Flashback:

As the private jet soared through the clouds, I sat back and let out a long, relieved sigh. The hum of the engines was almost soothing, a constant rhythm that seemed to match the calmness I felt. It wasn't just the luxury of the flight or the comfort of the plush seats—it was knowing that Haris was back home, taking care of Fiza.

I couldn't help but replay the conversation we had on the way to the airport. Haris had joined us in the car, and as we made our way through the city, I had finally voiced the concern that had been weighing on me.

"Haris, suno," I had started, trying to keep my voice steady, "mei jaa rhi hun aur ye dusri baar hai jab mei Fiza ko akeli chor rahi hu. Pehli baar jab wo studies ke liye gayi thi... Mei waise to reh nahi sakti unke bina, but mei ye responsibility tumhe deri hu. Tumhe uska khayal rakhna hai mere aane tak."

I had looked over at Haris, my heart heavy with the thought of leaving Fiza behind, even if only for a little while. But Haris had just smiled, that reassuring smile that always seemed to ease my worries.

"Aap tension na lo, bhabhi," he had replied with confidence. "Mei hoon na, sambhal lunga sab. Ek kharoch bhi nahi aayegi meri sherni pe."

The way he had said "bhabhi" made me blush slightly, but I couldn't resist teasing him. "Meri sherni, haa? Meko pata to lag gaya tha waise ki tum like karte ho Fiza ko." I had been about to say more when Haris interrupted, his voice firm but filled with a quiet passion.

"Like nahi, bhabhi... Ishq karte hai unse. Mohabbat hai wo meri. Zindagi bitana chahta hoon unke saath apni poori."

His words had caught me off guard, the depth of his feelings clear as day. "Ohoo," I had said with a smile, trying to lighten the moment, "tu baat itni badh gayi hai? Chalo fir, jab tak mei aau, tab tak poori pakki kar lena fir."

Haris had nodded, a sincere look in his eyes. "Ji bhabhi, shukriya."

Before I could respond, Adi had chimed in from the driver's seat, his voice playful. "Haan, tab tak hum aaye, saali sahiba ko pata lena."

Haris had laughed, a sound so genuine it filled the car with warmth. "Haan, meri jaan, mana lenge."

We had all laughed then, the moment light and filled with the promise of what was to come. It was in that laughter, that shared understanding, that I found peace. I knew Fiza was in good hands, and that was enough for me to leave with a calm heart.

Present:

The gentle hum of the jet was like a lullaby, wrapping us in a cocoon of peace as we cruised high above the world. Rhea sat on the bed, her back against the plush headboard, and I couldn't resist the urge to join her.

"May I?" I asked softly, looking up at her as I gestured to her lap.

She smiled and nodded, a warmth in her eyes that made my heart feel lighter. I settled down, resting my head in her lap, feeling the comfort of her presence wash over me. It was a moment of peace that I had been craving for days.

Not long after, Aria toddled over, her tiny footsteps almost silent on the carpeted floor. 

"Papa, mein bhi soungi," she declared with all the determination of a seven-year-old.

I couldn't help but smile at her adorableness. "Aja, meri jaan," I said, making room for her. She climbed up and snuggled onto my tummy, her little arms wrapping around me like a koala bear. I hugged her back, feeling her soft breath against my chest. There was something incredibly soothing about having both of them so close.

Rhea's fingers started running through my hair, her touch gentle and tender. I closed my eyes, letting myself relax into the moment, feeling completely at peace.

"Mumma, meko bhi kro aise," Aria's sleepy voice broke the silence, her big eyes looking up at Rhea expectantly.

Rhea chuckled softly. "Haan, Aru baccha," she murmured, shifting slightly to free her other hand. She started to caress Aria's hair with the same tenderness she was showing me. It was a simple gesture, but one filled with so much love that it made my heart swell.

In no time, the rhythm of her touch and the warmth of our closeness had lulled us into sleep. There was something magical about these moments—moments where the world outside ceased to exist, and it was just the three of us, wrapped in our little bubble of love and contentment.

