smiled gesturing "Let's go"

She nodded following him as she sat in the car saying "I am sorry Abhay I had to bother you"

He glanced at her as he shook his head replying "I am sure I would be the last person you would want to bother but am glad I could be of any help"

She knew in what sense he commented as they drove in silence for a while. It was Abhay who broke the silence as he informed "Please call home, everyone is waiting for your call"

She nodded as she called and informed her papa about being with Abhay.

She kept glancing at Abhay time and again as he sped the car thinking how those soothing mute moments had turned into awkward silence between them.

It was after a while that Abhay said "You should have called me Aditi"

"I thought you must be busy and I did not know if you had anyone, I mean I have no right to disturb you anyways" she said softly to which Abhay looked at her as he commented "Anyone? Please Aditi, blame me for everything but not this, I have never given you any reason for that and you are and will always be my children's mother so that gives you the full right and your safety is of my prime importance"

Aditi looked at him as he confessed just when he pulled the car into a posh complex. He guided her towards the apartment which was located on the top floor of a twenty storey building overlooking the vast mountains on all the three sides.

She looked around with a smile as she complimented "It's so beautiful" and continued "mountains, wow a view to die for" as she realized Abhay was staring at her.

She got cautious as she cleared her throat as Abhay smirked saying "It's after ages that you have smiled and spoken to me Aditi. If for nothing else, I am glad I brought this apartment"

Abhay's emotions were clearly visible in his eyes as Aditi looked around to distract herself as Abhay opened the door to the guest bedroom saying "It's all yours"

She thanked him and entered the simple conventional room with wooden furniture and closed the door leaning on it as she did not know what to make of the feelings that enveloped her.

She was learning to live without him, she kept telling herself but, she knew she was a poor student at that and would never be able to master it in this lifetime. She forcibly closed her eyes shut purposely trying to remember all the hurts and miseries that had forced her to separate as to not giveaway her emotions.

She gathered herself as she freshened up and walked out as she saw Abhay working in the kitchen. She was zapped seeing him there while never ever in their married life of fifteen years had he even buttered a bread. She walked closer as she smiled seeing him cut the cucumber into uneven dices that he looked up saying "Dinner?"

She nodded asking "Who cooks for you?"

"I have hired a lady who cooks in the evening for me, lunch is normally in the office" he explained as he stepped back grinding his teeth making Aditi realize that he had cut himself. He immediately dropped the knife and put his finger under the running water as Aditi cleaned the blood droplet using the paper towel.

"Why do you cut, when you don't know how to?" she asked as he looked at her answering "I was cutting it for you. I know you hate your meals without the salad"

He picked the casserole and walked outside to the dining table as Aditi followed with the bowl of salad. She looked at them wondering from when did he notice such things? Was he aware she loved salads? She never remembered him ever commenting on such things before.

They had just finished eating their dinner when his phone buzzed and he excused himself to attend the call. Aditi clicked her tongue recalling her old days where every meal was interuptted by a so called urgent call. Every meal led to an argument that she did not understand how important work could be.

Yes, she never worked then but now after their divorce she started teaching and it did give her some perspective into working life. Though she still failed to understand what was so important that could not wait for a mere ten more minutes.

"Sorry, that was important" Abhay said as he joined her and Aditi smiled as she might have heard that line a million times in her married life. Abhay understood her smile and gave out a hearty laughter as Aditi commented "Some habits die hard"

"Yes, they do" he agreed continuing "the only difference is you smiled this time whereas every other time" he looked at her as she shrugged saying "Every other time it was your wife at the receiving end, this time it's your soon to be ex-wife"

Abhay seriously looked at her as she passed that comment and she was sure it did hit him who cleared his throat and started clearing the table. She helped him load the dishwasher and Aditi bid him goodnight and retired for the night.

Abhay stared at the dark sky thinking of his life and the vacuum he felt since the past year. He exhaled as he recalled the conversation with his father in law.

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"Abhay, why are you giving in to her wishes, woh ladki pagal ho gayi hain" Surendra said as he looked at his son-in-law as he visited his office to speak to him personally.

"Papa, she is adamant and you know how she is, when she wants something" he argued

"Arre, misunderstanding hain, just talk it out" Surendra suggested to which Abhay had no answer.

"Arre atleast think of the kids, they are not tiny any more, sab samaj aata hain unhe"

"I know papa, I will talk to them" Abhay whispered as Surendra shook his head suggesting again "Why don't you two go on a holiday, take a break. That might help"

Abhay looked at him and smiled as he replied "That was the first thing I suggested to her but"

Surendra walked out disheartened as he had a soft corner for Abhay, he was the son he never had and knew this time his only pampered daughter was at fault for making a mountain of a mole hill.

The next morning Abhay found his in-laws waiting for him in the living room along with Aditi as she sat on the couch staring at the antique show piece.

"Abhay, we are here to talk to both of you" Surendra said as Abhay nodded joining them in the living room.

"Papa, whatever you say is not going to change my decision" Aditi interrupted as Abhay looked at her wondering what brought this hatred on.

"Hear me out first, you both might be matured enough to parent twelve years olds but I am parenting a parent right now, so don't interrupt" Surendra's stern voice zapped all of them as they heard him quietly.

"You want to separate, fine do that but there is a condition"

"What condition?" Aditi asked as he looked at her continuing "You will not sign the divorce papers for the next one year"

"But why papa, what will a year change?" she argued

"Precisely, if it won't change anything then why not agree to my condition, anyways the court would want you to stay separately for a year at least"

"Okay" Aditi muttered and Abhay smirked sarcastically thinking how fifteen years of their marriage had gone down the drain.

