"Bhai you how come you are solving the puzzle very well." Shivaay narrowed his eyes, suspiciously looking at his older brother. "Last time we weren't able to solve this. Kya baat hain?"
[Trans-What's happening?]
Looking around everywhere but him, Shubh laughed awkwardly. "You were always dumb! Mumma told me."
Shivaay gasped, parting his lips at his mocking. "Jot bole kauwa khate! Chalo ab toh saach bol do."
[Trans- The crow would have lied! Come on now tell the truth.]
Shubh pouted. "Khadoos papa solved it and numbered along with it."
"Khadoos?" Shakti mumbled in shock.
"That's sweet of him." Shivaay gushed happily looking at his father, who sat faraway from them as he read his Aaj ke khabar. "Hain na Annika?"
[Trans-Isn't it Annika?]
"Yes indeed. Uncle ji turned out sweeter than expected." Annika chuckled.
Hearing Annika's remark on Shakti's strict standards, Shivaay and Pinky laughed, seeing them laugh Shubh laughed too.
"I was probably in second grade and the teacher complained about me not knowing tables of 2. And I clearly remember him smacking my back and tutoring me. Now see him, he is so soft to his ladla beta." Shivaay whole heartily smiled remembering his childhood memories.
[Trans- beloved son]
"Chalo na! Let's play again." Shubh tugged Shivaay's hem of shirt, urging him to play with him.
[Trans- come on!]
Shaking out of his thoughts, Shivaay rolled up his sleeves in enthusiasm. Soon both brothers were indulged in another new picture puzzle, that Shivaay had brought months back as a gift.
Watching them laugh and carefully place the missing pieces of the puzzle, Annika and Pinky sat on the couch with keen interest.
Annika pondered over as she observed her husband, Shivaay and Shubh, her brother-in-law, solving the picture puzzle together.
The room was filled with an air of concentration as they meticulously pieced together the fragments of the colorful image laid out before them. Shubh's childlike curiosity and innocence were evident as he picked up each piece with utmost care focusing intently on matching the intricate patterns.
For Annika the scene was a revelation. She had always perceived Shubh as someone who was mentally challenged, unable to comprehend the complexities of the world around him. But as she observed the way he handled the puzzle it became apparent that there was much more to Shubh than met the eye. Despite the limitations of his cognitive abilities he possessed an uncanny ability to decipher patterns and solve problems.
As the picture puzzle neared completion Annika couldn't help but marvel at the bond between Shivaay and Shubh. They were communicating through unspoken gestures and shared laughter creating a world of their own within the realm of puzzles. Shubh's face radiated pure joy and Shivaay couldn't hide his pride and admiration for his older brother.
In that moment Annika realized how deeply affected Shivaay must have been growing up with a mentally challenged sibling. The attention and care that Shubh required undoubtedly left Shivaay feeling neglected and overlooked at times. It was a silent pain that he carried within often masked by a facade of strength and independence.
Moved by this, Annika's perspective began to shift.
She recognized the significance of forming a connection with Shubh not just out of familial duty but out of genuine compassion and understanding.
She resolved to bridge the gap that existed between them to uncover the beautiful soul that lay beneath Shubh's seemingly limited abilities.
"Can I also join you both?" Annika stepped down the couch and settled besides the men, scattered on the ground with few colourfull peices of missing puzzle around them. "Please."
"No!" Without any processing of thoughts, Shubh immediately told and continued fiddling the puzzle peice.
"Bhai!" Shivaay warned with his tone changes from jovial to stricter. "When will you learn to talk in a more polite way?"
Annika grew worried as Shubh's eyes watered but he refused to spill them. Instead he dabbed his eyes with his hand sleeves and spoke. "Politely you can't join us."
Hearing him, Annika bursted out laughing.
Shubh had a great sense of humor. She concluded.
"Maybe I should join your Shiv. Together we will win." Annika told, settling beside her husband.
Shivaay looked surprised with her actions but calmed down seeing her winking her eyes, gesturing him to go with the flow.
"Get ready to loose Bhai." Shivaay snickered as he jumbled the puzzle to restart. Annika joined with him in the first of laughter and hi-fied with him.
"Accha?" Being a competative person, Shubh glared at Annika for pulling his brother into her team. "I will win. And that's my Shiv! Move away!"
[Trans- Is it?]
Over the following weeks Annika dedicated herself to getting to know Shubh better, after her college hours.
She spent time observing him and his interests, the things that brought him joy. She discovered that he had a natural talent for rock paintings, each finger strokes on the small rock reflected his unique perception of the world.
Though getting to know him was tough, since Shubh wanted Shivaay as a whole for himself and didn't want to share with anyone, she had managed to get with talk.
