Borrowed But Mine: An Arylie FF

Borrowed But Mine: Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Day 3

"Hi Maa!!" Imlie came up from behind Narmada who was intently counting something off of a notebook, and hugged her around the neck.

Narmada beamed happily. Imlie was back!! How she'd missed this child? A few days ago, when she'd left the house and Aryan had left shortly thereafter, she'd worried about them.

But all seemed fine again. She'd talked to Aryan yesterday. He seemed more than content. As always, he was cryptic and evasive, but then occasionally his lips would twitch in an almost smile at the mention of Imlie.

She knew him well.

Narmada grasped Imlie's wrists and pulled her around to look at her, her eyes slowly widening at the new change.

"What...is this?" She gently touched the young girl's cheek, her gaze riveted on her chin.

Imlie gently tapped her chin. "Do you like it?" Her eyes anxiously sought Narmada's approval.

"It makes you look....sweeter, prettier," Narmada searched for the right words, "...it sets you apart. I like it. Does....Aryan know?"

With a slow smile, Imlie shook her head. "It's a surprise for him. No more video calls!" She grinned.

Narmada reached out and brushed Imlie's tattoo. "Does it hurt?"

"Not any more! I used to have one, when I was....Imlie Godbole. This is me, Maa. Your Imlie."

"I love it, my Imlie. You went to Mumbai, how was everything?" Narmada asked carefully.

"We...talked. He..." Imlie bent her head, "He is ....nothing else matters other than him. It's scary, Maa. How does it happen? How does one person taking precedence over everything else? We've not known each other for that long..."

"Sometimes...I wonder Imlie, you know how they say relationships are made in heaven? It must be true. Not just you and Aryan, but you and me, how everyone in this household who immensely disliked Madhu, took to you at first sight. You and Veerji. I've seen you..."

"I told Dadda, Maa."

Narmada's lips parted in surprise.

"And?" She clasped Imlie's hands, "Veerji...."Narmada scanned Imlie's face carefully, "Is he okay?"

Imlie nodded wordlessly.

"Are you.....okay?"

Imlie's lips lifted in a lopsided rueful smile.