Chapter 21: A New Beginning
Three years had passed since Shyam and Raitha tied the knot, and life had settled into a rhythm of shared laughter, subtle adjustments, and mutual growth. Their apartment was a cozy sanctuary—modest yet filled with the warmth of their combined personalities.
Raitha stood in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared breakfast. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the aroma of eggs sizzling in the pan. A delicate flower vase, hand-painted by Raitha, adorned the small dining table, alongside a neat stack of Shyam's favorite books.
From the bedroom, Shyam appeared, still fumbling with his tie. Now employed as a junior analyst at a reputable company, he had grown accustomed to early mornings and late-night reports. His brow furrowed as he muttered to himself, trying to get the tie knot just right.
Raitha turned, smirking. "Need help again, Shyam?"
He sighed, holding out the unruly tie. "I think these things were designed to make people late."
Raitha laughed, setting down the spatula to help him. As her fingers deftly worked on the knot, she teased, "Maybe I should start charging you for this service, Mr. Patel."
He grinned. "You'd bankrupt me in no time, Mrs. Patel."
Their playful banter filled the small kitchen as Raitha finished tying the knot. "There. All set, Mr. Shyam Patel," she said with mock seriousness, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
"Thanks, Mrs. Raitha Patel," he replied with a chuckle, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
Their mornings had become a mix of routine and lighthearted moments. After setting the breakfast table, Shyam glanced at the clock. "I've got an early meeting today. Can I skip the toast?"
Raitha raised an eyebrow, pointing at the plate in front of him. "Not a chance. Sit. Eat. Or you'll end up hungry halfway through your presentation."
"Yes, ma'am," Shyam said, sitting obediently.
Over breakfast, they discussed their plans for the day. Shyam had a big presentation at work, while Raitha was preparing for her art exhibition at a local gallery. Her passion for painting had grown into a promising career, with her work gaining recognition for its vibrant yet deeply emotional themes.
"Do you think people will like my work?" Raitha asked, her voice tinged with nervousness.
Shyam reached across the table, squeezing her hand. "They'll love it, Raitha. You pour your heart into every piece, and it shows. Trust me, they'll see it too."
His words brought a soft smile to her face. "Thanks, Shyam. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Probably have fewer ties to deal with," he quipped, making her laugh.
As the day unfolded, they went about their separate routines, yet their thoughts often drifted back to one another. Raitha spent the afternoon fine-tuning her paintings, her hands smudged with vibrant colors, while Shyam navigated his day at the office, tackling spreadsheets and team discussions.
By evening, Shyam returned home with a takeaway bag in hand. The apartment was quiet except for the faint sound of Raitha's favorite playlist in the background. He found her in the living room, adding the finishing touches to a large canvas.
"Dinner," he announced, holding up the bag.
She looked up, a smudge of paint on her cheek, and smiled. "You're a lifesaver."
They ate on the couch, sharing stories about their day. Shyam recounted a humorous misunderstanding at work, while Raitha shared her excitement and jitters about the exhibition. Their conversations were easy and natural, a testament to how deeply they had come to understand and support one another.
Later that night, as they lay in bed, Shyam turned to Raitha, his voice soft. "Do you ever think about how far we've come?"
Raitha nodded, her gaze distant. "All the time. Sometimes I can't believe it's been three years. From high school to this… it feels surreal."
Shyam reached out, his fingers gently brushing her cheek. "It's real, Raitha. And it's ours. Every little bit of it."
Her lips curved into a smile as she placed her hand over his. "I wouldn't trade it for anything."
With that, they drifted off to sleep, their hands intertwined—a silent promise of all the days to come.