TWO YEARS LATER

"Aryaman, sit straight for a minute," Pashmina said, gently but firmly holding the squirming boy's jaw as she tried to tame his unruly hair with a comb.

The little boy wriggled in her grasp, his big, expressive eyes staring into hers, filled with stubborn defiance. "Papa... Papa... Papa! I want Papaaaa!" he cried, his voice rising with urgency. His tiny fingers gripped the edges of the chair as he leaned forward, trying to escape her hold.

"Aryaman, how many times have I told you? Papa will be arriving tomorrow!" Pashmina reminded him, exasperation creeping into her voice. "Right now, if you don't hurry, you'll be late for your first day of school!"

"No! I won't go to school if he's not coming!" Aryaman declared, crossing his arms stubbornly and looking away the moment she finished combing his hair.

To annoy Pashmina even more, he reached up and ruffled his freshly combed hair, messing it up again. A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes as he peeked at her reaction.

"Aryaman!" Pashmina scolded, her eyes stern. She didn't want to be harsh, especially on his first day of school, but he had left her no choice.

"If you don't get up in a minute and walk through that door, I'll let your teachers know not to give you any gifts or surprises that you're supposed to receive today," she warned.

Aryaman's eyes widened in shock. He hesitated, his little hands still tangled in his messy hair, as he processed the threat. "No!" he gasped. "You wouldn't!"

Pashmina raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Try me."

Aryaman huffed, glaring at her for a moment before reluctantly sliding off the chair. "Fine," he muttered, dragging his feet toward the door.

Pashmina bit back a smile. Victory.

But her expression soon turned somber. She had hoped Shubman would be here for Aryaman's first day, but his tour had kept him away. Aryaman wasn't wrong to want his father beside him—he had always been attached to Shubman, wanting his Papa everywhere he went. And with Shubman's frequent tours, it wasn't always easy for Pashmina to handle their stubborn little boy on her own.

Sighing, she rubbed her face, willing away the frustration that threatened to surface. She glanced at the mirror, adjusting the loose strands of her hair before picking up Aryaman's school bag from the chair. The bold, vibrant image of an entire cricket team stared back at her—the players frozen mid-action, their expressions fierce and determined. The design had been taken from a fan art, customized on Aryaman's special request. And, of course, Shubman had made sure it happened. Did he ever say no?

No, he never did. Not to Aryaman. Even from miles away, he had a way of indulging their son's every little wish.

Pashmina shook her head with a fond smile, picking up the bag. Shubman's absence was hard on Aryaman, but his presence was everywhere—in the little things, in the boy's stubbornness, in his endless admiration for his father.

As she walked down the stairs, she spotted Aryaman at the dining table, being fed breakfast by his grandmother. His little face was scrunched in frustration as he complained to his grandparents, his voice filled with protest.

"It's not fair! How can I go to school on my first day without Papa here?" he grumbled between reluctant bites.

Pashmina sighed, pausing for a moment before stepping forward. It was going to be a long morning.

Pashmina sat at the table, clutching the warm cup of tea between her hands, letting its heat seep into her fingers. She turned to Aryaman, her voice gentle but firm.

"We talked about it, Aryaman. Papa will come to drop you off tomorrow," she reminded him.

Aryaman huffed, pushing a piece of toast around his plate with his tiny fingers. "But that's tomorrow," he mumbled, barely meeting her gaze. "I wanted him today."

His grandmother chuckled, patting his head. "Oh, beta, your Papa is working hard. He would be here if he could, wouldn't he?"

Aryaman crossed his arms, pouting. "But first days are special," he muttered under his breath.

Pashmina sighed, taking a sip of her tea before reaching out to smooth his messy hair. "I know, sweetheart," she said softly. "And Papa knows too. That's why he promised to come tomorrow. He wouldn't break a promise, would he?"

Aryaman hesitated, his small fingers still fiddling with the toast. Finally, he shook his head. "No... he wouldn't."

"Exactly," Pashmina said with a reassuring smile. "And today, I'll be there with you. We'll make sure it's still special, alright?"

Aryaman looked up at her, his pout easing just a little. He wasn't completely convinced, but at least he wasn't protesting anymore.

