Chapter Twenty-Six: Unity in Spectrum

"Niniiiiiii!" Vamika shouted, launching herself into Nehmat's arms. Despite juggling her backpack and handbag, Nehmat managed to catch Vamika safely, planting kisses on her cheek. She was back on tour, this time heading to the West Indies. Since Vamika had holidays, joining the tour where her Nini would be was a win-win situation. They hugged each other for at least ten minutes without speaking, the time feeling shorter compared to the weeks of separation.

Nehmat's gaze shifted upward, where she saw her bhabhi blowing a kiss to her before joining them in a hug. Then, her gaze shifted again, and she saw them. Hands intertwined, both siblings looked at her. Nehmat scrutinized her, seeing her after years since she left the country for undergraduate studies. Since then, she neither called her nor met her. She looked the same, just a bit more mature. Her soft skin colour matched Virat's, her eyes resembled her mom's, and her nose was like her dad's, with a few freckles scattered around her nose, making her look pretty. Nehmat noticed her glaring at her as Vamika cuddled in her arms.

Being the first ones in the VIP lounge relaxed Nehmat; there wouldn't be any unwanted attention yet since the team was yet to arrive. As for her man, he had left Chandigarh the same night she settled into the house. They had stayed in contact through video calls and texts, making the separation more bearable.

Nehmat just nodded at both siblings before moving to the couch to sit. The team started to arrive, tickets were distributed, and soon everyone was settled on the plane. Sneakily, this time too, she booked her and Shubman's tickets together. However, this time there was no privacy because Vamika just sat on her seat for takeoff. As soon as the aircraft was in the air, she came running back, settling on Nehmat's lap.

Vamika hugged her Nini tightly and then said to Shubman, "Hope you don't mind me here," with a sweet smile on her face, but there was a hint of warning in her tone. Shubman laughed and took the naughty little one into his arms, saying, "Of course not! How could I mind Nehmat's Vamii being here?"

Shubman grinned mischievously at Nehmat. "Hey, Vamika, how about this? Instead of Nini, I'll be your favourite '." He winked at her, clearly teasing Nehmat.

Vamika played along with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Hmm, you could be. You've been pretty good lately."

Nehmat pouted, pretending to scold Vanika. "Already changing parties, huh? I see how it is."

Vamika, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, leaned her head on Shubman's chest and teased further, "So what, Nini? He can be my favourite. He has been so good."

Shubman played along, resting his head on Vanika's. "Ohh, Vami, I love you so much."

Nehmat, pouting in mock indignation, pulled Vamika into her arms. "Give me back my niece, you heart stealer!"

Shubman leaned forward, looking into Nehmat's eyes with a mischievous grin. "Well, you agree that I am a heart stealer, don't you?" Nehmat blushed at his playful remark, while Vamika giggled, poking both of their dimples.

"You both are my favourite my dimple duo," Vamika teased, "but you, Gilly, a little less than Nini because Nini is the best." Shubman chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? And what about Gilly?" he asked, playfully egging Vamika on for her response.

Vamika leaned back, a thoughtful expression on her face as if seriously considering Shubman's question. "Hmm, Gilly," she began, drawing out the nickname, "you're like the cherry on top of the ice cream—sweet, but not as essential as the ice cream itself." She grinned mischievously, knowing her words would provoke a playful response.

Shubman pretended to be offended, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "Ouch, that hurts, Vamii! I thought I was the whole sundae!"

Shubman bopped Vanika's nose gently, a playful glint in his eyes. "I meant the nickname. Why 'Gilly'?" he asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

Vamika giggled and hid her face in Nini's chest, her laughter bubbling over. "Well," she began between giggles, "Gilly rhymes with silly, and you know how silly you can be sometimes!" She peeked out from Nini's embrace, still chuckling at her own joke, while Shubman playfully rolled his eyes, unable to hide his amusement.

Nehmat laughed and gave Vamika a pat on the back. "That was spot on, Vani," she said, still chuckling at the exchange. Shubman rolled his eyes good-naturedly and remarked, "You guys are such meanies," though a grin betrayed his amusement.

