I stood near the door, holding my posture and trying to make an impression. My hair was in a proper ponytail. I was wearing a peach turtleneck dress. I had worn heels to complete my look. I hold onto my purse, feeling nervous and anxious about my decision.

"Was it all worth it?"
A thought continuously played in my mind.

After a long pause, I pressed the doorbell. One of the maids opened the door and greeted me. She knew me from the interview. 

A little back story, I'm pursuing for MBA, so right now I'm preparing to get a CAT entrance exam clear. As I'm living alone, I need a job for many reasons. One of my friends heard about this and here I am. It's nothing serious, I just have to take care of a baby. Yes, it's simple.

I was offered water and a little breakfast before meeting the baby. Yes, I don't even know if it's a girl or a boy. The house is pretty gorgeous. But the interior was plain. Just basic things.  Maybe the parents weren't interested in such materialistic fortes. 

The door opened, and I saw Shubman walking in he was wearing a white T-shirt blue pants and a blazer. He looked fabulous. He is tall and such a handsome man. He was the one who took my interview.

He was on the phone talking to someone.
"yes we understand and we will definitely look after it*
He said put his phone back and came to greet me.

After the basic Hi hello, he said,
"Let's go and meet him. While I am giving you the basic introduction"

Okay, so he is he.
I thought to myself.

"So basically this is the kitchen. You don't have to work here but you can if you want"
He said.

"This is a library,  I know you study. So you can study here whenever you have time"
He continued.

"Now about Kabir. Kabir likes to play. His dad has spoiled him with everything but still, he is not a brat"
He said while we were walking towards Kabir's room.

"Kabir has a fixed schedule. He wakes up at 8. He has school at 10:30. You have to leave around 10. Don't worry about travelling, we will provide you with a car and a driver. He leaves at 3:30. So the time in between is yours. Do whatever you want. Come home by 4 with Kabir. Make him go to sleep for an hour. At 5 give him a healthy breakfast. No outside food. From 5:30 to 7:30 play with him. And never give him screen time. We have not introduced him to that. Then half an hour of homework. And then dinner and sleep"
He said while he was holding onto the doorknob.

"Remember one thing after playtime don't pick up the mess. That's Kabir's job. His dad's rule. The one who makes the mess, pick up too"
He continued and opened the door.

"Hey Champ"
Shubman greeted the toddler.

"Chachu"
He ran in his arms like they were meeting after years.

"How are you, my boy?"

"I'm happy and excited to meet the beautiful lady standing with you. What happened to the Doctor Sana(unsaidwordsmusingsx)?"
Kabir said and kindly whispered the last part.

"Oh, she's fine. She's with me and you know I'm the best right?"
Shubman spoke and lifted his hand for a high five. Kabir reciprocates his action.

"Say Hi to Doctor Sana from me," Kabir said

"I'll. Today I am meeting her for dinner. Don't tell anyone but I am going to propose to her" Shubman spoke.

oh, so Sana is his girlfriend. OFC he has a Girlfriend, She must be so lucky to have him. I thought.

"This lady is your caretaker. She will be with you every time."

"Hi Kabir"
I said.

"Hello"

After the introduction, we went to the drawing room as Kabir went to his school.

"He's a great kid unlike others"
I said.

"Give him some time"

"um, what about his parents?"
I said as I got curious. Because I know Shubman is not the father.

"Yes about that. He is a child of a single parent. Don't talk about his mother in front of Kabir. His father is my best friend. Ishan"
He said as he sat down.

"And Ishan. I don't know what to say but don't talk to him. Avoid him"
Shubman continued.

"Why?"

"He may look rude and different. But he is not. Just avoid him. The reason for the last two caretakers left was Ishan's"
Shubman said getting up as someone walked in.

"Ishan. Mr. Jain is ready for the call at 11"
Shubman continued.

Ishan looked like a sexy businessman. He was wearing a formal suit with nicely set hair. I have to say that he has a nice face.

Ishan nodded and left the house. While Shubman followed him as he said, told you.

