FORBIDDEN FLAMES ✅

Confidential Proofs

VIHAAN'S POV

The next morning, I woke up and looked at my girls sleeping peacefully. Aarna was cradled in my arms, hugging me tightly. Slowly, I moved her aside and freshened up before heading out for my morning jog.

As soon as I returned home, I heard cries coming from the room and immediately rushed toward it. I found Aarna crying and Shreya trying to console her. Panic rose within me. "What happened?" I asked anxiously.

Shreya looked at me with relief and said, "Aaru bacha, look, Papa is here."Aarna immediately turned around, her tear-filled eyes locking onto mine. "Papa!" she cried. I rushed towards her and scooped her up in a hug.

"Princess, what happened? Why are you crying?" I asked, my heart aching to see her so distressed.

Aarna looked up at me, her little face crumpled with worry. "I turned and you were not here. You were not there, Papa. I thought you left me again," she said between hiccups.

My heart shattered at her words. I held her close, gently rocking her back and forth. "Oh, my sweetheart, I'm so sorry. I just went for a jog. I would never leave you. Never," I reassured her, kissing her forehead.

Shreya moved closer, placing a comforting hand on Aarna's back. "Papa is right here, Aaru. He will always be here."

Aarna sniffled, burying her face in my chest. "Promise, Papa?" she asked, her voice small and hopeful.

I cupped her face in my hands and looked into her eyes. "I promise, princess. I will always be here for you and Mama. You both are my world."

Aarna's tears began to dry, and she gave me a small nod. "Okay, Papa."

Shreya and I exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between us. We both knew that rebuilding trust and security for Aarna was going to take time, but we were committed to doing it together.

"How about we all make breakfast together?" Shreya suggested, trying to lighten the mood. Aarna nodded eagerly, her earlier fears fading away. "Yes, let's make pancakes!"
"Perfect," I said, "I'll just freshen up and then we'll make breakfast together." Shreya looked at Aarna and said, "Aarna sweetheart, why don't you brush your teeth?"

Aarna shook her head, clinging to me tightly. Shreya reached out and gently said, "Aarna, let Papa go and freshen up."

Aarna still held onto me, not wanting to let go. I smiled and said, "How about this, princess? I'll make my princess ready. I'll brush your teeth, give you a bath, and get you dressed. What do you say, princess? It's daddy and daughter time."

Aarna's eyes lit up. "Yippee!" she exclaimed, excitement replacing her earlier distress.

"Okay, come on then," I said, carrying her in my arms to the bathroom. We had a fun time as I helped her brush her teeth, then placed her in the bathtub for her bath. We laughed and played with the bubbles, and I made sure she was thoroughly clean before getting her dressed.

Meanwhile, I quickly freshened up too. We both got ready and headed back to the kitchen, where Shreya was busy preparing breakfast. Aarna was still clinging to me and i was carrying her in my arms as was not ready to leave my side, her small hand gripping my t-shirt tightly.

I took the pancake batter from Shreya and said, "Sheru, why don't you go and get ready? I'll take over breakfast."

"But Wookie..." she started, looking a bit uncertain.

I gave her a reassuring smile. "Go on, Sheru. I can handle the cooking. Just in case you forgot, I do know my way around the kitchen."

Shreya smiled back with affection in her eyes. "Alright," she said, "I'll be quick."

As Shreya went to get ready, Aarna and I set to work on the pancakes. Aarna stood on a stool beside me, eagerly watching and helping in her little ways. We made a mess, but the joy on Aarna's face was worth every bit of it.

I flipped a pancake and Aarna clapped her hands, giggling. "Good job, Papa!" she cheered. "Thanks, princess. You're my best helper," I said, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead. A few minutes later, Shreya returned, looking fresh and beautiful. She smiled warmly at the sight of Aarna and me working together. "Looks like you two are having a great time," she said, joining us.

"We are, Mama," Aarna said happily. "Papa is making the best pancakes ever!" Shreya laughed softly and came closer, wrapping her arms around both of us. "I'm so glad to see you both so happy," she said, her voice filled with love.

We continued cooking together, enjoying each other's company. The kitchen was filled with the delightful aroma of pancakes and the sound of laughter. 

As we sat down to eat, I looked at my girls, feeling a deep sense of contentment.