Ramu sat in the dim light of the evening, his gaze fixed on the door through which Mohini had entered just hours ago. The air in the house felt thicker, almost electric, charged with a strange mix of anticipation and longing. He could hear the faint sounds of laughter and chatter coming from the other room, where the family was gathered to celebrate the newlyweds. Raju, blissfully unaware of his father’s inner turmoil, was busy showing off his new bride to the relatives.

As the festivities continued, Ramu’s mind drifted. He had waited so long for this moment, and now that it was here, it was both a blessing and a curse. Mohini was his son’s wife, yet she was the only woman who had ever captured his heart so completely. He knew he should feel happy for Raju, but instead, he felt a gnawing emptiness that he couldn’t shake.