At 4 pm, Vivek arrived at the hospital to pick up Gayathri. As they drove to Vaiga's school, Vivek played some romantic songs in the car, humming along to the tunes.
Gayathri felt a bit uncomfortable with the dual meanings in the songs and asked Vivek to stop the music.
"Vivek, can you please stop the music? I'm getting a headache," Gayathri said, her voice polite but firm.
Vivek raised an eyebrow, "A headache? Or is it something else?" he teased.
Gayathri ignored his comment, and Vivek stopped the music.
They called Vaiga to let her know they were on their way to pick her up. When they arrived at Vaiga's school, they picked her up and headed to her old house to collect her study table.
As they drove, Vaiga chattered excitedly about her day at school. Gayathri and Vivek listened attentively, smiling at her stories.
They arrived at Vaiga's old house, collected the table, and headed back home. They arrived at 6 pm and settled into their routine.
For the first time since they moved in together, Vivek didn't have to leave for work in the evening. He spent the evening with Gayathri and Vaiga, enjoying a quiet dinner together.
As they finished dinner, Vivek helped Vaiga with her homework while Gayathri cleaned up the kitchen.
Gopi Anna had taken a week's leave, as his wife was unwell. Vivek took the opportunity to call his mother through a video call, with Vaiga by his side.
"Amma, how are you?" Vivek asked, as his mother's face appeared on the screen.
"I'm good, beta. How are you all?" she replied, eyeing Vaiga affectionately.
Vaiga waved excitedly at her grandmother, and Vivek showed her the phone.
Just then, Vivek's mother asked, "And where is Gayathri?"
Vivek showed the phone to Vaiga and said, "She's busy cleaning, Amma."
His mother nodded understandingly.
"What about Gopi Anna?" she asked.
"He's taken a week's leave, Amma. His wife is unwell," Vivek explained.
His mother nodded sympathetically.
"Gayathri, come here for a minute," Vivek's mother said, as Gayathri walked into the room.
"Hello, Amma," Gayathri said, smiling.
"How are you, beta? Are you taking care of yourself?" Vivek's mother asked.
"I'm fine, Amma. Don't worry about me," Gayathri replied.
They chatted for a while longer before ending the call.
As the evening drew to a close, Vaiga asked Vivek, "Daddy, can I sleep with you tonight?"
Vivek smiled, "Of course, baby. You can sleep with me."
Gayathri nodded, smiling, and Vaiga snuggled up close to Vivek.
As they settled in for the night, Vivek wrapped his arms around Vaiga, feeling grateful for this little family of his.