PUNARVIVAAH - ARRANGED TO LOVE (L&M #3) [COMPLETED]

SHOT 22

Abhay's pov!

Mithran was sending sideway glances my way all the while he was driving. But I ignored it and leaned back against the seat, closing my eyes. I was too exhausted.

The drive home was silent. My mind is a chaotic mess, thinking about Kriti. Mithran had said she had been crying non stop, looking for Vaiga and now she is having a temperature.

This is what I was scared of. And I didn't expect it to happen so soon.

As the car pulled into the driveway, the tension in the air was palpable. My heart raced as I prepared myself to face my family knowing very well that they would be worried as hell. Mithran parked the car, and I wasted no time in stepping out, eager to reassure my loved ones of our safety.

As I stepped out of the car, I could see figures silhouetted against the warm glow of the porch light. Papa, Mama, Siddhu, Shravan, Drishti and Chaahat.

My mother rushed forward, her face etched with worry and relief as she enveloped me in a tight embrace.

"Abhi, where have you been? We have been so worried!" She exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. I had seen a hundred missed calls from her phone, but I couldn't call back because of the low battery.

"I am sorry, Maa. It's a long story," I replied, my own voice strained with exhaustion and guilt.

"But we are safe now. I couldn't return your calls because my phone battery was about to die and I had to call someone who could come and pick me up. So I called Mithran and then my phone died." He added as an explanation for why he didn't return her calls.

Maa's eyes widened as she scanned the area behind me, her gaze searching for someone.

"Where is Vaiga?" she asked, her tone laced with concern.

At her question, a hush fell over the group gathered on the porch. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Seeing her injured, they would definitely panic. Then, with a sense of determination, I opened the back door of the car and carefully lifted Vaiga into my arms.

"She is here, Maa," I said softly, carrying her towards the house. "She needs some rest."

Maa rushed forward, her hands trembling as she reached out to touch Vaiga's face.

"Oh, Vaiga, what happened? Are you alright? What happened to your foot?" She asked, her voice thick with emotion as she gently touched the makeshift bandage on Vaiga's foot. Vaiga hissed lightly when Maa touched her injury.

"Oh sorry, beta. Is it hurting?" Maa asked.

Vaiga nodded weakly, her eyes flickering with uncertainty as she glanced between Maa and me. I could sense her apprehension, her fear of how I would react to her presence in our home. I had fired at her a lot in the morning, making it clear that I wasn't happy about her stay in my home. So, that is making her apprehensive about staying here.

But it wasn't her staying here that I had a problem with. It was her attachment to Kriti.

"She will be fine, Maa. Let her rest for now. I will explain everything." I said as I sat on the couch across from the one in which I settled Vaiga.

As Maa settled beside Vaiga, concern etched across her features, I took a deep breath, preparing myself to recount the events of the day.

"It all started when our car broke down. Then we got caught up in a political riot. We had to hide until it was safe to leave and then Vaiga got injured.." I began, my voice steady as I recounted our journey.

Everyone listened intently, their eyes filled with a mixture of shock and concern as I described the chaos we had encountered.

Vaiga remained silent beside her, her gaze darting between me and Maa anxiously. It was clear that she wanted to ask Maa about something but she was worried as to how I would react if she asked it. And I know what she wanted to know.

"And Kriti? How is she?" It felt foreign, asking my family members about my daughter. I usually watch over her from afar, never speak about her. And my family is used to it too. I always know everything about her, though I keep my distance. But now, the situation is different. I just had to ask.

Maa's expression softened, her eyes clouded with sadness as she spoke.

"She has been acting out since afternoon. She kept crawling to the main door and crying. Refused to eat or drink anything. And now she has developed a fever." She replied, her voice tinged with concern.

My heart sank at the news, guilt gnawing at me as I realised the toll Vaiga's absence had taken on Kriti. Vaiga's eyes widened with concern, her gaze darting between me and Maa as if seeking answers.

"Is she okay?" Vaiga asked softly, her voice tinged with worry. She couldn't stay quiet anymore.

"She is resting now. But she missed you, Vaiga. She has been asking for you all day." Maa replied, her tone gentle as she reached out to comfort Vaiga.

Third person's pov!

As the shrill cry echoed through the house, indicating that Kriti was awake, everyone except Abhay and Vaiga hurried towards the bedroom.

Abhay stood at the threshold, his heart heavy with anticipation as he watched his daughter's tears. Kriti's cries of "Ga Ga" tugged at his heartstrings, a poignant reminder of the bond she shared with Vaiga.

He felt Vaiga's presence behind him, her silent anguish palpable in the air, but he ignored her.

"Vaiga, come here." Anjana, noticing Vaiga's hesitation, called out to her, but Vaiga hung her head low, refusing to enter the room.

Anjana picked up Kriti and stepped out of the room, her eyes questioning as she stood before Vaiga. Baby Kriti wiggled in her grandmother's arms, leaning away, trying to reach Vaiga.

"Vaiga, dear, come, take Kriti. She has been asking for you," Anjana urged gently.

Vaiga still refused to meet Kriti's gaze or take her in her arms, causing confusion to ripple through the gathered family.

"Vaiga, what is wrong? Why won't you take her?" Drishti questioned, her brow furrowed with concern.

Abhay sighed in exasperation, knowing that this moment was inevitable.

He knows a fait accompli when he sees it.

"Vaiga, just take her. She needs you," Abhay said in a tone of defeat.

With Abhay's words, Vaiga almost snatched the baby into her arms.

"It's okay, Kriti. I am here. Calm down, darling." Vaiga whispered, her voice filled with tenderness.

Suddenly, Vaiga showered Kriti with a barrage of kisses, her tears mingling with the baby's laughter as she peppered her with affection.

"I missed you too, little one," Vaiga murmured, her heart overflowing with love for the child.

With Kriti in her arms, Vaiga walked into the room, her gaze fixed on the baby, oblivious to the curious stares of the others.

"Let's go, sweetheart. Gaga's here," she cooed softly, disappearing into the room with Kriti cradled against her chest.

As Abhay turned to leave for his room, his mother's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Care to explain what that was, Abhay?"

A/N

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