Chapter 12: Animesh and Vanshika (2)
Ch : 12 ; Animesh and Vanshika (2)
Dinner in the night was lively, filled with laughter and stories of the past. Animesh watched his mother and Uncle Sunder exchanged playful poking on himself, reminiscing and trolling about their school days, while his father occasionally chuckled at their antics. However Vanshika, seated beside him, seemed perfectly at ease, like a wife of Animesh.
As they ate, Uncle Sunder shared an amusing story from Animesh's childhood, one that had everyone in stitches. Even Animesh couldn't help but join in, despite the mild embarrassment, that he had.
"Who would have thought, that the boy who once cried over a broken kite, crying when he lose Ludo, would grow up to lead the country?" Wiping the food on his lips, uncle Sunder said.
Animesh laughed along, but he could sense the proud shine in his father's eye. Raghav rarely expressed his emotions openly, but his gaze held a depth of pride and affection that Animesh cherished deeply.
Just then, his mother leaned over with a warm smile, whispering, "It's been a while since we've had such a lively evening. Having you both here makes the house feel full again."
Animesh nodded, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "I missed this too, Maa."
.
_____
"Aman," Uncle Sunder began, saying the nickname only his closest family still used. "we wanted to discuss something important with you. You've done remarkable work as Prime Minister, but you know this role comes with, personal sacrifices, and politics is not simple." Although, Uncle Sunder is not in the politics field, but he still understand the importance of the politics.
Animesh listened seriously, feeling the pressure in his uncle's words.
"Politics is a demanding path," Raghav added. "It's unpredictable. But you also deserve your own happiness, your own life beyond public service. Have you thought about what you want for your future, Animesh?"
Animesh glanced at Vanshika, "I've been so focused on my work… I suppose I haven't given much thought to what lies beyond it. Most of the time, i thought there would be time later."
Uncle Sunder gave a nod. "Time is a luxury, Aman. You've devoted yourself to this country. But remember, life is made up of moments like these, with family, with loved ones. Don't lose sight of that."
Animesh felt a surge of gratitude, realising that, not everything is works, he has to give time to each moment of life. He glanced at Vanshika, whom had a slight supportive smile on her face.
Taking a deep breath, Animesh turned to his head towards his family and said. "I understand, Uncle, Papa. I'll keep this in mind. And I will definitely don't lose my loved ones."
His mother's eyes sparkled with joy, and Vanshika's hand brushed against his under the table, a small but reassuring gesture.
Later that night, as he saw Vanshika at the top of roof again. Looking at him with a soft smile. "Thank you, Animesh.
He nodded, taking her hand. "Thank you, Vanshi, for being here and reminding me of what's important."
With a smile and spending sometimes together, she left.
As Animesh stood alone in the quiet night, he looked up at the stars.
.
.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through Animesh's bedroom window, painting the walls with a warm glow. He took a deep breath, letting the calmness of Sunday morning.
For the first time in a long while after becoming the prime minister, he felt at ease, with no meetings or urgent matters on him. Today, he had set aside his duties, maded his mind to simply enjoy the day with his family, specially with Vanshika.
After a leisurely breakfast with his parents, Animesh himself wandering through the house, recalling the memories into the each corner of his home. He stopped by the living room, where he saw his father and Uncle Sunder drowned in a discussion about politics and old times. His mother was in the kitchen, fussing over dishes, preparing a spread of their favorite foods for the day.
By mid-morning, Vanshika arrived, dressed in a light blue salwar kameez, her hair tied back, with a radiant smile on her face. She was greeted warmly by his mother, who took her hand and led her inside, asking about her family and future plans with the gentle curiosity that only mothers possess.
Animesh joined her, and smile, the connection between them growing subtly stronger with each glance.
---
As the day wore on, they both wandering in the gardens. Animesh was eager to show her the little hidden spots that he had once treasured, when he was in the high school.
The garden was lush and full of greenery, with shades of green, hints of color from blooming flowers, and the faint hum of bees moving among them.
Vanshika admired the place with a sense, occasionally stopping to touch a flower or pick up a fallen leaf, her eyes taking in every detail. They both sat under a shaded bench beneath a large tree, and Animesh motioned for her to sit beside him.
"Animesh, I didn't expected that the brazzen garden had become such a beautiful garden here," she said, her voice soft.
