It was a quiet monday morning. Jai had woken up at 4 AM in the morning and was doing works in his study.

Vennela was sleeping peacefully with the twins babies beside her.

Jai had already kept pillows on the other side where he woke up to secure the babies.

  He was typing things in his laptop fast since he had to finish everything before the upcoming visit to Singapore.

Going through the files, drawing the plans..this was his early morning schedule since few days. 

Jai looked at the clock on the wall. 6.30 AM.

Time went so fast,he thought. He couldn't hit the morning gym since a few days, but it didn't matter for him, the works did. He felt the need of a strong coffee. The one his wife made for him, always. 

Jai switched the laptop off and walked outside the room, towards the kitchen. Vennela wasn't there. 

"Must be sleeping"

He smiled lightly and put two cups of water on the stove for coffee.

Once he prepared it, he took both cups to their room. 

Watching her sleep peacefully made his heart content.

She had to wake up in the middle of night when babies cry and when they need a feed. It was tiring. He knew it. That's why he didn't bother to wake her up.

 
He gently placed the cup of coffee beside their bedside table and covered it with a lid.  After finishing his, he took a bath.  Vennela was still sleeping. He frowned in confusion.

 What happened to her today? That's unusual. She doesn't sleep this much. Is she under the weather ?  He gently placed the backside of his palm on her forehead.

She was alright. There was no sign of fever. Vennela gently opened her eyes feeling the touch.

"Good morning Sweety..☺️" Jai smiled as he greeted her. 

As her eyes locked with his, she woke up with a start.

 "Omg!!!! Bava ! What's the time ?😳"
She started panicking. 

As expected of her🤭"  He chuckled and mumbled. 

"Relax. If you're giving me a strip tease like this, I may not be able to go to office and just be on bed with you under the sheets😉"  He winked. 

She lowered her eyes towards her chest and gasped covering it. One side of her bra was completely open revealing her breast. She had fallen asleep while feeding one of their baby. 

"Chah! That view was amazing🫠"

 "Siggu ledu ...siggu ledu...naa devuda... ee manishitho nenem cheyali ? (What would I do with this man?😳"

He laughed while she got out of the bed after closing the buttons of her nighty. 

"Amma !!! Bava.. it's 7.30 am..why didn't you wake me up ? You've to go office soon😵"

"Relax bangaruu..here have this coffee"
He passed her coffee. 

"Ayyo...bava ..I'm so sorry...I should have gotten up early. I would have made this😕"

 "Why are you sorry for ? Chill. Don't I have two hands to make a simple coffee ?"

 "It's not that ----"

"I love your coffee that's true, but I also want you in full health. Your sleep is getting interrupted few times at night. So I thought not to call you"

Her eyes welled up after hearing it  She hugged him. He hugged her back. 

"But still, I was fine. I will make breakfast now"

 "Finish this coffee with me"

"I haven't brushed yet bavu...  Then brush quickly and come"

 She did as he told and had the coffee with him. 

"When did you wake up ?"

"Around 4 in the morning.."

 "Ayyo..today also ?😩 She sighed. 
I should have atleast made you this coffee"

 "It's okay☺️"  He patted her back. 

"I'll quickly prepare breakfast. The clothes are already ironed and kept inside the cupboard. If you want anything, just tell me. Okay?"

 "Okay😘" He plopped a soft kiss on her cheeks which got instantly warmed up.  _________________________________________
Vennela tied her long hair in a bun and started moving inside her kitchen quickly, grabbing things to make a quick breakfast. 

She was making pesarattu upma today. As the batter for dosa was done, she made some upma stuffing. 

Jai just sat on the bed admiring their little munchkins. Both of them were in deep sleep. He kissed their heads softly.

"We can play when nana comes back home in evening. Until then, don't trouble amma. She is the sweetest person❤️"

He chuckled watching one of them, sucking imaginary milk.

Later, he checked some files and arranged the laptop in his bag and got ready.  Just then he heard his wife calling him. 

"Bava...breakfast ready. Come and have"

He smiled and went downstairs to the kitchen.

Jai took a deep breath and smiled at the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the pesarattu.

  While Vennela was cutting some fruits to pack in his lunch.