In that quiet, I found a sense of peace I hadn't known I needed. My two girls—my world—were safe and close, and that was all that mattered.

A Little While:

The gentle sway of the jet was a soothing lullaby, but it was Rhea's soft breathing that finally stirred me from my slumber. I blinked open my eyes and saw her dozing off, her head tilting precariously. A tender smile crossed my face as I realized she was on the verge of falling.

I carefully moved, lifting her head gently to keep it straight. As I adjusted her position, I couldn't help but marvel at how peaceful she looked, her face bathed in the soft glow of the cabin lights. I wanted to ensure she was comfortable and safe, so I took my time, making sure not to disturb her more than necessary.

With a quiet sigh, I moved Aria from my tummy and placed her gently on the bed. She stirred slightly but remained asleep, curled up in a snug ball. I made sure she was settled before I turned my attention back to Rhea.

I sat beside her, my heart swelling with affection. With utmost care, I guided her head onto my shoulder, wrapping my arm around her to support her. The warmth of her body against mine was a comfort I hadn't realized I craved so deeply.

I watched as she relaxed into my embrace, her breaths coming evenly and softly. There was something incredibly fulfilling about being able to provide this moment of peace for her. It was a small gesture, but it was filled with a deep, unwavering love that I felt in every part of me.

As I settled in, the hum of the jet and the steady rise and fall of Rhea's breathing created a rhythm that was almost hypnotic. I felt my own eyelids growing heavy as I held her close, a contented sigh escaping my lips. This—this was where I was meant to be. With Rhea and Aria, in this cocoon of warmth and safety, I felt like the world outside had faded away.

In this precious silence, surrounded by the soft sounds of our little family, I found a profound sense of peace. This was our moment, our time to simply be together, and it was more perfect than I could have ever imagined.

I slowly stirred awake, my senses gradually coming back to me. As I blinked open my eyes, I noticed Adi was beside me, his head resting gently on my shoulder. Aria was still curled up on his lap, her tiny fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt. The sight was both heartwarming and reassuring, and a smile tugged at my lips.

I shifted slightly, careful not to disturb either of them, and whispered softly, "Adi?"

He stirred and met my gaze with a gentle smile. "Hey, you're awake."

I nodded, my thoughts clear and purposeful. "I wanted to talk... about us. We don't know a lot about each other, and with Aria asleep, I think this is the right time."

Adi's expression turned serious, though his eyes still held that reassuring warmth. He carefully lifted Aria from his lap, placing her gently on the bed next to us. As he moved, I could see his concern for her, the tenderness in his touch.

He then got up and walked to the seat on the other side of the cabin. I followed his movements, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Adi gestured for me to take a seat at the small table between us, where a soft light bathed the space in a cozy glow.

He settled into his seat and signaled to the flight attendant, ordering coffee for us both. I took a deep breath, appreciating the quiet, intimate atmosphere of the jet. This was a moment for us to connect, to bridge the gaps that remained between us.

Rhea's steady gaze told me she was ready for this conversation, and I could sense the significance of the moment. As I prepared to share my past, the flight attendant arrived with our coffee. I took a moment to savor the warmth of the cup, using it as a brief pause before diving into the more personal aspects of my life.

"I know aap ye janna chahti hai ke mei pehle kisi relationship mei reh chuka hun ya nahi," I began, my voice calm but introspective. The question was straightforward, but I wanted to convey the depth of my experiences.

With a touch of lightness in my tone, I added, "Toh, Mrs. Rhea Verma..."

I noticed Rhea's cheeks flush as I casually added my surname to hers. The sight of her blushing was endearing, and it made me smile. It was a small gesture, but it felt like a step toward something more intimate between us.

Seeing her reaction, I allowed myself a brief smile before continuing. "Meri family ki baat karu toh, mei Mumbai se hi belong krta hu. Bachpan se yahi reh raha hu, aur yahin par studies complete ki. We own a house here... actually, to be exact, a mansion. Haan, I come from a rich family, but I've never been one to show off."

