Vineet and Anamika's love story had always been one of warmth and promise. They had married against all odds, defying society’s expectations and even some familial resistance. Anamika remembered those early days fondly—Vineet had been gentle, full of dreams, and endlessly patient. They were both young and ready to build a life together.

Years passed, and their family grew. They were blessed with Ansh, their eldest son, who was curious and bright. Then came Aanya, their daughter, who had a playful spirit and adored her brother. Their home was filled with laughter, toys scattered everywhere, and endless stories at bedtime. Anamika stayed home to take care of the children and manage the household, while Vineet poured himself into building his business.

With time, however, the stress of his business began to weigh heavily on Vineet. He had become successful, but the demands of running a company meant long hours, sleepless nights, and endless responsibilities. Each day, he came home more exhausted than the last, and over time, he grew tense, frustrated, and short-tempered.

Anamika saw the change in him. The calm, easy-going Vineet she had fallen in love with seemed to be slipping away, replaced by a man constantly on edge. He would snap at the slightest thing, his patience worn thin. But she knew that this was just a part of their journey—this was the same man she loved, underneath it all, just burdened and exhausted.

Every evening, she would wait for him with a warm meal and a comforting smile, trying her best to be the anchor he could hold on to. But there were days when Vineet, in his frustration, would brush her off or turn away, his anger spilling over in waves. He didn’t mean to be hurtful, but sometimes he just couldn’t help it. Anamika, however, never left his side. Even if he jerked her hand away or shut down, she would stay, a silent presence beside him, radiating patience and understanding.

It's just another evening, Vineet came home particularly tense. A deal he had been working on for months had fallen through, and he was furious. Anamika could see it in his eyes as he slammed his briefcase down and paced the room. She knew that words wouldn’t help him right now, so she simply walked over, reached for his hand, and held it firmly.

At first, he tried to pull away, muttering about needing space, but she tightened her grip. Slowly, she started to rub his hand, tracing small circles on his palm. It was a simple gesture, one that he couldn’t brush off so easily. Bit by bit, he felt the tension leave his body.

Finally, he sighed, slumping into the couch. Anamika sat beside him, not saying anything, just sitting close enough for him to feel her presence. After a few minutes, Vineet took a deep breath and leaned his head back, finally letting his guard down.

“I don’t know how you put up with me,” he murmured, guilt shadowing his voice. “I’m not the man you married. I’m always…angry.”

Anamika smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead. “You’re still the same man I fell in love with. You’re just carrying more now than you did back then. I’m here to share it with you.”

In that moment, Vineet felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. No matter how much he had changed, no matter how hardened he had become, Anamika’s love for him was as constant as the sunrise. She was his anchor, his peace, and his heart—always waiting, always understanding, always his!

The days ahead wouldn’t be easy, but Vineet knew that as long as he had Anamika by his side, he would find his way back to the calm, gentle man he once was. And maybe, in time, he could finally give her the happiness she so selflessly gave him every single day.

Anamika’s presence brought Vineet a comfort he hadn’t realized he needed. As they sat together in silence, Vineet finally gathered the courage to say what had been weighing on him for so long.

He looked down, unable to meet her eyes. “Ana,” he said softly, his voice barely a whisper, “kya main bura insaan hoon?”

Anamika's heart softened, and she placed her hand gently on his shoulder. "Nahi!!Tum aisa kyun soch rahe ho, Pati?" she asked, her voice warm and understanding.

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "Main woh insaan nahi raha jo tumse shaadi ke waqt tha," he admitted, his voice trembling with emotion. "Woh sab armaan, woh shanti… sab kahin kho gaye hain. Main sirf ghussa aur takleef mein jeeta hoon. Tumse na jaane kitni baar baat karte waqt maine chilla diya hai. Tum mera dukh bantne aati ho aur gusse mei main tumhe hi hurt kar deta hoon. Uss waqt kuch samajh nahi aata par badh mei....bahut bura lagta hai mujhe." He expresses.

Anamika moved closer, gently cupping his face, forcing him to look into her eyes. "Vineet, tum wahi ho… woh insaan jo mujhe uss din se pyaar karta hai jab se hum mile hain," she reassured him, her gaze steady. "Har insaan ka samay aata hai jab woh parivartan se guzarta hai. Lekin main jaanti hoon, tumhare andar ab bhi woh pyaar, woh shanti hai. Tum bas is waqt thoda bhaari bojh utha rahe ho. Apne business ko unche makam pe le jaane ki koshish kar rahe ho aur usme main tumhara saath hamesha dungi."

