21/07/2024

• • •

Six years later,
Singapore.

"Mumma," a little boy squealed, throwing his tiny arms around his mother. "Can I come too? I want to see your flower shop also." He pleaded, giving her puppy eyes.

"Have your breakfast first." Vansh instructed, translating his wife's silence.

"Nooo," the boy of five cried dramatically. "I dun wanna eat fruits. I want sweets."

"But - "

"Even mumma wanna eat sweet. She tell me." Reyansh, the son, interrupted his father, giving him a look of sincerity.

Riddhima stared at her son in surprise. He is using me to lie. Just like his papa. - she thought and giggled.

"Right, mumma?" He pout, giving her puppy eyes. Riddhima, carrying him in his arms, kissed his face and made him sit on the chair. First, she put a few sweets on his plate, and then, covered it with fruits and biscuits.

"Mumma, no!" Reyansh whined, staring at his plate. Vansh smacked his head lightly. "Eat quietly." He ordered, slipping a few chocolates into his son's pocket. The two exchanged mischievous glances.

Reyansh ate his breakfast happily.

Riddhima raised a brow, staring at them in suspicion. "What? He's eating." Vansh said innocently, shrugging his shoulders.

Hearing all the noise a little girl, who was sleeping inside, woke up. She rubbed her eyes, looking around in the dark room. There was a little bit of light coming from the door left ajar.

Rubbing her eyes, the little girl got off the bed. Holding her blanket in one hand, and her favourite doll in the other she walked out into the living room.

On seeing her, Reyansh immediately hopped off his chair and ran to her, hugging her.

"Princess," he grinned, holding her tenderly.

"Bhai," the little one said slowly, smiling and hugged him back. Breaking the hug, Reyansh held her hand carefully and led her to the dining table.

"Good morning, princess." Vansh greeted, lifting her in his arms.

The little one giggled. "Let's wash your face first and then wake up your father," he says, handing her to Riddhima. Riddhima pulls her little nose in fun, making the young one pout.

"Mumma, dun hurt my princess." He complained, crossing his arms across his chest. Riddhima shook her head at his words and took the girl to the basin, helping her brush.

Reyansh dragged his chair closer to the one where the girl would sit. He dusted his clothes, his chair, her chair, her plate and their side of the table.

"Papa," he called, putting the cloth away, "I good boy?"

Vansh hugged his son, placing a kiss on his forehead. "You are the best boy," he complimented, making the child blush.

"Papa, I call uncle." He declares, running away to another room. The girl waddled behind him, excited to meet her father. He slams the door open, making the sleeping person inside wake up. "Uncle. Angre uncle, utho. Nasta tyaar hai."

"Paanch minute, Rey."

"Utho na mamu. Princess bhi ready hai." He grumbled, pulling Angre's arm. "Suraj sar par hai."

Angre groaned, reaching out for the alarm clock. "It's seven in the morning, Rey. Suraj sar par nahi hai."

"Papa," the little girl climbed on the bed, jumping on Angre. "Papa, utho."

"Paanch minute," he turned and pulled both the children beside him. They giggled, hugging him.

"Papa,"

"Bolo, princess." Angre yawned, stroking her head.

"Bhookhi lagi," she pout, rubbing her tummy. "Loma aur Shelu ko bhookh lagi."

Angre propped himself on his elbow, smiling at the children. "Oh, meri princess aur uske sheru ko bhook lagi hai."

Roma nodded, giving him a puppy face. "Bahut zyada, papa. Jaldi kalo."

Angre yawned, laying down on the bed again as he lazily stretched his limbs. Roma, his adoptive daughter, pout at his crass nature, her stomach rumbling from hunger. "Bhai, pani ka glass do."

Angre's eyes flew open at her words and he immediately sat up on the bed, throwing his blanket away. "Mein uth gaya. Pani dur rakho." He spoke in a panicked tone, staring in disbelief as Reyansh continued to pass the glass of water to Roma. She gulped it down.

"Mujhe pyaas lagi thi, papa." She giggled, handing the empty cup back to her elder brother. "Aap bhi na. Choti choti baaton par dall jaate ho. Dalpok!"

She teased, and the sibling duo burst out in laughter, giving each other a high five. Angre chuckled, running his hand through his hair, moving the unruly mess from his forehead. Getting down the bed, he stretched his body, his joints cracking in relief.

"Jaldi karo, hero. Hum dono ko nasta karna hai aapke saath." Reyansh said, throwing a towel at him and Roma passed him his clothes.

Passing a smile to his daughter, Angre ruffled her hair and stepped into the washroom to freshen up. Roma dashed into her room, taking a quick bath and changing into clean clothes. The father-daughter duo stepped into the dining hall, water drops dripping from their head and a towel swung over their left shoulder.

"Aao, nasta karo." Vansh offered to Angre, placing a plate on his side of the table. Reyansh followed his father's actions for his lovely sister, giving her an adorable smile.

