'Ahhhh mummaa!!!' a little girl screams dramatically as her mother is making her hair in two ponytail..
Her eyebrow arched suspiciously.
"Ab kya hua?" she asked, clearly unconvinced.
Before she could touch her hair again, the little girl let out another high-pitched scream - this time, without even being touched.
She folded her arms across her chest, instantly catching her daughter's drama.
'Haa haa tu baeth yaha aur ese hi chillate reha...mein jaa rahi hu niche aur sabko bol deti hu ki aj Shreya ki mann nahi ha cake cut karne ki' she get up putting on her bed..
As you might've already guessed, the woman was none other than Rithika, and the dramatic little actress was her adopted daughter, Shreya - a bundle of mischief and love. Today is her birthday and Rithika is making her ready.
But before she could go, the little girl wraps her arms around her legs..
'Nahi na mumma..mujhe cake cut karni hain' she pouts.
Her mother took her in arms softly, 'Jo bache apni mumma ko itna pareshan karti hain..woh log nahi karte cake cut aur meri Shreya toh bilkul bhi good girl nahi hain...'
She immediately shook her head as she cup her cheeks with her small palm.
'Nahi nahi Shreya good girl hain..woh bad girl nahi hain' she says climbing on her arm..
'Kaha good girl hain?? Ek ponytail tak nahi badhne de rahi' she says showing her the rubber band and the comb.
'Nahi nahi ..I am a good girl mumma' she says as she immediately sat on her lap asking her to tie it.
She bite her lips to control her smile and tie her hair in two cute ponytail.
Kya ho raha hain mumma aur beti ke beech?"
Shreya's face lit up with the voice.
"Papaaaaaa!!!" Shreya squealed in excitement, instantly abandoning her mother's lap to sprint towards the doorway.
Ahaan, her father, knelt down with open arms, catching his little whirlwind just in time. He hugged her tightly, his face glowing with love.
"Haan, papa ki jaan!" he grinned, planting a tender kiss on her forehead.
"Papa, see my pink Cinderella dress!" Shreya giggled, spinning like a tiny princess, showing off her sparkling gown and matching pink shoes.
"Aww... my jaan is looking sooooo beautiful!" Ahaan gushed dramatically, placing a hand on his chest as if he were completely overwhelmed.
Shreya giggled harder, her face turning pink with joy.
'Aapko pasand aayi na dress??' he asked taking her in arms.
She nods her head, 'Bohutttttttttttttt'
'Toh mujhe bhi bohut pasand ayaaaaaaaaaaaa' he chuckles kissing her head once again.
Rithika stand there watching the duo with small smile. After the trio get ready ,they went downstairs for cutting the cake.
'Woww mumma cindrella cake' she screamed in Joy.
Both Ahaan and Rithika helps her in cutting the cake while all the people sang happy birthday song clapping their hands.
She was about to feed the piece of cake to her papa but he ask, 'Pehale apne mumma ko khilao jaan'
She then tried to feed her mumma and she also shook her head, 'Pehale apne papa ko khilao'
She frowns getting confused from who to feed first and the guest started laughing.
But Shreya wasn't one to back down easily. With a determined look, she grabbed another piece of cake with her left hand and held both pieces up proudly - one for her papa and one for her mumma.
'Mujhe bhi khilao na!!' she whines getting impatient to eat her favourite strawberry cake.
Both of them then fed her and kissed her cheek.
Shreya giggled, her face glowing with happiness - her family's love sweeter than any cake she could ever have.
It was midnight when Rithika stepped out of the washroom, her fresh night clothes clinging softly to her skin. The faint moonlight seeped through the curtains, casting a serene glow across the room.
Her gaze softened as it landed on Ahaan, already fast asleep with their daughter cuddled securely in his arms. A small smile tugged at her lips - this sight never failed to warm her heart.
She quietly walked closer, leaning down to caress Shreya's soft curls before pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Thank you, baby, for filling our lives with happiness... Mumma and Papa love you so much," she whispered, her voice tender with emotion.
Her eyes then drifted to Ahaan - her husband, her strength, her home. His face looked so peaceful, so innocent in his sleep. She bent down and kissed his forehead softly.
"I love you..." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
But before she could move away, a strong hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. In one swift pull, she stumbled forward, landing squarely on his chest.
"Ahaan!" she gasped in surprise, but before she could say more, he covered her mouth with his palm.
"I love you too, my wife," he grinned mischievously before planting a kiss on her nose.
Her eyes widened. "Ahaan, aap soye nahi abhi tak?" she asked, placing her hand on his chest.
He smirked, his arms tightening around her waist as he pulled her closer.
"Ab tumhare bina neend thodi aati hai... hmm?" His eyebrows rose playfully, making her shake her head with a smile.
"Kya dekh rahi ho?" he murmured, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
In response, she leaned in and pecked his lips.
"Thank you... and sorry," she whispered softly.
His brows knitted in confusion. "Kyu Rithika?"
"Bas aise hi... mann kiya thank you bolne ka," she said quietly, resting her head on his chest and closing her eyes.
But no matter how much she tried to suppress it, the ache in her heart lingered. One lone tear escaped the corner of her eye, dampening his shirt.
She flinched slightly when she felt his thumb gently wipe away her tear.
"Phir se roh rahi ho, haan?" His voice softened, his arm tightening protectively around her waist.
"Nahi..." her voice cracked.
He gently gripped her chin, lifting her face so their eyes met.
"Jo beet gayi, so baat gayi... yeh kahawat suni hai na?" he whispered, his thumb brushing her cheek.
Rithika didn't say a word - she just buried her face back in his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"Aise rote rahi na Rithika," he warned, "I swear I'll not take you to bring our baby boy tomorrow. Sirf mein aur meri beti jayenge... tum akele ghar pe rehna."
She shot up instantly, eyes wide. "Hawww... nahi! Bilkul nahi! Mein maa hoon na... tum aise nahi kar sakte!" she protested with mock anger.
Ahaan chuckled. "Jo maa aise bachon ki tarah rote hain, unhe dekh kar bachhe aur darr jaate hain," he teased, earning a playful glare from her.
She hurriedly wiped her face, her pout still lingering. "Acha thik hain... nahi ro rahi! Khush ab?"
His smile widened, eyes twinkling with affection. "Bohut khush..."
Content and at peace, they both drifted off to sleep, their hearts beating in perfect harmony as they held each other close - a love that no time, no distance, no regret could ever break.
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