I was alone again. I saw people talking with my mom and Anagha's uncle. He has been my dad's friend for many years. We never had formal conversation yet I feel he's like a father figure to me. Yug was sent to school as he is too young to understand why people are at our home. I closed my eyes and sat in a corner resting my arm behind my head. I was tired. Tired of with dealing things one after the other. I want my wife now, have my own family, be a father to my child, and raise them, I want to have that romance that I pushed away due to my insecurities.

How can I come out of my insecurities?

How will I know that I came out of my insecurities??

Till When will I run from these feelings?

People whom I didn't recognize greeted me. I smiled and guided them toward the prayer hall. It was never easy for me. Past 3 years, Anagha stood by me silently welcoming the guests. She made sure, I was never left alone. Things started to pick up for us but why do I feel I need to put more effort into being with her?? Walking back to my room, I closed it. It is 6 pm and guests are still visiting us. I guess that shows how great my dad was professionally.

'Amogh, we always think about ourselves and what will happen after us when we start achieving something in our lives. It is all about how OTHERS adjust to our needs. I was selfish with you too. Something I realized after so many years.' he said with a sad face. I held his hand and looked at him silently. It is very rare for my dad to talk with me other than our professional life.

'Viswak has suggested that I get you married to his niece. Who is going to complete her graduation in a few years? I don't want to push you for this. It is your decision.' he said holding my hand. Niece? I met her a few times during family functions.

'Dad, I am still young. 23 years old. You have planned so many things for me to achieve. Let us not discuss marriage. Let that girl study peacefully.' I said. He nodded his head not saying a word.

'Why are you so gloomy today? Won't you ask about my day? I had a hectic day in the emergency ward.' I said looking at him. He nodded his head.

'Amogh, I regret many things in my life. One of them is pushing you towards MY goals in your life.' he said which made my heart ache. I always wanted him to agree that he was selfish to make me follow his path, which I always wanted to do but lost interest when I realized he asked me to pursue that course as HE wanted me to become a doctor. Never questioned what I wanted to be in my life. Yet when I finally listen to him opening up, I don't feel good about this.

'Dad!' I tried to stop him. Now I have accepted my life, my stubborn ass wanted him to let me choose what i want but It turns out even he wanted me to be a doctor.

'There are people out there who strive hard every day to reach their goals. You, my son, were natural. It's only recently I came to know that you wanted to be a doctor. Neurologist to be specific. I was a fool to underestimate you and push your limits. Many doctors out in the world treat better than me and I hope one day you earn that name. Not because you are my son, but because you will be creating your own path, excelling in whatever field or specialization you chose. When people praise you that it is natural for you to be this good as I was a better surgeon, always remember, that I gave birth to you, fed up, helped you to lead. It is and will always be your hard work and skills that get you to that position.' My dad spoke with tears in his eyes.

'But you are the best surgeon in this town!' I exclaimed kneeling in front of him.

'There were many before me and there will be more after me. You need to understand, we don't stay best all our lives. Sometimes being best takes our lives too.' He said holding my hand.

Takes our lives?? What does he mean?

'Dad is something bothering you? What happened?' I questioned him.

He smiled, patted my head, and said 'I am sorry for causing you trauma. I hope someday, someone will make you realize and heal you or better you come over it on your own for your loved one sake' he said leaving me alone with my thoughts and his suggestions.

Those were the last words I heard from him. If only I knew what he meant, I would have comforted him.

"Amogh?" I heard someone calling me and I woke up to address them. As soon as I opened my door, I found my wife Anagha standing on the other side of the door with a small bag. Tears formed in my eyes looking at her. My dad was right, someday I have to heal for my loved one's sake. He did not do it on purpose nor I went through this willingly, It just happened on its own. Pulling her inside, I hugged Anagha close to me. She as always was silently supporting me.

"I missed you!" I said and she snuggled close to me. Breaking our hug, we both looked at each other.

"Can I kiss you?" I asked her.

"No! Take my family's permission then a legal-" I didn't wait for her. As my lips touched hers, I felt at home. Something in my body felt relief, as if I finally found something to heal from, to move on from. She mirrored my actions. I moved us back and made her sit on my bed. She tapped my shoulders and we had to take a break from our intense make-out session. With a blushing face, she kissed me again, slow this time. Time stood still as I tasted her.

"You sure missed me." She commented and I smiled into our kiss.

"Did you meet mom? Yug?" I asked her.

"Yes, Yug went out for some art class. He is more clingy compared to you. Guests are clearing up." She answered. Holding her close, I made her sit on my lap and rested my back.

"When did you reach?"I asked looking at the watch.

"Around 6.30 pm. What were you doing inside locking our door?" She questioned. I smiled at how she casually said our  door.

"Nothing was resting." I said pecking her lips. She hummed and hugged me.

"You had a case right?" I asked her.

"Yes, we saved the baby but she expired due to complications. Villlagers thronged our hospital premises blaming doctors and staff. Detailed report is being produced by our HOD. She asked us to take leave for 3 days." Anagha informed. I hummed hugging her.

"She belongs to Vikramgad,  Thane." She spoke which sparked my interest.

"Vikramgad?" I asked her.

" Yes, I don't understand how can people be so inhuman! We lost her on the table. All of us were in shock for few moments.  When the baby cried loudly then we worked again. I guess that's how life works, universe let's us know that no one is constant or permanent on this earth. One has to go when their time comes. Even if the said person is religious or a Saint or an extremely intelligent person. No one can stop their fate or write their fate. Destiny has got sole power to control our life. The good things we do, make us live happily . Right?." She spoke and I looked at my wife with awe. In all my four years this has been the most she spoke.
Somewhere I understood, she was destined to be with me. Make me understand my flaws and accept that I might have suffered but it's part of my journey.

"You have become wise." I commented and she blushed hugging me.

"I don't know when will you become wise - like real wise?." I asked kissing her cheeks.

"Shut up!" Anagha shouted which made me chuckle.

"I like how comfortable you are with me. We never got chance to be this comfortable or listen to your wise talks. I am happy with what I have now." I said out loud which made her snuggle more.

"I am happy you decided to accept your reality. I am here for you ok?." She said kissing my jaw. Is this what it means growing old together? People often talk about intimacy and love but what they don't mention is learning to mold ourselves to our partners needs and emotions. I felt content. Looking at my family's picture hanging on my wall, I thanked my dad for considering this sweet human to be my wife. Someone who deliberately decided to be with me no matter how much I tried to push her.

"I love you Anagha." I confessed to which she just hummed.

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