YOU NEVER WALK ALONE

15-You too?

SARAKSHI'S POV-
NEXT DAY-

The bright sunlight streaming through the window woke me up, prompting me to curse at the rays for interrupting my sleep. I've never been a morning person, and it irritates me to no end.

Putting my irritation aside, I dragged myself out of the bed constantly reminding myself that I'm married and I have a family now.

Just the thought of having a family brings a smile to my face. It feels like a dream to me. I'm out of that hell hole, no more fears, no more tears, no more begging........ I'm free from all that.

I did my morning routine and got ready in one of my favorite gray Anarkali suits, which I think looks good on me. I took a mirror selfie before going down. A habit I acquired after knowing that I click good mirror selfies. It's mandatory for me now to click at least one after getting ready.

"It's Mr. Singh for you" His voice echoed in my head, and all the scenes from yesterday struck me.

"Yeah yeah, Mr. Rude Singh, I'll call you that only. I don't want to talk to you in the first place."

"Aye bada gussa dikhane vale, huh! What was he saying, 'Pichu don't call her mumma, she is not your mumma' are jao jao, he is my son too now and he will call me mumma, Papa ji also agreed to it after all"

(showing such anger, huh! What was he saying, 'Pichu, don't call her mumma, she is not your mumma'? Just go, go away, he is my son too now and he will call me mumma. Papa ji also agreed to it after all.)

I stood in front of the mirror, talking to myself. Not wanting to ruin my mood, I shook off the thoughts and went downstairs.

The living room was empty, I guess everybody was sleeping but the main door was open. Just then I heard a shuffling noise from outside and I followed the direction of the voice.

"Uncle you are here, I thought everyone was asleep" I saw him sitting on the lawn reading a newspaper. After saying I realized what I said

"I'm hurt now, I'll not talk to you," Papaji said folding his hands

"Sorry Papa ji, but it's not my fault. I'm used to calling you uncle" I said, forming a pout.

"Aisi baat hai, acha thik hai fir" Papa Ji replied grinning, and made me sit beside him.

( that's the way it is, alright then.)

"Good morning Bache," He said patting my head lightly

"Good morning" I replied hugging him, my face buried in his chest

"Why did you wake up so early, and you're ready too? Are you going somewhere?" he asked me

"No-no I'm not going anywhere. I thought it would be better to wake up early." I said breaking the hug

"Great then" He replied

"Do you prefer tea or coffee in the morning?" I asked him, ready to make it for him.

"I drink coffee and make it myself, just the way I like it. No one's coffee ever compares to Aashu's maa's though" Papa Ji said, folding the newspaper

"Then you'll have to try my coffee; I'm sure you'll love it," I said confidently

"As you wish, bahu rani ji" Papa Ji said, pinching the bridge of my nose and I laughed at his actions.

"bachhe, I know Aashu isn't behaving well with you, but with time, I'm sure he'll open up more. He's been through some things that make it hard for him to connect with new people. He lost two of his closest people, even closer than me-his mother and his best friend Neeraj. That's why he's scared to let people get close to him," Papa Ji said, smiling softly.