Chaahat

Chapter 36: Little Thoughts

Xavier watches Riya browse the store, he can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that the clothes in this store he can afford and will up for her. Meanwhile, Sofia also watches Riya. A huge grin on her face. This is one of Sofia's most favourite stores and it makes her so happy to know that Riya likes it.

Sofia reaches for her father, who picks her up and jostles her lightly. "Hi precious."
"Hi papa."

He kisses her chubby cheek before walking towards Riya.
"Oh My God! This store is so cute! I think I want one of everything!"

Xavier smiles at Riya's excitement, pride fills his best knowing he brought her here. "Sofia, baby, let's pick something out for you to. Maybe we can match."

Sofia squeals with excitement, er eyes twinkling as she bounces in her father's lap. "Yes, please!"

The girls pick out matching pyjamas, dresses and hoodies before Xavier takes the cart to go pay. The three leave the clothing store to go down to Sofia's favourite place to shop for Christmas.

"You know, Riya. I've always wanted to go shopping with mum for Christmas and wear matching pyjamas. But, she's always busy. And she says the brand she's working with will give them pyjamas."

Riya glance over at Xavier to see his face, but he's looking down at his daughter. A part of his heart breaking.
"And she has to wear them, because wearing those pyjama and taking pictures will give her money. And that's okay."

Xavier's grip on the bags tightens, he knows how much his daughter wants to have her mother home with them all the time. But, that's just not a possibility.

"Sometimes, mummy doesn't have time to even come for Christmas. So, I guess, I have to be grateful for what I do have. That's what papa says."

Riya feels herself be overwhelmed by the little girl's words. Her heart breaks at the situation. She knows Nina is trying her best to be the best mother, but is limited by the work.

Xavier watches as Riya kneels in front of his daughter, wraps her arms around her and smiles. "Your mother is trying so hard to be the best mom ever and I'm so glad you know that. And I thought you told me you wear matching pyjamas with your dad anyway."

Sofia smiles, a blush covering her cheeks as she shrugs. "I know that! But, sometimes I used to miss mum."
Riya gently pushes a strand of hair behind the girl's ear, "that's okay. When my mum used to go for work, I used to miss her too."

Sofia puts her arms on Riya's shoulders, "yeah. But it's okay now. I have you and then I don't miss mum as much."
Riya's heart aches with love and uncertainty. "Sofia," she begins, her voice hesitant.

Sofia looks up at her, her eyes curious and earnest. Riya holds the girl in her arms and asks, "What do you mean?"

"About not missing your mum when you're with me," Riya says softly. "That means a lot to me, but..."

Sofia nods, her expression serious. "I feel safe and happy. Like you're my family."

Sofia smiles. Her cheeks turning hues of pink, "I really love you Riya. You're my bestest friend ever."

Riya feels tears prick at the corners of her eyes, the overwhelming responsibility pressing down on her once more. "I love you so much, Sofia. Ially do and you're my bestest friend too. I love you."

Sofia giggles and wraps her arms around Riya, "Yay! I really needed to say it. My tummy was feeling so weird for a few days because I couldn't say it."

Riya sniffles, pulling the girl closer, I never want you to hesitate, you can always say anything you want."

Xavier looks down at the two, feeling surge of different emotions fill him, his heart aches.

"Okay, because I really really needed to say it." Sofia giggles before shuffling closer. She then reaches one arm out and makes grabby hands at her father. Riya also looks up, wanting Xavier to come closer. Not having the heart to break their moment, he kneels behind his daughter and wraps his arms around the two girls.

They stay like that for a moment, finding comfort in each other's presence despite the chaos around them. When they finally pull apart, Riya wipes her eyes and stands up, feeling a bit lighter.
"Let's go get these Christmas decor!"

Sofia holds her father's hand with the left hand and Riya's with her right hand before beginning to skip.
As they walk, Xavier and Riya glance at each other. Hope and desperation filing Riya's eyes and acceptance filing Xavier's.

"Thank you," He whispers.
"Please don't." She whispers back.

He holds her gaze, his eyes warm and filled with admiration. "I can't help it," he says sincerely. "I just want you to know how much what you're doing means to me."

Riya finally looks away her. The sincerity and adoration in his expression makes her heart skip a beat. "I mean a lot to you, huh?" she asks, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the emotion in her voice.

Xavier nods, his gaze unwavering. "More than you can imagine."

She looks back up, her shyness momentarily forgotten. "You mean a lot to me too, Xavier," she says softly. "You and Sofia both. I love the both of you."

They walk into the store n comfortable silence for a few moments, the snowy landscape passing by in a blur. Riya's hand remains in Sofia's, and she feels a sense of peace settle over her. She turns her head to look out the widow as it begins to slow again, the snowflakes drifting lazily to the ground, but her thoughts remain with the man beside her and the little girl they both adored.

As Sofia carefully walks towards the lights, Xavier glances at her again, his voice breaking the silence. "I know it's not easy, blending our lives together," he says. "But with you, everything feels right. Like it's meant to be."

Riya's eyes sparkle with unshed tears, her shyness giving way to a deep, overwhelming affection. "I told you," she whispers . "We can make it happen."

He gives her hand another gentle squeeze. "I hope so," he replies softly.

"I know so." She whispers back.

HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE

KAISE HO?

KAHAN HO?

KAISA LAGA UPDATE?? Will try to update the next one soon. So send heaps of love. Also, will start posting a lot more spoilers on my instagram, so jaw kr follow kro. Because I've already announced my next two book there.