Dawn of Spring

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

"Momma!"

Both Ahana and Vivaan stopped in their tracks and turned around to see any other visitor sneaking up from behind them, but when they found no one in the room, the pair looked back at the toddler, mildly confused.

Gia was trying hard to get out of her hospital bed that was supported from all four corners to prevent the patient from accidentally slipping off. She moved her arms around restlessly, trying to reach them.

Vivaan was the first one to comment the moment Ahana comforted her. "She thinks you are her mom."

"She said that before. Once." Ahana nodded, recalling the incident while taking the happy child in her arms, who was mumbling some random jumbles at her. "I must look like her Mother."

"Or, you could be secretly hiding a child." Vivaan teased, shoving her arms playfully. She flinched, uttering a soft hiss as she continued to cradle her.

Vivaan and his mother, whom Ahana had not yet met, used all their social ties to arrange a safe meeting between the two and the girl. Ahana placed Gia on the bed, and she pouted in response, raising her arms. The little one was exhausted from being cooped up and having no one to play with.

"Mom-ma!" She called out again, this time pushing herself up to reach her.

"Thrice, if you count!"

Vivaan gave her a feign thumbs-up sign at her remarkable skill in fast calculations.

"You know, you can call me Momma until we find a real Mom for you," Ahana spoke in between the words, ignoring the man, as she picked her up again, only this time to lead out to a small playroom, specifically designed for kids her age.

Vivaan looked at her, holding the door out for her. "After you."

The 'Kidz Play' featured many amusements like swings, small rides, and toys. All encircled by a patch of lush green grass cut in the shape of a "V" with an inner circle featuring a brilliant bed of flowers.

Gia's face beamed with joy when they came into the room. She was practically squirming in Ahana's arms, eager to explore all the fun attractions. Ahana had to pull her back, keeping her from jumping out of her embrace. She was so enthusiastic! After she placed Gia in her wheelchair, Ahana moved her around the tiny park until they reached the swings.

Young Gia observed the kids around her. She found contentment in seeing children her age walking, jogging, and swinging from side to side on a swing set. Ahana thought it should have brought her joy. They had gone out of their way to meet up and get Gia out of the hospital room.

Only it didn't.

Vivaan observed Ahana as she looked around the amusement park, feeling put out. He carefully lifted Gia from her crouched position and held her securely in his arms before proceeding to the various rides. Making sure her legs were steady and she wouldn't slip, they went from one swing to another, and Gia was having an absolute blast.

Ahana was amazed by the sound of her laughter, something she had not heard before. She stayed frozen in one spot, watching them having a great time together. Vivaan looked like he was reliving his childhood, rolling around in the mud while holding her up carefully to prevent bending her legs too much. He also took her near flower beds, and they participated in an inhaling contest to see who could do it faster and for longer.

Vivaan appeared visibly disappointed when Gia won that little game, but he smiled nonetheless. Ahana was quietly following them from behind.

"Looks like you found yourself a new girlfriend." She grinned at his pouty look and the toddler copying the same thing.