Aakash and Meenakshi prepared a simple breakfast together and packed lunch for the day. While Meenakshi got ready for school, Aakash cleaned the house and washed the vessels.
Soon, they sat down and had breakfast together in the comfort of their little home. Before leaving, Aakash handed Meenakshi a set of keys, keeping one for himself in case of emergencies.
Akash dropped her at school and handed her the lunch bag.
“Meena, have lunch on time. Take an auto back home after school and call me once you reach. Don’t start doing any work, just rest until I come back. Have the fruits and snacks I kept for you. We shall either cook dinner together or I’ll pick something up on the way home,” Aakash said and his voice was full of care.
Meenakshi nodded her head with a smile and watched him drive away before walking into the school. She met the in-charge, apologized for her sudden absence the previous day and briefly explained that she had shifted houses.
At the office, Aakash settled into his cubicle and his colleagues looked at him in mock disbelief. He had taken leave frequently over the past few weeks and they were already ready with their teasing.
“What happened, Aakash? Still stuck in your honeymoon phase?” one of them joked and the others laughed.
Aakash smiled and shook his head. “My wife is pregnant and we moved out yesterday to live separately. I wanted to shift closer to her school so she wouldn’t get too tired travelling,” he said.
The teasing immediately turned into excitement.
“What? Sir, that’s amazing. Congratulations. Why didn’t you tell us earlier? ” one by one asked and everyone crowded around him with smiles and warm wishes. The women in the office were especially thrilled.
“We are definitely talking to Meenakshi. Why didn’t she share this with us?” one of them said dramatically.
Meenakshi was already part of the office wives’ WhatsApp group, which also included a few female staff members. Aakash knew that by now, the women would have already flooded the group with congratulatory messages. By afternoon, he bought sweets for everyone in his team and distributed them personally.
“This is just the beginning, I will give you all a proper treat soon.” he said with a smile.
Meenakshi returned home, took a refreshing bath and had some fruits before lying down for a short nap.
Later, when she woke up, she replied to all the wishes and messages that poured into the WhatsApp group. After that, she slowly began arranging their clothes in the cupboard, taking her own time and enjoying the quiet comfort of their new home.
By the time Aakash returned, it was already past eight in the evening. The moment Meenakshi opened the door, she noticed a few shopping bags in his hands.
“What took you so long? And what are these?” she asked curiously.
Aakash smiled and gently led her to sit on the only chair in the hall. Then he placed all the bags in front of her. Without saying a word, he opened one of them and pulled out a soft maternity gown.
Meenakshi stared at him in shock. “Aakash… you want me to wear these gowns? Are you serious?” she asked, stunned.
Aakash held the gown against her and smiled proudly. “It’s just you and me here, Meena. You don’t have to worry about dressing up or wearing sarees all the time. Wear whatever makes you comfortable. You will look beautiful in this too.”
He showed her the rest of the gowns. “I bought four for now. Next month, we shall get a few loose shirts and pants too.” he said with smile.
Meenakshi blinked in surprise, touched by how thoughtfully he had planned everything for her.
Aakash kissed her cheek gently. “Please wear one? I want to see how my choice looks on you.”
Meenakshi tried to protest, but his eager face made her give in. Finally, she took one of the gowns and walked into the bedroom to change. Aakash followed her in and stepped into the bathroom to freshen up.
A few minutes later, he walked out and froze for a second. Meenakshi stood there in a soft yellow and green gown. She looked simple, fresh and breathtakingly beautiful.
Aakash let out a playful whistle and winked at her. “My choice is always the best,” he said proudly, lifting his collar dramatically.
Meenakshi couldn’t help but laugh. Aakash walked up to her and kissed her forehead.
“Come on. Let’s have dinner.” he said and walked to the table and opened the food packets.
“I bought biryani for us and don’t scold me for spending too much. From tomorrow, we shall cook at home.”, he made her sit and began feeding her lovingly.