As I spoke, I could almost picture the grandeur of our family home, the way it stood as a testament to the life we had built. Yet, I wanted Rhea to understand that despite our wealth, we had always valued humility.

"Meri mumma ek typical Marathi hai, but she's got no nakhre. She loves me the most. And I've got a younger sister and a younger brother—they're twins. Dono abhi Canada mei hai for their studies. Bhai MBA kr rha hai, and sis fashion designing. Papa bhi hain, aur wo bhi Maratha hi hain."

I looked at Rhea as I shared these details, wanting to see her reaction. Her smile was warm, and I could tell she was genuinely interested. It felt good to talk about my family in such a personal way.

"Nice," she responded warmly. "Meko dono twins se milna hai waise. I'm excited."

Her enthusiasm was heartening, and I couldn't help but grin. "Sure, Mrs. Verma," I said, enjoying the playful tone. "Jald milengi aap unse."

As the conversation took on a more playful tone, I was relieved to see that the mood lightened. But I knew we had deeper topics to discuss, and it was important to keep the conversation going.

I took another sip of my coffee, gathering my thoughts before delving into the more difficult part of my past. "About my previous relationship," I began, my tone shifting to a more serious note. "There was a girl I was very close to in college. We were friends for a long time, but after a year, she confessed her feelings to me. At that time, I didn't know how to respond because I didn't share those feelings."

I paused, remembering the sting of her rejection and the pain of seeing her move on. "She stopped talking to me and even avoided looking at me. It hurt, especially when she was seen with other guys while ignoring me. It was tough."

Rhea's eyes were attentive, and I could see she was deeply engaged. I continued, "One day, I decided to take a bold step. I took a rose and proposed to her in front of the entire college. It was a dramatic gesture, but it was my way of taking control of the situation."

Her reaction was a mix of surprise and curiosity. "In front of the whole college?"

I chuckled softly, the memory both amusing and painful. "Yes. The teachers were out of the school that day, so the reaction was less than expected."

I saw Rhea's curiosity piqued, urging me to continue. "After that, we were in a relationship, and things seemed to be going well. But then, one day, she found out about Aria and my adoption of her. Her reaction was extreme. She couldn't accept it and started making hurtful comments about Aria."

The memory of that confrontation was still fresh. "I was furious. I told her that Aria was my daughter, and no matter what, she would always be my priority. Anyone who couldn't accept that had no place in my life. I left her and cut off all contact. I erased every memory related to that gold digger."

Rhea looked shocked, her expression reflecting the gravity of what I had shared. "Gold digger?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes," I confirmed, feeling a tinge of bitterness. "I later found out from friends that she wasn't just dating me; she was also seeing other wealthy guys. She was using us for money. I don't even remember her clearly anymore."

Her reaction was a mix of shock and anger. "What the fuck?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and frustration.

I nodded, understanding her reaction. "I know, Mrs. Verma calm down aise aap aru ko utha dengi hume aur bhi discuss krna hai waise , It was a harsh lesson, but it made me value genuine relationships even more."

As the conversation shifted, Adi looked at me expectantly. "It's your turn, Rhea," he said gently, encouraging me to share my own story.

I took a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts. "Meri life ke itne blunders nahi hai, dekha jaye to," I began, trying to find the right words. "I am Kannadiga, ji. Apki neighbor hu. Mr. Verma, Karnataka se belong karte hain, isliye krti hu. My mumma is from there, while my dad is from Delhi."

I paused for a moment, gathering my thoughts. "It was an arranged marriage, but it didn't last. My mother was highly educated, and my father had a problem with that. When I was just ten, he remarried. So, yeah, I don't have much respect for him, nor do I remember him much."

The words felt heavy as I spoke them. I'd never shared this part of my life so openly before. "My mum is in politics in Karnataka and lives there. But because I was so close to Fiza and didn't really want to leave Delhi, I continued my studies there, after Fiza left for her own studies."

