Our Paradise

Chapter 2 : Attachment

The shriek sound of my alarm woke me up from my not so deep slumber. I feel like it was just a moment ago that I had fallen asleep, and it is 5:30 am already now. Despite the jet lag, falling asleep yesterday was a struggle because my mind was occupied with lots and lots of thoughts and waking up today is again a struggle because I'm not ready to see the first day of my arrival here yet. Moreover, I'm not fond off waking up early unless I've to report to work, I love sleeping. But now that I've already woken up, I think I should go grab a cup of coffee and have a moment of silence with myself before everyone wakes up.

While mentally planning my day, I walked towards the kitchen but to my surprise, it was already occupied by Riddhima and Ridhvi.

Ridhvi sat on the kitchen tabletop, all fresh and energized unlike me who had not even bothered to brush.

"Will you take hot or cold milk?" Riddhima questioned, she had her back towards her as she took out the milk from the refrigerator.

Ridhvi pretended to think, her shoulders slouched, cupping her face with both her hands. Cute.

"Tell me betu."

"No milk, Mumma me same...tea."

There was no response from Riddhima, she simply proceeded to heat the milk.

Probably taking her silence as no, there came a three sixty degree turn in her face expressions. She no more looked excited but instead looked like a kid who was denied of his favorite candy, oh she was actually that kid here.

"Please" she pleaded, her eyes suddenly full of unshed tears.

Wow! That was quick. I thought to myself.

"Okay, whatever my princess wants" Riddhima said, without much resistance.

Ridhvi grinned.

She was a drama queen, I concluded.

"Good morning papa"

She beamed at me, drawing her mother's attention too.

"Good morning" I attempted to sound as enthusiastic as her, making her way towards them. She was quick to throw herself in my arms, not giving me time to prepare. I stumbled back, barely managing to hold her safe. Riddhima lurched forward to hold her at the same time. I sent an assuring glance towards Riddhima, standing straight and tightening my hold on Ridhvi. Riddhima sighed. Ridhvi planted a kiss on my left cheek, smiling widely, oblivious of the mini heart attack she gave us, maybe she was used to be in protective arms of her father.

"You needed anything?" Riddhima asked.

"Yeah, I actually came to make myself a cup of coffee."

"Sorry, we don't have coffee powder right now. Actually no one drinks it regularly. here"

"Oh! That's okay"

No, it wasn't really okay because I needed at least one cup of coffee to kickstart my day. How am I going to survive a whole day without coffee?

"For now, you can have this." she said forwarding a cup towards me.

"No, thanks! You two have it, I'll manage" Though I was tempted to take it, I couldn't because I knew it was for her and Ridhvi.

"Don't be so formal please. She anyways can't finish it all by herself, she will be full just after few sips, we will share." Look who's talking about formalities. Riddhima. Who haven't even shared a knowing glance me with since yesterday, neither she looks in the mood too.

Anyways, I didn't deny her tempting offer second time because I really needed something to get rid off my sleepiness. I took the cup from her hand, mumbling a "thanks."