Vineet stood near the window, gazing into nothingness. Ruhana’s words from their earlier conversation rang in his mind.

“You have never loved me; if you had, you’d have known about my likes and dislikes.”

“You think lovemaking means everything, but it doesn't. I’m glad I decided to leave you. I’m more at peace now.”

Two days ago, he met his ex-wife at an event, holding a six-month-old baby in her arms. She looked happy. He traipsed down memory lane to that very day when everything between them changed. 

Ruhana and Vineet were deeply in love, but their views on love didn’t align. For Vineet, physical intimacy was love’s highest form; for Ruhana, emotional closeness and respect mattered more, with hugs and kisses as sweet add-ons.

Two years into marriage, Ruhana had begun feeling frustrated by Vineet’s traditional ways. One pleasant evening, as she stood on the balcony, he hugged her from behind, sweaty from a long day. She pulled away and asked him to freshen up. Surprised, he asked, “What’s wrong, Ruhana? Ever since you found out you're pregnant, you’ve been distant. Why?”

“You’ve always been too touchy, Vineet,” she said. “I told you—I need space. Can’t we pause for a while?”

He frowned. “You’ve changed. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with getting intimate. But now, you always reject me.”

“Because love isn’t just about lovemaking!” she snapped. “It’s about understanding and respecting your partner. A hug can be more intimate than anything else.”

Vineet lost his temper. “So now making love is wrong? Which book says you can’t do it during pregnancy? Admit it—you don’t love me anymore. You just used me for a child!”

His words cut deep. Before he could continue, Ruhana slapped him.

“If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t be here,” she said, her voice trembling. “This child is ours—a symbol of our love. The doctor advised against physical contact in the first trimester, but you don’t care. You think only of your desires. Either it’s lust, or you don’t want this baby.”

“I’m the one going through physical and emotional changes, and you don’t even try to understand. If that’s how it is, stay alone, Vineet. I want this child—but I don’t need you.”

She walked to the bedroom. He stood frozen, certain she wouldn’t actually leave. But then she emerged with two suitcases.

“I’ve had enough. You don’t care about me, so why should I stay? I choose my child,” she said, resting her hand protectively on her belly.

And with that, she walked away—leaving Vineet stunned in silence.

Vineet snapped out of his reverie, remembering the painful day she left him. He had been clingy, disregarding her wishes and prioritizing his own desires. As their ideologies clashed, her love faded, ultimately leading to her decision to walk away. Now, a year later, Vineet realized his mistakes, but it was too late to turn back time. 

 She had closed all the doors of her heart. It was an end to their love.