By the morning, the old man underwent surgery. His family was informed that there won't be any further complications. Still, it was going to take him a little time to fully recover.
Rohit wasn't intending to be inconsiderate to his wife but he couldn't just go for a trip leaving his father behind in such a state. After giving it a lot of thought, Rohit still couldn't figure out how to tell Poonam that he doesn't want to go on a trip right now when they are already set to leave tomorrow.
Poonam, who had gone home in the morning to freshen up and fetch Rohit a change of clothes and something to eat, returned to the hospital in no time. Rohit looked at her radiant face, she flashed him a reassuring smile as she handed him a shopping bag that had his clothes in it.
"You should get freshen up." Her voice was sweet and solemn. Her smile somehow made him feel at ease. Returning her a small smile, Rohit took the bag from her and moved toward the washroom.
Things have been quite hectic since the wedding and now all this unrest. Rohit and Poonam barely had any time to bond. But this was not the time to think of that. Poonam couldn't be that inconsiderate.
"Ah... Rohit!" Poonam called his name once he returned after washing up. Rohit looked at her waiting for her to continue, "I... uh... I cancelled the bookings for the trip. We shouldn't go in this situation." Rohit stared at her admiringly. He didn't even had to tell her that they couldn't go for a trip. Was it someone else in her place, would they have been so considerate? Rohit doesn't know that. But he surely knows that his mother was right, he couldn't have a better partner than Poonam.
...
A week later when the old man was finally discharged from the hospital, he was upset that the young couple had to cancel their honeymoon trip, because of his sudden sickness.
"Papa, we just needed you to be alright. We can go for a trip anytime later." Poonam smiled handing the old man a glass of water and a few tablets, "You should take care of your health. You're very careless."
Rohit's father lovingly patted her head, "You're such a darling! I always regretted having a son and not a daughter. Now I think, had I not had a son I couldn't have a daughter like you. Would you promise me one thing, beta?" Her father-in-law continued after Poonam nodded in affirmative, "My son is an idiot. He doesn't know what's good for him and what's not. He might be a tough task at times, but he's an emotional fool. Would you take care of him for the rest of your lives? I'm sure, as long as he has you standing by his side, you will never let him fail."
There is no relationship that comes without expectations. Poonam politely smiled at her father-in-law. She was not complaining of the expectations, of course there would be many expectations as this marriage connects both parties to many other relationships. There would be expectations and there would be responsibilities. This is only practical. But Poonam, who's only 22, was still not prepared to be handed out such responsibilities and carry out all of the expectations of the elderlies. And still it was not in her to decline to her father-in-law's request.
"I will try my best." Said Poonam.
Rohit, who has been watching them from a far felt content with the response of his wife.
Poonam was so charming and her nature made it so easy for him to fall for her. He was falling and he felt it was too fast. When he looked at her the first time, she was pretty to his eyes, one of the reasons why he said yes to her. However, he knows now, her personality is more attractive than her looks.
As Poonam promises his father that she will always be with Rohit, Rohit made a promise to himself that he will never hurt this woman. He promised himself that he would try to return the same amount of love and compassion that Poonam has been giving to his family.
Later that night, Rohit had a smile on his face when he returned to his room after the whole day and found the room filled with the presence of his beautiful wife.
Poonam had headphones plugged to her ears as she was humming a beautiful song, sitting by the window with a book in her hand. She was so much dedicated into the book that she didn't even acknowledge the presence of her husband in the room.
How adorable she looks in those pajamas!
Thought Rohit with a boisterous smile on his face.
"What are you doing?" Poonam almost got startled when Rohit called at her.
"Nothing. Just reading." She replied gesturing at the book in her hand.
Rohit went and took a seat by her side on the two seater couch.
"What are you reading? You looked so engrossed in it."
"Oh, it's a romantic novel."
"So you like romantic novels?"
"I like all kinds of novels!"
"Is it?" Poonam nodded, then turned to look at him.
"What do you like? All I know about you is that badaam ka halwa and butter chicken are your favourites!" Poonam chuckled.
With a smile on his face, Rohit took a brief pause before he answered her question "I like you!"
At first Poonam didn't quite catch up on what he said. But within a few seconds, she was caught up by his words. She raised her shy eyes and briefly locked eyes with him. Not that she wasn't approached by guys ever before, but this was different. It was her husband who just told her that he likes her. What was she supposed to do? She was definitely not in a position to unacknowledge what he meant. They like each other or not, they're married and there was no going back. Nevertheless, for Poonam it was still too soon.
"Look, Rohit I..."
"It's fine. I know it's too soon for you. I'm not going to force you for anything. We decided to become friends first and let's stick to that." Rohit smiled. He gave a reassuring squeeze to her hand.
"Thank you." She looked down at his hand that was over hers. It certainly didn't feel bad. His touch didn't feel bad. Whenever she's around Rohit, she has this feeling that she's safe. Maybe that is called trust? And if she can trust him already, she was sure it won't take her much time to fall for him too.