They had mutually decided they would separate cordially and if either found someone they would agree to divorce the other without any hitches.

Life went on with Abhay shifting to Pune and engrossing himself in work and Aditi had started teaching in college while her parents shifted in with her to take care of the twins.

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The next day Aditi woke up and stretched herself as she saw the serene view of beautiful mountains surrounding her as she had forgotten to close the curtains last night.

She smiled as it felt blissful to be nestled in between the vastness of these mountains, a clear view with no hindrance made her feel connected.

She got off the bed and realized she had nothing fresh to wear as she had travelled to Pune for a day with just a pair of fresh clothes and a nightshirt. She pouted as she had no choice but to wear the saree she had worn for the lecture the previous day before changing into a kurta to travel.

She walked out of the room to find Abhay on a call discussing work. She watched him as he was still the same handsome man she had fallen for, tall, broad and perfect features to make any girl fall for. Though his head was now covered with salt and pepper making him look more appealing.

She shook herself mentally cursing for thinking about it as she entered the kitchen trying to find the basic necessities. She opened some cabinets and smiled seeing it completely stocked when Abhay entered greeting her "Good Morning"

"Morning" she replied as she couldn't control but compliment, "I am impressed your kitchen is well stocked"

Abhay grinned as he answered "Yeah, thanks to the maid, she refills it on time"

"Thought so, I remember you not being able to differentiate between dal and chawal"

"Not that bad, ah" he smirked saying as Aditi smiled replying "Yeah not dal chawal maybe but at least dals"

"Yeah" he replied as they both stayed quiet remembering their old times when the only time Aditi remembered Abhay in the kitchen was to fetch himself a glass of water.

"Tea?" Abhay asked breaking the silence as Aditi nodded saying "Was just looking for the ingredients"

Abhay pointed at the smaller cabinet and offered "Shall I make it?"

"You know how to?" she asked surprised

"I learnt" he answered as she gave a small smile and said "I'll make it"

Abhay leaned on the kitchen wall folding his hands as he observed her in a saree, remembering how he loved her in one. He shook himself as he asked "How was your lecture yesterday?"

"Good, I enjoyed interacting with the students" she answered looking at him who smiled saying "Yeah, they always bring new perspective to things"

"True. I feel today's generation is so open minded and matured for their age" she commented as she poured the tea in two cups and offered one to Abhay.

He noticed the changes in her, her talks, her gestures and wanted to comment but thought otherwise as she looked at him raising her brows asking "What?"

"Nothing" he said as he picked the bread and buttered it.

Stepping out of the house, meeting new people from all dimentions of life sure has its pros, you start thinking out of the box, you understand people better, Abhay felt and he was seeing that in her.

Aditi observed him as he ate reading a few messages on his mobile as she asked "How long will this lockdown last?"

Abhay looked at her answering "it's for 2 weeks"

"2 weeks? Isn't there a way I can fly back home?" she asked in a panic tone

"This is home as well, if you consider it one" he affirmed as she stared at him biting her lips as she cleared saying "I meant, the kids"

"Ma, papa are there with them, right?"

"Yes, but still" she answered fidgeting with her cup that her phone rang and it was her bestie Ragini Malhotra.

Abhay excused himself as she answered "Hello"

"hey, you back?" Ragini asked

"No, was supposed to fly last night but"

"Oh no! now? where are you?"

"Pune" Aditi answered as she saw Abhay walking into his room with his laptop.

"I know you were in Pune Aditi but where?" Ragini stressed

"With Abhay" she finally spilled the beans as Ragini hummed as she has guessed it. She always liked Abhay and had tried talking to Aditi before she opted for separation. But like all she too had received silent treatment from her.

"Good, at least you're safe" Ragini said as she continued "How is Abhay?"

"He is good" Aditi answered while Ragini dropped asking further questions about him and spoke about general things before hanging up.

Aditi looked around the apartment as she picked up a magazine to read and browsed through a few TV channels but nothing interested her. She waited for Abhay to walk out of his room but knew he was busy as she could hear him talking to someone regarding work.

She entered the well-furnished kitchen and her love for cooking pulled her to bake cannelloni for lunch. She knew it was Abhay's favorite and it had been ages that she had baked one. Aryaveer had hated it so it was always simple creamy pastas for them. She smiled as she remembered the kids and dialed the number.

"Hey mom" Aryaveer answered the call as Aditi greeted him back asking "What are you doing?"

"Just playing mom"

"Aryu, it's eleven in the morning and you started your Xbox already?"

He shrugged as he answered "Nothing else to do mom, it's lockdown"

"Still, read something, practice your guitar but no Xbox please" Aditi cribbed just when he sighed and passed on the phone to his twin.

"Hey mom" Amaya smiled as she greeted her mom and Aditi smiled knowing she was one girl with a firm head on her shoulder. She enjoyed reading books and loved reviewing them. She wrote blogs and was highly appreciated by her friends and teachers.

"What's dad doing mom?" Amaya asked as Aditi looked at the closed door and replied "He is busy on some call"

"Oh, okay and how about you mom?"

"Well, I am baking cannelloni" she answered as she looked around for some salad to go with it.

"Dad's favorite"

Aditi chuckled as she replied "Yeah, I too like it and it has been ages I ate some"

Amaya smiled as she remembered her mom's love for cooking and trying out different cuisines.