Vineet closed his eyes, absorbing her words. "Par tum kab tak mere is gusse ko sahogi? Kab tak mere saath yeh zindagi jeogi, Ana? Main kabhi kabhi sochta hoon… tumne shaayad galat insaan ko chuna."

Anamika’s eyes softened, and she gently brushed away the tear that escaped down his cheek. "Vineet," she whispered, her voice firm yet full of love, "tumhare saath jeene ka faisla mera apna hai, aur main apne faisle par fakr karti hoon. Tum galat insaan nahi ho, tum woh insaan ho jo har mushkil mein bhi apni zimmedari nibhata hai. Tumhari gussa, tumhara dard, ye sab mere liye hai, aur main uska hissa banne mein khush hoon. Tum mere saath ho, hum saath hai, iss se jyada main kuch chahti bhi nahi."

Vineet looked at her, his eyes filled with a mix of guilt and gratitude. "Main jaanta hoon, tum mere liye kitna karti ho. Har roz, bina shikayat ke, tum mere saath ho. Tumhare bina main kab ka bikhar gaya hota."

Anamika smiled gently. "Toh kabhi kabhi mujhe apne kareeb aane do, tumhare bojh mein tumhara saathi banne do. Yeh gussa, yeh takleef, yeh dono milke sambhal lenge." She spoke, her eyes never leaving him.

With that, Vineet pulled her into a tight embrace, feeling the weight of his struggles ease, if only for a moment. He realized that as long as he had Anamika by his side, he would never truly be alone. She was his strength, his comfort, and his reason to keep moving forward.

"Thank you, Ana," he whispered into her hair, his voice thick with emotion. "Tum ho toh main hoon."

Anamika smiles at his words, she caresses his back to comfort him, to provide him the warmth he deserves.

While Vineet held her close, feeling the warmth of her embrace, Anamika gently pulled back and looked up into his eyes. There was a tenderness in her gaze that melted away the remnants of his frustration and anger. Slowly, she reached up and brushed her lips against his, a soft, reassuring kiss that held years of love and understanding.

Vineet closed his eyes, letting himself surrender to her touch. Her kiss was gentle, yet filled with the quiet strength that she always seemed to carry. It was a reminder of everything they had shared, the countless moments of joy and the battles they had fought side by side.

She pressed her forehead against his, her fingers tracing gentle circles on his cheek. “Tumhe yaad hai na, Vineet? Humne jo kasam khayi thi… har achhe aur bure waqt mein saath rehne ki?” she whispered, her voice full of love.

He opened his eyes, looking at her with a mixture of awe and gratitude. “Yaad hai, Ana, mujhe humara har kasam yaad hai,” he replied softly, his voice barely a whisper. “Aur tumne hamesha us kasam ko nibhaaya hai… mujhse zyada!” he exclaims.

Anamika smiled, her hands sliding down to hold his face as she placed another soft kiss on his lips, this time lingering, reassuring him that no matter how dark the days got, he would never have to face them alone. The tension in his body seemed to melt, and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer as he let himself breathe in her warmth, her comfort.

"Main tumse hamesha pyaar karta rahunga, chahe jo bhi ho jaye," Vineet murmured against her lips, his voice filled with a newfound resolve.

Anamika nodded, her smile growing as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Aur main tumhara saath kabhi nahi chhodungi," she replied softly.

In that moment, Vineet knew that no matter what challenges awaited them, they would face them together. Anamika’s love was his refuge, his peace, and his strength—just as it had always been, and just as it always would be.

Just as Vineet and Anamika were wrapped in their quiet moment, a sudden thud of footsteps and giggles echoed from the hallway. Before they could pull apart, the door burst open, and Ansh and Aanya came rushing in, laughter bubbling as they caught sight of their parents in such a tender embrace.

“Arey wah, Papa! Yeh kya ho raha hai?” Ansh exclaimed, a mischievous grin lighting up his face.

Aanya, always the observant one, chimed in, hands on her hips as she mimicked her brother’s teasing tone, “Haan, lagta hai Papa sirf isliye gusse hote hain taaki Mumma unhe manaane aaye!”

Both of them burst into laughter, clearly delighted at finding their parents like this. Vineet and Anamika exchanged an embarrassed look, trying to keep straight faces while hiding their smiles.

“Ansh, Aanya, tum dono ko abhi sone nahi jaana tha?” Vineet asked, trying to sound stern but failing as his smile broke through.

But Ansh wasn’t about to let him off the hook so easily. He put his hands on his hips, mirroring his dad’s stern stance, and said, “Papa, aapko gussa karna band karna chahiye. Hum sab jaante hain ke aap Mumma ko pasand karte ho jab woh aapko manaati hain, issliye hi aap roz gussa karte ho.” Ansh teases him.

