TERI MERI KAHAANI

CHAPTER 21 SOCH KE TERI BAATEIN HUM MUSKURAANE LAGE...

3 years later, ACP Pradyuman's house, Mumbai 6:30 AM

The sun rays filtered through the ornate French windows in ACP Pardyuman's house brightening up the main floor. The tranquility of the house was broken as Kavin woke up usually at this time. He stirred awake and looked out at the sun streaming in.

"Good morning meri Puri!", he said with his bright smile and took his first glimpse of her as soon as he opened his eyes. It seemed to him that Purvi twinkled back at him through the small yet beautiful golden photo-frame...

"Haan, haan. Ho lo tum khush. Kar lo mujhe dekhkar smile. Saari responsibility mujhpe daalke pata nahin khud kahaan enjoy kar rahi ho!! Maaf nahin karunga main tumhe zindagi bhar!! Par haan tumse kiya waada nibhayunga. Dekho, aaj bhi has ke mila hun tumhein!", he babbled as usual with her as he was doing his morning chores. It had become his routine now, so much so that if he didn't set eyes on Purvi's photo in the morning, he would feel something amiss all day. Soon he got ready and went out of his room. Walking to the room opposite his, he opened the door slowly and smiled.

One side of the room was occupied by a bunk bed having two levels. However, only the upper level was occupied while the lower level was meticulously kept clean by his 9 year old best friend in the world.....

"Pihu beta, utho jaldi. School nahin jaana hai kya?"

No response as usual! He went towards her bed and glanced at her sleeping soundly. Feeling a sudden rush of affection towards her, he bent down and lightly kissed her forehead. To him, she was more precious than a daughter but nobody knew that..not even her. He didn't want to burden her with the weight of another relationship unless she wanted to take it on. So, he allowed her a lot of freedom in her dealings with people around her. In fact, sometimes, he was too lenient with her (as all fathers are with their daughters..haina) but he never regretted it. Because his Pihu was a very well-mannered child with the most beautiful heart. He often said that she had inherited Purvi's heart and soul....

He shook her once more and asked her to wake up again.

"Kavin uncle, sone deejiye na. Bus paanch minute aur..pucca aaj main late nahin houngi!"

"Chalo, theek hai. Sirf paanch minute par uske baad nahin uthi toh tumhe paata hai tickle monster ready hai!", he affectionately brushed her hair from her face and went towards the other side of the room.

Now, this side of the room was a complete contrast to the other end. A single bed frame in the shape of a flashy car with posters of cricketers, his 11 year old son Rohan at a glance was a total contrast to Pihu. But where she was concerned, he did not listen to even his father and was extremely protective of her. He used to annoy her a lot but would eventually give in and get her what she wanted. He had promised his Purvi aunty after all!

"Rohan, utho mera bachcha. Dekho school jaane ka time ho raha hai. Tum nahin uthoge toh Pihu ko akele school jaana padega na!"

This trick always worked! He woke up immediately and jumped out of his bed.

"Papa. Kya keh rahe hain aap? Aaj aapne mujhe itni der se kyun uthaya. Pihu ko bolo ruke, main abhi aaya. Woh akele nahin jaayegi...".

"Shaant meri superfast express! Shaant!! Maine toh sirf tumhe uthaane ke liye kaha. Woh dekho, Pihu so rahi hai abhi", Kavin pointed while taking his son in the usual morning hug. Rohan heaved a sigh of relief on seeing Pihu sleeping.

"Dad, phir aapne mere ko aise uthaaya na! Jaayie main aapse baat nahin karta. Aap hamesha aise hee karte hain. Aur Pihu ko kabhi kuch nahin kehte. Bus mujhe hee tokte rehte hain. Dekhiye, so rahi hai na woh abhi bhi! Aur mujhe jaga diya aapne", and he pretended to be angry while secretly enjoying his father's warm embrace.