They spoke for a while as they hung up just when Abhay walked out of his room. He looked at Aditi who was busy in the kitchen and asked "What are you doing there?"

"Well, was getting bored so thought of cooking" she answered

"You don't have to, we could have ordered something"

"In the lockdown?" Aditi asked as she washed her hands and Abhay sighed saying "Oh yeah!! Still, I could have helped"

"It's okay Abhay, I managed" she answered as they walked towards the living room as Aditi commented "Abhay, you can work I mean you don't have to entertain me, I know you're pressured"

Abhay frowned as he tried understanding her and scoffed "I don't have to entertain you Aditi, you're still my wife and not a guest. I was merely trying to talk to you"

"Correction Abhay, not wife to be ex wife" she whispered as Abhay narrowed his eyes looking at her as she continued "As long as I remember you never had the time to 'merely sit and talk"

"Why don't you say you don't want me around, you despise my presence" Abhay growled as he got up when Aditi too lost it replied "It's your house Abhay, who am I to decide whether I want you around or no, infact it's me, who is a pile on right now"

Abhay shook his head, thinking of the old times where the same scenario presented itself day in and out. He exhaled as he tried calming his temper and explained "Aditi, you are not and never will be a pile on. It was me who was unbearable to you and yes, I agree, I did prioritize my work over my family but right now it's lockdown, there is only so much I can do. I was free so I just stepped out to talk to you. Nothing else. Please don't misunderstand me"

Aditi looked at him and realized she had argued for nothing when he was just willing to talk. But, her emotions played a havoc with her. She was gullible and she knew her weakness, a little normalcy from him and she would melt again.

"I am sorry" she apologized as Abhay nodded asking "I am just stepping out, do you need anything"

"A pair of clothes" she answered as Abhay grinned saying "It's lockdown madam, only necessities are open that too for an hour only"

"Clothes are necessity, remember roti kapda and makan"

"Yeah, unfortunately Modiji didn't feel the need of it" he joked as he continued "I was talking about essentials"

"Nah, kitchen is well stocked. I don't think we will need anything much but I will have to borrow your Sunday kurta's as that would work as maxis for me"

Abhay smirked nodding him head.

Abhay stepped out of the house as Aditi palmed her face and sat on the couch with a thud. Why does she always have to be sarcastic? Why can't she behave like a civilized person for once with him? Why does her worst always fall open in front of him? Why? She craved answers for that. She relaxed as she pulled open the lounger and closed her eyes remembering the old times.

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Aditi and Abhay had a typical arranged marriage fixed by the blessings of elders. His ma, who was alive than was a close friend of her masi. They had met twice before saying it a yes. He was working for a software company then and was always ambitious to make it big someday. He had shared his dreams of owing his own software company someday and that someday was not too far.

Right after the twins were born, he had inaugurated his own company working day in and out, climbing the ladder. They lived in his ancestral house which was half shared by his uncle and he had bought his share as well in a short time.

Aryaveer and Amaya were just a month old when Aditi had returned back to their home after her delivery. They had hired a maid as her mother in law wasn't keeping too well and she needed help with the twins.

Abhay was invited to her parent's place for lunch and they were together go back home with the kids but a last moment meeting had turned up and Abhay had requested his father in law to drop them.

Abhay had entered home late and was dead tired when he looked around the house wondering why the lights were switched off. He exhaled as he dropped his bag and entered his ma's room to meet her.

"Beta, you should have gone to pick Aditi and the kids" Manju Mehra said in her feeble tone.

"I was busy ma, I had a meeting with my first set of investors who preponed it as they had to fly back to States tonight itself, so couldn't help it" he explained as he sat next to her.

"Now go and meet her, she seemed upset" Manju commented and Abhay smiled nodding as he got up saying "You don't worry ma, I will take care"

Abhay entered his bedroom which was scattered with bags and baby toys as he looked at the twin cots and smiled walking towards them. They were fast asleep as he stared at them to his heart content.

Aditi had just walked out from her shower as she saw Abhay looking at the babies that she remarked "Wow, first mother, then babies and finally if time permits wife"

Abhay turned to look at her as he approached her and cupped her face saying "I didn't see you and sorry couldn't make it today for lunch"

Aditi stepped back as she clicked her tongue saying "It's my mistake I shouldn't have come back"

"Come on Aditi, I seriously had an important meeting. I was really looking forward to come and bring you'll back home" Abhay tried explaining calmly when she shook her head as she sat on the bed and Abhay kneeled in front of her, cupped her hands saying "Please, sorry. You're back after almost four months, let's not fight. Please"

Aditi gulped her sorrow as she looked away and nodded saying "Do I have an option Abhay, every time you say the same things and every time I forgive you"

Abhay frowned at her as he got up saying "I don't go out partying Aditi, I am bloody slogging to give you and our kids a better life. Don't make it sound as if its only you who is sacrificing"

She gave a sarcastic laugh as she said "There is no point talking to you, I don't even know why am I here. I was better off at my parent's place"

Abhay looked at her furiously and was about to reply back when they heard the baby cry. Aditi immediately got up to pick Aryaveer consoling him as Amaya too started crying. Abhay picked her up and followed Aditi's instructions as she guided him to prepare their feeds.

Many-a- nights passed away in the similar pattern as the maid was handy during the day when the babies chose to sleep peacefully, it was the nights that were dreadful for both the parents leaving them no time to even talk, forget argue.

