Chapter 4: at home
: The Fragrant Surprise
The sun dipped low, painting the sky with hues of crimson and tangerine as Radika stood in her courtyard, her hands immersed in a bucket of water. The scent of marigold and jasmine filled the air, their petals scattered on the surface of the water, creating a vibrant dance of colors. She hummed a soft tune, her fingers moving rhythmically, plucking the petals from the stems with practiced ease.
The sound of the front door creaking open made her look up.
Anil stepped into the courtyard, his suit rumpled from the journey, his eyes weary but holding a hint of a smile as they landed on her.
"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice a soft rumble. "Making flower water for the puja tomorrow," she explained, holding up the bucket. "The flowers are a gift from Mrs. Verma. She said they're the freshest batch she's had all season."
Anil walked over to her, his shoes crunching on the pebbled path.
"You're not the only one who can do this, you know," he teased, reaching out to take the bucket from her.
Radika laughed, her hands releasing the bucket to him. "I know. But I enjoy doing it. It's therapeutic, in a way." She watched as he held the bucket, his hands large and steady. "Besides, who else will make sure the flowers are just right for the puja?"
Anil chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're right, Radika.
Only you can make sure the flowers are just right," Anil said, his voice soft. He looked down at the bucket, the scent of marigold and jasmine wafting up to meet his nose. He breathed in deeply, his eyes closing briefly before opening again to meet hers. "You're an artist, Radika. Everything you touch turns into something beautiful."
Radika felt a warmth spread through her at his words, her cheeks flushing slightly. She looked away, focusing on the courtyard, the setting sun casting long shadows across the stone floor. "Thank you, Anil.
That's very sweet of you to say." Radika looked back at him, her eyes soft. She appreciated the compliment, but it also reminded her of her earlier conversation with Rohan. The way he looked at her, the things he said, it was all so different from what she was used to. She quickly pushed the thought away, focusing on her husband instead.
Anil smiled, his gaze lingering on her before glancing down at the bucket. "So, these are for the puja tomorrow, right? We're doing the prayers at home this time?"
Radika nodded, "Yes, Mrs. Verma and her family are coming over.
She said they'll bring the prasad."
Anil nodded, his gaze drifting to the vibrant petals floating in the water. "That sounds nice. It's been a while since we did a puja at home. I'm looking forward to it."
Radika smiled at him, her eyes reflecting the warm hues of the setting sun. "I'm glad you're back, Anil. Suri's been asking about you all day."
Anil chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "And I'm glad to be back, Radika.
Even if it's just for a little while," Anil said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. He knew that his business trips were taking a toll on his family, and he felt a pang of guilt every time he left. But it was a necessary evil, he reminded himself. He had to provide for them, to give them the life they deserved.
Radika placed a comforting hand on his arm, her eyes warm and understanding. "We understand, Anil. You're doing what you have to do for us. And we appreciate it more than you know."
Anil covered her hand with his, giving it a gentle squeeze.
And I promise, I'll make it up to you. All of you."
Radika smiled, her eyes reflecting a mix of warmth and concern. "Just being here with us is enough, Anil. We miss you when you're away, but we understand."
The sound of Suri's laughter echoed through the open window, followed by the clatter of her toys. Both Anil and Radika turned towards the sound, their faces breaking into smiles.
"Speak of the devil," Anil said, chuckling.
Suri's head popped up from behind the window sill, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Papa! You're back!" she exclaimed, her little hands clutching her favorite teddy bear.
Anil laughed, his voice vibrating with joy. "Yes, beta, I'm back. Did you miss me?"
Suri nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing with her movement. "Uh-huh! Mama and I missed you so much!"
Radika smiled, her heart swelling with love. She watched as Anil walked over to the window, his tall frame bending slightly to peer inside.
"And what have you been up to while I was gone?" he asked, his voice playful.
"Suri and I have been having lots of adventures," Radika chimed in, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "We've been baking cookies, playing dress-up, and even went on a treasure hunt in the garden."
Suri clapped her hands excitedly, her eyes shining with pride. "And I found the treasure all by myself!" she announced, her chest puffing out with importance.
Anil chuckled, his eyes soft as he looked at his daughter. "That sounds like a lot of fun. I'm glad you two had a good time." He turned to Radika, his smile gentle.
"Thank you for keeping her company while I was away. I know it's not easy, taking care of everything by yourself."
Radika waved a hand dismissively, her voice soft. "It's no trouble, Anil. I enjoy spending time with Suri. Besides, we have our routines, our little rituals. It's comforting, in a way."
Anil nodded, his fingers brushing gently against hers. "I'm glad to hear that. But remember, you don't have to do everything alone. We're a team, Radika. You, me, and Suri."
Radika smiled, her eyes softening.
I know we're a team. And I appreciate everything you do for us. I just... sometimes I wish you could be here more often." She turned away slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It gets lonely sometimes."
Anil's hand covered hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry, Radika. I wish I could be here more too. But you know how it is. Work keeps me away, but it's for all of us. So we can have a better life, a better future."
Radika looked back at him, her eyes filled with unshed tears.
It's just... sometimes it feels like we're living separate lives, you at work and us here at home. It's like we're stuck in different worlds, barely touching."
Anil's grip on her hand tightened, his thumb brushing away the tear that escaped her eye. "We're not stuck, Radika. We're just... on different paths that will eventually meet. You and Suri are my home, my sanctuary. Whenever I'm away, it's like a part of me is missing.
I promise you, Radika, we'll find a way to be together more. To make up for all the time I've missed."
Radika leaned into his touch, her eyes meeting his. She saw the sincerity in his gaze, the love that shone through his words. She knew he meant every promise, every vow. But she also knew the reality of his job, the demands it placed on him, and the distances it put between them.
She took a deep breath, her fingers intertwining with his. And I believe you. It's just...