𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Chapter Forty-Eight: Intrusion of Love

The next morning, as Geetanjali bustled around the kitchen, the aroma of breakfast filling the air, she heard the familiar click of the door unlocking. Her heart skipped a beat in anticipation; she knew it would be him. Only he had the spare key to her house. With a gentle smile playing on her lips, she turned towards the door as it swung open, revealing two smiling figures.

However, their smiles quickly faded into confusion as their gazes landed on a figure sprawled out on the couch. Shubman, with little Anamika in his arms, turned to Geetanjali, his brow furrowed in question. "Who's she?" he asked, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Before Geetanjali could answer, a small, groggy voice whined, tugging at Geetanjali's pyjamas with tiny hands extended, asking to be picked up. Smiling, Geetanjali scooped up her nephew, but to her surprise, Anamika's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Anamika's eyes widened in surprise as she watched her future mother kissing a boy on the cheeks, her confusion evident. The sight nearly brought tears to her eyes as she struggled to understand what was happening. "Who's he?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty and a hint of sadness.

Geetanjali turned towards Anamika, looking at her face almost on the verge of tears, and quickly clarified, "Darling, he's my nephew, and that's my sister." She then turned to Shubman, making him frown in concern as she said, "I rescued her yesterday."

"Rescued?" Shubman inquired, her confusion growing.

"It's a long story. I'll let you know later. But for now, have you had your breakfast? If not, come sit at the table," Geetanjali said, picking up Anamika, ensuring she didn't feel left out.

As Geetanjali settled Anamika and Anushman at the table, the two kids scanned each other with narrow eyes. Sensing their curiosity, Geetanjali introduced them, "Ana, he is your brother and Anushman, she is your sister, Anamika."

Both kids' faces lit up with huge smiles upon hearing the words "brother" and "sister." Being single children, they had craved a sibling, and now their sceptical looks changed to excitement.

As they exchanged glances, Anamika reached out and tentatively held Anushman's hand. Anushman, with a shy grin, squeezed her hand back, feeling an instant connection.

Geetanjali observed their interaction with a warm smile, glad to see them bonding so quickly. "Now, how about we all have breakfast together?" she suggested, guiding them to their seats.

All of them were ready to dig into the dosa and sambhar, the tantalizing aroma making their mouths water. However, just as they were about to indulge, a stern voice from Geetanjali made them stop in their tracks.

"Anushman, did you brush your teeth?" she asked her tone firm but gentle.

Anushman's eyes widened in realization, and he sheepishly shook his head. "Um, not yet, Maasi," he admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Geetanjali sighed softly, understanding his forgetfulness. "Then go do it," she instructed, expecting him to comply promptly.

However, Anushman had an excuse ready. "But Maasi, I don't have my brush," he explained, hoping for leniency.

Geetanjali, though, remained firm. "Then, darling, I have an extra. Now come on, you are not eating without brushing," she insisted, her tone gentle but unwavering.

Anushman let out a small whine, but he knew better than to argue with his Maasi. Reluctantly, he trudged off to the bathroom, letting Geetanjali lead the way.

He knew his mother was strict, but what he didn't know was that his Maasi could be even more so. As Anushman was ready to disappear down the hall, Anamika turned towards him with a reassuring smile. "I'll wait for you," she said softly, her words carrying warmth and understanding.