While having a baby was portrayed as a 'happy every after' scenario in most romantic stories, the reality was far from it for both Abhay and Aditi. The communication was minimized as they hardly had any energy to talk.

The twins took the center stage in their lives as everything revolved around them. It was Surendra and Suman who had seen the couple falling apart and had volunteered to babysitting the twins on weekends giving the couple some space. If not for her parents, their relationship wouldn't have lasted for this long.

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Aditi was got back to present as she heard the doorbell ring and got up to open the door. Abhay entered saying "It's deserted. Nothing is open except medical shops"

"Oh" Aditi wondered thinking how inconvenient it would be for some people but then again, it was a pandemic and they had no choice but to be careful.

"Care for a movie?" Abhay asked

"Now?" Aditi asked with shocking eyes as Abhay shrugged saying "Nothing much to do"

Aditi gave out a laugh as she agreed saying "which one?"

"You choose" he replied as he switched on the TV.

"You sure you want to watch my choice of movie?" she asked with a smirk

"hmm" he hummed as she said "Pretty Woman"

Abhay grinned nodding his head as he remembered how crazy she was after this particular movie. He had actually by hearted the dialogues as every time she had to choose a movie it was Pretty Woman.

They movie started and Abhay received a call related to work and he excused himself. Aditi was engrossed in the movie just when Abhay joined back with a pack of chips as he imitated Richard Gere "You and I are such similar creatures, Vivian. We both screw people for money"

Aditi turned back to look at Abhay as she laughed while Abhay sat next to her offering her chips. Abhay kept giving out the dialogues as Aditi turned herself looking at him saying "Not fair, let me watch"

Abhay thinned his lips as he amusingly said "I am surprised Aditi, you haven't by hearted the dialogues yet"

Aditi shrugged her shoulders and pulled her legs up hugging them as she said "I have, but I enjoy it every time I watch"

"Good for you" Abhay exhaled as he kept munching the chips when Aditi asked "Abhay you think you could ever fall for someone like Vivian?"

"How would I know, I don't do hookies" he replied with a smirk as Aditi looked at him with a serious expression thinking he would be all free in a few days, once they sign the papers and he could if he wanted. Just the thought disturbed her as she shook herself and tried concentrating on the movie but couldn't.

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The days passed with them attending to their work for a while and lazing around a bit. This was a dream according to any happily married couple where there was a perfect balance between work and family.

It was Sunday evening when Abhay received a video call from Amaya. He smiled as he answered saying "Hello Love"

"Hi dad, how are you?" Amaya greeted as she placed the tab on the center table and sat surrounded by her grandparents and Aryaveer.

"Wow, looks like everyone's around" he commented seeing everyone as he greeted his in-laws and smiled at his son.

"Abhay, ask Aditi to join as well. This is a family call" Surendra asked as Aditi sat next to Abhay greeting them all.

"What are you wearing mom?" Amaya asked as she laughed while Aditi pouted looking at Abhay's kurta that she wore as a maxi.

Abhay smirked as Suman commented "It's so good to see you both together"

Aditi got cautious as she glanced as Abhay and changed the topic asking the twins about their routine and friends. They spoke for a while before hanging up as Aditi got up and stood across the French windows gazing at the scenic view of the mountains.

Abhay watched as he knew her ma's comment has affected her and thought of giving her the space. He called Aryaveer as he needed some help setting up his Xbox while Aditi who stood facing her back heard the father son talk.

She wondered at times if it was fair to keep the father away from the kids, was she being selfish? Was Abhay really missing kids the way she could see it? Amaya was vocal about her feelings, time and again calling her dad and demonstrating how much she missed him but with Aryaveer, she was not sure. Though she knew Abhay was a security blanket for them but bit her lips as she remembered:

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Aditi paced the hospital corridor as her parents watched her and tried calming her saying "Relax Aditi, Amaya will be okay"

"What okay papa, they have taken my five year old inside that room and they won't even let me in" Aditi scowled as she palmed her face in tension and Suman got up and held her hand urging her to sit on the bench placed outside the PICU in Rainbow Children's Hospital.

Just then the doctor walked out and Aditi rushed towards him asking "How's my baby?"

"She is stable, please calm down Mrs. Mehra. She had an asthamatic attack and we will keep her under observation"

"Ashthamatic Attack?" she asked as tears welled her eyes and Surendra took over asking the doctor further questions as Aditi quietly heard them.

It had happened post Diwali night, when Amaya had woken up grunting. Aditi had quickly called their pediatritian and was advised to get Amaya admitted immediately. She woke her mother-in-law up and requested her to keep an eye on Aryaveer as Abhay was on a business trip to the US.

She had informed Abhay about Amaya and had pleaded "Please come back Abhay, I need you" but like every time he had an excuse of cracking an important deal and would return after a week. Her parents and her mother in law were a great support as it was after five days that Amaya was discharged and was back home.

"Atleast talk to Abhay Aditi, he has been calling every day and you make an excuse and hand over the phone to us" Suman advised

"He does not need us ma"

"What nonsense Aditi, he is there on work" Surendra intervened as Aditi looked away choosing not to answer as he continued "He spoke to me and the doctor himself, and was assured Amaya will be fine. There was no point in coming back rushing back home"

"His daughter was hospitalized papa" Aditi gritted her teeth as she replied and Surendra shook his head knowing well Abhay was going to have a tough time once he was back.

The next day Abhay returned and the twins ran towards him hugging him welcoming him back home. He spoke to Amaya who narrated her hospital story to him and he listened attentively as he praised "You're my brave little girl" gifting her the toys he had brought.

