Species Of Life

28. The Ties That Hold 💫👨‍👩‍👧‍👦(Updated)

The morning sun cast a soft golden hue across the park as two figures walked side by side beneath the rustling trees. Jannat and her father, Ranveer, strolled in thoughtful silence, their footsteps slow and deliberate. The cool breeze stirred the leaves, and the chirping of birds filled the pauses in their conversation.

"Dad..." Jannat's voice broke the stillness, uncertain but gentle.

Ranveer hummed in response, not turning his gaze from the path ahead.

"Many things have changed since I left," she said quietly.

Ranveer glanced at her, his brow slightly furrowed. "Like what?"

A soft, bittersweet smile played on her lips. "Like how you used to hate morning walks... but now you come every day."

A chuckle escaped Ranveer's lips. "I still hate them. But the doctor was firm—high blood pressure means no excuses."

Jannat nodded, but her expression dimmed. "Not everything is the same though... Abhi bhai... he's changed. He used to be so fun-loving. He rarely lost his temper. But now..." Her voice trailed off, laced with sorrow.

Ranveer sighed. "It's the burden of responsibility, beta. After I stepped down, everything fell on his shoulders."

"And what about Ashu?" Jannat asked, her voice sharper now. She turned to her father. "He was the heart of our home. Mischievous, cheerful... just his smile could brighten the dullest day. But now, it's like that part of him is gone."

Ranveer's voice was quiet. "Ashu isn't a child anymore. He's a father now."

"That's not it, Papa," Jannat whispered. Her throat tightened. "This... this is all because of me."

Ranveer halted and looked at her with a pained expression. "No, bachha. Don't say that."

"But it's true, Dad. Let's not pretend otherwise."

Wanting to ease the weight in the air, she changed the subject. "So, do you always walk alone?"

Ranveer welcomed the shift and responded softly, "No. Sometimes Abhi joins me... or Kanha."

Their conversation slowly drifted into light-hearted topics as they made their way back to the house.

Back at the Nigam mansion, the kitchen was alive with activity. Vaishnavi and Avneet were preparing breakfast together. Avi gently nudged her sister.

"Di, leave all this to me. You need to rest and take care of this little one," she said, resting a protective hand on Vaishnavi's belly.

Vaishnavi smiled faintly. "Avi, I get bored staying in bed all day. Let me help."

"But still..."

"Please, Avi."

Avneet gave in with a sigh. "Fine. By the way, when are you telling Sid about the baby?"

Vaishnavi's eyes twinkled. "Tomorrow is Raksha Bandhan. I was thinking... maybe I'll surprise him then?"

Avi grinned. "That's a great idea."

"Where is everyone?" Vaishnavi asked, glancing around.

"Siddharth is in the shower. Mom's in the temple. Papa and Akshu are out walking. Khushi and Abhinav are still sleeping. And Abhi bhai is preparing for today's meeting."

"Then let's finish up and call everyone," Vaishnavi said.