AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I didn’t mean that. But it’s time for you to behave like a mom, because if you don’t, I will have no choice but to give my daughter the life she deserves, even if that means without you in it,” I say, my eyes pinning her with a death glare. She starts to open her mouth to say something but stops when Mili hops her way into the living room.
“I am all packed, Mommy,” Mili announces as she comes to stand in front of us.
“Have a nice time with your dad,” Soha says, caressing Mili’s hair.
“Daddy always makes me happy.” Mili looks at me and smiles. She then turns to her mother. “Mommy, will you come later to play doll house with me?”
“Sorry, Baby, but you know I hate playing those kiddy games. Also, Mommy has to go out and can’t come back until tomorrow,” she explains with a smile on her face. If I didn’t know her better, I’d think her smile is genuine, but I am aware it’s as fake as her.
“Are we ready to go?” I ask cutting in, not wanting the shine on my daughter’s face to vanish because of her mother.
Mili turns toward me, and I pick her up. She wraps her arms around my neck, giving me a tight squeeze. “Yes, I am, Daddy.” She leans back to look at me. “Will you buy me a chocolate pastry on the way?”
“Of course, I will. Anything else, Princess?”
She taps her little finger on her chin, giving it a thought. “Pizza.”
“And?” I ask knowing that’s not all on her list.
“Ice cream.”
“I think you have exceeded your junk list for the day.”
“Okay,” she gives in as her cute little nose scrunches. Smiling, I kiss her cheek, place her on her feet, and meet Soha’s gaze.
“Let me know when you want me to drop her back to you.”
“I’ll call you once I am back.”
Lifting my chin, I walk with Mili to the door. I stand in the doorway as Soha gives Mili a hug. A smile tugs the corners of my mouth when I see Mili make a funny face at Soha. After that, we make our way to my car. Once I have Mili settled in the car, I drive us away for our fun day together.
Chapter 10
Alisha
While collecting Dad’s physical check-up from the hospital reception, I smile at the girl behind the desk and inquire if the doctor is available for consultation. She nods and confirms my appointment, which is after twenty minutes. Thanking her, I head towards the consulting room. Dad was supposed to accompany me, but since he is still feeling a little weak, I ended up collecting his report on his behalf and checking with the doctor whether everything is fine or do I need to bring him to the hospital. I did go through his report; all his parameters appear normal, and it seems to be a seasonal flu. But till I don’t hear the words from the doctor, I won’t be at peace. Just hearing the words that he is totally fine and healthy is something I desperately wish to hear.
As I settle myself in a steel chair that’s outside the doctors’ room, I hear a soft murmur come from close by. When I look around the area, I go rigid with shock for a second. My eyes land on Ranveer, standing a couple of feet away, talking to one of the doctors. Why the hell does he have to be wherever I am? My heart skips a beat, and I feel the collywobbles in my tummy. Beyond a shadow of doubt, he still has this crazy effect on me. My fingers feel numb as all my senses go haywire, and the file drops from my hand. As I bend to pick up the file, I let out a gasp and then blink a couple of times when my gaze falls on Mili smiling up at me from under the chair next to mine. She places her finger on her lips and gazes at me with pleading eyes, urging me to keep her refuge a secret.
“Are you hiding?” I ask in a hushed voice.
She nods her head in agreement, causing her dark hair to fall forward, slightly blocking her vision. Biting my lower lip as I smile, I turn my attention back to Ranveer and notice the terrified expression on his face as his eyes scan the place. It doesn’t take long for his eyes to find mine. Without verbally letting out Mili’s secret, I gesture with my eyes below the bench. He narrows his eyes for a moment and then peers beneath. My eyes are glued to his face as I watch the weight lift off his shoulders before he heads our way.
Rising from my chair, I crouch down in front of Mili. “Why are you hiding?”
“I don’t like doctors,” she mumbles, and that’s when I notice a tiny cut on her forehead.
I am about to ask her how she got the cut, when I feel my stomach in knots while Ranveer squats down next to me.
“So, this is where you were? You scared me, Princess,” he sighs, grabbing Mili’s tiny wrist as he gently pulls her out of her sanctum to stand in front of him.
“I don’t want to get an injection.”
“You won’t, Princess, I promise. The doctor will just have a look at your cut and put a bandage,” he explains calmly, smoothing her hair back from her forehead.
My heart is fit to burst with warmth as I watch him being so gentle with Mili. Now I am even surer about my decision to stay away from Ranveer. I have no right to encroach on the relationship between the father and daughter. I need to get away from them. Shaking my head, I am about to rise to my feet when I feel Ranveer’s strong hand on my thigh, stopping me from moving. My body freezes and my heart starts beating against the walls of my rib cage with a flutter of butterflies in my stomach.
“What are you doing at the hospital? Are you okay?” he asks in a worried tone as his eyes study my face.