“Everyone at the office kept asking for a treat. I bought sweets for my team and promised them a proper party later. I’m sure your WhatsApp group must have exploded with messages.” he said and Meenakshi showed him her mobile.
The group was flooded with wishes, teasing messages and excitement. For the first time in years, both of them were living without fear, without judgment and without anyone watching over their shoulders.
Aakash washed the plates while Meenakshi continued arranging their clothes in the cupboard. After finishing the dishes, he walked into the bedroom and sat on the bed, scrolling through his phone.
“Look at these, we can order one of these.”, he said, showing her pictures of a few sofas.
Before Meenakshi could reply, the doorbell rang. Aakash walked out and opened the door to find a delivery man standing there. He checked the bill and realized it was for the refrigerator.
The delivery men carried the refrigerator into the kitchen and set it in place. Meenakshi called her father and thanked him warmly.
Once the delivery men left, she returned to the bedroom and picked up another shirt from the trolley to continue arranging. Aakash quickly snatched it from her hand and tossed it back into the trolley.
“Is there some rule that everything has to be arranged in one day? The rest can wait until tomorrow or I’ll do it on Sunday “, he said and Meenakshi looked at him in surprise.
He took her hand and pulled her gently towards the bed.
“Take your tablet and come sleep. Here, you don’t have to wake up at four in the morning. You don’t have to sweep the front yard or run around doing chores. We can cuddle, wake up at six or six-thirty and enjoy sleeping in. Happy cuddling, sweet dreams and extra sleep “, he said tucking a strand of hair behind her ear with a smile.
Meenakshi burst into laughter at the sheer excitement on his face. She lay down beside him and looked at him thoughtfully.
“I don’t see even an ounce of worry on your face about leaving Mama and the others.” he said slowly.
“I am worried about Appa and even Amma in some way. I have taken care of them all these years. But now I feel this hunger to live. To explore everything in life with you. We don’t have restrictions anymore. We don’t have to be conscious of people watching us. We can laugh loudly, talk freely and just be ourselves “, he said and Meenakshi smiled and rested her head on his chest.
Aakash kissed her crown. “We have been through a lot these past two days. Our bodies and minds are exhausted. So tonight, lets sleep well. You can save all your energy for Saturday night “, he said gently tilting her chin up.
Meenakshi’s cheeks turned pink instantly. Before she could protest, Aakash grinned.
“But right now… I need a kiss.” he said and and kissed her softly. It was slow, comforting and filled with everything they had survived together. Soon, wrapped in each other’s arms, they drifted into peaceful sleep.
Three days later, Rajesh stood outside Sharmi’s parents house. For a long moment, he stared at the gate, guilt twisted inside him. Finally, gathering his courage, he pressed the doorbell.
A few seconds later, the door opened and Sharmi’s mother stood there. The moment she saw Rajesh, her face hardened with disgust. Without a word, she shut the door in his face.
Rajesh clenched his jaw in frustration and he knocked again.
“Aunty, please open the door. I need to talk to Sharmi. Her phone is switched off. I haven’t been able to reach her.” he said and kept knocking, but Sharmi’s mother ignored him.
For the first time in his life, Rajesh was forced to stand helplessly outside a door, just as he had once made Sharmi feel helpless inside a marriage that was supposed to protect her. Rajesh knocked a few more times, but when no one opened the door, he finally gave up.
He stepped outside the gate and stood there for a while, unsure of what to do next. Just then, a car pulled up in front of the house.
Rajesh looked up and Sharmi stepped out, followed by her father. The moment he saw her, Rajesh hurried towards her and held her hand.
“Sharmi… I’ve been trying to reach you for the past three days. Please… just give me one chance. Let’s talk. Please come back home with me,” he pleaded but Sharmi immediately pulled her hand away.
Anger rose inside her but when she noticed the neighbours watching curiously from their balconies and gates, she controlled herself.