"Princess, here," Reyansh invited, showing her the chocolates that Vansh had given him earlier.

Wiping away the water drops from their hair, the two threw their towel onto the couch in a synchronised motion. Riddhima sighed, shaking her head at their actions, picking up the wet towels and disposing them into the washing machine, returning back to the dining hall. Angre, ensuring Roma was comfortable in her seat, sank beside Vansh.

"Sunshine, come." Vansh smiled, patting the chair beside him. Riddhima sat beside him, their hands intertwining under the table and placed on his lap.

Vansh whispered something to her in a husky tone, his warm breath sending shivers of pleasure down her spine. Riddhima nodded shyly, a scarlet blush coating her cheeks, her breathing soft and ragged.

• • • •

The sky was a deep shade of crimson, birds returning back to their nests. The road was packed with vehicles, the sound of horns filling the air as everyone rushed back home, to their comfort.

The area near Riddhima's flower shop was relatively calmer and silent. The birds chirped, thanking the elements of life for another day; the gentle breeze threaded through her loose locks, the coolness teasing her warm skin. The sky was a kaleidoscope of colours and peace, the cloud shapes a dance of fleeting imagination.

Riddhima tucked a locked of hair behind her ear, a small smile appearing on her lips. She took out the lip balm from her pocket, applying a thin layer of the coral shade on her lower lip and rubbed her lips together, allowing the balm to spread evenly.

The faint scent of coffee and chocolate filled the air. The oven chimed, and she returned back inside. Putting on her gloves, she opened the oven door. The fragrance of vanilla and sugar filled the air, making her stomach grumble.

She placed the tray on the table, smiling in joy at her masterpiece, at Vansh's favourite dessert cooked to perfection. Discarding the gloves, she plated the delicacy. Placing it in the refrigerator, she moved to the closet, taking out a few cups. She filled two cups with the coffee, that turned into a sweet shade of brown once mixed with the milk. In two other cups, she poured in the hot chocolate and topped it with marshmallows. Placing the four cups on a tray, she added a small plate of cookies.

Covering the dish, she stepped down the stairs with the tray. She saw Mrs. D'Souza standing at the end of the stairs, a childish accusation visible in her eyes.

"Riddhima, you should have waited for me to come up," she complained and climbed up.

Taking the tray from her, she joined her in walking down the stairs, "Angre and I will be taking the kids to the amusement park. You should also get ready. He will be waiting for you there," she said, winking at her.

At the end of the stairs, Mrs. D'Souza turned away towards the garden where the two children played and squealed. Angre had just walked in, holding a flower for his princess.

"Mamu!" Reyansh squealed, and towards him, his arms wide open for a hug. Angre sprinted towards them, his eyes sparkling in happiness. He ran past Reyansh, who froze at his neglect, and picked up Roma in his arms, twirling her around in the air.

Usually Roma would have squealed and giggled at him twirling her around, but today she puffed out her cheeks and looked away from him.

Setting her down, Angre presented her with her favourite flower. "For my princess," he smiled, handing it to her.

"Hmph!" She frowned and marched away towards Reyansh who was frozen like a stone in shock. She hugged him and he immediately melted into her arms, sobbing dramatically in her shoulder. "No one loves me," he cried and hugged her tightly.

"Shush, bhaiya. I love you!" She consoled him, glaring at Angre for ignoring her precious older brother.

"Only princess love me," he spoke loudly. "Mamu no love."

"Papa," Roma stared at Angre, "bad. You make bhaiya cry,"

Angre felt his heart shatter. The flower in his hand wilted and withered, the clear sky turning dark and the rain poured on him harshly.

Papa, bad. Her words played in his ears, his open jaw touching the ground. He dramatically fell to his knees, clenching his heart in pain.

"Why didn't I go deaf before hearing this?" He lamented, his eyes closed tightly. "My Roma, my baby, my princess. The apple of my eye said I'm bad. Abh zinda reh kar mein kya karoon? Aye, bhagwan! Aa-raha hoon mein aapke paas."

Angre's drama was cut short with Mrs. D'Souza smacking the back of his head playfully. "Ho gaya?" She inquired, a cheeky smile on her lips.

"Mamu, there are almond cookies today. Jaldi aao." Reyansh shouted, waving the cookie in his palm. He was seated on a bamboo seat, a cup of hot chocolate in his palms. Roma sat beside him, blowing the steam from her drink.

Angre stood up, dusted his pants, and walked towards them. Picking Roma from her seat, he sat in her place and made her comfortable on his lap. Reyansh giggled, snuggling against Angre as Roma fed them both cookies.

"Papa, eat. Papa, strong." She sang, playing with the buttons of his shirt.

"Papa's princess!" He grinned, embracing her tightly, peppering her face with kisses. Roma giggled, throwing her head back and squirmed in his embrace.

Putting down his empty cup of coffee, he revealed. "I have a surprise for you both!"

