LOVING ACP SIR - PART 2

Thulir's POV 

I shook my head, snapping myself out of the spiral. My thoughts had taken me down—I was self-blaming again. That unhelpful habit of mine. It's something I really shouldn't do, and I reminded myself firmly that not everything is my responsibility. The world won't collapse into chaos if I let go, even briefly. It's okay to take a step back, focus on myself, and tend to the pieces of my life that I've sidelined for far too long. I drew in a deep, deliberate breath, feeling the tension ease slightly. That's when Thalir's words popped into my mind: "You should change that nose stud of yours." She was right, and the thought made me smile. A nose ring, perhaps? It might suit me better. I knew I had my little jewellery collection here, tucked safely in its usual spot. I'd decide on one soon enough. But before that—something far more soothing awaited me—a bath...

And yes, the rain just started pouring, but there's no way I'm giving up on my plan for a bath

The thought of it brought a little thrill. Yes, I know, as usual, I will get to hear comments again about my night-time bathing habit. People will say I'll wake up with a cold in the morning, but honestly, I've always found these baths to be a kind of ritual, a private indulgence I refuse to part with. There's a unique magic to it—stepping out of the warm water, clean and rejuvenated, and curling up in bed. Sleep comes easy after a night bath. Blissful, unbroken sleep.

Agathiyan isn't here to scold me about it, and Ammu? Well, she might fuss if I did catch a cold tomorrow, but I could easily blame it on the weather. After all, I'd just returned from the chillier Nilgiri hills yesterday, hadn't I? She'd believe that excuse without a second thought. A mischievous grin tugged at my lips. For once, no one was going to stop me from indulging in something I've always loved. The small rebellion of it made me feel lighter as I stepped into the room.

Malar and Alar were nestled in the bed, the picture of angelic innocence—at least while they were asleep. Alar, of course, had managed to kick the comforter away again, her little body curled around the pillow I'd strategically placed for safety. It was almost comical how predictable her movements were. Smiling fondly, I tucked the comforter snugly around both of them, ensuring it reached up to their necks. Then I raised the side rails of the bed. With my daughters growing up, their sleeping habits seemed to have grown as unruly as their personalities. Messy sleepers, both of them. Satisfied that they were warm and safe, I bent down, kissed their soft heads, and inhaled their familiar, comforting scent. Switching off the bright light, I flicked on the soft glow of the night lamp, which bathed the room in a warm, gentle hue. Everything felt just right. With one last glance at them, I made my way to the bathroom.

The rain outside pattered softly against the windows, creating a soothing rhythm that complemented my mood. A hot bath was non-negotiable tonight—especially during the rainy season. The cold wasn't something I wanted to battle, and a warm soak sounded like heaven.

I'd stopped waxing ages ago, so I decided tonight was the perfect time to shave. One of the underrated joys of a night bath was the luxury of time. No frantic knocks on the door. No interruptions. It was my space, my sanctuary. Even though my days are mostly free after sending my daughters to school and my husband to work, they never truly belong to me. The middle of the day often brings its own interruptions—online deliveries, ringing doorbells, the clamor of life. And being a policeman's wife? Well, there's always a steady stream of letters. The worst ones arrive without a return address—vile threats or abusive remarks that used to send shivers down my spine. At first, they disturbed me, the way they intruded on the normalcy of my life. But over time, I built a shield around myself. Now, those letters barely register.

Still, those constant intrusions have a way of whittling down your sense of personal space. It's why I've had to cut short my baths during the day. But not tonight. Tonight, the house was quiet, the world was mine, and I was determined to savor every moment.