Chapter Fifteen: Most Beautiful Feature

Vamika's vacation felt white and grey without her beloved Nini by her side. Aware of Nini's new job and busy schedule, she couldn't shake off the sadness of not sharing moments of fun during her time off. As she reached for a blue crayon to colour the sky, Nini's favourite colour, the absence of her presence loomed large in Vamika's mind. Each activity seemed to echo memories of Nini, leaving Vamika feeling empty. Letting out a sigh, she attacked the paper with the crayon, trying to distract herself from the melancholy that surrounded her.

Anushka let out a heavy sigh as she observed Vamika vigorously colouring her paper with frustration evident on her face. Today was supposed to be a joyous occasion, with Virat and Nehmat returning, ready to surprise Vamika. However, seeing her daughter's intense reaction, Anushka couldn't help but feel concerned. Vamika's forceful scribbling reminded her of the fiery temper inherited from her father and Aunt Nini.

She realized that Vamika needed an outlet for her frustration to ensure a smoother transition to the surprise awaiting her. With a determined resolve, Anushka gently closed the door, shielding Vamika's tantrum from any outside interference. She understood the importance of Vamika being in a better mood for the surprise reunion with Virat and Nehmat. Now, all she could do was wait patiently for the return of the sibling duo, hoping that the surprise would bring the joy and excitement that Vamika needed.

On cue, fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang, prompting Anushka to check the security camera feed on her phone. A smile crept onto her face as she prepared to play her part in the surprise. Clearing her throat to compose her voice, she shouted, "Vamii, go open the door! Mumma is busy."

From inside, Vamika's voice rang out, "Mumma, I'm too busy colouring! Please, you open the door."

Anushka's eyes widened at Vamika's excuse, a chuckle escaping her lips at her daughter's cleverness. But there was no time to indulge in amusement. With a quick shake of her head to refocus, she hurried into the kitchen, determination etched on her features.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Anushka raised her voice, her tone firm and commanding as she called out, "Vamika, come here this instant! It's important."

As Anushka continued with her tasks in the kitchen, she soon heard the shuffling of Vamika's little feet moving reluctantly out of her room. Vamika wore an angry pout initially, clearly not pleased with the interruption to her colouring session. However, as she caught sight of her mother's stern expression, her demeanour quickly shifted. The angry pout transformed into a nervous yet sweet smile as she realized the seriousness on her mother's face.

As Vamika stood on her tippy toes, her little fingers grasping the doorknob, she strained to open the door with her tiny frame. With a determined effort, she managed to turn the knob, and the door creaked open slowly. Peeking through the crack, her eyes widened in surprise and delight as she saw her Nini and Daddy standing there, waiting patiently. With a joyful squeal, she quickly unlocked the safety latch and pushed the door open wide before bounding into her Nini's open arms.

Nehmat, already seated on her knees, wore a warm smile, her arms outstretched in anticipation of Vamika's embrace.

As Vamika flew into her arms, her exuberance catching Nehmat off guard, she stumbled backwards, landing with a soft thud on the ground. Laughter bubbled up from Nehmat's lips, her joy mirroring Vamika's infectious excitement. Wrapping her arms tightly around her niece, Nehmat squeezed her close, revelling in the warmth of their bond.

"Whoa there, little whirlwind," Nehmat chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair away from Vamika's face. "You nearly knocked me over with that hug!"

Vamika's lips quivered with emotion as she buried her face in Nehmat's neck, her voice barely above a whisper. "I missed you so much," she murmured, her words muffled against Nehmat's skin.

Gently stroking Vamika's back, she whispered words of reassurance and affection, soothing away the ache of separation.

"I missed you too, my sweet Vamii" Nehmat whispered, her voice filled with tenderness. "But I'm here now, and nothing else matters. We'll make up for lost time, I promise."

With a playful pout and his hands firmly placed on his waist, Virat chimed in, "Darling, even Daddy is here! Give him a hug." His tone was teasing yet warm, his eyes twinkling with affection as he gestured towards himself.

Vamika couldn't contain her laughter as she leapt into Virat's strong awaiting arms, which effortlessly caught her. With a gentle twirl, Virat held his little princess securely, eliciting squeals of delight from her. His strong embrace enveloped her, filling her with a sense of joy and security.

Anushka, mirroring Virat's playful pose with her hands on her waist and a playful pout on her lips, turned her gaze towards Nehmat. "Where's my share of love, Nehmat?" she teased, her eyes sparkling mischievously as she awaited Nehmat's response.