"Surprise?" They asked, their eyes opening wide in curiosity. "What is it?"

"We're going somewhere. Can you guess where?" Mrs. D'Souza added, her tone playful.

Roma and Reyansh stared at each other, then at Angre, their little cheeks puffing up.

"It's your favourite place." He dropped a hint, his heart racing at their cuteness. He regretted not having a camera, to take their pictures, at that moment.

Their eyes lit up, delightful smiles appearing on their lips. "Sacchi? We going there?"

"Yes, we are going to the amusement park!" He proclaimed, showing the tickets.

The children looked at him, shocked and heartbroken. Roma teared up, clutching his shirt and shook her head at the revelation. "Mamu, we want book shop!" Reyansh said, snatching the tickets and tearing them up. Roma giggled as the pieces fluttered like snow flakes.

"Princess, let's go and change. Mamu will take us to the book shop."

"Book shop, book shop!" Roma sang as she slid off Angre's lap and ran behind her brother, their hands held tightly.

"He could've just said no," Angre whined, staring at the paper clump in his hand. "Why tear the tickets? I can't even ask for a refund now."

"It's fine, Mr. Angre. They're just tickets."

He sighed. "VIP tickets! I paid twenty thousand per person."

"Your fault!" She teased, "You should have known by now that these kids prefer books over toys."

"But every kid loves amusement parks!" He grumbled, "My eighty thousand,"

"Enough whining, Mr. Angre. You would have earned that amount tent times by now. Go and tell the driver about the diversion. I'll go and check on them."

Angre did as told.

A few minutes later, Mrs. D'Souza walked out with the excited children on either side. They wore matching outfits, with Reyansh making a messy pony tail for Roma. They sat in the backseat of the car, discussing their plans for the bookstore in utter seriousness.

• • •

"Sunshine," Vansh's voice was a gentle whisper, wrapping around her like a cocoon. Riddhima shuddered as their eyes met, the dessert in her hand suddenly feeling way too heavy.

Setting it down on the tray, beside their candlelit table, she sat on her seat, her hand finding Vansh's over the top. A delicate smile appeared on her lips, her warm brown orbs reminding him of the warmth of summer season, his favourite season.

"Do you ever wonder why I call you sunshine?" He mused, feeding her a bite from his plate. Riddhima chewed, nodding in acceptance. Picking up her plate, he walked over to him and settled on his lap, feeding him the dinner.

Vansh smiled, making her comfortable on his lap, his arm wrapped firmly around her waist. He leaned back, drinking in her innocent beauty.

"Before I met you, my life was like an unending night. Cold, dark, silent. Lonely. Brutal, filled with betrayals and backstabbers." He gave her a sad smile and she cupped his cheek, rubbing her nose against his. He chuckled. "I was stuck. Seeing darkness over and over again, to the point where I felt I was blind."

He snaked his arms around her waist, resting his head against her chest. She ran her fingers through his hair. "I had given up hope that I'd see light, like everyone else. Then, you came into my life. Or should I say, fell in my life," he chuckled, his fingers brushing against her knee.

"Adorable little Riddhima. Just came into my life and dragged me towards the light," He smiled, looking at her. "Couldn't speak, but even then, her silence was liberating. Her smiles were the lights of my darkness, forcing me to push myself through everything. And now, when I bask in this warmth, I feel like everything was worth it. The pain, the struggle, the sacrifices - everything feels bearable knowing that at the end of everything you'll be waiting for me.

Your warmth, your light, your gentleness, it will always remain for me, no matter how long I take."

Riddhima leaned in, nuzzling his cheek. He cupped her face, his thumb tracing her lower lip. "Thank you for always taking my side, even when I had nothing." He kissed her forehead.

"Thank you for being the constant comfort of my turbulent life," he kissed her closed eyelids.

"Thank you for showing me what actually living feels like," he kissed the tip of her nose.

"Thank you for giving me a family, for our naughty little Reyansh." He made her sit on the table. "Thank you, for giving me stability, happiness, peace, and companionship.

For showing me what true love actually looks like.

Thank you, for always waiting for me, no matter how long I took.

Thank you, for always being patient with me, and understanding me.

Thank you, for sitting through the dark nights of my life.

Thank you, for existing, my sweet sunshine."

A lump formed in his throat, tears glistening in his eyes as his hold on her began to tighten.

Riddhima cupped his cheeks with both hands and kissed him, her tears rolling freely down her cheeks.

Vansh deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring the corners of her mouth. His fingers gently stroked the curve of her spine and she moaned into his mouth, her fingers tangling in his hair.

They parted for air, their faces flushed and eyes glistening with happy tears. Riddhima held his hand, her finger writing on his palms.

The words of her heart, the inscription of her soul. The thread that bound them together. The courage that made Vansh abandon everything and start afresh.

I love you.

• THE END •

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the delay in the update.

I hope you enjoyed the story. Do share your views.

See you in the next story!