He spoke to his ma and glanced at Aditi who was avoiding him since the time he got back. Later at night as everyone retired to bed, he held Aditi's hand saying "She is fine now, are you still tensed?"

"No" she answered as she applied lotion on her hand and walked towards their bed trying to pull out the quilt

"Then what's wrong?" he asked as he sat on his side facing her

"Nothing" she replied and switched off the night lamp

"Come on Aditi, is it because I did not return early?"

"We don't need you Abhay, we can manage alone" she said grimly as Abhay looked at her furiously and switched on the lamp saying "Yes I can see that and by the way you were not alone, you had ma and your parents here"

"But you were not there Abhay, you never are. Whenever we need you, you are never there"

"We?" he asked bitterly

"Yes we, me and our kids. Tell me last time when were you around when one of them was not well?" she asked as she sat facing him and he looked at her as he had no answer.

It was true he did travel a lot but he was trying his best to give his time to them but Aditi refused to acknowledge that.

"I am working Aditi, for God's sake"

She smiled as she nodded her head replying "Yes you work, we will manage with you or without you"

Abhay's company was climbing the ladder and was in great demand for which he had to travel a lot. It was his dream product and he tried hiring people to do that but it would lose its USP. Though he did have people to assist him but the release of final presentation was his whole and sole responsibility.

He wanted Aditi to understand his work but gradually their communication suffered ultimately causing distance between them. He gave them the best financially and Aditi looked after the house and kids perfectly but it was their relationship as a couple which was drowning.
————————————————————————
"Coffee?" Abhay asked as Aditi came out of her thoughts and turned to look at Abhay.

"Oh, thanks" she replied as she took the mug from his hand and smiled saying "When did you make this?"

"When you were deep in your thoughts" Abhay said as they stood facing the French windows overlooking the scenic mountains.

Aditi took a sip and licked her lips as she looked at Abhya saying "Can I ask you something Abhay?"

"Hmm, when did you start asking for permission Aditi"

"You miss kids, right?" she stated as he turned to face her and stood observing her as he finally replied "I miss my family Aditi. After ma's passing you and kids are all I have"

That made her feel all the more guilty as she looked away and had nothing to say. She wanted to ask him why didn't he fight to stay back? Why did he agree on separating without much fuss? Why did he have to move to Pune and stay back in Delhi itself but she thought otherwise as she drank her coffee and walked into the kitchen to wash the mug.

She stayed there trying to figure out the dinner with the available ingredients and Abhay looked at her knowing well she wanted to avoid him. Kitchen was her escape then and it was now.

He sadly smiled as he opened his laptop and got back to working. He had calls to make and was busy with his managers without realizing it was past nine and stretched himself closing his laptop. He looked around as the dining area lights were switched off and walked into the guest room to find Aditi fast asleep.

He stared at her who must have slept while reading as the book lay open on her lap and smiled remembering how reading was her lullaby, just a few pages and she would doze off. He was an avid reader and time and again had suggested her to try reading but every time she tried it resulted the same.

He smiled as he walked ahead and lifted the book to close it just when Aditi stirred and looked at him. She got cautious as she pushed her kurta down which had curled up exposing her slender legs and Abhay caught her doing that. Never ever had she been cautious of him and it felt weird to him just when she tried getting up saying "I have cooked the dinner. Whenever you are ready"

Abhay nodded as he shook his head and turned himself to walk out as Aditi thought how awkward the situation was for them.

She freshened herself as she joined Abhay in the living room who was making a drink for himself as he looked at her asking "Care for one?"

"Scotch? No, you have vodka?" she asked

"I know what you like" he replied with a smirk as he lifted the vodka with rum and picked the cocktail shaker to make her drink. She smiled as she had always loved the drink he made and sat on the couch playing the soft instrumental music.

Abhay handed her the drink and sat himself on the bean bag opposite to her and they clicked the glasses saying "Cheers" It was an absolute relaxed atmosphere as the only light on was the long-standing lamp with the yellow lights in the living room and Abhay turned the instrumental music into Jagjit Singh's ghazals.

"You and your love for ghazals" Aditi commented as she sipped her cocktail, licking her lips as she complimented "It's perfect"

"I know, ghazal and drink is always a perfect combination"

"Abhay!!" she chuckled correcting him "I was talking about this cocktail"

He smirked as he knew but tried playing along nodding his head.

"Remember how you never used to drink before" he reminded her as she nodded her head confirming "Yeah and you spoilt me on our honeymoon"

"Madam, I didn't force feed you. I offered and you accepted"

"Ha toh, it was maddening cold in Shimla and of all places you had to take me there only in December" she pouted as Abhay observed her and sipped his drink.

"Honeymoon are best enjoyed in cold places and other than Shimla my pocket didn't permit much" he confessed to which Aditi smiled as she replied "huh, but it's a trip which will always be closed to my heart"

They were quiet for a while as they remembered their trip and Aditi was a naïve girl in her twenties and Abhay had taken full happy advantage of her. He closed his eyes recalling how blindly she trusted him and had given herself completely while they hardly knew each other. Their courtship period was just for a month before they tied the knot.

Aditi too gulped her drink as she remembered how loving and caring Abhay was in that trip and the way he had cherished her, sending toe curling sensations and making her feel euphoric. They enjoyed travelling and once he had started doing well, they did travel all over the world with the kids but nothing came close to their special trip to Shimla.

