Chapter 23 – Quiet Care

They reached home without much conversation, but the silence wasn’t heavy—it was calm. Ravi went upstairs to freshen up while Gayathri moved into the kitchen, tying her hair loosely as she began preparing dinner. The routine felt grounding, almost comforting, like something steady she could hold onto.

“Innu…” she called gently, peeking into the living room.

Inayat looked up from playing. “Mumma?”

“Come, dinner is ready,” Gayathri said with a small smile.

By the time she set the table, Ravi walked down, sleeves rolled, looking more relaxed now. He took his seat quietly, watching Gayathri as she served him.

“Did you take your medicines?” he asked, his tone casual but attentive.

“I will… after food,” she replied softly.

He nodded, accepting it.

Gayathri sat beside Inayat and started feeding her, patiently making sure she ate properly. Inayat spoke in between, small stories, random words, and Gayathri responded with soft hums and smiles.

Ravi finished a few bites, then stood up, took another plate, and began serving Gayathri.

She looked at him. “Ravi, I can—”

“Eat,” he said simply, placing the plate in front of her.

There was no argument after that.

She quietly started eating, and this time, she didn’t stop halfway. Ravi sat back down, watching both of them without making it obvious.

After dinner, Gayathri took her tablets, glancing at Ravi for a second before swallowing them.

He noticed.

“Good,” he said softly.

She smiled faintly in return.

Soon, Inayat’s eyes grew heavy. Gayathri carried her to the room, laying her down carefully, adjusting the blanket.

Within minutes, Inayat was asleep.

Gayathri lay down beside her, her body still tired, her mind finally quiet. She closed her eyes, and sleep came easier than before.

Downstairs, Ravi sat with his laptop, finishing his office work. The house was silent except for the faint clicking of keys.

After a while, he shut the laptop and leaned back.

His hand reached for a cigarette.

He stepped out, the night air cool against his face as he lit it. The flame flickered briefly, then steadied.

He took a slow drag, his thoughts quieter tonight.

Not heavy.

Not restless.

Just… still.

After finishing, he stood there for a moment longer, then put it out and walked back inside.

When he entered the room, the lights were dim.

Gayathri was asleep.

Inayat beside her.

Peaceful.

Ravi changed quietly and lay down next to her, careful not to disturb.

But the moment he settled—

Gayathri moved.

Almost instinctively, she turned toward him and hugged him.

Not awake.

Not conscious.

Just… seeking.

Ravi froze for a second.

Then slowly, his hand moved around her, pulling her a little closer.

His other hand rested gently on her belly.

He looked at her for a moment, her face calm, her breathing even.

“Good night, Gayu,” he murmured softly.

He leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her forehead.

She didn’t wake.

But her hold on him tightened slightly.

Ravi exhaled quietly, closing his eyes.

And this time—

He didn’t move away.