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With a smile on my face, I pull my car from the driveway. I can’t wait to get home, to my family.
Chapter 36
Alisha
“God, aren’t you the most adorable and the prettiest girl, just like the Disney princess? Don’t you think so, Rishi?” Mom looks at Dad.
As promised, Ranveer, Mili, and I came over for dinner at my parents’ place. And to say that Mom has gone over the board is an understatement. She has prepared a whole buffet of food—pasta, noodles, fried rice, chicken nuggets, burgers and much more, which has filled the dining table. But this time, I don’t complain about her going all out. Instead, I am beside myself with joy that my parents have welcomed Mili with open arms. Not that I had a doubt they would. I know my parents; they have a big heart. It’s just that I was a little anxious about how it would turn out when they meet Mili for the first time, more so in terms of regarding her as my daughter. But the smiles on their faces chased away whatever little dubiety I had about the circumstances.
“I agree. We definitely have a princess sitting between us,” Dad concurs, smiling at Mom and then at Mili, who is sitting in between Mom and him. He then whispers something in Mili’s ears, which makes Mili giggle.
“And she is also my little culinarian who helps in the kitchen when I need to mix the batter. She is a pro at it.” I beam proudly from across the table. Ranveer places his hand on mine and squeezes it. I turn my face to look at him and see his smiling face.
“Is that so? I am going to steal your girl when I plan to bake the cupcakes. What say, Mili, would you like to bake with me someday?” Mom asks gently as she fills Mili’s plate with pasta.
“Cupcakes are my favourite, and I would loovvvee to make them with you,” Mili agrees, as she gives my mom an adoring look, like she’s her new buddy.
“Well, I like the idea. Mili can also have a sleepover at your parents’ house, giving you and me a chance to have our wild night,” Ranveer whispers. I turn and mock glare at him.
“No way am I allowing Mili away for the night,” I whisper back.
“Come on, Wifey, don’t be a killjoy. It’s been days since I heard you scream my name,” he murmurs, making me blush. As such, that’s true. With Mili under the same roof, I always make sure not to be loud.
“Can we not have this conversation now?” I keep whispering as I look at him with narrowed eyes. My cheeks turn to a deep shade of red when I hear Dad chuckle across the table whereas Mom makes a noise like she’s trying to hold back her laughter. Even Mili can barely cover the giggle that escapes her lips.
“Now will you stop? Mom and Dad are watching us,” I say through clenched teeth. However, he merely grins and then shrugs, like he doesn’t care.
“You both really make an adorable couple,” Mom says, looking lovingly at Ranveer and me.
“I agree,” Dad concedes.“You have a lovely family, Princess.”
I look up at him and nod as tears burn my eyes.Yesterday, when Ranveer told me about how good his meeting with my dad went, I couldn’t believe my ears for a moment. But the elation and contentment I saw in Ranveer’s eyes was proof enough and I started jumping with joy. My parents are the core of my life, and their approval in this aspect of my life was important to me.
“Thanks, Dad,” I reply quietly and then add, “You know, Dad, every girl subtly looks for her dad’s qualities in her husband. I never imagined I would find someone who would be as wonderful as you are, Dad. I never thought anyone could love and care for me as much as you and Mom do. But Ranveer came into my life and proved me wrong. He showed me that he loves me immensely, and I mean the world to him.”
Dad’s eyes mirror the same emotion as mine. “I am happy that you found a man like Ranveer as your life partner. I am sure even if we tried, we wouldn’t have been able to find anyone who would love you the way he does,” he says, his eyes soft with affection brimming in them.
These words mean a lot to me. Them not approving Ranveer was the only thing gnawing at my senses. I close my eyes as I revel in this sensation, and inhale a deep breath.The joy that fills my heart cannot be compared to any other happiness. This happiness; it’s one of a kind. My life surely is perfect.I feel a hand wrap around my shoulders, and my eyes fly open.I turn my head to Ranveer whose eyes are fixed on mine. Innumerable emotions dance in his eyes as he lifts my hand in his and brings it to his lips.
“I love you…”
“Mommy and Daddy are the best.” Mili’s soft voice turns my attention back to her.
I notice she has a pleased and cheery look on her face.I move my eyes around at my family and then back at my girl and Ranveer, and the tears that have been threatening at the back of my eyes, spill and roll down my cheeks.At this moment, it hits me that I am living my dream of having a happy family. There’s nothing more heavenly than the love of family, and I am a lucky person to get so much of it. This bond between us is the most precious treasure I’ll ever have, and I silently vow to myself to always make sure to hold my family together and ensure that our happiness will be infinite and abundant.I continue to stare at Mili and then look at Ranveer, knowing this is the only perfect place where I feel most content. My family, my everything – it is what my heart needs to beat.
Chapter 37
Ranveer
When my mobile rings with Soha’s name flashing on the screen, I let the call go to a voicemail, without ascertaining her reason to call. But when my phone doesn’t stop ringing, I intuitively know that something is wrong. My eyes fall on the wall clock in my bedroom; it’s seven in the morning. This further confirms that something is definitely wrong. Having no choice, I answer the call.
“Hello.”
“Ran… Ranveer… I…” Soha stammers as I hear her sobs. “Can you please come to Colombo Hospital? I have been admitted here.”
I should not be bothered about the reason she is at the hospital but I can’t stop myself from asking, “What’s wrong? Are you hurt or something?”
“I had a small accident. I… can’t tell you more. There are things I have to let you know. But I want to do that in person, not over a call. So, if it’s possible, can you come over?”