He watched a side of her sun-kissed face. It was so serene and beautiful to watch.

At that moment, Jai wanted nothing but to take his girl into his arms and so he did. He embraced her from behind in his warm hug which startled her instantly.  

"Bava..."Vennela whispered. 

"Yes sweety..."

"I was packing some apples to add in the tiffin.."

"Hmmm hmm..."

"Works done ?" Her body swayed with his gently. 

"Not fully...but it will be done in two more days"

"Is it so hard ?"

"A little. But your husband can do it😘"

He kissed her nape softly which made the hair to stand on her skin. 

"I know... I always know that my intelligent smart husband can crack any complex puzzle☺️"

"Haha ! you flattering me ...need something when I return back ?😂"

 Vennela frowned. 

"Poda ! You always say that I don't compliment you and now that I did, you keep saying these things😤" She shouted well enough to hear for him. 

"Hahaha...baby...I was joking. You know how much i love you complimenting me😂"

"Ummm..."

"Let's go shopping in the evening"

 "You have to buy shirts and pants. I should have reminded you earlier. I'm sorry I also forgot it in between"

 "It's alright. There is time still"

"Not much"

"Anyways ..I'm thinking how me and my babies will spend time there when you go for meetings. Sit here"

She made him sit on a chair and started feeding the breakfast by her hands. 

*Nyom nyom*

"I'll send you locations of the nearest lingerie store. Take your card and go for a shopping there😉"

"This husband of mine is always thinking about me staying in the bed 24*7"

"I don't want to stay hard in the meetings thinking about my gorgeous wife"

"Ayyooo...my ears...bava !!😳 Why would you think about me there ? You should concentrate in the meetings. Have tea now"

"Should I think of Reena then ?"

Vennela’s face changed and glared at him. 

" Yeah..go..go to her house... or you stand in your boxer on the balcony and do some exercises ..she will be very eager to see you😤"  Her nostrils flared in anger. 

"Acho...calm down sweety pie... I can't think of anyone else when I have a celestial human of my own😚"

"Aaa.. now give me food"  She pushed a big piece of the food in his mouth. 

"Ommm...😵" cough cough* 

"Bava !! 😳" she panicked and stood up seeing him coughing. She rubbed his back fast and patted there.. 

"It's alright..it's alright..." she kept mumbling more to herself. 

Once the cough subsided slowly, she made him drink some water.

"I'm so sorry bava. I'm so sorry...😕"

"Its..*cough* alright bangaram"  She carefully fed him after and wrapped up the breakfast. ________________________________________ Vennela walked with him to the portico with the tiffin in her hand.  Jai paused. 

"Have food. Take rest. Take care of yourself and babies. I'll be back most probably around 5. I hope you'll be ready then. Though I love you in saree, for today change it to some frock. You look really cute in it😍"

"Okay Mr husband. As your wish🤭 Also you finish the lunch properly. Drink all the water I'm sending with you. Me and babies will be waiting for dadda. Drive very carefully. No angry angry with the staff. Call me and vent it out if you're angry. Alright bye bye😘"

She gave a kiss on his cheeks while he smiled and pecked her lips.  He got in the car and waved at her before going. 

"Tata...bava.."

Vennela closed the gate and stood for a moment longer watching his car.

"Drive safe..." she murmured again, though he was gone already. 

She walked back inside.

The house which have been lively quite a few moments ago, now brooded in silence.  It still carried traces of him- the faint smell of his cologne, half-folded newspaper on the table, thr coffee cup he had rinsed and left to dry. It was those moments of their own- their shared giggles, his teasing and care that made her mornings wonderful. The thought of passing the time till evening made her sigh. 

"Work..work...work..🙂‍↔️" she murmured shaking her head, a small smile tucked to the corner of her lips. 

It was then she heard a soft, building cry.  One of the babies have woken up.

Vennela rushed back to the room to see the baby girl, already woken up whimpering softly, tiny fists clenched, face scrunched. 

"Aww...my baby...amma is here😘"

She took her gently and cooed which made the baby to calm a little. 

She sat down and adjusted her nighty ans started feeding her baby. The crying eased down slowly replaced by fast sucking.

