Healing Him | ✓

09.

Shivaay stood on the doorway nervously. Did he do something wrong? Why was he here? The doorbell rang and he was shaken out of his thoughts as his hand was held by another.

"I've been waiting for you!" She said, her smile was radiant as the sunshine after a dark cold night. The door opened and he gulped. It was Mrs. Trivedi, her mother. She took in sight of both of them, her eyes halting onto their joined hands for a moment. Shivaay gently pried his hand out of hers. But she held tight as she led him inside.

"My boy! How're you?" His father's jolly voice rang as he clapped on his back. He choked slightly, Annika glared at her father who raised his eyes in surrender. He looked genuinely happy to see him.

"I'm good, Mr. Trivedi? I am hoping that the life has been treating you well." He answered politely, gratefully taking the glass of water that Annika passed. She was very careful about him, not in any way she'll let him feel threatened. Unbeknownst to her, her parents were analysing their every interaction. Nothing escaped their eyes.

How she held onto his hands despite him trying to let go. They exchanged looks. How his eyes looked at her as if she was the most precious to him. How she passed the water to him without him asking.

"Kids, come here. The lunch is done." Sudha Trivedi called. "Annika help your father set the table and Shivaay." He looked up. "Would you be dear while helping me in the kitchen?" She asked. He nodded and smiled, "Ofcourse Mrs. Trivedi." He said as he went to help her. But Annika stopped him. "Mum, I'll help. He's guest." Annika said protectively placing herself in between them. She was worried that her mother might say something which will unknowingly hurt him. And her mother witnessed her daughter's protective streak for the first time in her life.

"It's okay Annika. I can help." Shivaay said oblivious to the tension between the mother and daughter pair. Sudha smiled as she led him inside. "Annika, stop doubting your mother. Once she's giver her word, she won't break it." Her father assured her as she kept casting glances to the kitchen. He was a bit perplexed at the idea of his daughter being so possessive for a person she only considered friend. But with Shivaay he was a bit assured that his princess won't be taken advantage of.

Shivaay quietly followed her friend's mother in the kitchen. "Taste it." Her mother passed him the spoon after blowing on it a good amount. He hesitantly took the spoon and tasted the gravy. "Too salty." He said wrinkling his nose unconsciously. His eyes widened upon realisation. "I'm sorry-" but she was busy adjusting the gravy. "Yeah, I thought much." She said as she put some extra water in the gravy.

"Can you pass me the ladle?" She asked. Shivaay carefully looked around as quick he could. He didn't want to disappoint her. He passed her the utensils she asked for and together they served the food. Her mother was impressed, he was a quick wit. And very polite and modest. Her heart warmed at the pure fondness he cherished her daughter with.

"Shivaay, I wanted to talk about something." She said placing the lid on the casserole. He nodded.

"I knew your parents. Very well." She said. He froze. "Do you remember how were they like?" She asked. He shook his head.

"Cruel people they were." She said and Shivaay stood frozen. "What do you mean?" He asked tentatively. She looked at him carefully. "And from what I can see you're nothing like your father." Shivaay blinked. He didn't what to feel. He never met any person who knew his father except for his dadi. And whenever she told him about them it was from her pov filtering out most the things.

"And I hope you don't turn out like your parents." Shivaay looked down. She was keeping her thoughts clear. "I hope there won't be any harm coming my daughter's way. Given your family's history." He was frozen to his spot. He shook his head firmly.