“Come inside,” she said curtly and without waiting for his reply, she walked through the gate.
Rajesh followed her and Sharmi’s mother opened the door the moment she heard her daughter’s voice. The instant she saw Rajesh entering, she moved forward to stop him but Sharmi gently held her mother’s hand.
“Amma, I need to talk to him. I can’t do this with the neighbours watching. Please… give me a few minutes. He’ll leave after that.” Sharmi said and her mother hesitated and then nodded.
The moment Rajesh stepped inside, Sharmi’s father lost his temper. He strode forward and slapped Rajesh hard twice. Rajesh stumbled back in shock.
Before her father could do more, Sharmi stepped in and stopped him. Sharmi turned to Rajesh, her expression cold.
“Why did you come here, Rajesh? Didn’t your mother tell you my message?” she asked.
Rajesh stood before her, holding his burning cheek. “Sharmi, I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I’ve realized my mistakes. I’ll change everything. Please come back with me. Weren’t we happy all these months? I was just frustrated because I failed the interview. My friends forced me to drink that night. I swear, I will never touch alcohol again.” he said in a trembling voice and Sharmi let out a bitter laugh.
“We were never happy, Rajesh. We were living like burdens in your brother’s house. We were surviving because Aakash mama and Meenu akka carried all of us on their shoulders.” she said and her words hit him harder than the slap.
“We sinned against them. Because of you… us, they had to leave their own home. You were so selfish and arrogant that you never saw how much they did for everyone. They took care of the entire family, even when it wasn’t their responsibility ” Sharmi said further and Rajesh lowered his gaze in shame.
Tears filled Sharmi’s eyes. “And I became like you. For months, I lived selfishly too. I ignored the truth because it was convenient. But I finally opened my eyes. I tried to make you understand. I tried to change you. But your ego was too big. Not just you, your mother and sister too. All of you were selfish in your own ways. I don’t want to be around people like that anymore.” she said and Rajesh stared at her, stunned by the finality in her voice.
“Sharmi… I’ve understood everything now. Even Amma regrets it. I’ll find a job. I’ll take care of you and our baby. Please… just give me one chance.” he said folding his hands before her but Sharmi’s face remained unchanged.
“There is no way I’m falling for your words again. Find a job. Learn to take responsibility. Take care of your family. Until then, don’t come here. I can take care of myself and our baby. We don’t need you right now.” She said and pointed towards the door.Rajesh looked at her helplessly.
“Sharmi… please. For our baby’s sake…”, he reached for her hand again but Sharmi stepped back immediately.
“I already gave you a chance, Rajesh. But if you keep disturbing me like this, I’ll have to rethink everything. And I won’t hesitate to file for divorce. I have enough proof of what you have done. Now leave. Come back only when you become a man who knows how to take responsibility.” she said and Rajesh froze.
She opened the door and Rajesh had no words left. He felt defeated and ashamed as he walked out.
Rajesh returned home, he explained everything to Padma. Padma wiped her tears helplessly.
“You should have agreed when Aakash offered to help you find a job. Because of your pride, we lost everything.” she said and Rajesh stood silently.
After a few moments, he walked towards Balaram who was watching television.
“Appa… please give me Anna’s address. I want to go apologize to him.” Rajesh said but Balaram didn’t even look at him.
“I don’t want anyone disturbing my son. He has just started living his life. I won’t let you go there looking for money or sympathy.” he said coldly and Rajesh swallowed hard.
Before he could say anything else, Balaram picked up the remote and increased the volume.
The message was clear and for the first time, Rajesh understood what it truly meant to be shut out. Rajesh retreated to his room and sat on the edge of the bed and stared blankly out of the window.
His mind replayed every moment he had shared with Sharmi, their laughter, their small fights, the way she would wait for him, the dreams they had once spoken about.
Tears filled his eyes. “I made a mistake… but I truly love you, Sharmi,” he whispered to himself, wiping his tears.