Pashmina exhaled quietly. One small battle won.

Aryaman let out a small sigh, still not fully satisfied but no longer arguing. His grandmother smiled and placed another morsel of food near his lips, which he reluctantly took.

Pashmina watched him, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the dining table. She wished she could say something that would completely lift his mood, but she knew only one thing would truly make him happy—Shubman being here.

"Alright," she said, placing her cup down. "Now finish your breakfast quickly. We don't want to be late, do we?"

Aryaman scrunched his nose. "I don't want to go at all," he muttered.

His grandmother chuckled. "Oh, stop sulking, little one. School is fun! You'll make new friends, play games, and learn so many exciting things."

"But I already have friends," Aryaman shot back. "And I already know a lot of things!"

Pashmina shook her head with an amused smile. "Oh really? Do you know what your teacher's name is?"

Aryaman blinked. "Umm..." He looked at his grandmother for help, but she simply grinned.

"See? Something new to learn already," Pashmina teased, ruffling his hair.

Aryaman let out a dramatic sigh, taking another bite of his food. "Fine. But only if I get ice cream after school."

Pashmina raised an eyebrow. "Ice cream? You just had some two days ago!"

Aryaman grinned mischievously. "But Papa would say yes!"

Pashmina sighed, shaking her head. "Papa says yes to a lot of things that I say no to," she pointed out. "And that's called spoiling."

Aryaman pouted, his little arms crossing over his chest. "It's not spoiling! It's just... being nice!"

Pashmina let out a soft chuckle. "No ice cream today, Aryaman. First, let's get through your first day of school."

Aryaman groaned dramatically, slumping back in his chair. "This is so unfair."

His grandmother chuckled, patting his head. "You sound just like your father when he was your age."

Pashmina smirked. "Oh, I know. That's exactly why I need to be the strict one."

Pashmina finished the last sip of her tea while Aryaman reluctantly chewed the final bite of his breakfast. She placed the cup down and glanced at him.

"Come on now, give kisses to your grandparents, and let's go," she said, standing up and adjusting the strap of his school bag on her shoulder.

Aryaman sighed dramatically, as if the weight of the world rested on his tiny shoulders. Still, he slid off his chair and walked over to his grandparents, pressing a quick kiss to his grandmother's cheek.

"Be good, beta," she said warmly, brushing his hair back. "And don't trouble your mama too much."

"I never trouble her," Aryaman replied with a huff, making his grandfather chuckle.

"Oh? That's news to me," Pashmina teased, ruffling his hair. "Now say bye properly."

Aryaman turned to his grandfather and let him pull him into a warm hug. "Have fun, champ," his grandfather said. "School will be over before you know it."

"Only if Mama doesn't make me stay longer," Aryaman muttered, making everyone laugh.

Shaking her head, Pashmina took his hand. "Alright, enough stalling. Let's go before we get late."

Aryaman, however, had other plans. Instead of walking, he extended his arms toward her, grinning mischievously. "Carry me," he demanded.

Pashmina let out an exaggerated sigh, crossing her arms. "Aryaman, you're a big boy now. You can walk on your own."

"But Papa carries me," he pointed out, tilting his head with a knowing smile.

Pashmina narrowed her eyes playfully. "Papa also spoils you," she countered. "And I just told you—I'm the strict one."

Aryaman pouted but didn't lower his hands. "Please, Mama? Just till the car?"

Pashmina sighed, shaking her head with a small smile. "You are so lucky I love you," she murmured before bending down and lifting him into her arms.

Aryaman giggled in victory, wrapping his arms around her neck. "I know," he said cheekily.

Pashmina pressed a quick kiss to his forehead. "One day, you'll be too big for this, and then what will you do?"

Aryaman leaned closer, whispering, "Then Papa will carry you instead!"

Pashmina burst into laughter as she carried him out the door. This boy truly was his father's son.

As they stepped outside, Aryaman pressed soft kisses to Pashmina's cheek, his little arms still wrapped around her neck.

"Don't miss me too much, Mumma," he said, his voice filled with playful confidence.

Pashmina chuckled, holding him a little tighter. "Oh, I don't know, Aryaman. The house might feel too quiet without you."

Aryaman grinned. "Then you should come with me!"