They laughed, talked, watched movies, and even read books until dinner time. As the dinner trays were cleared away, Vamika's little tummy was full, and she soon fell asleep. Nehmat gently covered her small frame with a blanket, adjusting her on her chest and patting her head softly.

Shubman looked at Nehmat with love shining in his eyes as he got under a blanket nearby. "She loves you so much," he remarked softly, his voice filled with warmth and affection as they watched over the sleeping Vanika.

As they sat together, watching over the sleeping Vamika, Nehmat sighed contentedly. "She's such a handful, but I wouldn't have it any other way," she said, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Shubman nodded in agreement, his gaze still fixed on Vamika. "She's lucky to have you," he replied, his voice filled with admiration.

Nehmat's heart swelled with warmth at his words. "And I'm lucky to have her," she said, reaching out to squeeze his hand gently. "And you, too."

Shubman returned her gesture with a gentle squeeze. "We're all lucky to have each other," he said, his voice tinged with gratitude as they sat together in the dimly lit cabin, sharing a moment of quiet companionship.

As Nehmat leaned her head on Shubman's shoulder, she couldn't shake off the worries that sometimes crept into her mind. Glancing around to ensure no one was paying them any attention, she confided softly, "Sometimes I get scared. Like when I just shifted and she cried so much, then suddenly became so silent, like Bhabhi told me. And what if someday I'm not there? What if you find someone better than me and I just run away?"

Shubman's expression turned serious as he listened to her concerns. Scolding her gently, he responded in a soft but firm voice, "Nehmat, dare you talk like that. You're irreplaceable, and nothing could ever make me want someone else."

She bit her lip, her gaze lingering on Vamika's peaceful sleeping face. "From childhood till now, from home to friends, I've always wished to be someone's priority," Nehmat confessed quietly. "When I made friends, I was happy when they gave me attention, but eventually, they would leave because of my overthinking. At home, while I did receive love from my parents, Meera's tantrums and Paaji's silent treatment made it hard sometimes. Now that I have Vamika's and your undivided attention, being your priority scares me. I'm afraid I'll lose this, too." Her voice trembled with vulnerability as she voiced her deepest fears to Shubman.

Shubman listened attentively as Nehmat poured out her heart, his heart aching for her. He reached out and gently took her hand in his, offering her a comforting squeeze. "Nehmat," he said softly, "you've been through a lot, and it's understandable to have these fears. But I want you to know that you're not alone. You'll always be a priority for me and Vamika."

He paused, searching her eyes with sincerity. "You're not like anyone else, Nehmat. You're strong, caring, and so incredibly special. And as long as I'm here, I'll do everything I can to make sure you never doubt that." Shubman's voice was filled with unwavering support and love as he spoke, hoping to reassure Nehmat that she was cherished and valued beyond measure.

Nehmat gazed up at his, her eyes closing in bliss as he kissed her forehead. Speaking softly, her voice filled with gratitude and affection, she said, "You are precious, the jewel of my heart." He touched their foreheads gently, saying, "You deserve to be cherished, and you will always be the one I want to cherish for the rest of my life."

As they shared this tender moment, Nehmat couldn't help but let out a quiet mutter, "If I marry you, I'll be marrying the greatest man in the world after my father." Shubman smiled his dimples on display, basking in her words of praise.

As they basked in their tender moment, Nehmat couldn't resist offering another praise. "I am the rain of storms past," she whispered softly, "and you are the sunlight. Together, we form the rainbow when we're together."

As Nehmat shared her heartfelt metaphor, Shubman couldn't help but chuckle. "Okay, now you're making me blush," he said, his cheeks warming with affection. Nehmat laughed at his response, their foreheads vibrating against each other with love. However, amidst their shared joy, a certain someone was vibrating with jealousy and anger. This feeling had been brewing since they had looked at a photo from their evening out in Delhi. Could this trip to the West Indies be the turning point in their lives?