Vennela chuckled adjusting the soft tiny hair and massaged the legs. 

"You're just as stubborn as your nana. But amma loves it. Muah.😘"

Once she was fed properly the baby girl unlatched and was in a happy mood kicking legs as she made to lay the baby on the bed.

Just before she could close the buttons of her nighty, rishu started crying. 

She shook her head sighing fondly.

Vennela was the softest when it came to their babies. She gave all the attention to them more than anything. 

She started feeding him who eagerly went for a go. She chuckled a bit louder. 

"Just as eager as your nana....my baby... you resemble so much like him. But unlike your sister, you're so calm and more chubby😘😍"

She cooed him softly while patting the baby girl sometimes in between. 

Once he was done, she made rishu lay beside ammu.

She laid on a side beside and kissed them innumerable times. 

"Wait ...let me message your nana"

"Bava ...reached office ? Drove safe or not ?  Traffic ekkuva unda ee roju ? I just fed babies. They are acting like little bosses already. Message cheyi once you're free. I'll be at peace knowing that you reached office safely. And....don't skip lunch. Miss you already❤️"

Just then she heard the calling bell ringing. 

"Radha aunty is here. Let amma go and open the door ok ?"

The babies made a happy sound. She kissed them once again and made a pillow boundary to keep them safe. _______________________________________

"Hi akka..good morning😀"

Radha gave a brief hug which Vennela returned back. 

"Good morning Radha☺️"

She rubbed her back fondly. 

"Babies are up ?" 

"Yeah..just before"

She went to the room chirpily without further ado. 

"Awww ....ish it aunty's little babiesh... 😍😍"she talked cutely which the babies immediately returned back in equal energy kicking their legs in air. 

Vennela shook her head smiling. 

"Radha, can you watch them for a while ? I'll just wash some clothes before the sun gets too hot"

"Okay akka. Ayyo I forgot to ask, anna went already ?"

"Yes. Work calls. He has been like this since few days no"

"Yeah. I remember. You go wash. I'll be with them"

Vennela smiled and took Jai's office clothes to separately hand-wash along with some of hers and babies too.  __________________________________________ The glass windows let in a sharp stream of sunlight, cutting across the desk where the files were already stacked neatly, waiting.  He let out of slow breath. 

"Two days...he murmured...to finish everything in two days"

Jai powered up his laptop, the screen lighting up with some pending emails, flagged documents and reminders.

He opened the first file, scanning through numbers, projections and layouts. His fingers moved quickly over the keyboard- editing, correcting, refining.

For the next hour, he barely moved. Only the occasional sip of water broke his focus. 

Just then he thought to message his wife.

 He smiled already seeing her message and visualized the exact way she talked reading the message.  Jai typed back.

 "Yes bangaruu...reached office safely an hour ago. Traffic konchem undi kani nothing serious. You don't worry so much ra. I'm fine.
Tell my babies that nana is missing them a lot and will play with them in the evening😘😘
And madam...you gave me so many instructions.

  Lunch tinakapothe punish chesthava ?😂 (Will you punish me if I skip lunch ?) 

I'll eat lunch. Don't stress yourself. You've enough work there. Take rest when they sleep. That's an order. 

Miss you too.. a little too much already❤️❤️😘"

He hit the send button and was back to his work. 

A knock on the door. 

"Come in.."

His assistant stepped in with a file. 

'Sir, these are the revised plans you asked for"

Jai took it flipping through the pages quickly. 

'These figures...update them. They don't match the last report" He said pointing without looking up.

"Okay sir"

"And schedule the meeting with the clients for tomorrow. I don't want any delay"

His tone was calm, but firm- no room for confusion.

"Yes sir" _________________________________________

Vennela washed the clothes fast and once she returned, she bathed the babies and made them sleep meanwhile Radha continued cleaning the house and helped with some kitchen works. 

"I should bath now..." 

She opened her oiled braid and checked her phone and smiled seeing her husband's message.

She chuckled. 

"Yeah...I'll convey that to our babies. Now that they have slept, I'm going to take a quick bath. And hello...punish chestha definitely if you skip lunch again. No excuses😑

Nuvvu work lo busy ani telusu kani konchem break teesuko. (I know that you're busy with work, but take rest in between). Don't strain too much.  I slept a little also when they slept, happy ?😌"

She went to bath.