A little later, Padma called everyone for lunch. Rajesh walked out quietly and took his seat at the dining table. Lavanya sat opposite him, while Balaram took his usual place. Padma served curd rice and potato fry onto everyone’s plates.
Rajesh looked down at his food, then slowly lifted his eyes to his mother. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air. His thoughts drifted back to how things used to be when Aakash and Meenakshi were still living with them.
Breakfast and lunch had always felt special. There would be fresh gravies, more than one vegetable dish and everything made with care. After Meenakshi entered their home, meals had become even more delicious. She would prepare dishes that tasted better than restaurant food.
Even dinners were never ordinary, hot chapatis, crispy dosas, chicken curry, fish fry. Everything had warmth in it. And yet, everyone would simply sit and eat while she worked from dawn till night.
Neither Padma, Lavanya, nor even Sharmi had truly helped her. Still, Meenakshi had never once complained. Despite the hatred and taunts she faced, she had always treated them with kindness.
And Aakash………..Rajesh shut his eyes for a second. Even after working all day, Aakash would step into the kitchen to help Meenakshi whenever he noticed she was tired. The guilt inside Rajesh tightened like a knot.
“Amma, you could have at least made some gravy,” Lavanya said, looking disappointed at the simple meal and Padma immediately glared at her.
“The only person who was earning and taking care of this family is gone now. He said he wouldn’t abandon us. But now he has his own family, his own home, rent and expenses. I don’t know if he’ll be able to take care of us the way he did all these years.” she said bitterly and her voice trembled with worry.
” So from now on, we have to cut down every possible expense. I have already told Kamala not to cook for us anymore. She will only come to wash the vessels. The rest of the work, we’ll do ourselves.” She placed the serving spoon down heavily and Lavanya looked shocked.
“Why are you looking at me like that? You are sitting at home anyway. You can help with the housework. And instead of wasting time, try finding a job “, Padma snapped.
“I don’t even know what’s going to happen to your future now. How will we get you married?”, her voice broke slightly and Padma wiped her tears.
For the first time, fear settled deep inside Lavanya.
“Amma, Anna won’t abandon us like that. Stop scaring us,” she said weakly and before Padma could respond, Balaram looked up sharply.
“So now he is your brother ? And now you want him to take responsibility for your future?” he asked coldly and Lavanya looked stunned.
Balaram’s voice rose with every word. “Why should he? He has a family now. You had a brother who treated you like a princess. He worked day and night to make sure you had everything. And how did you treat him? You treated him like dirt.” Balaram said and his eyes were full of rage.
Lavanya lowered her head but Balaram wasn’t done.
“Aakash got married in a temple. He demanded nothing from Meenakshi’s family. He saved every rupee thinking about your future. My poor son had to leave his own house because of all of you. He bought the washing machine, refrigerator, AC, cupboards, everything for this house. Yet when he left, he didn’t take anything except what belonged to his room ” he said clenching his fist.
The weight of his words crushed the room into silence.
“And now, I will find a groom from a simple family. Anyone willing to marry you without demanding dowry.” he said and Lavanya stood up abruptly, horrified.
“Appa… what do you mean? Marry me off to just anyone?” she asked terrified and Balaram let out a humourless laugh.
“I’m very clear. You expect me to find you a prince after the way you treated the brother who was your blessing? ” he asked and Lavanya’s eyes welled with tears.
“Appa… I’ll go apologize to Anna,” she said desperately and Balaram shot her a sharp look.
“No, You don’t regret anything, not truly. You only regret now because life has become difficult. It’s not just Aakash you wronged, he has a wife. A woman all of you humiliated, insulted and hurt every single day. Not one of you has even thought about apologizing to Meenakshi.” he thundered and the truth landed like a slap.
Without another word, Balaram pushed his chair back and walked away from the table without touching his food.
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A/N:
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