Anamika chuckled, reaching out to pull her giggling children close. “Toh tum dono ko sab kuch samajh mein aane laga hai, hai na?” she said, raising her eyebrow playfully.

"Haan, sab kuch!!" Ansh exclaimed, giggling.

Aanya jumped onto Vineet’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck as she added, “Papa, aap gusse mein bilkul ache nahi lagte. Hum sab ko bas wohi waale Papa pasand hain jo hum sab ko hasate hain.” she asserts.

Hearing his children’s honest words melted the last bits of tension in Vineet’s heart. He smiled, hugging Aanya and reaching out to ruffle Ansh’s hair. “Achha, toh tum dono ko wohi waale Papa chahiye?” he asked, his voice softening.

Both kids nodded enthusiastically, their laughter echoing. Anamika rested her head on Vineet’s shoulder, smiling as she watched him interact with their children. She could see that, in this moment, he was letting his worries slip away, rediscovering the joy that came from being surrounded by family.

“Thik hai, ab se Papa gusse nahi karenge,” Vineet promised, squeezing his kids close. “Lekin ek shart par… tum dono bhi Mumma ko tang nahi karoge.”

The kids nodded in agreement, and Ansh added cheekily, “Deal, Papa! Aur aapko Mumma ko hamesha khush rakhna padega. Humne dekha hai, jab aap dono saath hote ho toh ghar aur bhi achha lagta hai!” He exclaims.

Anamika’s heart swelled with happiness as Vineet gave her a grateful smile, his eyes filled with a new resolve. He realized how much his family meant to him and how, in the simplest of moments, he could find the peace he’d been searching for.

With their children nestled close, Vineet felt a profound sense of contentment. He knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—each one bringing them closer as a family, bound by love, laughter, and an unbreakable bond.

As the laughter began to settle, Vineet realized how much he missed these moments with his family, the ones that reminded him of everything he was working so hard for. Deciding to make the most of this night, he said, “Chalo, aaj Papa tum dono ko dinner khilayenge!”

Ansh and Aanya cheered, their faces lighting up as they ran to the dining table. Anamika followed, her eyes twinkling as she watched Vineet take over. He filled plates with their favorite dishes, carefully feeding each of them, making sure they had their fill.

“Papa, thoda aur daal do na,” Aanya requested, her voice low but eager.

“Arre wah, aaj toh Aanya bhi sab kuch kha rahi hai!” Vineet teased, happily spooning another helping onto her plate.

Ansh, on the other hand, leaned over, grinning mischievously. “Papa, aapko pata hai na, aap gussa nahi ho sakte? Warna hum Mumma ko bula lenge.”

Vineet laughed, shaking his head. “Haan, haan, mujhe pata hai! Ab main bas pyar se rehne waala hoon.” he assured them making the siblings chuckle.

And with those love filled moments they had their dinner.

After dinner, the family headed to the bedroom, where they all gathered on the big bed, cuddling close under the blankets. Though they have their own rooms but sometimes in such love filled moments they decide to hold on together and for that purpose Vineet had made a separate room where they can all sleep together. Also, whenever they are together, it was their family tradition for Anamika to tell a bedtime story, and tonight, everyone was looking forward to it. Anamika glanced around, seeing Ansh nestled against Vineet’s shoulder and Aanya curled up beside her, their little faces glowing with excitement.

“Kaisi kahani sunoge aaj?” she asked, smiling at her children's.

Ansh raised his hand first. “Ek jungle ki kahani, Mumma!” he requested excitedly.

“Par jisme ek rajkumar aur rajkumari bhi ho,” Aanya added, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Anamika chuckled, gently brushing Aanya’s hair back as she thought for a moment. Then, she began her story. “Toh ek baar ki baat hai, ek ghana jungle tha jisme sabke dost rajkumar aur rajkumari rehte the. Woh dono bahut ache aur bahadur the, aur sabko madad karte they."

As Anamika continued, Vineet watched her with a tender smile. Her voice was soothing, weaving magic with each word, and he felt himself getting lost in the story as much as the children were. He wrapped his arm around her, feeling grateful that, in this world of chaos, he had her by his side, grounding him and filling their lives with warmth.

Slowly, as the story unfolded, Ansh and Aanya’s eyes began to droop. Anamika’s voice grew softer, her words flowing like a lullaby until both children had drifted into a peaceful sleep, smiles still lingering on their faces.

Vineet glanced down at his sleeping children, his heart swelling with a sense of contentment he hadn’t felt in a long time. He looked over at Anamika, reaching out to gently take her hand in his. “Tumne mujhe yaad dilaya ke main yeh sab kisliye kar raha hoon,” he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.