Inside the bathroom, she closed the door gently and leaned against it for a second. 

No cries. No calls. No rushing.

Just a few minutes to herself. 

She turned on the shower, letting the water run before stepping in.

The first touch of warm water against her skin made her close her eyes. 

"Aah..."a soft breath escaped her. 

It wasn't just bath. It was relief.

Her shoulders relaxed under the stream. The tension she hadn't noticed earlier- carrying babies, bending, lifting, washing, house chores, constant movement- started easing out. 

She tilted her head back slightly, letting the water run through her long tresses, the one which her husband adored a lot. 

For a moment. She didn't think of anything. 

Then, like always, her thoughts circled back. Back to Jai. 

The way he checked her in the morning. The way he didn't wake her up. The coffee he made for her even in between his busy schedule. 

He notices everything....

That thought stayed longer. Not in a dramatic way, but in the quiet, steady silence. 

He was pushing himself. 

Work..travel...responsibilities..

And still he found space to care for her in small unnoticed ways. 

After finishing bathing,  she stepped out wearing a soft white spaghetti top and loose pants with some minimal prints.

This has been sitting inside the cupboard for long. Her pregnancy and post partum didn't allow her to get into it. Now that her body had lost more weight, she could easily slip into it. 

Vennela posed infront of the mirror. Looking front, sideways and caressed her tummy. She slightly lifted up her top up a little to see that the stretch marks had become considerably less noticeable.

She pasted a bindi and let her hair fall open to dry in the air. Applying a tiny sindoor, she walked towards her babies and sat looking at them for a while.

In between, she checked whether he had messaged her back. 

No message. 

She smiled shaking her head.  _________________________________________

"Akka...wow....you're so pretty😍"

Vennela gave a shy smile. 

"Thank you Radha🥰"

"Anna will fall head over heels in love with you again"

Vennela blushed harder though trying to look nonchalant, searching something in the fridge. 

"Radha...let's have lunch now. I'll arrange the table"

She carefully dodged the before statement while Radha chuckled knowingly.  __________________________________________

Radha plopped herself onto the chair, still grinning mischievously while watching Vennela move around the table.
“Ayyo akka… seriously… what is this glow?” she leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm.

“New dress… open hair… bindi… if anna comes now only, meeting cancel, Singapore cancel, everything cancel🤣”

Vennela rolled her eyes, placing the bowls down.

“Radhaaa… stop it and eat. Food is getting cold”

Radha leaned closer again, lowering her voice.

“But seriously… did anna notice you in the morning like this?”

Vennela paused for a second, remembering the hug in the kitchen, the soft kiss on her nape. Her cheeks turned pink again.

Radha caught it instantly. “Ahaaaa! See! I knew it. Something happened😉”

“Nothing happened!” Vennela said quickly, a little too quickly.

“Details cheppu akka. Public wants to know”

“Public aa? Who?😂” Vennela laughed.

“Me!” Radha raised her hand proudly. “Single representative of curious society.”

Vennela shook her head, laughing softly.

“He just… hugged me from behind while I was cooking. Anthe🤭”

“ANTHE ah😳??” Radha almost choked on her food.

“Akka… that is not ‘anthe.’ That is premium content.”

“Radha!”

Vennela hit her lightly on the arm.

“Ayyo okay okay… I’ll behave🤭” she said, still giggling.

“you're going for shopping in the evening right? ”

“Hopefully...if bava is tired, we will skip it.”

“Perfect. Wear this same dress.”

Vennela choked on her food.

“Radhaaa!😳”

“What? Let anna suffer a little in public also🤪” she whispered mischievously

“Chi! You are impossible😂😂” Vennela laughed.

Radha grinned.

“And akka…”

“Now what?”

“Buy extra shirts for anna.”

“Why?”

“So that he can change… after sweating seeing you😂”

Vennela gasped and burst out in laughter along with Radha.
________________________________________

Vennela had made some crispy onion pakoras and was boiling milk for the tea.

She looked at the clock. 5.30 P.M.

A few minutes ago she had already opened the gates of their home.

Soon, his car entered into their portico.