Pashmina shook her head. "Nice try, mister. School is for kids, not for Mummas."

"But I'd behave better if you were there," he insisted, batting his lashes dramatically.

Pashmina raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So you can behave, after all?"

Aryaman giggled but said nothing, knowing she had caught him.

Reaching the car, Pashmina finally set Aryaman down, adjusting the straps of his backpack. Just as she was about to open the car door, a sudden honk made both mother and son jump.

Aryaman let out a tiny squeak, clutching Pashmina's hand, while she placed a hand over her chest, startled.

Her eyes snapped up—only to meet Shubman's familiar grin from behind the wheel.

"You scared us!" Pashmina exclaimed, her heart still racing.

Aryaman, however, had no time for complaints. His face lit up in pure joy. "PAPAAAAA!" he shouted, abandoning all his stubbornness as he rushed to the car door, trying to climb in on his own.

Shubman chuckled, pushing open the door. "Missed me, champ?"

Aryaman practically leaped into his arms. "You said you'd come tomorrow!" he gasped, eyes wide with excitement.

Shubman ruffled his hair. "I wrapped things up early. Thought I'd surprise my two favorite people." His gaze flickered to Pashmina, who was still standing there, arms crossed, trying to look unimpressed—but the relief and happiness in her eyes gave her away.

"You're impossible," she muttered, shaking her head, but her smile betrayed her.

Shubman winked. "And yet, you married me."

"Alright, boy, let me hug my husband," she said, playfully pushing Aryaman aside.

Aryaman gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Excuse me! He's my Papa first!"

Shubman laughed, scooping Pashmina into a quick but tight embrace. "I think there's enough of me to go around," he teased.

Pashmina rolled her eyes but melted into the warmth of his hug. "You could've told me you were coming early," she murmured against his shoulder.

"And ruin the surprise?" Shubman smirked, pulling back just enough to look at her. "Not a chance."

Aryaman, growing impatient, wedged himself between them. "Okay, okay, that's enough. Papa, let's gooo! I can't be late on my first day!"

Pashmina raised an amused eyebrow. "Oh? Now you want to go to school?"

Aryaman huffed, climbing into the car. "Only because Papa's dropping me!"

Pashmina rolled her eyes as she settled into the passenger seat, pulling Aryaman onto her lap. As soon as Shubman started the car, Aryaman wasted no time launching into his latest complaint.

"Papa, do you know what Mumma said?" he huffed, turning dramatically toward Shubman. "She said I can't have ice cream after school!"

Shubman shot a quick glance at Pashmina, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Oh?" he drawled. "And why's that?"

"Because she says it's spoiling me!" Aryaman exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "But Papa, ice cream isn't spoiling! It's just... happiness in a cone!"

Shubman bit back a laugh. "Happiness in a cone, huh?" He smirked at Pashmina. "You're really out here crushing dreams, huh?"

Pashmina crossed her arms, giving him a pointed look. "Don't you dare take his side, Shubman."

Shubman raised a hand in mock surrender. "I'm just saying, the boy has a point."

Aryaman gasped, eyes lighting up. "So I can have ice cream?"

Pashmina turned sharply toward Shubman. "Shubman."

Shubman cleared his throat, fighting back a chuckle. "Uh—only if Mumma says yes."

Aryaman groaned, flopping against Pashmina's chest. "Ugh, no fair!"

Pashmina smirked, pressing a kiss to his head. "Life isn't fair, my love."

"But Papa makes it fair," Aryaman muttered under his breath, earning a chuckle from Shubman and a playful nudge from Pashmina.

Shubman chuckled, reaching over to ruffle Aryaman's already messy hair. "You've got quite the lawyer skills, champ. Maybe you should consider a career in negotiating instead of cricket."

Aryaman scrunched up his nose. "No way! Cricket first, then negotiating!"

Pashmina shook her head in amusement. "At this rate, you'll argue your way into making ice cream a meal."

Aryaman gasped, eyes wide with excitement. "Papa, can ice cream be a meal?"

Shubman laughed, glancing at Pashmina, who was already giving him a don't even think about it glare. He coughed, choosing his words carefully. "Uh... probably not. But maybe as a reward for something special?"

