Falling for my guiding star

Chapter 10

Raunak was sulking while Ridhaan was giving a tough competition to the 5 year old in that department.

Reason!!!!

Anu and Priya had invited Priyank for lunch.

"What is this with Mamma, Popeye? Why did she have to invite Priyank Uncle? " Raunak whined

For a normal adult, it would seem like Raunak was throwing tantrums unnecessarily but to Ridhaan it was music to ears.

"Arre Champ....What to complain about Anu when my own mother has become my enemy no.1." Ridhaan grumbled

"She knew fully well that I don't like that Priyank "

His frustration was so much that he didn't realise he was actually complaining about his mother to a kid.

It has been a couple of months to the party and nowadays Priyank had suddenly become a regular visitor to their home.

Astonishingly for Ridhaan , it was Priya who has been the force behind these visits of Priyank.

In the past few months he had seen Priyank more than his whole life and it does not even end there.

Ma is also subtley nudging Anu into spending more time with him, albeit Champ is there with them but still....

All these thoughts were roaming in his head when he felt a pull on his sleeve.

"Popeye, do something....I dont want to or Mamma to spend time with him.....please..."

Ridhaan laughed at the pouting face of Raunak which made him look more adorable.

While lovingly pinching his cheeks, Ridhaan promised.

"Aye...Aye...Champ. Your word is my command"

Then with a mischievous smirk he continued more to himself,

"You wanted to have lunch with us, Priyank then I promise you this will be the most memorable lunch of your life..."

*****

"Aree...Priyank, what was the need for this?" Priya asked gushing over the gift brought by him.

In the meantime, someone nearby was fuming in annoyance.....of course....he refused to name it jealousy.

"What is so great about this gift? We ourselves have the same wine in stock" Ridhaan muttered

"What are you mumbling?"

He jerked in shock to see Anu looking at him with a suspicious look.

"Nothing....I was....ummm....Where is Champ,Anu?...Haven't seen him for a while"

"He should have been here by now" Anu replied while looking here and there.

" I will just see him and come"

Saying this Anu turned towards Raunak's room.

Ridhaan released a deep breathe of relief on successfully diverting the topic but alas! his relief was short lived as his eyes clashed with the smiling face of Priyank.

"Hi Ridhaan....Long time no see...."

"Your eyes are only on my Anu so how will you see me or for the matter anyone else.." Ridhaan murmered under his breathe

"What?"

Realising that he was speaking in front of the devil himself, he retorted with a sarcastic smile

"Your visits usually coincides with my office time...and some have to work , you know...."

"Ridhaan !!!!!" Priya rebuked him on his not so good behavior while Ridhaan remained unruffled but the glare from Priya was enough for him to extend an apology.

"Sorry ....Priyank.... I didn't mean to hurt your FEELINGS "

The sarcasm was not lost to Priyank but he was also not someone who will take anything from anyone. He too know when and how to give back .

"Of course not....I prefer to spend as much time as possible with family and, of course , that will not make me THE RIDHAAN KAPOOR but I am happy" Priyank taunted with a mocking smirk.

The taunt hit it's mark perfectly.

Ridhaan fisted his hands while his eyes were blazing. Priyank on the other hand stood his ground. It was like two alpha males trying to outshine each other.

"What is happening here?"

Their war of the eyes was interrupted by Anu who were staring at them with a frown.

"We were just discussing some office work but then it just got heated, right Ridhaan?" Priyank replied with a brilliant smile while drapping his arms around Ridhaan.

Priyank had given him an out. Though he retched at the thought of taking his help, he was also aware that the truth would only put him in more trouble.

With a fake smile, he had to agree.

"O..k...Anyways, let's not waste any more time. All of you will be really hungry. I will just set the table... Please come"

Anu said while dismissing the show earlier.

"Oh, ANU...why this formality....Let me help you....It's not fair for you to work all ALONE when I AM THERE"

Anu was surprised but before she could deny,

"I insist" Priyank spoke

Finally conceding, Anu made her way to the dining room followed by Priyank.

But before leaving, he turned and gave Ridhaan a winning smirk. His raised eyebrows challenging him to an unvoiced game of who is the best.

Ridhaan was fuming when a small voice reached him.

"I don't like him"

He turned to see Raunak who had by now reached his side and glaring at the way Priyank disappeared.

"He is trying to make you look bad and I don't like it. You are the best" he further said irritated

Ridhaan's heart swelled with love for the little one as well as humbled by his love.

He pulled Raunak toward him and wrapped his arms around his shoulders.

"Oye....no one in the world can outshine your Popeye, so yeh kya cheez hai"

"Promise....?"

"Promise...."

Unknowingly a bond was being formed between these two. Both of them deprived of a father was finding each other in midst of all of this.

In a way, Ridhaan was living his childhood through his Champ while for Raunak, his Popeye was turning into his everything.