“Bava…😀” she whispered to herself, a smile already forming.

She walked faster and opened the door.

Jai stepped in, loosening his watch, shoulders slightly tired, but his eyes—

They lit up the moment they saw her.

For a second, he just stood there watching her with love.

“Emi ra idi...😳” (whats this sweety ?)he murmured under his breath.

Vennela frowned slightly.

“What?”

He stepped closer, very slowly.

"Are you planning to send me to ICU?”

“Bava!” she gasped, hitting his arm lightly.

“What is this look? You are so pretty”

“I'm normal, bava. Nothing special" she tried to brush it off, turning slightly.

He caught her wrist gently, pulling her back.

“Not normal,” he said softly, eyes scanning her face, her hair, the way the evening light fell on her. “Dangerous.”

"If you wear such clothes, then I'll have to take you to the bedroom and ..."
She covered his mouth before he could complete it further.

Her cheeks flushed instantly.

"Ammo !! Milk" she dashed to the kitchen and switched off the stove.

Jai walked to the kitchen.

"Babies...?"

"Sleeping"

“Good☺️” he replied calmly.

Before she could react, he pulled her into a tight hug, burying his face near her neck.

“Missed you…” he murmured.

The tiredness in his voice melted something inside her.

“I missed you too…❤️” she whispered back, her hands wrapping around him, rubbing and patting there occasionally.

For a moment, the world paused.

No work. No noise. Just them.

"You go and freshen up. I'll bring tea"

"Alright☺️"
_________________________________________

"Mmmm...this pakoras are so crispy and tasty🤤"

He fed her a piece.

"Have more then. I made it for you"☺️

"Awesome...as always🥰"

"Thank you🥰"

"Let's go shopping soon"

"Only if you're not tired, bava. We can skip it if you're tired... really ..."

"No I'm fine. I regained my energy after having this tea😌"

"Liar. I'll get ready soon, then🤭"
_______________________________________

"My munchkins...what were you both doing today ? Did you eat lots of food ? Did you trouble amma ? Did ammamma and thathas called you both ? Missed nana ? Because I missed you both a lot😘😘😘😘" He plopped kisses softly on both of them.

Babies cooed to his talking. Ammu was already playing with her nana's beard, pulling his moustache while rishu was calm and playing with the button on his father's shirt.

Just then Vennela came downstairs in a very pretty pink floral frock which was adorned with a modestly draped dupatta along with a handbag.

Jai was a lost at words. Her beauty was surreal.

"See..babies...you both are so lucky to get the prettiest amma on earth😍"

Rishu jumped on Jai's lap and extended his tiny arms asking for his amma to carry him.

"Acho..my baby ...😘😘" she lifted him in her arms and cuddled. The baby snuggled closer.

"Amma loves you😘😘"

She kissed both rishu and ammu.

"Seems like I've to cancel the plan of going for shopping....I've better things to explore here😏" Jai's smirk made Vennela’s stomach flutter.

She showed her eyes not to talk these things atleast infront of babies.

"Okay babies...then let's lock up nana here and go for shopping ourselves. Let's buy shirts for him. Tell nana that amma also knows how to drive"

"Haww...you can't bribe my babies with a trip excluding me. Come on...I'll catch your mamma later"

He took the babies in his arms and walked to the car.

Vennela giggled following him after locking the car. This plan always worked.
_______________________________________

The mall was lively—lights glowing, people walking around, couples having a drink or an ice cream,  soft music playing in the background.

Jai walked beside Vennela, holding rishu while ammu was in Vennela’s arms. Within seconds, his large calloused hands found her soft ones naturally.

She looked at him.

“What?” he asked.

“Nothing…”

“Good. Then don’t leave” he said simply, interlocking their fingers.

She smiled and tightened her hands around his.
_______________________________________

Inside the clothing store, Vennela immediately got into men's section for checking his clothes.

“This one is nice,” she said, pulling out beige shirt.

Jai glanced at it.

“Hmm.”

“Hmm ante?🤨” she frowned.

“Means… I’ll look good in anything😎”

She rolled her eyes.

“Confidence ekkuva😏”

“Fact”

She ignored him and continued picking.

