When Raghunath returned home from school that evening, he noticed immediately that something was different about Laxmi. She was folding clothes on the bed, carefully arranging them into neat piles, but she seemed unusually quiet.

He walked toward her and leaned closer, studying her face.

"What happened? I saw something in your eyes today. Were you feeling possessive about me?" he asked with a faint smile. "Hmm? Tell me, Laxmi."

She continued folding the clothes without looking at him.

"No, Raghunath. I don't feel anything about you, so don't worry. And thank you for marrying me and making sure I didn't end up alone."

His smile disappeared.

"Ayy, what's wrong with you? Why do you keep bringing up our past, Laxmi?" he asked, his voice becoming softer. "I know I made mistakes. I know I hurt you, but how long are you going to carry all of it inside you? Please forgive me and let it go."

Laxmi finally looked at him.

"You say that as though forgetting is easy."

"I know it isn't," he replied. "But please, Laxmi. I am trying."

She didn't answer. Instead, she gathered the folded clothes into her arms and walked past him.

Raghunath followed her.

"Laxmi, listen to me."

She kept walking.

Before he could say anything else, Tharun came running into the room and wrapped both arms around Laxmi's knees.

"Amma, come and play with me!"

Laxmi's expression softened immediately as she looked down at him.

"I have work, my child. Go and play with Appa."

Tharun looked toward Raghunath.

Raghunath smiled, bent down, and lifted his son into his arms.

"All right, come with Appa."

He kissed Tharun's cheek and then looked directly at Laxmi.

"See? Your Appa can play too."

Tharun laughed and put his arms around his father's neck.

Laxmi watched them silently.

Raghunath's expression softened.

"Laxmi," he said quietly, "I'm sorry."

She looked at him.

"I mean it."

For a moment, she said nothing.

Then she lowered her eyes and continued arranging the clothes while Raghunath carried Tharun out of the room.

But his apology stayed in h

er mind long after he had left.