TO THE STARS THAT LISTEN

CHAPTER 26: Coco

Ahaan

It took me half a day to fill in the formalities. I left home around 11:30 a.m. while everyone was having a late breakfast. Right now it was 6:30 p.m. and given Mumbai traffic, it would take me another hour to reach home. My anger was rising with every passing second because I hadn't eaten anything since morning except for the four cups of coffee I drank. Hangry is a real thing.

I looked in the rearview mirror of the car to see a closed weave basket. Her gift.

As expected, I reached home at 7:30 and took the elevator to the 8th floor holding the basket.

'Oh, please like this.'

"Woah. Your first fight with your newly wedded bride and as a gift you get her a huge basket." Karan spoke as soon as I stepped out of the elevator. He sat on the family room sofa with Reet's head resting on his lap and Bhai sitting opposite him holding Aariv.

"I will ask you the same question when your mom throws you out of your room, right after your wedding, because you failed to keep yourself and your stinky clothes clean." I snapped.

"Hahahaha. Good one bhai." Reet closed the book she was reading and sat up.

"Where is Ira?" I kept the basket down and it made a bit of noise.

"In the balcony, taking a work call." Reet eyed the basket. "What the hell is in there?"

"I'd rather wait for her before telling. Where are the others?"

"Badi mumma is in her room resting. Mumma had to go to her firm, there was some emergency. Bua, Bade Papa and Dad are in the study sorting out some work. Dadu and Dadi went to meet some friend of theirs for dinner and Saanchi bhabhi went to her room, she had to send some mail." Karan replied with his eyes on the basket too while Ira closed the doors to the balcony. She still wore the same saree she was wearing this morning.

And, Fuck me. She is soo hot.

"Are you auditioning for a circus act with that basket? I've heard they're looking for skilled performers." Ahh Dr. McGenius.

"Touché bhabhi, touché." Reet giggled. Evil.

"Ha ha ha. Not funny. Just open your gift." I scrunched down and gave the box a light push in her direction.

"I just hope there isn't any python in there." She scrunched down to my level.

"Huh. I wish. But I wouldn't like a python near my nephew. Besides, I already have a snake disguised as a human living in my very own room." I said the last part in a lower voice for only her to hear.

She gave me a stern look and pulled the box to open it. "Oh, my God."

"What? He got you a baby python?" Reet stood up on the sofa. Dramaqueen.

"No, he got my dog." She lifted the puppy and raised her hands to show him to everyone around. "You got me a German rottweiler. Like the one I wanted as a child. Aww, Ahaan." She had a huge smile adorning her face as she hugged the puppy.

"I remembered our conversation from one of our dates so I thought why not." She made gratified eyes. 

She's cute when she is not infuriating.

"You got a doggy. Now I can't go back to college." Reet took the pup from Ira.

"Shutup. You just want an excuse to not attend college." Karan took the pup in his hands.

"Uh...uh people? We have a baby in here." Bhai stood up from the couch and caught our attention.

"Don't worry. I had him checked at the vet, so there is no harm to Aariv." He seemed to relax at my words.