The Masculinity.

 

She had been overworked all day, and a mountain of tasks still awaited her attention. It was 5:45 PM, and she kept glancing at her phone, wishing it would just be 6:30 already. Suddenly, her phone vibrated, and all her stress and fatigue turned into butterflies in her stomach. The familiar voice on the other end said, "Hey, sweetie, just wrap up your work around 6:30. I'll pick you up on my way home." She replied, "Please don’t be late. I’m tired and done for the day." They both smiled and hung up.

She rescheduled the pending work for the next day, packed her bag, clocked out, and stepped out of the office, waiting for his call. She stood by the road, and soon, a car stopped near her. Without hesitation, she opened the door, got inside, and tossed her things onto the backseat. Reclining her seat, she tied her hair while he started driving, his eyes following her every movement. He smiled, and after shifting gears, he gently ran his fingers through her hair, massaging her shoulders. She melted in that moment, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She had been waiting for these moments.

Resting her head against the seat, she gazed at him and asked, "Why are you chuckling?" He replied, "Seeing you relax makes me smile." It was a 30-minute ride home, and as it began to rain, she remained silent, settling down. He sensed her need for peace and didn’t say a word.

He pulled over and dashed to a nearby stall, returning with hot vada pav. She looked at his face, his hair, his ears, and that quiet smile—it was her peace. Without a word, they enjoyed the vada pav together. He knew her hunger had made her more unsettled, but now that was taken care of. Once they finished eating, they continued their journey home. The silence lingered, and she spent the entire ride gazing at him like a child, holding onto his bicep where his shirt was rolled up.

When they arrived, he parked the car, and they found themselves in the elevator. He carried her purse while she rested her head on his shoulder. Once home, he changed and headed to the kitchen, returning to the bedroom with a single mug of coffee. Taking her hand, he led her to the balcony. Annoyed, she asked what he was doing, but he just shushed her, guiding her to sit down. He sat behind her, making her lean back against him. Gently, he gathered her messy hair into a bun and finally spoke his first words: "I’m here with you. Just shut your brain off. You’re no longer in the office; there’s no need to be anxious. Relax. And yes, I love you."

She melted again in his embrace, starting to talk and unburden herself. She shouted, cried, and got emotional, and all the while, he simply rubbed her arms, played with her hair, cheeks, fingers, and ears. He knew exactly how to help her release her tangled emotions. They shared the coffee, sipping from the same mug, and ended up laughing. Turning towards him, she kissed his forehead and asked about his day. He replied, "It went well. Let’s leave my day aside for now."

“Hey, babe,” he continued, “I know you have your own dreams, and I’m here to help you chase them. I don’t want you to worry about home—we’ll take care of it together. I also know that you’ve equipped yourself since childhood to live your dream life. Marrying me doesn’t mean I can take over all your decisions; you have your own life and your own will. So, be who you are—I’m always here to support you in that. And don’t let that damn office stuff disturb you or make you question who you are.”

She started crying again, hugging him tightly, realizing how lucky she was. He Being man redefined the true essence of masculinity, not through strength alone, but through his ability to uplift and empower her, making her feel like an equal partner in their journey together. 

Thanks for reading!! 

                                           -Suraj