Talks were initially coupled with glares and funny remarks nonetheless, Shivaay had held him on hold whenever things like such arose.
As the bond between Annika and Shubh deepened, she started involving him in her own activities as well. She took him for walks in the park, the rustling leaves and chirping birds evoking a sense of wonderment in him. They would sit by the lake watching the ripples on the water and sharing silent moments of tranquility.
Their interactions gradually evolved from mere acquaintanceship to a genuine friendship. Annika became Shubh's confidante lending a listening ear to his innocent musings.
"I want to be like that butterfly. See-" he stretched his arms pointing at a particular direction, "there. When I become a butterfly of different colours, mumma can't twist my ears, khadoos papa won't scold me, Shiv won't glare at him. Hain na Anu?"
[Trans- Isn't it Anu?]
"Kyu nahi karenge woh sab?" Annika asked genuinely interested in this.
[Trans- Why won't they do those?]
Shubh giggled patting her head, like a older brother. "Butterflies are so beautiful, and who would want to twist it's ears, glare at it and scold. I would definitely not do."
"Hain na!" Annika agreed. "I want to be a butterfly with blue coloured wings."
[Trans- Right!]
"I will be butterfly of every colors. With blue, pink, red, black and- what that colour of that cloth mumma uses to scrub the kitchen slabs?"
"Neon green?"
"Yes! Green! I want a butterfly of blue, pink, red, black and green."
She discovered the resilience and strength hidden within Shubh as he faced life's challenges with an unwavering determination.
The transformation in their relationship did not go unnoticed by Shivaay, however he was worries about her attendance and classes she was missing in order to travel to meet his brother.
He witnessed Annika's tireless efforts to connect with Shubh appreciating her unwavering commitment to their family. Seldom had he seen such love and acceptance and it made him cherish his wife all the more.
As the days turned into weeks a newfound sense of harmony enveloped the family. Shubh despite his mental challenges had become an integral part of their lives fostering love and togetherness that surpassed any preconceived notions of normalcy.
Shivaay once burdened by feelings of neglect now embraced his role as a supportive brother finding solace in the unconditional love that Annika had helped nurture.
In the journey of understanding Shubh Annika had discovered a strength within herself that she never knew existed. And in the process she had unlocked a world of love and acceptance forever changing the dynamics of their family and redefining their understanding of what it means to be mentally challenged.
__🖤__
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months Annika found herself fully immersed in her second semester of college.
The demanding coursework and endless assignments, research papers left her feeling mentally and physically exhausted. Meanwhile Shivaay was caught up in a whirlwind of new cases as he tirelessly worked to make a name for himself in his newly formed profession.
Despite the overwhelming workloads and the burdensome exhaustion they endured, Annika and Shivaay always prioritized their relationship.
Every night they made it a point to switch off their phones creating a sanctuary of tranquility where they could escape from the outside world and simply be together. With shared dinner they found solace in each other's company their conversations becoming a source of comfort and rejuvenation.
Pinky, Shivaay's doting mother had noticed the blissful happiness that adorned the lives of Annika and Shivaay.
"Mera kya kaam? You both enjoy the phase." Pinky had dramatically stretched her arms and smiled wider.
[Trans- What work so I have?]
Satisfied that her son had found immense joy in his married life Pinky had gradually reduced her visits to their flat allowing the couple to relish their newfound bond and independence.
Looking towards the future Annika and Shivaay anticipated their first wedding anniversary with great excitement.
Little did Annika know Shivaay had been meticulously planning a surprise, which was already known to her however she hadn't taken that seriously, for her. He had been secretly arranging a romantic honeymoon trip to the enchanting land of Nepal. During his after work hours Shivaay had dedicated countless hours to meticulously planning every detail carefully carving out a precious block of fifteen days from his busy schedule to ensure they could embark on this enchanting adventure in complete bliss without his work pressure.
Unbeknownst to Shivaay as he busily orchestrated their honeymoon surprise Annika was making plans of her own. Deeply moved by her husband's unwavering love and support which had guided her out of the darkness of her previous heartbreak she yearned to express her profound gratitude and love towards him on their anniversary.
Little did they both know as the days on the calendar slipped away their hearts were silently preparing to shower each other with heartfelt expressions of love and appreciation on this momentous milestone in their journey together.
__🖤__
It was a late evening when Shivaay finally returned home, the weary lines on his face evidence of a long and tiring day had stretched on his tired face.
As he stepped through the threshold he was greeted with a sight that instantly warmed his heart - his wife Annika engaged in a lively conversation with his mother Pinky.
