Chapter Nineteen: Front Seat Stories

Mumma Kohli remained silent about Meera after Nehmat's emotional outburst. Pressing the topic further would only frustrate Nehmat and make her more emotional, which she didn't want to happen. She wanted this week's vacation to be a happy time. Currently, Nehmat, Vamika, and Mumma Kohli are trying to weave flowers out of wool. The other two were doing it effortlessly, but Vamika was only tangling herself further in the wool.

"I can't do it! Why is this so hard?" Vamika complained, her frustration evident.

Nehmat chuckled softly, her laughter like a gentle breeze. "Come on, Vamika, it's not that difficult. Here, let me show you again."

But Vamika's frustration only seemed to grow. "But I keep messing up! It's not fair. Why can't I do it like you and Dadi?"

Nehmat couldn't help but laugh at Vamika's persistence. "Because you're still learning, silly. Rome wasn't built in a day."

Vamika pouted, her bottom lip protruding in a dramatic display of disappointment. "But I want to be good at it now!"

Nehmat laughed loudly as she looked at Vamika tangled in the wool, finding the sight amusing. Vamika's frustrated whines and cries only made her laugh harder.

Eventually, Vamika climbed into Mumma Kohli's lap, still crying. "Dadi, look at Nini, she's making fun of me," she complained, pointing accusingly at Nehmat.

Mumma Kohli's expression turned stern as she scolded Nehmat. "Nehmat, stop teasing. She's trying her best. Show some patience and help her instead of laughing at her."

Despite Mumma Kohli's stern scolding, Nehmat continued to laugh, finding it difficult to contain her amusement. Vamika's tears only seemed to intensify, her cries echoing through the room. Mumma Kohli's patience wore thin as she fixed Nehmat with a stern gaze.

"Nehmat!" she exclaimed, her voice sharp with reprimand. "I mean it. Stop laughing this instant."

Nehmat's laughter gradually subsided as she realized the seriousness of Mumma Kohli's tone. She cast a guilty glance at Vamika, who was still sniffling in Mumma Kohli's arms. Feeling remorseful, Nehmat reached out and gently patted Vamika's back.

Sighing, Nehmat pulled Vamika into her arms, feeling her warmth as she settled against her. "Nini is sorry," she whispered softly, her voice laced with genuine regret.

Vamika, sensing the shift in Nehmat's demeanour, allowed herself to be comforted, snuggling closer without complaint. However, wanting a bit more attention, she decided to pretend to be sad. Nehmat noticed the subtle change in Vamika's expression but couldn't help but smile, seeing through her facade.

With a playful glint in her eyes, Nehmat began peppering Vamika's cheeks with gentle kisses, causing the little one to giggle uncontrollably. Nehmat swayed gently from side to side, holding Vamika close.

As Mumma Kohli watched Nehmat envelop Vamika in a warm embrace, a sense of contentment washed over her. Seeing Nehmat so happy with her granddaughter was a balm to her worries. Nehmat, who had often spent her time alone, lacking friends, had always been a concern for Mumma Kohli. But now, witnessing the bond between Nehmat and Vamika, she felt a sense of peace settle within her.

Noticing a different kind of glow on Nehmat's face, Mumma Kohli couldn't help but smile knowingly. It was the glow of being in love. She had observed Nehmat secretly texting someone special late at night and noticed the excitement in Nehmat's demeanour yesterday as she made plans to meet this person.

Mumma Kohli's heart swelled with happiness for Nehmat. After all the hardships she had endured, seeing her find love and joy was a blessing. She silently prayed that this newfound happiness would continue to blossom and fill Nehmat's life with warmth and fulfilment.

*****

Nehmat carefully selected her outfit, a sense of excitement tingling through her as she prepared for her rendezvous. After spending some quality time weaving flowers with Mumma Kohli and Vamika. She couldn't help but feel relieved that this time Vamika hadn't tangled herself up while trying to craft a flower, managing to create one albeit a bit messy, but for a three-year-old, it was a commendable effort.

As Nehmat prepared herself, she opened a bottle of perfume, taking in its fragrance before spraying it lightly over herself. A blush crept onto her cheeks as excitement bubbled within her at the thought of meeting her special someone. She adjusted her outfit, making sure everything was just right, her heart fluttering with anticipation for the evening ahead.

As Nehmat was about to make her way out, a sweet voice and a familiar figure at the door halted her in her tracks. It was Vamii, standing there with an adorable pout on her face.