Aditi looked up from her empty glass as Abhay stared at her asking "Will make another one for you"

She nodded handing over the glass saying "Thanks" as she observed him making her drink. She smiled thinking he sure was the hottest bartender for her. She had always been in awe of his looks and well-built muscles. Though with age he had added a few pounds but it suited him.

"Here" he handed her the glass and poured himself another peg as they quietly enjoyed their drink listening to the music.

"This is strong" she said looking at her glass as Abhay asked "Is it?"

"Huh" she replied as she took a large sip and stared at Abhay asking "Why did you shift to Pune? You could have stayed somewhere in Delhi itself"

He observed her as it was for the first time that she had questioned him about shift in location and he honestly answered "Staying in Delhi I wouldn't have been able to control my urge to stay away and I knew how much you wanted this space"

She was zapped as she looked at him and whispered "why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you care? I mean you hardly had time for us Abhay, you hardly spoke to me" she couldn't continue as she looked away and Abhay felt guilty knowing it was true as he replied "I tried Aditi, I tried my best. I wanted to give my family the best and didn't realize when things turned into this and"

"And what?" she asked

"And I expected you to talk it out with me, I wanted you to support me and understand me but you shut yourself" he finally spoke his heart out as he looked at her who gulped the lump formed in her throat as she said "I too had a lot of expectations for you Abhay. I just did not want my children's father, but I wanted my husband too. All you ever asked was about them or ma, till she was there"

Abhay was quiet as he knew it was true but that was the easiest escape for him where she would answer in sentences other than mono syllables.

"You're right and I am sorry for that" he agreed as he got up to make himself another drink.

There were a lot of unspoken emotions amongst them and both were hurting. Aditi felt a little light headed as she tried getting up and Abhay held her hand trying to help her. "I am okay" she affirmed as Abhay said "Aditi, sit"

"We will fight again and I don't want to" she replied as Abhay smirked and held her hand pulling her to sit as he said "We won't I promise"

She turned and looked at him as she sat next to him asking "How can you be so sure?"

Abhay grinned gesturing 'I seal my lips' "You can say whatever you want I will be a good husband and nod my head"

This made Aditi laugh as she asked "Aisa pehle toh kabhi nahi hua"

"huh, yeh lockdown ka asar hain" he replied narrowing his eyes as he was taking in the image of laughing Aditi.

"Wow, chalo kuch toh achcha hua"

"Huh" he closed his eyes as Aditi gently touched his shoulders saying "Abhay you should eat something, you have just been drinking"

"Yeah" he answered as Aditi made her way to the kitchen to heat the food and Abhay joined her helping set the table. Time and again their arms brushed each other and it set currents in their bodies.

They ate in silence as the tension increased and it was when Aditi was loading the dishwasher that Abhay held her arm turning her to face him that he said "Leave it, will do it tomorrow"

Aditi looked at him as he ran his fingers on her face gently and she tried resisting his touch but couldn't any longer as she stepped forward and they locked their lips, kissing each other.

Abhay's hand moved all over back giving her the goosebumps as she moved closer crushing herself into Abhay's chest, while he picked her up and walked towards his room kicking the door open with his feet.

He lay her down as he undressed himself and Aditi stared at him as he joined her taking her to another world. If there was something which never lacked in their married life, was their chemistry.

Abhay being an early riser opened his eyes to find Aditi's head on his chest and smiled remembering how she always mumbled every morning 'don't move Abhay, this is my favorite place to be' and he was always in the rush to move out and had to gently move her head on the pillow. But today he didn't want to move and wanted this moment to last not knowing when and how would they get a chance to be together again.

Last night had happened but he knew Aditi wouldn't think it straight and would blame it on alcohol, the cause of and solution to, all of life's problem!!

Aditi stirred as she opened her eyes and looked at the staring eyes of Abhay. They lay still for a while as she cleared her throat stammering "Ah, I I am m s sorry" and got up releasing Abhay's hand as he smiled watching her wrap the sheet and run into the bathroom.

Aditi got dressed and entered the kitchen to make coffee as she remembered last night thinking of how and when things happened. She knew Abhay was never the one to take advantage but then why was she losing her control? Why was she melting? What was happening with her?

Abhay entered the kitchen as she quietly handed him his cup and he thanked her asking "Shall I toast some bread for breakfast?"

"I am not hungry" she replied as she walked out into the living room. Abhay exhaled as he toasted some bread and carried the basket outside calling Aditi to help herself.

"Abhay" she called as she sat on the dining chair continuing "I checked for the fights but they are not operational"

"huh?" he asked as he looked up from his mobile frowning as Aditi rephrased her question "The lockdown ends day after but no flights are listed as yet, how will I fly back?"

"Huh, I doubt it will be operational. Inter state travel is not permissible for now that's what I am reading" he confirmed as he showed his twitter handle to her.

"But, I have to go Abhay" she argued as Abhay looked at her asking "How will you do that?"

"I don't know, but I have to. It's almost two weeks I am away from kids" she said as she got up pacing the living room as Abhay looked at her.

"Relax Aditi. You can fly back as soon as the flights resume"

"No, I have to go" she thinned her lips as she panicked and continued "And one more thing Abhay, just because things happened last night doesn't mean things have changed. It stands exactly where it was"

Abhay frowned as his temper flared saying "I know that very well. Ms. Aditi's ego is bigger than anything else"

"What do you mean?"