-------

It's been 2 weeks since I started working. It's going great. Kabir is fun. I get to study.  I don't have to cook or clean. Just look after Kabir. Shubman comes each day and we talk but I haven't seen Ishan since then.

Kabir was colouring in his room and I was about to leave when I saw Ishan coming in.  He looks too young to be a father but whatever.
I went towards him and said,
"Kabir just got an A in Drawing"

He looked up from his phone with a confused look.

"I'm his caretaker"
I continued.

"Did I ask you for anything?"
He said and started walking.

He turned around and continued,
"Just do your job"

"Rude"
I whispered to myself and started walking home.

----

I was studying in the library. Kabir was at school so I decided to study at home. I was Studying quants if I am not kidding, I was struggling at quants. I have been trying to solve the question for 30 minutes but have failed terribly. I scratched my hair and let out a silent scream.

"I think you need a coffee?" I heard a sharp but calming voice from behind. I turned around to see Ishan. Ishan?

I thought he was at the office.

"I wanted a file so I came home" He answered my unasked question as he showed me the file he was carrying.

I nodded my head.

"I'll make the coffee. You need a break" He said and went towards the kitchen.

Before I could answer he had started making the coffee. I closed my book and followed him. I sat down and waited for him. He came out with a strong smell of coffee.

"It's strong. It will help focus and keep you awake. I know quant is a real struggle" He spoke while passing me my cup.

I took a sip and Oh my god. I haven't had such a great cup of coffee. I could actually feel a taste taking over my body. Ah! He has ruined all the other coffee for me.

"It's okay to compliment things you like," he said recalling the earlier event.

__

I flipped the pancake and started to pour the scream. I like cooking, so I decided to cook for Kabir. I made pancakes for breakfast. Kabir was eating peacefully when Ishan interrupted saying,

"I have told you. No outside food allowed"

"Dad-"

"No Kabir. It's for your better health" He said taking his plate.

"Actually, I made the pancakes. It's homemade and healthy" I said taking the plate from Ishan and giving it back to Kabir.

I went back to the kitchen and brought another plate for Ishan too. At first, he hesitated but I was not the one to back out.

I could see from his expressions that he loved it, but he did not say a single word.

"It's okay to compliment things you like," I said, returning to Kabir to take him to school.

-------

"For quant to need to give it time. And there should not be any distractions around you. Even the minute details matter" Ishan said sipping the coffee.

"I know but its too difficult for me"

"First of all, nothing is impossible. Second of all, if you don't like it then leave it. Jump to next question" Ishan spoke.

" I can't. I can't leave questions unattended. It will drive me crazy"

"I know how you feel. I totally understand you" He said looking at me with his brown eyes. Eyes that made me feel things that I haven't felt.

"You don't understand. It's like-"

"It's like a constant need to prove yourself right. That you are good and smart. The unwanted need for appreciation. The need for validation from parents, friends and teachers and sometimes worse yourself. I know. I genuinely know how you feel"

It felt like he was reading my feelings. My thoughts. My brain.

"How do you know this?" I asked.

"Because I feel it too. Yes, I am the owner of my company. Yes, I am the CEO but still, I feel the need to prove it. Need to improve, Need to be the best. Get appreciation from every-Fucking-body. So I know I can't say let go but I can see kept that one waiting. I know it kills you inside but keep it aside for the future and move on"

I don't know how and when but he was holding my hand. His hand was on mine and it felt ....... nice.

He got up and went back to the office with the file that he came for.

____

"Dad you have to come today. Don't miss it"
Kabir said as I tried to button his shirt.
He was informing Ishan about the open house that he had today.

"It's my first open house. I'll be waiting"
Kabir said and kissed Ishan's cheek. Today Ishan was working from home.

We drive to his school. Kabir had half a day today because of the open house. I dropped him off and waited outside. I first went to the nearby cafe. Read a book. And came back. Sometimes I like spending time alone.

