𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕

𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Eyes in Shadows

As Shubman reached Anamika's room, he found her in quite a predicament. She was halfway through her swimsuit, her hands flailing in the air as she struggled to extricate herself. Her face was buried inside the swimsuit, creating a comical sight that immediately brought a laugh to his lips.

"Looks like you've gotten yourself into a bit of a tangle, my little mermaid," Shubman chuckled affectionately, approaching her with a playful grin. 

"Help me instead of making fun," Anamika's muffled voice emerged from within the fabric, sounding both frustrated and slightly embarrassed.

"Alright, alright, let me help you," Shubman responded with a soft chuckle, his playful grin softening into a more sympathetic expression. He understood Anamika's frustration and didn't want to prolong her discomfort any further.

Once she was untangled, Anamika was about to dart off towards the beach in her excitement, but Shubman gently held her hand, pulling her back.

"Wait," he said, making her whine in protest. But Shubman persisted, "Let me apply some sunscreen, and you're not going alone."

Anamika pouted, but she knew her father's insistence stemmed from a place of love and concern. Reluctantly, she nodded, allowing him to apply sunscreen to her exposed skin, ensuring she was protected from the sun's rays.

"Alright, now that you're all set with sunscreen," Shubman said with a satisfied smile, "I want you to wait downstairs and get your hair done by Aunt Gia. Meanwhile, I'll go get ready myself."

Anamika nodded obediently, though a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes at the thought of delaying her beach adventure even for a moment. Nonetheless, she knew better than to argue with her father's instructions, especially when it came to safety and preparation.

"Okay, Daddy," she replied, resigning herself to the temporary delay. With a quick hug, she headed downstairs to find Aunt Gia, her mind already racing with visions of splashing in the waves and building sandcastles.

As Shubman got ready, he walked downstairs in his swim shorts, feeling the excitement bubbling within him for the beach day ahead. As he descended the stairs, he caught sight of Geetanjali combing Anamika's hair into a tight bun. Her skilled hands moved effortlessly through Anamika's locks, creating a neat and practical hairstyle for the day's adventures.

However, as he observed Geetanjali's attire, his eyebrows furrowed in mild confusion. She wasn't dressed in her swimsuit like he expected her to be.

"Hey, love," he called out, his tone curious as he approached them. "Aren't you planning to join us at the beach?"

Geetanjali looked up from her task, a warm smile gracing her lips as she met Gill's gaze. "Oh, I thought I might stay back and catch up on some reading," she replied casually.

Anamika couldn't hide her disappointment as she hugged Geetanjali's waist, looking up at her with pleading eyes. She had been looking forward to spending the day at the beach with both of them and the idea of Geetanjali staying behind made her feel a little sad.

"Please, Aunt Gia," Anamika pleaded softly, her lower lip jutting out in a pout. "I want you to come with us. It won't be as much fun without you."

Geetanjali's heart melted at the sight of Anamika's pleading expression. She crouched down to Anamika's level, gently brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face.

"Oh, sweetie," Geetanjali began, her voice filled with affection. "I appreciate you wanting me to join, but I really could use some time to relax and unwind today. Plus, I promise we'll have plenty of fun together at the beach tomorrow."