A soft smile touched my lips as I thought of Fiza. "I continued my studies in Karnataka, and actually, my dream was to become an IPS officer or join the army. But when I saw what Fiza was going through, I decided to join and help her. It became more important to me than my own aspirations."

I looked up at Adi, seeing him listen intently. "That's pretty much my story," I said, feeling a mix of relief and vulnerability. "I've had my own set of challenges, but I've always tried to make the best out of every situation."

Adi nodded thoughtfully, his eyes reflecting a deeper understanding. The weight of our shared confidences made the space between us feel more intimate. In that moment, I felt a sense of closeness that had been missing before.

"We all have our battles," Adi said softly. "But it's how we handle them that defines us."

I looked at Adi, curiosity mingling with a touch of nervousness. "Adi, when did you first fall for me?" I asked softly, hoping for an answer that might reveal more about his feelings.

A gentle smile played on his lips as he began to speak. His voice was almost poetic as he recited:

"Pehla pyaar tha vo jab tujhe maine 

yateemon sang dekha tha,

Hasti muskurati Tu 

apni duniya mein khoyi thi,

Tere chehra masoom thoda muskurata,

Tere uss khushi ke ek pal mein

Meri duniya roshan hui thi."

I was stunned. The words were so beautiful, so heartfelt. "Aapko shayari poem bhi aati hai?" I managed to ask, my voice a mix of admiration and surprise.

Adi chuckled softly. "Ji, Mrs. Verma. Abhi decode kare aap."

I stared at him, my heart fluttering as I tried to decode his poetic confession. "Kr liya decode. Jab orphanage school gayi thi, aur wahan baccho ki madad kar rahi thi, tab dekha apne. Aapne hi kaha tha," I replied, my voice steady but filled with emotion.

Adi's eyes twinkled as he nodded. "Ji, aapko dekh kar hi fida hogaye the, Mrs. Verma."

The sincerity in his eyes, the warmth in his voice—it all made my heart skip a beat. The memory of that day, of seeing him for the first time, came rushing back. It was as if he had seen the real me, beyond the surface, and that realization filled me with a deep sense of connection and understanding.

The flight seemed to be moving along, but in that moment, time felt as if it had stopped, giving us the space to fully appreciate the bond we were forming.

As the private jet touched down, the excitement in the air was palpable. We had finally reached our destination: Disneyland. It was the perfect place for a seven-year-old like Aria, and I could hardly wait to see her reaction.

Aria stirred from her sleep, her eyes fluttering open. As soon as she realized where we were, her face lit up with pure joy. "Yay! Ab mei bhi friends ko btaungi ki Disneyland gaye the hum!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

Her enthusiasm was contagious. Adi and I shared a smile as we watched her bounce with energy. We quickly gathered our things and disembarked the plane, our hearts light with the anticipation of the fun that awaited us.

The drive to Disneyland was filled with laughter and chatter. Aria's excitement was infectious as she chattered about all the rides and attractions she wanted to experience. The sun was shining, and the day promised to be perfect.

As we arrived at Disneyland, the sight of the iconic castle and vibrant colors brought a magical feel to the day. Aria's eyes widened in awe, and she grabbed our hands, pulling us towards the entrance.

The entire day was a whirlwind of joy—riding roller coasters, meeting beloved Disney characters, and indulging in delicious treats. Aria's laughter echoed through the park, and every moment was a reminder of the simple joys of being together as a family.

We spent hours exploring every corner of the park, making memories that would last a lifetime. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, we finally took a moment to sit down and watch the evening parade.

Aria snuggled between Adi and me, her eyes sparkling with the magic of the day. It had been a perfect outing, filled with the kind of happiness that only a place like Disneyland could bring.

As we headed back to the hotel, I felt a deep sense of contentment. The day had been everything we hoped for and more, and seeing Aria so happy was worth every bit of the effort. This trip had not only been about having fun but also about strengthening our bond as a family.

With the day coming to a close, we looked forward to the many more adventures that awaited us.

Disney Land Aesthetics