Love Me

1

"Mom and dad, please don't go alone. Take me with you too," Roshni pleaded, grabbing her mom's hand with one hand and the door with the other.

"Don't worry, Roshni baby. We'll be back soon. We're already running late," her mom reassured, lovingly running her fingers through Roshni's hair and patting her head.

"I'll never talk to you again! And why are you leaving me with the devil? Why can't I stay with my cousin?" Roshni protested.

"I've already told you many times, Roshni. They're not your real cousins, and they don't have good intentions. End of discussion," her mom firmly replied.

Roshni stomped her foot and turned to face the wall in frustration.

Meanwhile, her mom and dad left the house and encountered Daksh and his parents waiting outside.

"Hello, my child! You look super handsome. If I weren't already married, I would have agreed to you," Roshni's mom joked, prompting her husband to wrap his arm around her shoulder.

"You know I don't like it when you say that," he teased.

"You don't like anything! And don't you dare marry him off to someone else. He's meant for my Roshni baby, that's been clear from the beginning. And Daksh, don't go around getting a girlfriend. I know you're smart and popular with the girls in college, but remember that teacher-student relationships are forbidden," Roshni's mom warned.

"Forbidden fruit always tastes good, Aunt," Daksh replied with a smile.

Do not jest, as we are departing tomorrow. Keep a close eye on her as her 12th board exams are approaching. If her report is unsatisfactory, I will reprimand you," Roshni's mother warned Daksh with a stern look.

"Cease your theatrics; we both have flights, albeit at different times. I plan to transfer ownership of my hospital to someone else and settle there permanently. I dislike being alone." Daksh's mother stated as she took a seat on the couch.

"Why do you feel the need to leave?" Roshni's mother inquired.

"Don't you know, Kanak? She is driving me crazy, which is why I am considering moving here permanently. Daksh, why don't you also move back to our old house?"

"I cannot. I have my own house, and it is close to my workplace," Daksh replied.

"Understandable," his mother nodded in agreement.

"We are leaving tomorrow. Take care of my daughter while I am away. You can treat her as if she were your wife," she said, causing everyone to look at her in disbelief. "Alright, alright, treat her as if you were her guardian," she added, rolling her eyes.

Laughter filled the room as they all departed for their respective homes shortly after.

The next day, after bidding farewell to her mother, Roshni began to cry while rubbing her eyes.

"I will let you use my phone to play games for a while if you stop crying right now," Ayaan said, attempting to console her.

"Really? Will you?" Roshni asked, immediately halting her tears.

Ayaan nodded. "But you must be quiet. I am studying for my exams. Don't you want to see me become a doctor?"

Roshni shook her head.

"Why?" Ayaan inquired.

"I am scared of exams," she replied softly.

"Do not worry. You do not need to fear me. Here, take this phone. You can download any game, but only games. No chatting or Instagram reels," Ayaan said, laughing as he handed her his phone.