Teach Me!

11. Unspoken tensions!!

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Abhimanyu sank into the driver's seat, the weight of the day's events pressing on his shoulders. Mondays, the longest days for him as a full-time professor, felt particularly grueling. The image of Akshara's saddened expression lingered in his mind, a haunting specter that fueled his desire to reach home swiftly because he knew she might have reached home by now as she didn't have any lectures.

Yearning for the comfort of his own space with Akshara, he wished it were a shorter workday. But Mondays, unforgiving in their routine, demanded his full attention. Determined to bridge the physical distance between them, he revved the engine, hitting the gas with a sense of urgency that reflected the turmoil within.

The world outside blurred as he sped down the familiar route, the monotony of traffic and streets disappearing in his singular focus on getting back to Akshara. Each passing moment intensified his yearning to hold her, to reassure her that a grade on an assignment couldn't alter the unwavering love and support he felt for her.

As the car weaved through the city, Abhimanyu was enveloped in the solitude of his thoughts, contemplating how to mend the unspoken rift that had surfaced. Home, he hoped, would be the haven where they could confront the challenges together, their connection stronger than any academic evaluation could test.

Upon reaching home, a mix of apprehension and surprise settled within him. The door opened to a scene he hadn't expected – Akshara and Atharv playing in the living room. Shock would be an understatement for what Abhimanyu felt in that moment. The contrast between his mental preparation for a solemn homecoming and the vibrant energy that greeted him left him momentarily speechless.

Atharv, with the innocence only a child possessed, looked up and beamed, "Baba, you're back early!"

Akshara, sensing Abhimanyu's arrival, turned to see him standing in the doorway. A flicker of something indefinable crossed her face – a blend of surprise, guilt, and a hint of vulnerability.

She managed a small smile, "Hey, you're home early."

Abhimanyu, torn between the emotions churning within him, offered a faint smile in return. Home, it seemed, held more surprises than he could anticipate.

Abhimanyu wanted to address Akshara as soon as he can but Atharv demanded his attention and he couldn't help giving his child what he wanted.

Atharv like a 5 yr old settled on Abhimanyu's lap discussing about his school. But the air in the room was thick with unspoken tension, and even Atharv could sense something was amiss.

"Baba," Atharv began cautiously, glancing between his parents. "Sab Teek hai na?"

Abhimanyu looked at Akshara who looked away. He sighed. They need to talk.

Atharv caught on to the tension very quickly and accused his father - Aapne daanta na Akshu ko??

Abhimanyu looked at his 14 yr old who didn't think twice before acussing him, fiercely defending his mother.  He couldn't help but smile at the protective nature of his son.

Atharv looked at Akshara, who got up and walked away stating she has some work to do. She could no longer put on a facade. There is a storm going inside her. The fear of not meeting Abhimanyu's standards loomed large, amplifying her vulnerability. The academic realm, once a domain she navigated with carefree indifference, now became a battlefield of self-doubt. In her quiet moments, she pondered the worthiness she held in Abhimanyu's eyes, a worthiness that felt fragile and contingent on academic success.

Atharv looked back at his father upset - Aap humesha kyu daant the ho Akshu ko?

Abhimanyu spoke calmly - Maine nahi daanta bacha.

Atharv looked away. Abhimanyu made his son face him - Aru, College mein vo meri student hai.

Atharv got up. He knew what his father would tell and he understood as well but doesn't mean he like it - Par yaha vo meri Mumma hai. I can't see her like this. Do something Baba. Please!

Abhimanyu's eyes misted. The love his son developed for Akshara in a very short period of time always overwhelmed him but he also understood it. He knew what is it to grow up without parents. He understood his son's over protective nature as well! He kissed his son's forehead and moved towards his room to talk it out with Akshara. Something was definitely bothering his girl. Her carefree nature is getting lost somewhere and he is not liking it.

Abhimanyu walked to his room only to find his wife cleaning up her wardrobe. He walked to her slowly and hugged her from behind. Akshara stiffened posture was noticed by him. But as Abhimanyu continued to hold her, a gradual relaxation swept over Akshara, a silent acknowledgment of the comfort and reassurance that came with the warmth of her husband's embrace.

Abhimanyu gently turned Akshara around and, lifting her in his arms, carried her towards the porch. The soft evening breeze and the gentle sway of their surroundings created a serene ambiance, providing a momentary escape from the complexities that lingered within the walls of their home.

Seated on the swing, Abhimanyu held Akshara close, the rhythmic creaking of the swing accompanying the quietude that enveloped them. The evening sun painted the sky in warm hues, casting a tranquil glow on the couple caught in a moment of shared vulnerability.

Abhimanyu looked down at his wife and sopke caressing her cheek - Kya hua Akshara?

Akshara looked away as tears rushed into her eyes. Abhimanyu's heart broke at the mere sight and the fact that the reason behind those tears is him made him feel like a horrible person on this world. He married her promising the world full of happiness, not the tears!!

His own eyes misted. He gently lifted Akshara's chin, ensuring their eye met. Softly, he murmured, "Talk to me baby. What is going in your mind?"

Akshara took a deep breathe, her voice a mere whisper, "Am I not good enough, Abhi? As your student, as your wife... am I falling short?"

Abhimanyu's heart sank. The weight of her words settled heavily on his shoulders. Did he unknowingly put too much pressure on her, expecting more than she could handle? How did it come to this?

Lots of Love
~Rithika