He smiled, a little nostalgic. "we used to spend hours out here when we are high school. Whenever I wanted to escape, I would come here, sit and just watch the world go by. I'd think about the future, what I wanted to do... who I wanted to become."
Vanshika glanced at him thoughtfully. "Did you ever imagine you'd be where you are today?"
He looked away for a moment, then at her with a small chuckle. "To be honest, no. I don't think I could have ever predicted this. But life has a strange way, isn't it?"
She nodded. "I think it shapes us in ways we don't always realize, but sometimes it gives us exactly what we need."
They sat quietly for a while, letting the peace of the garden. A soft breeze stirred, and a few leaves drifted down, creating a peaceful moment that Animesh felt he could lose himself in. He turned to her, watching her gaze settle on a bird that had perched nearby.
---
By afternoon, they gathered for a late lunch with the family. His mother had outdone herself, filling the table with dishes that were both rich in flavor and sentiment. Each dish seemed to hold memories of childhood, family gatherings, and times of joy. Animesh could see the pride in his mother's eyes as she watched everyone enjoy the meal.
The conversation was light, with occasional laughter as old memories were shared. His father and Uncle Sunder recounted stories from their youth, moments filled with adventure, rebellion, and the growing up in a different time.
Vanshika listened with attention, occasionally glancing at Animesh, who himself genuinely enjoying this rare moment of simplicity.
After lunch, the family dispersed, each retreating to different parts of the house. Animesh and Vanshika decided to take a walk through the nearby park, a place he had often visited in his youth.
However his personal bodyguard also wanted to came, but Animesh rejected them and told them to not to disturb the common people and many people doesn't even doubt his identity. So he and Vanshika came together.
The park was filled with people enjoying their own Sundays—children running, elders walking leisurely, couples sitting together under trees.
As they walked along the path, Vanshika looked at him with a soft smile. "I think I've always wanted to be with you like this and forever."
He looked at her, he was surprised by her words. "You thought that? Even back in school?"
"Yes," she said, her tone sincere. "You were always so focused, even when we were kids. You had your own determination and dedication. I think that's why I... admired you." She said slowly.
The honesty in her voice touched him, and he felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of being seen and understood. He reached for her hand, hesitantly at first, but she held onto it firmly, her fingers entwining with his.
---
As the evening drew near, they returned to the house, where his mother had prepared tea for them. They sat in the living room with his parents and Uncle Sunder, sipping tea and watching the sun sink lower in the sky, casting a soft, golden light over everything.
Just then, his mother glanced at the two of them with a gentle smile. "You know, Animesh, it's been a joy to have you both here. I don't remember the last time we had such a lively Sunday."
Animesh himself felt a sense of peace that he hadn't felt in a long time. Spending the day with his family, sharing simple joys with Vanshika, he realized that he had been missing out on moments like this. They weren't grand or public—they were private, intimate, and utterly fulfilling.
After tea, his father and Uncle Sunder excused themselves, saying they had some work to discuss. His mother, with a twinkle in her eye, hinted that Animesh and Vanshika should take one last stroll in the garden before it grew too dark.
They returned to the garden, where the fading sunlight cast a gentle, amber glow over everything. The silence was comfortable, with only the sound of their footsteps on the gravel path.
Finally, Vanshika broke the silence. "Today was perfect. I don't think I've had a day like this in years."
Animesh looked at her, his gaze softening. "Neither have I."
She stopped, turning to him, her face illuminated by the last rays of sunlight and lamp. "Animesh, I... I've missed you. I don't think I realized just how much until today."
He took a step closer, he whispered. "I've missed you too, Vanshi. More than I can say."
For a moment, they stood in silence, their gazes locked, a quiet understanding passing between them.
Before she knew it, he had taken her hand, pulling her gently into an embrace. She didn't resisted it let, rested her head on his shoulder, and they stood there, letting the world around them fade away.
"I'm glad you came back," he murmured, his voice barely audible.
She smiled, her voice a soft murmur. "So am I."
As the night descended, they stayed close, feeling the quiet contentment of simply being together. It was a memory he knew he would carry with him, a reminder of the life filled with family, love, and the simple joys that made it all worthwhile.
[How's is the chapter? ]
[I have party to attend, so I have update early.]
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