Jai plopped kisses on his curious babies who were looking like small kittens, watching the shimmering lights and the people around.

“Go try these" she said taking babies in her arms and pushing him towards the trial room.

After a minute,

“bangaram…” his voice came from inside.

“What?”

“Come here”

“Why?”

“Just come”

She hesitated but walked closer.

“Door open chey…” he said.

She opened it slightly and froze.

He stood there in a fitted shirt she chose.

Perfect as if it was tailor- made for him.

Her eyes widened slightly.

“Well?” he asked watching her reaction closely.

She cleared her throat.

“Bagundi”

“Only bagundi ah?🤨” he stepped closer.

“Chala bagundi…☺️” she admitted softly.

He smirked.

“I know😏”

She turned to leave, but he caught her hand again.

“My turn”

“What?”

“You also try something.”

“No need...”

“Need” he said firmly, passing her soft pastel dresses he had already selected for her for the trip.

“Go”

A few minutes later…

“bava…” her voice came from inside, hesitant.

He walked closer.

“Hmm?”

“I don’t know…”

“Open”

Slowly, the door opened.

And for the third time that evening, Jai went completely speechless.

The dress fit her perfectly, soft and elegant, enhancing everything about her without trying too hard.
“Say something…” she mumbled nervously.

He stepped in, closing the distance.

“Cancel shopping,” he said.

“What?!”

“Let’s go home.”

“Bava!😳🙈” she hit his shoulder.

“I’m serious" he whispered near her ear.

“This is not safe for public.”

She pushed him lightly, flustered.

“We came to shop!”

“Yeah… mistake😩" he sighed dramatically.
They ended up buying more than planned—shirts, trousers, few dresses her and babies.

Babies were in both parents arms, calm and sucking their tiny thumbs.

“Bava…”

"I know. Ice cream after this right..."

“thanks for reminding me but i was saying something else"

"Hmm?"

"Today was nice☺️"

He looked at her, softer now.

“Everyday with you and babies are nice ❤️"he replied.

Jai opened the car and kept the bags inside. Before Vennela could open the door, he opened it for her.

"Arey It was okay"

'I know. This is okay too☺️" He smiled.

She smiled, getting into the car.

"Thank you..."

He knocked her head fondly and sat on his side.
Babies were on her lap and was yawning, hungry.

"Aww....amma knows.. wait ..I'll give you milk now😘😘" she took two bottles of milk which she had pumped before coming from home.

She fed them simultaneously.

"Bangaruu...shall I hold one baby ?"

"No..it's okay bava...you drive"

"Okay"

They headed to a restaurant where both of them craved to have something spicy. Babies had slept off sooner. The day, which was hectic now ended with sweetness of chocolate- vanilla ice cream.
________________________________________

Vennela rested her head on his shoulder.
“You didn’t look at your phone much☺️” she said softly.
“Hmm… tried to finish most work early,” he replied.

She looked up at him.

“Don’t strain too much, bava…ill be anxious seeing you this way😟”

“I won’t,” he said, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "You don't worry I can handle this" 😘

She nodded slowly.

After a while, Jai lay down, pulling her gently with him.

I’m tired.”

“You wake up at 4 AM and say tired now?😂” she teased.

“Exactly,” he murmured. “So let me sleep… like this.”

She settled closer, her hand resting lightly on his chest.

Within minutes, his breathing slowed.

He had fallen asleep.

Vennela looked at him for a while—the same face that had been serious and focused all day now completely at peace.

Her fingers traced lightly over his hand.

“You do so much…” she whispered, almost to herself.

Then her gaze shifted to the babies in the crib

Then back to him.

A small, content smile settled on her lips.

Outside, the night grew deeper.
Inside, everything felt complete.

The unfinished work, the upcoming travel, the endless responsibilities—they were all still there.

But so was this.

This quiet.
This warmth.

This love that lived in small gestures...morning coffee, teasing words, shared meals, tired hugs, and silent understanding.
And maybe… that was enough.
For now.

Vennela closed her eyes, resting against him, as the house slowly drifted into sleep holding within it a family bound not just by routine, but by something far gentler……something that made even the simplest days feel full.
__________________________________________

Yours,
Aiswarya2018.