"Nini, going without me, I see," Vamika said, her voice laced with a hint of playful disappointment.

Nehmat gulped nervously before responding, "Weren't you supposed to go out with Mumma and her friends?"

Vamika dramatically entered the room and hugged Nehmat's leg. "Oh, Nini, I promised you I'd come, so how could I not?" she exclaimed.

Nehmat narrowed her eyes and replied, "You didn't promise; you just ordered me to tag you along."

Vamika laughed mischievously and said, "You can say that but if you don't want me to spill the beans about your outing with your special someone to anyone, then you better get me ready."

Nehmat playfully narrowed her eyes at her little blackmailer. "You're too smart for your age," she remarked with a grin, admiring Vamika's cunning negotiation skills.

Vamika shrugged, swinging her legs as she sat on the bed. "You can say that," she replied casually, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Nehmat chuckled at Vamika's response, impressed by her niece's confidence. "Alright, you win," she said with a playful sigh, knowing she had been outmanoeuvred. "Let's get you ready then."

Nehmat smiled fondly as she helped Vamika into her sea-green frock, her niece's favourite color. It was a garment that Nehmat had picked out especially for her, knowing how much Vamika adored that particular shade. As she fastened the buttons and adjusted the fabric, Nehmat couldn't help but feel a rush of affection for her little niece.

"There you go, Vamii," Nehmat said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "You look absolutely pretty."

Vamika beamed up at Nehmat, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Thank you, Nini!" she exclaimed, twirling around in her dress.

Vamika extended her hands, eager to be lifted by Nehmat. Nehmat lifted Vanika into her arms, planting a kiss on her nose before grabbing the car and house keys. As they headed towards the door, Nehmat called out, "Mumma, we're leaving!"

Mumma Kohli's voice echoed from the other room, "Yes, take care and don't be too late!"

With Mumma Kohli's words of caution ringing in their ears, Nehmat and Vamika stepped out of the house, ready to pick up Shubman.

Nehmat carefully buckled Vamika into the passenger seat before getting into the driver's seat herself. As they navigated through the bustling lanes of Delhi, they drove for fifteen minutes until they reached a luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of the city. They pulled up and parked in front of the hotel, waiting patiently for Shubman to arrive.

Nehmat's eyes scanned the bustling crowd until they found her man, even with a mask on. He stood tall at 6'1 feet, wearing a sea green shirt, her favourite colour, paired with black pants and Nike shoes. His hair was neatly trimmed, and he wore a cap on his head. As he approached the car, he removed his cap, revealing his face, which made Vamika smile. Vamika felt grateful for the boy who made her Nini glow, considering it her most beautiful feature.

As Shubman leaned down towards the rolled-down window, he looked at Nehmat with a smile before his gaze shifted to Vamika, who was displaying her toothy grin. His smile widened as he reached out to boop her nose gently. "Who do we have here?" he asked, his tone warm and playful.

Nehmat chuckled softly at Shubman's playful question, feeling a warmth spreading within her at the sight of him. "This is Vamika, my adorable niece," she introduced with pride, gesturing towards the smiling girl beside her.

Vamika giggled at Shubman's gesture, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she replied, "I'm Vamika, but you can call me Vamii."

Shubman's smile widened at Vamika's enthusiasm. "Well, Vamii, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said warmly, his eyes flickering between Nehmat and Vamika. "And it's always a pleasure to see you, Nehmat," he added with a soft sincerity, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer.

Nehmat gently instructed Vamika, "Vamii darling, could you please sit in the backseat?" Va,ika pouted slightly at the request, but before she could protest, Shubman interjected, "Wait, princesses are supposed to sit in the front. I'll sit in the backseat." His words were accompanied by a warm smile, aimed at easing any disappointment Vamika might have felt.

Vamika held Shubman's finger in her small hands, looking up at him with a hopeful expression. "Wait, we both can sit in the front seat. I can sit in your lap if you don't mind. That way, both of us can have the front seat," she suggested sweetly.

Shubman's eyes softened at Vamika's suggestion, touched by her consideration. He glanced at Nehmat, silently seeking her approval. Nehmat smiled warmly, nodding in agreement.

"Alright, Vamii," Shubman said with a gentle smile, "that sounds like a plan."

With Vamika happily settled in Shubman's lap in the front seat, they set off towards their destination.