Night of 25TH

Chap 2: Cocooned in Time

Present :

Author

Bidding his sister adieu, he gently closed the door and turned around, only to discover the twins attempting to make their escape to the game room once again. Despite his reluctance, he understood that he had to be firm with his little ones; otherwise, they would become unruly and challenging to manage.

"Ahaan, Ahaana," he declared with a resolute tone, causing the children to halt in their tracks.

"Yes, Mamu?" the five-year-old innocently inquired, well aware of the persuasive power their adorable faces held.

"No more games today; we shall establish a designated time tomorrow for the video games," he asserted authoritatively, ensuring that they recognized his authority.

"Mamu," they implored, wrapping their arms around his legs and pouting, their gaze fixed upon his towering figure, attempting to sway him with their adorable faces as they sensed their argument slipping away.

"Well, well, it is a stern instruction from your mother, and unfortunately, I can't help you two," he responded, freeing himself from their embrace and offering them a remorseful smile.

"We thought you were on our side," the children whined.

"I do wish I could be on your side," he replied, affectionately bopping their noses.

"Furthermore, excessive screen time isn't good for you," he added, making his way towards the kitchen to attend to their nourishment.

The children huffed and crossed their arms, settling upon the couch. They commenced formulating a plan to play video games while he rummaged through the kitchen, searching for ingredients to prepare a quick dish. Alas, he could not locate the necessary items, and his weariness dissuaded him from embarking upon a time-consuming meal. Glancing at the clock, he assessed the remaining time and his dwindling energy, he resolved to order dinner instead. As he returned to the living room, he observed the twins engaged in a hushed conversation, and the moment he entered, they resumed their indignant postures. With a knowing smile, he comprehended that persuading them would require just a few words, and victory would assuredly be his.

"What will you two eat?" he inquired, yet was met with a deafening silence.

"Kya khaoge?" he repeated, questioning loudly this time. Alas, the response from the other end remained silence

"Very well, it appears that someone will miss out on the delicious ice cream and pizza," he dramatically announced.

Their ears perked up at the mention of their favoured culinary delights.

"Nooo," they exclaimed in unison, rushing towards the couch, grasping onto his biceps, their anger and devised plan dissipating instantaneously.

"Very well, let us proceed to place the order," he chuckled, relishing the sight of their instantaneous shift in demeanour.

Shubman

While relishing the slice of my pizza, I cast a glance at the twins. They were eagerly devouring their slices in silence, their faces adorned with tiny crumbs that elicited a chuckle from me. Upon hearing my laughter, both of them raised their heads, their expressions tinged with a touch of offence.

"You know, Mamu, this is the absolute best way to enjoy pizza," my nephew asserted with a serious tone, determined to prove his point.

Amused, I nodded in agreement, acknowledging the conviction in their young hearts.

Once we finished our meal, the three of us cosied up under a blanket, indulging in ice cream while immersed in animated cartoons. Glancing at the clock, I noticed it striking midnight, signalling bedtime. Retrieving the television remote, I turned it off, announcing that it was time to sleep. Surprisingly, the kids didn't protest. When I looked at them, their droopy eyes revealed their drowsiness. Discarding our empty cups in the bin, we prepared ourselves for bed. I settled them in my sister's old bedroom and was about to depart when a small hand gripped my finger. Turning around, I was met with an endearing request.

"Mamu, will you snuggle and sleep with us?" my niece cutely inquired, her eyes reflecting a puppy-dog expression—a trait she inherited from her mother, one I have yet to learn to resist.

Unable to resist those puppy-dog eyes and the heart-melting plea, I crawled under the comforter, nestled between the twins. I gently patted their heads until the soft sound of their snores reached my ears. Gazing down at their innocent faces resting on my chest, my eyes welled up with tears. Every time I look at them, I am transported back in time, witnessing the same innocent countenance, sparkling eyes, and the cherry dimple on the left cheek. I have never dared to spend more than a day with them without memories of my past resurfacing. Yet, as I hold them in my arms, I feel the same warmth I experienced years ago. It seems I have been evading the beautiful moments I could share with them out of fear of dwelling in the past. Tenderly caressing their faces, I pressed kisses on their foreheads, drawing them closer to me before succumbing to sleep

Author

The December winds danced merrily from the window, causing the wind chimes to clink and harmonize in a delightful symphony, heralding the imminent arrival of sheer joy. Simultaneously, the subtle currents whisked away the settled dust particles on the weathered pages of the old diary, as if heralding the opportune moment for a narrative to unfold—a story embellished with a more promising and satisfying denouement, one that would leave an indelible mark of fulfilment and contentment.