Nehmat chuckled warmly at Anushka's playful remark, rising from her seat and dusting off her clothes with a grin. Closing the distance between them, she wrapped her arms around her sister-in-law in a warm embrace, then pressed a gentle kiss on Anushka's cheeks, showering her with affection.

Nehmat grinned affectionately at Anushka and said, "Here you go, Queenie!"

Anushka's cheerful voice filled the room as she clapped her hands together. "Alright, you two, freshen up! Punjabi lunch is waiting for us," she announced with enthusiasm, her excitement contagious as she headed towards the kitchen to prepare the delicious meal. Virat and Nehmat exchanged happy glances before hurrying off to freshen up, eager to enjoy the homemade Punjabi delicacies awaiting them.

Nehmat, feeling relaxed and refreshed after her bath, reached for her phone and sent a message to Shubman, letting him know she had arrived home safely. She typed out, "Hey love, I've reached home. Miss you. Love you 💕."

Meanwhile, Shubman, who had just returned home himself, checked his phone and smiled when he saw Nehmat's message. With a sense of warmth, he quickly replied, "Glad you're home safe, my love. Miss you too. Love you more 😘."

Nehmat quickly shut her phone as Vamika popped onto the bed, resting her head on Nini's shoulder, curious about what she was doing. "What are you doing, Nini?" Vamika asked innocently, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Nehmat, trying to hide her phone, simply replied, "Nothing, sweetheart." She swallowed nervously, hoping Vamika wouldn't press further.

But before Vamika could ask more questions, she excitedly exclaimed, "Guess what, Vami? Nini have a surprise gift for you!" Nehmat eyes sparkled with excitement as she revealed the surprise, instantly diverting Vamika's attention and making her forget about the message for the moment.

Nehmat dove into her suitcase, swiftly pulling out the present wrapped in colourful gift paper. Vamika's eyes widened with anticipation as she eagerly waited for Nehmat to reveal the surprise. With a grin, Nehmat handed the gift to Vamika, who wasted no time tearing apart the wrapping paper in seconds, revealing the contents inside.

Nehmat couldn't help but smile at Vamika's excitement as she watched her little niece unwrap the gift. Vamika's face lit up with joy as she hugged the Kiwi plush toy tightly, her arms wrapped around it as if it were the most precious thing in the world. Nehmat's heart swelled with warmth as she witnessed Vamika's happiness.

Vamika pulled Nehmat into a tight hug, her little arms wrapped around her neck snugly. She peppered Nehmat's cheek with sweet kisses, her gratitude overflowing. "Thank you, Nini! You're the best!" Vamika exclaimed.

Both of them toppled onto the bed with a gentle thud, Vamika's enthusiasm causing them to collapse in laughter. Nehmat couldn't help but join in, the sound of their laughter filling the room with warmth and joy. She wrapped her arms around Vamika, holding her close as they shared a moment of pure happiness.

Vamika's laughter subsided, and at just three years old, she observed her Nini with a curious gaze. Nehmat's radiant happiness was evident to her, and she couldn't help but comment on it. "Nini, you are glowing differently," Vamika said softly, her words filled with innocence and sincerity.

Chuckling softly, Nehmat couldn't help but feel touched by Vanika's observation. "What do you mean, sweetie?" she asked gently, her curiosity piqued by Vamika's words. She was intrigued to know how she appeared different to her little niece.

Vamika's little fingers gently caressed Nehmat's cheeks as she tried to explain her observation. "I don't know," she said softly, her innocence shining through. "But there's a different kind of happiness and glow on your face, Nini."

Nehmat smiled warmly at Vamika's observation, her eyes reflecting the love she felt for her little niece. "You know what, Vamiii? It's because I have my little, naughty niece in my arms, looking happy," she replied, her voice filled with affection. She hugged Vamika tightly, cherishing the moment and feeling grateful for the happiness that Vamika brought into her life.

Vamika protested gently, her little hands cupping Nehmat's face as she looked up at her with earnest eyes. "No, Nini," she insisted softly, "it's the first time. Yes, you're happy with me, but this glow is coming from something else."

As Vamika continued to hold Nehmat's face in her small hands, her earnestness touched Nehmat deeply. "And whatever this is coming from, it's the most beautiful feature on your face," Vamika added with a tender smile.