I came back and saw all the parents coming in and taking their kids back after meeting the teacher. Ishan hadn't come yet. Ughhh.
I felt bad for Kabir so I called Ishan, at first he didn't pick up but the second time he did.

"Where are you?"
I asked without any hello.

"I was on a call. I'm on my way. Please go ahead and start I'll join soon"
He said. I could feel the way he was hurrying.

"Ishan, your son is waiting for you not me"
I said

"I know I'll reach in a few minutes. Please. For me"
Ishan said.

I wasn't going to do it but when he said for me. It gave me a weird tickling in my stomach.

I agreed and went inside. I saw only Kabir was waiting.
I went towards him and sat down with the teacher.

"Good Evening"
I said to the teacher.

"I'm sorry for the delay. It was wrong and not at all ethical"
I continued.

"Okay. Kabir go out and wait"
The teacher said and Kabir followed the order.

"Mrs. Kishan"
The teacher started but before I could correct her I heard Ishan from the door.

"I'm here"
He said coming in and sitting beside me.

"Mr. and Mrs. Kishan, this is not the right behaviour. You have to give time to your kid too"
She scolded us but before I could again correct her Ishan held my hand indicating not to.

For the whole 15 minutes, the teacher kept calling me Mrs. Kishan and the whole time Ishan was holding my hand. While going out Ishan was holding my hand too but before meeting Kabir Ishan stopped and said,

"I know it was a mess inside. You have been dragged for no reason. But I couldn't let the teacher think Kabir didn't have a mother. Then she would look at him differently. And that is the last thing I want"

I nodded and went to Kabir.

"Kabir your grades are great you just need to talk less," I said pulling his cheeks in a fun way.

"I like talking and making friends. Whatever It's not my problem that I am fun to be with" Kabir spoke as Ishan came.

"Sure beta but I was late so to make up for that you decide what you want for dinner?" Ishan asked while towards the car.

"I want McD" Kabir Screamed in excitement and ran to sit in the back seat.

  "Okay, You guys continue Ill go home" I spoke.

"Wait" The father-son Duo said at the same time.

"Come with us please" Kabir said with a cheeky smile.

Before I could answer Ishan spoke,

"Please" Again with a cheeky smile. 

Ugh They are the Same. I thought and got into the car. We soon went to the nearest McD. We ordered and had some fun. It was nice being with this duo.

------

Fuck. Fuck. I am shit scared right now. I don't know what happened and how did it happen but it did. I kept pacing here and there. I really don't understand how my greatest day can turn into my worst nightmare. I just wanted to run but I won't.

I turned around when I saw the car pull in with the immediate breaks. I saw Ishan actually running towards me. I can feel and see his anger. He will kill me that's for sure.

"Where he is?" Ishan screamed without caring about making a scene.

"Ishan calm down" I hear Shubman say from behind.

"Where is Kabir? Answer my bloody question" Ishan shouted again.

I have never felt nervous around him but today was different. I tried to speak without breaking into tears but I couldn't help myself.

"Speak Up" I hear Ishan again, as I wasn't making any eye contact with him.

"I um I thought Ice- Cream um um-"

"You have 5 Seconds to explain yourself" Ishan interrupted me.

"I thought we could go for ice cream after school but I lost him when I went to get the ice cream. I tried to look for him around the shop but" I explained myself.

"What was the need for ice cream?" Ishan asked me again but in a little low voice. But before I could answer he told him not to answer.

"Ishan I am sorry. I thought.... I'll find Kabir. I am sure he is safe and-"

"Shut up. Just shut up. I don't want to listen to you or even see your face. I swear if something happened to my son you will curse your star for the day you meet me" Ishan shouted and started walking across from me.

"Listen, don't take his words seriously. He is just very protective of his son. He is angry that's why he said what he said" Shubman tried to console me.

"But it wasn't my fault. I just thought we could share a cup of cone." I tried to speak.

"I know. Even if I was at your place, he would have reacted the same way. He is been like that since she left" Shubman spoke.

"Who left?" I asked.