Anamika smiled, squeezing his hand. “Yahi toh humara parivaar hai, Vineet. Hum sab ek doosre ke liye hi toh hain.”

With a final kiss on each of their children’s foreheads, Vineet and Anamika lay side by side, finding peace in the quiet breaths of their sleeping children and the warmth of each other's presence.

.......

After a moment, making sure Ansh and Aanya were peacefully asleep, Anamika and Vineet quietly slipped out of the bedroom and headed to the balcony. The night was calm, with a soft breeze rustling the leaves, and the city lights twinkled like stars in the distance. They stepped out into the cool night air, a comfortable silence settling between them as they took in the view.

Vineet leaned against the railing, his gaze soft as he looked over the city. He felt lighter tonight, as if all the burdens he’d been carrying had started to melt away. Anamika came up beside him, slipping her hand into his, and they stood like that, fingers intertwined, letting the quiet moments stretch between them.

After a while, Vineet broke the silence. “Kabhi kabhi sochta hoon, Ana, main itna busy ho gaya hoon ki yeh sab kho raha hoon,” he admitted softly, his voice barely a whisper.

Anamika looked up at him, understanding in her eyes. “Par tumhe yeh yaad rakhna hoga, Vineet, ki yeh safar humara hai. Tumhara har ek pal mere liye hai, aur mera  har ek pal tumhare liye hai. Kaam zaroori hai, par humare rishton se bada kuch nahi. Dekho, aaj bas kuch waqt hi tumne baccho sang khushi khushi bitaya aur unki khushi ka koi thikana nahi aab, kaafi arse badh tumne bacho ke saath itna waqt bitaya, wo bahut khush hai aur main bhi!!” she says.

He looked at her, a faint smile breaking through. Her words were like a balm, gently easing away his worries. “Tum hamesha mujhe sahi raasta dikha deti ho,” he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. “Mujhe yaad hai tumne kaha tha, yeh zindagi ek saathi ke bina adhuri hai aur sach mei tumhare bina ye zindagi adhuri hi rehti. Tum bina kuch kehkar aur kar ke bhi mera saath deti ho, har mod pe mujhe sambhal leti ho.”

Anamika leaned her head on his shoulder, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Mujhe pata hai ke tum kis dard se guzar rahe ho. Bas kabhi kabhi tumhare saath rehkar woh bojh halka karna chahti hoon.”

They stayed there in each other’s arms, feeling the calmness of the night around them. Vineet gently put his arm around her, pulling her close, and for a few precious moments, they let themselves simply be.

As the cool breeze brushed past, Vineet felt the tension lift, leaving him with a profound sense of gratitude for the woman beside him. In the quiet of the night, he whispered, “Mujhe tumhare saath yeh sab dekhna hai, har ek sapna, har ek khushi. Tumhare saath yeh zindagi jeena chahta hoon.”

Anamika tightened her grip on his hand, her heart swelling with love. “Toh chalo, yeh zindagi saath mein jeete hain,” she replied softly.

In that shared promise, standing together on their balcony, they felt the quiet power of their bond, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it side by side, just as they always had.

Vineet looked down at Anamika, her gentle presence making him feel calm and clear-headed in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time. With the city lights glowing around them and the warmth of her hand in his, he knew he wanted to make a change—not just for her, but for their whole family.

He took a deep breath and, with a sincerity that reached right into his heart, said, “Ana, mujhe maaf karna. Main apne ghusse aur pareshaani mein tum sab se door ho gaya tha.”

She looked up, her eyes gentle and reassuring, as though letting him know he was already forgiven. He continued, “Main waada karta hoon ke ab se kabhi tumhare aur bachchon ke saath aise nahi rahunga. Main apne ghusse ko rokne ki koshish karunga aur tum sab ke saath waqt bitaunga.”

Anamika’s eyes softened, and a small, hopeful smile spread across her face. She knew how hard this promise was for him, and it made her love him all the more for his willingness to change.

To seal his promise, Vineet took her face in his hands, his gaze warm and full of gratitude. Slowly, he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that was tender and full of love—a silent vow that he was ready to be the husband and father he knew his family deserved.

When they pulled back, he whispered, “Yeh waada tumhare liye aur hamare bachchon ke liye hai. Tum sab meri zindagi ho.”

Anamika smiled, her heart full, and she rested her head on his shoulder as they stood there, letting the quiet of the night wrap around them. In that moment, they knew they were stronger together, and that whatever challenges came, they would face them hand in hand, just as they had always done.

......

The end...