"No mummy ji, I don't think I can do such thing. Apka beta bohut ziddi hain, I can't convince him to travel other places too. Waise bhi, we have to manage to lease a flat." Annika told warrily.
[Trans- Your son is too stobborn.]
[Trans- Any way.]
Shivaay sharpened his earing ability, and peeked from his place. It was a familiar scene one that brought a sense of comfort and belonging to him.
"Sahi kaha." He couldn't hear his mother speaking from the other side of the phone. "Mummy ji stop teasing me! I'm not doing anything you are suggesting! I am not heronine from you serials mummy ji!"
[Trans- Exactly.]
Shivaay raised his brows.
This was unusual.
Generally Annika would be talking about her college happenings or about the preparation of breakfast or sometime about their family.
However this time there was something different about their conversation. Shivaay couldn't help but eavesdrop on their intriguing discussion. Annika usually so confident and self-assured seemed to be seeking guidance from his mother on a topic that piqued his curiosity. He listened intently to Annika as Pinky offered her wisdom, which he couldn't hear, teaching Annika the delicate art of proposing to her beloved husband – Shivaay himself.
"Your son's ego would boost higher than expected if I kneel down and say emotions dramatically." Saying so Annika laughed. "But I wish I could do that once. I need some memories."
Shaking her head, Annika told. "Probably I will go in minimalist way. I will buy some flowers and give them to Shivaay. I believe he will love it. Usually women are given flowers but this time I want him to experience that. With flowers I will offer him some special coffee beans!"
Flowers! He loved that suggestion.
And coffee! Who wouldn't love it.
He loved the effort Annika was putting. Shivaay was confident that he would act well in front of his wife, when she offers h flowers!
"Perfect!" Annika squealed. "Hain na! Your ladla beta would be so happy."
Unbeknownst to Annika Shivaay was eavesdropping on their intimate conversation feeling a mixture of surprise amusement and a tinge of embarrassment.
"What have you been discussing?" Shivaay cleared his throat, acting as if he just came home.
Annika walked to him, taking his bag and few files from his hands as he sat on the stool removing his shoes.
"Mummy ji!" She mouthed to Shivaay. Juggling with the files, she pressed the phone between her shoulder and ear. She continued her talke with her mother-in-law. "Mummy ji your son just came home, I have to make him coffee and prepare dinner. I will call you later. Take your BP pills on time! Take care bye!"
"Go fresh up. I will make rotis by then." Shivaay nodded and went to his room grabbing some night clothes.
Time seemed to fly as Shivaay took a quick shower each droplet of water rejuvenating him both physically and mentally. By the time he had changed into more comfortable clothes the enticing aroma of a home-cooked meal wafted through the air.
Curiosity and excitement filled his heart as he walked out the room and upon reaching the living room he found Annika waiting for him with a seemingly innocent smile.
His eyes scanned the room and there it was - a beautifully arranged dinner on the floor, thoughtfully prepared by Annika herself.
As he took his place on the floor, opposite Annika, Shivaay's thoughts wandered to their imminent first wedding anniversary just a week away. The anticipation of this special milestone hung in the air like a delicate haze a mingling of nerves and excitement.
Both Shivaay and Annika felt a familiar flutter in their hearts their minds filled with memories of the wonderful journey they had embarked on together.
Though a whole year had passed since they exchanged vows it felt like yesterday when they stood hand in hand not knowing nothing about each other, basically they were strangers but today they were promising a lifetime of love and companionship.
Shivaay admired Annika's unwavering dedication and unconditional support which had become the very essence of their marriage.
Soon both of them indulged with talks about the food, college and his work atmosphere as Annika served both of them rotis, aloo matar, rice and dal. And not forget her favourite curd.
It was during this intimate exchange that Shivaay decided to surprise his beloved wife with a gesture that would undoubtedly create everlasting memories.
With a glimmer of excitement dancing in his eyes Shivaay reached into the blazers pocket, that was resting on the tea table beside him and produced two plane tickets capturing Annika's attention instantly. Her eyes widened a mixture of surprise and curiosity evident upon her face. Shivaay couldn't help but smile watching her anticipation grow.
"Open them," he urged his heart pounding with excitement.
As Annika opened her eyes her gaze fell upon the tickets and a gasp escaped her lips.
She looked up at Shivaay her eyes shining with gratitude and joy. The tickets revealed a destination she had never thought of - Nepal a place filled with breathtaking landscapes and enchanting culture.
Tears welled up in Annika's eyes and she threw her arms around Shivaay holding him tightly in a warm embrace. In that moment they sat, as he hugged her, there surrounded by the happiness that flowed effortlessly between them.
What do you think? I just love them!