"Kabir's mom. They were dating in college. She got pregnant. Ishan accepted her and Kabir with open arms but she was too selfish. She wanted nothing to do with Kabir so she left as soon as Kabir was born. She didn't even stay for discharge" Shubman explained.

"Are you kidding me? You are still here. Just get out. I don't want you near me or my kid. Just fucking GO TO HELL" Ishan screamed from afar.

It was the last straw, so I just went away from that place.

----

I felt a wind in my hair making them frizzy like always. It's going to be difficult to detangle them. I tied them in a bun and tried to recall the whole incident. How things went and ruined everything. I have never seen Ishan this anger and I never knew his story.

In the last 4 months, I grew close to the duo. They became my lifestyle. Kabir is a sweet little boy. He makes jokes and gets all sarcastic and makes every moment funny as hell. Ishan is the same but a little more serious. We have passed out the formal talking phase. Ishan and I share a different bond. We talk about different things about life. I am happy whenever I am near him.

I tried to walk around in the park but was too tired. I searched for Kabir at the same ice cream parlour but couldn't find him. It's almost midnight. It's been more than 8 hours since I lost Kabir. How can I be so stupid? I can't even take care of a kid.

I turned around and started walking but stopped as I felt a body crushed onto me. Before I could see who was that person, my reflex came in and kicked the person.

"Ouch," I hear him say as he falls on the ground.

"I'm Ishan" he continued.

"What?" I asked and saw that person who really was Ishan.

"What were you trying to do?" I asked as he got up.

"I was um I don't know" he tried to speak.

"Where is Kabir? Did you find him?" I asked not caring about anything else.

"Yes. Yes we did"

"Where was he?"

"um... He came home by himself" Ishan said.

"What? I am so sorry-"

"It's not your fault. He wanted to give you a gift, so he went to the nearest shop. He brought a present but lost his way. As he is my kid, he is smart and found his way back home" Ishan explained.

"Oh my god thank you. But why gift?"

"You cleared your exam. I know that's why you wanted to share an ice cream with him" Ishan said.

"Awwww... he is such a nice kid," I said.

For the whole conversation, we were walking but stopped as Ishan held my wrist. I turned towards him and he spoke,

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lash out on you. I'm stupid to think that you would lose my kid. I was just scared and angry and nervous and I don't know but I saw you and boom it was all on you. I am sorry"

In these last few months, I have never seen Ishan say the actual words 'I am sorry' and today he said it twice. To me.

"Ishan I understand your concern" I tried to speak but was interrupted by Ishan putting his finger on my lips.

"Don't. I was wrong. The end. You are too good and I need that. I need someone calm. Who is smart enough to listen to the other side of the story too I need that. I need you"

"Ishan, what are you trying to say?"

"I am trying to say that I need you. I want you. I want you to stay with me forever. I want to you be with me. I want to see your face first thing in the more and last thing at night. I wanna fight with you, I wanna lose arguments and say sorry and have make out session with you. I want to have your pancakes and I'll make coffee for you" Ishan Confessed.

"I don't know what to say Ishan. I am flattered but- "

"But what?" Ishan asked.

"But I have College and Kabir what will he think?"

"You can continue your college and be with me. And about Kabir, he already loves you. So, it's on you"

Ishan said and looked into my eyes like this was the moment he was living for. And to be honest I was too. I started liking him too since I don't know. So I slowly went near him and placed my hands on his face, went a little close to his ear and said,

"I love you"

"what? I thought we were talking about like. This is nice, Today love, tomorrow marriage and the day after tomorrow kids' name" Ishan said trying to mess with me.

"Ishan"

"What you won't name our kid" Ishan said and before I could say anything he kissed me. He kissed me in a park with moonlight above us. It's my dream and he made it come true. 

******

I know it's not great, but I tried my best. The story I thought was different, and I wrote something else. I hate it when this happens. But Whatever. 
Haven't rechecked so ignore the mistakes
Sorry!
Love Ya!

*****