Apna Bana Le - MsKrishita

3. The PJ duo

Apno Ka Saaya Ho Jahan Jaaye
Roshni Ke Deep Jalaye

As Neelamma and Prerna embraced each other in a moment of shared understanding and comfort, the sound of Nayan's sweet voice calling out for her father pierced through the air.

"Papa!"
Their hearts skipped a beat at the echo of love and longing resonating in her tiny voice.

With a shared glance of concern, Neelamma and Prerna sprang into action, moving swiftly towards the open door where Nayan stood, her eyes wide with anticipation as she called out for her papa. But as they reached out to grab her before she ventured out into the unknown, a sight stopped them in their tracks.

Rishton Se Khushiyon Ke
Lamhe Churaye
Pyaar Paaye Khil Khilaye

There, in the doorway, stood Rishav, a warm smile on his face as he effortlessly scooped up Nayan in his arms, twirling her around with ease. Nayan's laughter filled the room, her joy contagious as she clung onto her father, her face alight with happiness and love.

"Papa, you here!"
Nayan exclaimed, her voice filled with pure delight as she nestled into Rishav's embrace. Rishav's eyes shone with adoration as he looked down at his daughter, his heart overflowing with love for the precious little girl who held his world in her tiny hands.

Prerna and Neelamma looked on, their hearts swelling with warmth and gratitude at the sight before them. The unspoken bond between father and daughter, the unbreakable connection that transcended time and distance, filled the room with an aura of love and unity.

Rishav turned towards Prerna and Neelamma, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"I couldn't let my little warrior princess wait any longer, can I pari Ji?"
he said, his voice tender and full of love. Prerna's heartbeat fastened at the sight of Rishav and Nayan, their bond palpable and unshakeable, a testament to the strength of their family ties.

As Prerna and Neelamma exchanged a knowing glance with Muskan, their hearts filled with a quiet understanding and solidarity, the scene before them unfurled with a sense of familiarity and love. Rishav's playful voice filled the room, punctuated by his signature PJ's, eliciting groans and giggles from Nayan as she playfully bantered with him.

Mushkilon Ko Jeete Hai
Hauslon Mein Jeete Hai

"Nayan, why did the tomato turn red?"
Rishav asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he awaited her response.

Nayan furrowed her brow in concentration, her tiny face scrunched up as she pondered the question.

"Because it blushing!"
she exclaimed, a proud grin spreading across her face at her clever response.

Rishav chuckled at her innocent mistake, his heart swelling with pride at his daughter's playful spirit.

"Close, Nayan! But the real answer is because it saw the salad dressing!"
he corrected with a laugh, ruffling her hair affectionately.

Nayan's laughter filled the room at the otherwise boring joke, her eyes sparkling with joy as she soaked in the warmth of her father's presence.

"Papa, why did the chicken do the Hokey Pokey?"
She asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

Rishav raised an eyebrow, a quizzical expression on his face as he played along with Nayan's game.

"I don't know, Nayan. Why did the chicken do the Hokey Pokey?"
he replied, anticipation lacing his voice.

Nayan burst into giggles, her words tumbling out in a jumble of innocence and mirth.
"Because it want shake it tail feathers!"
She exclaimed, a wide grin on her face at her imaginative punchline.

Amidst the laughter and joy that filled the room, Prerna's gaze fell upon Muskan, who crouched in a corner, her face contorted with pain. A pang of empathy shot through Prerna as she realized the source of Muskan's discomfort - it was her time of the month.

Jeevan Ki Dori Se Yeh
Bandha Hai Sabhi Ko Yahi

Quietly excusing herself from the playful banter between Rishav and Nayan, Prerna made her way to Muskan, a gentle hand resting on her sister-in-law's shoulder.

"Muskan, tu thik toh hai na? Kuch chahiye?"
Prerna asked, her voice filled with concern and sisterly love.

Muskan looked up, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she met Prerna's gaze.
"I'm okay, bhabhi. Just a bit of pain, that's all,"
she replied, gratitude shining in her eyes at her sister-in-law's caring presence.

As Muskan excused herself to change, Prerna headed to the kitchen to heat the meal. The fragrant aroma filled the air as she prepared the food with care.

Meanwhile, Nayan eagerly pulled Rishav towards her art corner in the living room, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She proudly presented her drawing, a colorful mess of lines and shapes that is supposed to reassemble Rishav. However, Rishav seemed puzzled by the abstract artwork before him.

"Papa, why you not understand? Me drawded you with a crown, you Raja Ji now! Just like Neelu says!"
Nayan exclaimed, her words jumbled and playful.

Rishav looked at the drawing, a look of confusion on his face before a smile broke out.

"Oh, I see it now! I'm a prince with a crown. Thank you, Nayan Ji, I love it!"
He chuckled, his eyes lighting up with delight.

Nayan clapped her hands in joy, her eyes shining with happiness.
"Me happy you like it, Papa!"
She replied, a wide grin on her face.

♪♪♪

Waqt Ke Sang Chal Ke
Dil Ko Behlata Hai

In the dining room, Neelamma took charge of setting up the dinner table, the clatter of plates and cutlery creating a comforting rhythm. Despite Prerna's protests, Neelamma insisted on helping, her gentle nature shining through.

"Prerna, let me help you! We are family, we do things together,"
Neelamma insisted with a smile, setting the table with care.

Prerna's eyes shimmered with gratitude as she watched Neelamma work.

"Thank you, Neelamma. Your help means so much to me,"
she whispered, her heart touched by the kindness.

The evening unfolded with laughter and joy, the bonds of family growing stronger with each shared moment. Love, laughter, and understanding wove a tapestry of unity, supporting them through life's ups and downs.