"Means, divorce was your decision and you will do anything to get it through. So even thinking and arguing about it is sheer waste of time and energy"

"Right! No wonder you never fought it, in fact you were glad I asked for one" she argued bitterly as Abhay thinned his lips and shook his head giving up. He excused himself in his room and tried diverting his mind with work as Aditi sat on the couch trying to call airlines for some information.

She was getting restless as she spoke to the twins and her parents and looked around feeling anxious about life. Tears welled her eyes as she knew she was in a mess emotionally and anxiety about future was adding onto it. She locked herself in her room as she cuddled herself on the bed and didn't realize when sleep took over.

On the other side, Surendra called Abhay who was busy making his presentations for his new client that he saw his mobile vibrate and answered "Hello"

"Abhay" Surendra said as he stepped out of the house to call his son in law

"Yes papa, how are you?"

"Good Abhay. I called as Aditi had just called and she sounded tensed, is everything okay?"

Abhay exhaled as he got up from the bed and paced his room answering "yes all okay. She is missing kids"

"Yes, but I don't see anything starting soon" Surendra reasoned to which Abhay agreed as the senior advised "Abhay, God has given you both a second chance to forego your differences, you both still have a month to reconcile"

"papa" Abhay said as he did not know what to answer as he tried "Papa, separating was Aditi's decision, reconciling will also be hers"

"But Abhay, you are the matured one, she is a stupid adamant girl. Put some sense in her"

"It's late for that papa, time and again she has reminded me of what lays ahead of us"

Surendra ran his hand over his head as he inhaled deeply before saying "All I can do is pray, God puts some sense in that mad girl's head"

Abhay stood across the window staring out as he thought of his talks with his father in law but knew it was fruitless, knowing Aditi it was best he stayed quiet because at times one had to stay silent as no words could explain what's going on in one's mind and heart.

The day passed with Aditi trying to ignore Abhay as much as possible and it didn't go unnoticed to him. He understood and tried giving her some space when finally, in the evening he asked "How long will you ignore me?"

She looked at him and answered "I am not ignoring you"

He smirked saying "You are" as she shrugged and got back to her reading.

Abhay sat opposite to her saying "Aditi, I don't know when will we ever get this sort of time so, ah before signing the final papers I wanted to discuss a few things with you"

She sat straight as she heard him "I have mailed you the list of investments I have made for you and the kids and also the rest of the documents which you will need in case I am not around"

"But why" she fumbled with her words asking

He gave her a weak smile as he continued "So that you all are secured always"

"That's not the answer I was looking for, I mean why" she asked again to which Abhay grinned replying "Well, in case I remarry and my future wife turns out to be some kind of witch you know"

Aditi gulped the lump as she stared at him and knew he was joking but couldn't digest the fact that he wouldn't be around for them, especially for the kids.

She simply nodded as she excused herself and went inside the room not knowing how to react? She had time and again debated about her decision but couldn't bring herself around to deciding.

She feared she would go back to her old self who all the time begged for her husband's time in her life, whose existence depended on him. She feared of getting hurt and going into the shell as she rocked herself and tried coming out of this whirlpool of thoughts.

She looked around as she picked her phone to call her bestie Rohini as she greeted her saying "Hey"

"Hi, you free to talk?" she whispered

"Of course, Aditi what happened?"

"Nothing, Roh I just needed to talk to someone"

"About?" Rohini asked knowing what she wanted to talk about

"Just a month for us to sign the papers" she sighed

"Aditi, I have been trying to tell you time and again but you are too adamant"

"Roh, please. You know how unhappy I was" Aditi debated as Rohini smiled asking "And you will be happy after divorcing him? Right?"

Aditi had no answer to that as she fought her heart to agree but it was something she wouldn't be able to win even if she won.

"Talk it out Aditi, it's still not late" Rohini advised to which Aditi nodded and they spoke for a while before hanging up.

It is so important in any marriage to let the little things go and let the pride go. Forgiveness and communications are so important, like they say don't major on the minors.

Time crawled as they both tried avoiding each other and only spoke when required. Aditi tried finding ways to get back to Delhi as soon as possible when Abhay saw her restlessness he applied for an e-pass.

"Only way to travel at the moment is by road, so have applied for an epass" he informed Aditi who nodded asking "But Pune to Delhi?"

Abhay looked at her replying "Do you have any better option?"

"No I mean" she stared back unable to come up with an answer when Abhay clicked his tongue saying "We can leave day after tomorrow morning and should reach Delhi by Sunday"

"We?" she asked as Abhay chuckled and sadly looked into her eyes saying "Unfortunately you will have to bear me for 72 hours more, it's impossible to hire a taxi right now and am sure you can't drive that long"

"I meant, you will have to drive this long for me" she cleared stating when Abhay shook his head entering his room.

Aditi was uneasy the entire evening. Abhay stayed locked in his room, busy with calls as Aditi spoke to her kids trying to ease her mind but it didn't help much.

Her heartbeat accelerated, a tingling sensation in her fingers and toes made her hands sweaty as she entered the kitchen trying to cook but for the first time she was blank, complete blank just when Abhay walked in as he said "Will instant noodles do for dinner?"

"huh?" she asked and nodded as she walked out and sat on the dining chair. Abhay noticed she was uneasy as he asked "You okay?"

"Yes" she answered as she fidgeted with her fingers just when Abhay's phone rang and he excused himself to answer it.

Aditi looked at the cooked noddles as she ate some before discarding the rest and retired in her room for the night.

She tossed and turned as sleep was faraway and stared at the wall clock ticking as it was past five in the morning when she saw her mobile vibrate.