Aryaman perked up. "Like my first day of school?"

Pashmina sighed, pressing her fingers to her temples. "Shubman."

Shubman grinned sheepishly. "Hey, hey, I said maybe."

Aryaman giggled in delight, bouncing slightly on Pashmina's lap. "I love Papa!" he declared dramatically.

Pashmina rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "You little traitor."

The car pulled up in front of the school, and Aryaman's excitement momentarily faltered. He looked out at the building, his fingers suddenly playing with the hem of his shirt. "Mumma?" he mumbled.

Pashmina immediately noticed the shift in his tone. "Hmm?"

Aryaman turned to her, his voice suddenly small. "What if I don't make any friends?"

Pashmina softened, cupping his cheek. "You will, sweetheart. You're the funniest, kindest boy I know. And if someone doesn't see that, it's their loss."

Shubman reached back and gave Aryaman's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "And you know what? If you don't find a best friend today, it's okay. You'll have plenty of chances. Plus, you already have the coolest best friend at home—me!"

Aryaman giggled but still looked unsure.

Pashmina kissed his forehead. "And when you come home, we'll hear all about your day over—" she glanced at Shubman and sighed, "—maybe some ice cream."

Aryaman's face instantly brightened. "Really?!"

Shubman smirked. "See? Mumma can be fun."

Pashmina shot him a look. "I regret this already."

Aryaman, now beaming, threw his arms around her neck. "I love you, Mumma!"

Pashmina held him tight, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I love you too, baby. Now go show them how amazing you are."

Shubman opened the door, and Aryaman hopped out with newfound confidence. He turned back, waving at them before running toward the entrance.

Pashmina sighed, watching him go. "He's growing up too fast."

Shubman reached over and took her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. "Yeah... but no matter how big he gets, he'll always come running back to you first."

Pashmina smiled, squeezing his hand back. "Let's hope so."

As they watched Aryaman disappear into the school, she leaned back in her seat. "Alright, since I just gave in to both of you, I think I deserve a treat too."

Shubman smirked, leaning in just enough to close the space between them. His warm gaze locked onto hers, teasing yet intent.

"Oh?" he murmured, his voice dipping lower. "And what exactly does my wife want as a treat?"

Pashmina swallowed, her breath hitching at the sudden proximity. Her eyes flickered to his, then to the smirk playing on his lips.

She cleared her throat, willing herself to ignore the way her heart skipped.

"Maybe a brunch," Pashmina muttered, stretching her arms with a tired sigh. "That little monkey spent the entire morning eating my head, asking for you. I could barely eat anything—except for my tea."

Shubman shot her a knowing glance. "Let me guess—he negotiated, argued, pouted, and then somehow got exactly what he wanted?"

Pashmina groaned. "Every. Single. Time."

Shubman laughed. "That's my boy."

Pashmina turned to him with a pointed look. "Exactly. That's your boy. Because he definitely didn't get this habit from me."

Shubman smirked. "Oh, really? Because I seem to remember someone using the same tricks on me when she wanted midnight ice cream."

Pashmina gasped, eyes widening. "That is not the same!"

Shubman raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You pouted, you batted your lashes, and somehow, we ended up at an ice cream parlor at 1 AM. Sounds very familiar."

Shubman chuckled, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "Alright, guilty or not, let's get you fed. You deserve it after surviving our son."

Pashmina let out a content sigh, lacing her fingers with his. "Good. Because if I don't eat soon, I might just trade you both in for a quiet life in the mountains."

Shubman grinned. "Nah, you love us too much for that."

Pashmina rolled her eyes but squeezed his hand back. "Unfortunately."

Shubman chuckled, bringing her hand to his lips for a quick kiss. "Admit it, life would be boring without us."

Pashmina shook her head with a small smile. "Exhausting, you mean."

Shubman smirked. "Exhaustingly fun."

She sighed dramatically but couldn't hide the warmth in her eyes. "Fine. I suppose I'll keep you both... for now."

Shubman laughed, shifting gears. "Good. Because you're stuck with us forever."

Pashmina glanced out the window, watching the world pass by, her heart full. Maybe forever wasn't such a bad deal after all.

But forever had a way of changing when you least expected it.