Estranged | ✓

XXXXV. magic

vanraj:

I was standing in the kitchen.
Struggling to make theplas for the nth time.

I had made my way back home early, yet again.
I hadn't even changed my clothes.
I could hear Pakhi and Samar bickering over who's the cutest.
Toshu was busy over his newly bought phone, talking to a girl.

I would have been the average middle class Hitler type Dad, but Anupamaa had given me sharp instructions so I decided to keep my "Dominating Fatherly" urges under control.

I heard the door knob click.
But I did not turn.
I wanted her to see me cooking.

Maharani ji, you're not the only one, okay? I too can cook and look hot at the same time.

The door opened and shut.
I turned the gas stove off. I had made above average food, I believed.
I took the theplas on a plate and kept the pan back.

I stood in bated breath.

And then I felt her arms wrap around my body. He hand wrapped around my waist, and other rested on my heart.
She hugged me tightly. I felt her head resting on my back.

"I missed you.", She whispered.
My lips curved into an instant smile.
I turned towards her.
She looked tired, yet she beamed.
I carefully tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

I edged closer and softly kissed her forehead.
"I missed you more.", I said.
"Mumma!", We heard Pakhi and immediately stepped away from each other, awkwardly.

"Aww! You messed up the romance, stupid!", Samar said annoyed.
Anupamaa's face flushed.
"What ro-romance? You've become so over smart.", I said, trying to cover up.

"Papa, we live in the US. This is very normal here.", Toshu said like the most intellectual person in the room.
"Yeah! You know my bestie David, said he saw his parents kiss..", Samar said and then lowered in voice,
"On the lips."

I looked at Anupamaa and she looked at me,
Absolutely awkward.
When we were kids we lived under the impression that children were gifts from god's until we read that chapter of reproduction.
That too was barely taught by teachers.
And we rarely understood a word.

And then there are these kids who seem to know the meaning of romance.

"Yeah whatever..", Anupamaa said, trying to sound normal.
"You three will now have dinner. Come on, go get seated at the table.", She said.

Anu looked at my self made theplas.
"Ah.. someone's been a good boyfriend today.", She said, looking impressed.

"I might be a bad husband but I am an awesome boyfriend.", I said proudly, settling the collar of my shirt.
She raised a brow with an amused smile.
"Fine, we will keep it that way for this birth then. Next birth we'll think about marriage.", She said smartly.

Talk about things backfiring.

"Arrey.. no no. I will be a good husband too. Baa ki kasam.", I said as she broke into a giggle.
"Aww.. look at the great Vanraj Shah looking so scared.", She said

"I am scared. What's the lie?", I said in a matter of factly tone.
She glanced back at the table once, the children were busy with themselves.
Then she abruptly kissed my cheek.