YUVISHA

Chapter 4 : Mr. Grumpy Meets Miss Sass

"Some first meetings are less about beginnings and more about awakenings — a part of you stirs that you didn't know was asleep."

***

A few days later...

"Taani, wake up now, it's already 10 in the morning," her father's soft voice broke through the haze of her dreams, his gentle hand resting on her head, rousing her from sleep.

She smiled, feeling a rush of warmth fill her heart. 'Coming back home feels like such a blessing,' she thought, her eyes fluttering open to meet the sight of her father's smiling face above her.

"I missed you, Dad." she whispered, a sigh of contentment escaping her lips as she grasped his hand tightly, savoring the moment.

These were the moments she missed the most—when her father treated her like his princess, and she could lose herself in the love and protection he always offered.

"I missed you more, mera bachcha," her dad replied, his voice thick with emotion, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

He hadn't realized how much he missed waking her up. "Teri baatein, teri hasi, tere nakhre, sab kuch miss kiya humne." (Your conversations, your smile, your tantrums, we missed everything.)

"Aww, Papa, don't make me cry now," Taani said, blinking back tears of her own, her heart swelling at the affection. "Aur mere konse nakhre?" (And what tantrums are you talking about?)

Her father chuckled softly, teasing her as he recalled their moments together. "Mumma mujhe ye nahi khana, Papa mujhe movie dekhne jana hai, Amma bhaiya ko bolo na mere liye ye manga dein, Chachi, please mere liye chai bana do, aap sabse achchi chai banate ho! Haan, tu kahan hi nakhre dikhati hai?" (Mom, I don't want to eat this, Dad, I want to go watch a movie, Grandma, tell brother to buy me this, Auntie, please make me tea, you make the best tea ever! Yeah, sure, you don't throw tantrums at all.)

Taani's face flushed with embarrassment, but her father's teasing only made her smile wider. She swatted at him playfully as she finally sat up. "Haan haan, samajh gaye. Ab taane maarne ki zarurat nahi hai!" (Alright, fine, I get it. No need to taunt me now.)

Her father smiled affectionately, cupping her face in his hands. "Tumhe kabhi koi taane nahi maarega meri bachchi, aur kisi ne kabhi himmat bhi ki aisa karne ki, to fir unhe mai khud dekhunga." (No one would ever taunt you, my child. And if anyone ever dares, they'll have to deal with me.)

Taani smiled softly, her heart swelling with love for her father. He was her protector, her strength, the one person who would always stand by her side. "Aap chalo, hum taiyaar hoke aate hain thodi der mein," she said, getting up with a warm smile. (You go ahead, I'll be ready in a while.)

As she walked into the bathroom, she couldn't help but reflect on the depth of her bond with her father. He was everything to her.

She had already decided that she would only marry someone who could treat her with the same love, respect, and care as he did—or no one at all.

Taani stepped out of the shower, feeling relaxed and refreshed. She ran her fingers through her damp hair, her mind already on the task ahead: picking out an outfit.

After a quick glance through her wardrobe, she settled on a white crop top paired with light blue jeans that were ripped at the knees—an outfit that had become her go-to for casual comfort.

As she made her way downstairs, she was already prepared for the inevitable comment from her grandma. 'Every time,' she thought with a smirk.

Sure enough, as soon as her grandmother laid eyes on her, the words tumbled out. "Ye kya fati hui jeans pehen li hai tumne?" (Why are you wearing these tattered jeans?)