"Roh?" she asked in her groggy voice and heard as the mobile fell from her hand. A sob escaped her throat she ran out of her room and pushed Abhay's room as she stood on the door, watching Abhay asleep. Her heart raced as she whispered "Abhay" and he switched on the night lamp as he rubbed his eyes calling "Aditi?"

"Abhay" she repeated as he got up and walked towards Aditi who immediately hugged him as she cried her heart out.

Abhay stood shocked as he asked "What happened Aditi?"

She couldn't answer as he pacified her just when she looked up facing him as she said "Abhay, Roh called"

He raised his brows asking "Right now?"

"Ravi passed away Abhay, he passed away" she sobbed as she repeated and Abhay too was shocked as he couldn't believe his friend, Rohini's husband who was his age was no more. He called a common friend who informed them it was a silent attack which left both of them speechless. Life was so unpredictable, one never knows when life throws shocks or surprises at you.

They left for Delhi the same morning as Abhay drove while Aditi glanced at him asking "Shall I take over for some time?"

"Yes" he said as he was dead tired driving for straight seven hours as they switched places and Aditi took over for some time. The roads were deserted due to the lockdown and it was after 24 hours that they reached their home in Delhi.

The next day they visited Rohini who was shattered and Aditi was in a complete shock. It was later in the evening when her parents knocked on her bedroom room and entered as She sat up straight on her bed.

"Papa, ma, aap?" she asked as her papa sat on the opposite couch as her ma sat next to her gently touching her hand.

"You okay?" Suman asked and Aditi nodded as tears streamed down her face and her ma hugged her while her papa said "This is life's biggest lesson Aditi. Learn to be thankful for what you have because it can be gone at any point, without any warnings, without anything – and it shouldn't take absence to value presence"

She looked at him blankly trying to understand as she shook her head when Amaya and Aryaveer entered the room and hugged her.

"We can't believe it mom, Ravi uncle is no more" Amaya said sadly as Aryaveer exhaled as he looked at them all saying "I can't imagine what Ritwik must be going through" which shocked Aditi as she kissed his forehead saying "Yes, it's really tough time for them" and they spoke about the Malhotra family.

"Where is Abhay?" Surendra asked

"He is out for some work" Aditi answered as they nodded and left the room leaving her alone. Rohini's face kept coming in front of her eyes as she tried to divert her mind but nothing helped.

She couldn't imagine how life would be for Rohini just when a thought stuck, how would life be for her without Abhay permanently cut off? What if something happened to him? Would she be able to survive? What if he remarried? What if he refused to talk to her after their divorce? These thoughts scared her as she splashed cold water over her face and walked out of her room to find Abhay talking to the twins. She observed her children's happiness and the way they looked contented and decided to talk with Abhay.

She waited for all to disperse into their room after dinner when she asked "Abhay?"

"Yeah?" he looked up from his laptop as Aditi said "Can we go on a drive, please?"

"Right now?"

She nodded affirming as he closed his laptop and picked the car keys following her out towards the car.

They drove for a while as Aditi broke the silence saying "I want to say something"

Abhay glanced at her as he navigated the car towards the service road and stopped it turning towards Aditi as she continued "I I don't know where to start from?" she confessed as Abhay waited for her to speak when she exhaled as she started "It's been fifteen years of us together Abhay and I know you have done your best to give us everything we wanted. You wanted to climb the ladder and I know you have achieved your dream. But in that climb somewhere we were lost Abhay. When I needed you the most, you were not there and later when you wanted to talk, it was my ego which stopped me from doing so. I love you, I have always and will do but I can't take the hurt, disappointments and"

She looked at him as her eyes were welled up and she waited for Abhay to speak something but he simple stared waiting for her to finish as she continued "And I don't want to be away from you, I don't want this stupid divorce, I don't want our kids to suffer, I want us to be us, to be together but I am scared"

The tears rolled down her cheek as Abhay gently wiped them with his thumb asking "scared of what Aditi?"

"history repeating itself Abhay. Me craving for your time, you not being there for us" she said as she couldn't control her tears as Abhay who too had moist eyes said "I have learnt my lesson Aditi, a very hard way by staying away from you all and I know I was at a fault but trust me all I wanted was to give you'll the best"

"We don't need the materialistic things Abhay, we need you. I want us to last. I don't want to have an amazing couple of months and then it all be over in a flash. I don't want to experience the feelings of hurt, confusion, and disappointments again. I want to be with you, and I want us to last. No matter what we run into, and no matter how hard it gets, I want us to talk it out and stick together" she declared as Abhay smiled saying "I know now and I promise if you give me the chance I won't repeat my mistakes. Aditi, is this because you are scared seeing Rohini?

He asked and Aditi shook her head confessing "It pushed me to have this talk with you but I was pondering over it since the time we spent together in Pune"

He smiled as Aditi wiped her face asking  "Am I forgiven?"

"If I am" he replied as he continued "I read somewhere when one forgives, two are healed"

The next day they broke the news to the family who were over the moon and eventually Abhay decided to shift his base back to Delhi. And they lived happily (aside from a few normal disagreements, misunderstandings, pouts, silent treatments and unexpected calamities) ever after......

TO COUPLES:

(Whether you're engaged, married, dating, live-ins as long as you promise to be together)

You're not gonna promise to each other that you will not disappoint one another; because at some point you will.

What is important is you don't go away, you don't escape, you don't leave one another just because you're disappointed.

That's the true meaning of FIDELITY.