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I scanned the file, absorbing its contents, and once satisfied, I placed it back on the desk. "Proceed with the next step," I directed, "And regarding the architect hiring, how is it progressing?"
"Sir, regarding that matter, Mr. Mittal, our partner in the joint project, mentioned that he intends to appoint an architect himself. It seems he already has someone in mind," my assistant, Disha relayed the information.
"Okay, if that's how it's playing out. You take charge of this file," I instructed, watching as she collected the documents before departing from my cabin.
My gaze flickered to the corner of my cabin, where a small sofa sat, occupied by my precious daughter. Her eyes fixed on the bowl of chocolate cookies resting atop the glass table before her. She selected a single treat, her gaze lingering on its tempting allure.
"Adya," I called softly, just as she was on the brink of sinking her teeth into the cookie.
She glanced at me, her mouth slightly agape, eyes wide, the cookie suspended near her lips. A smile danced upon her face, revealing the charming dimples that never failed to melt my heart. With a cautious movement, she inched her hand towards her mouth, hesitantly.
"Adya," I cautioned, and she shifted her hand ever so slightly. I continued to call her name, until I finally chose to remain silent, redirecting my attention back to the task at hand.
From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of her crestfallen expression as she reluctantly returned the cookie to its place in the bowl. With a swift motion, she leaped from the couch and darted towards me, her arms outstretched in my direction. "Papa," she called out.
I swiveled my chair with a subtle grin playing on my lips. Carefully, I gathered her into my arms and settled her onto my lap, her back snug against my chest. With one hand supporting her, I resumed my work with the other.
She lifted both hands upwards, tilting her head back to gaze up at me. "Papa, my h-hands... di-dirty," she murmured softly.
I observed her hands, marked with the residue of chocolate cookies. Retrieving tissue papers from the table, I gently wiped away the crumbs. "Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?" Her eyes sparkled as she glanced at the bowl of cookies, but I shook my head gently. "No sweets, little one. Remember what the dentist uncle told you? We have to stick to healthy snacks."
She crossed her tiny arms over her chest, pouting and casting her gaze downward, which brought a soft chuckle to my lips. Leaning in, I planted a kiss upon her forehead. "Alright, Papa will bake your favorite cake for you. But only if you promise to stick to the no-sweets diet as prescribed by the dentist."
"Bu-but I l-love cookies," she protested, "De-dentist uncle bad," she declared with a slight stutter.
"Little one," I lifted her gently, positioning her to face me, nestled between my thighs. "When someone gives you advice, it's because they care about you. It's not good to be so stubborn. You may love sweets, and I'll allow you to indulge, but only once or twice a month, no more than that. Can you listen to your papa?"
