Chapter 13: Vanshika Left
The next morning.
In Animesh's bedroom.
Animesh woke up feeling a sense of lightness and contentment. Yesterday had left a deep impression on him, spending time with his family, reconciling with Vanshika, and experiencing the warmth of a simple Sunday together. He was reluctant to let go of the feeling and knew that something had shifted within him.
Afterward, he went to the washroom to get ready.
After getting ready, he went downstairs to find his mother already preparing breakfast, the kitchen filled with the aroma of spices and freshly baked parathas. He greeted her with a smile.
"Good morning, Maa."
Sarita turned around, her face lighting up at the sight of him. "Good morning, beta (son). You got up early today! Did you sleep well at night after talking with her?"
He nodded, accepting the cup of tea she handed him. "Yesterday was perfect, Maa. I think I forgot what it felt like to be surrounded by family like that."
She smiled knowingly and gestured for him to sit down. "It's easy to forget the simple things when life gets so complicated."
Animesh thought about his mother's words. Being Prime Minister was a huge task, and most of the time, he was under pressure. However, he was still a son and, perhaps more importantly, a man.
---
After breakfast, his mother told him that Vanshika was leaving in a few hours but wanted to meet him for a final goodbye and gave him two glasses of milk.
He felt bad after learning that she was leaving soon. Thinking of the time they had spent most of the day together yesterday, he regretted that she was leaving today, and he had to work.
After taking the two glasses of milk, he met her in the garden of his home.
The place was quiet and lush, and it was the perfect spot for them to talk.
When he walked in, Vanshika was already waiting on a small bench under a huge tree, looking out thoughtfully as the sunlight bathed her face in a warm glow.
"Hi," he greeted softly, sitting across from her and placing the milk beside the bench.
She turned her face to him, her face lighting up with a smile that sent a familiar warmth through him. "Hi, Animesh."
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, just enjoying each other's presence. But Vanshika's eyes held something more.
After being silent for a while, she spoke. "Animesh, I wanted to thank you. Yesterday was... I don't know how to put it, but it was a very good day for me."
He looked at her, his emotions reflected in her eyes. "I felt the same. It was the first time in a long time that I felt… whole."
They shared a look that held a quiet understanding, a reminder of their bond, which had only grown stronger over the years. But despite the warmth between them, there was an air of hesitation. They both knew that what they felt was real, but with his life so heavily bound to his responsibilities, pursuing it fully would require careful thought.
Vanshika took a deep breath and looked out the window. "Animesh, I don't want to make things harder for you. I know your life is complicated, and I don't want to be another source of distraction."
"Vanshi, don't say that," he quickly stopped her. Taking her hand in his, he said, "Yesterday made me realize that no matter how much burden I carry, I can't let go of the things that make me feel alive and happy. And you're one of those that I can't let go of."
She looked at him, with a mixture of emotions shining in her eyes. "But can we… can we really make this work? I don't want to put you in a position where you have to choose. After all, as the Prime Minister, your life will be too complicated. What if one day, something happens to you because of me?"
Animesh's heart melted after hearing Vanshika's words. "Maybe we don't need to decide everything now. Let nature take care of it. Vanshika, I don't want to lose you. As for anything happening to us? You don't have to worry about it."
He assured her. After all, he had the system; few things could truly threaten him.
For a while, they sat together, in a moment of understanding. Animesh knew he couldn't simply ignore his responsibilities, but he also couldn't ignore the feelings he had for her and the promise he had made before awakening his memory.
---
Later, they walked side by side throughout the garden, talking about their lives until it was already past 7:30.
When it was time to say goodbye, Vanshika stopped and turned to face him, her expression reflecting the sadness of the moment.
"Animesh," she began, a trace of sadness in her voice, "I know we have different lives now. And I respect that. But I'll be here whenever you need me. You don't have to carry everything alone."
He nodded, embracing her tightly in his arms as he said, "Thank you, Vanshi. This is enough, as long as you stand with me!"
After hugging each other for a while, they separated.
"Animesh, next time I come back here, to your home, I'll be your bride, and you'll be my groom."
After saying this, she kissed Animesh passionately, and after a while, she left.
---
Returning to his official residence later that afternoon, Animesh looked for the file that had been on hold for some time.
Meanwhile, he often remembered the feeling of Vanshika and the time they had spent together.
While handling the stack of documents, Mahesh entered the room and said slowly, "Sir, there's an important meeting scheduled with the cabinet in the evening."
Animesh nodded, his mind shifting back to policies and responsibilities.
[Uhh...I am sorry for not updating. There was festival in my our state, Chatth Puja, and for that I was very busy and tired also. So I was unable to update thses days..!
I am sorry...!]