Chaahat

Chapter 37: Bambi

It's been a few weeks since their shopping trip, and Riya as been on cloud 9. Slowl, at Sofia's persistence, Xavier and Riya came to agreement that she could stay with them. Riya even met Nina, a brief meeting as she as in rush for her show. But a pleasant one. Nina was thankful that Riya had come into their lives and made it a better place.

Over the last few weeks, the three had fallen into a sweet little pattern. Xavier would make breakfast before heading off to work. Riya would get Sofia ready for school, drop her off and then head to the local library or cafe to work on her next book.

Today, Xavier and Riya are standing in front of Sofia's school with huge smiles on their faces. It's her last day of school before Christmas holidays, so the two have decided to take her to Starbucks for a treat and then take her shopping at Target.

As soon as the bell goes, a buzz of students hurry out and along with them is Sofia, She throws her arms in the air and runs towards Riya and Xavier. Riya squats and catches Sofia in her arms, holding her close.

"Give me my daughter."
Sofia and Riya giggles at Xavier's voice.

"No need to jelly, papa."
Sofia smiles up at her dad before pulling him down.

Xavier's arm wraps around Riya and Sofia. Riya can't help but blush when his arms rushes against her waist and pulls her closer.
He winks at her when she peers up before nuzzling his face closer.

"Sofia baby, my precious little princess. We. Are. Going. To. Starbucks!"
The girls giggle and squeal and skip their way to the car whilst Xavier fights a smile looking at his girls.

On their way over, Sofia gushes about having Riya over with them for Christmas and how exciting it's gong to be. Xavier takes int he moment.
The moment of Riya smiling at his daughter, reassuring her that nothing will come of up and she'll be there for Christmas.

The moment of her taking his daughter out of the backseat, fixing her dress and taking her hand before walking into Starbucks.

The moment where Riya lifts a shy Sofia, places her on her hip and encourages her to order her milkshake herself.

The moment where Riya praises the little girl before taking her to a booth.

It's all surreal and magical. It makes his heart swell seeing Sofia content. "Daddy, I forgot to say no sugar for your coffee."
Xavier smiles at his daughter, who gives him a shy, bashful smile.

"It's okay, my precious. But I'm so proud of you."
Sofia smiles at her dad as he leans over to press a kiss on her forehead. "I'm so so proud of you."

"Thank you, papa. Riya was there so I wasn't even scared."
Xavier's eyes catch Riya's. He watches her cheeks turn red as she pushes a stand of hair behind her ear and hide behind her coffee cup.

"I know. That's why I wasn't worried. Because she was there."
His words adds to her blush and when a hand lands on her thigh under the table, she turns to putty.

"W-we also needed to go Target remember!"

Xavier smirks at her as they walk out, satisfied by the reaction she managed to get out of her. The shopping trip results in a cart filled with treats, cute DIY activities and new fuzzy socks. By the time they get home, it's already dark.

"Sofia, let's go take a bath first."
"No!"

Xavier sighs before walking towards her, the little girl just escapes his grip and scurries around the dining table.
"Sofia, I'm too tired for this. Come on now."
"Nope!"

Riya laughs as she packs the treats and begins to get them ready for a movie night. "Sofia."
Riya watches as Sofia stomp her feet, "if Riya bathes me, I will!"

Xavier tries chasing her but gives up after a few minutes. He looks over at Riya with hopeful eyes as she puts the plates and cups down for pizza. She smiles and walks over, placing a hand on his chest, she fiddles with the fabric. "Can you please order us some pizza? And, I'll bather her."

She bats her eyes and he melts against her warm touch. The domesticated feeling of the moment fills a small gap in Xavier's heart that he didn't know he had. "Okay." He whispers as he watches her smile up at him, the soft light of the living room making her skin glow.

He slowly pulls his phone out as Riya brushes past him, "let's go, pretty girl."
Xavier watches Sofia and Riya move towards the bathroom. Soon Sofia hurries out in Bambi pyjamas. She sits next to her father and reminds him of Riya's favourite pizza order, which he has already placed.

Soon Riya also comes out, her hair wet as she throws a large Bambi pyjama set at Xavier, "these are for you!"

Sofia and Riya cuddle into each other in their matching pyjamas as they wait for Xavier. Meanwhile, Xavier walks into Riya's room to find the fuzzy socks they had bought for him. As he steps in, he finds his diary on her bed open. What catches his attention is the pink ink on the page.

He picks it up, seeing a list on the page makes him smile. The list is compiled of things Sofia and he have told her about what they want in.

Matching pyjamas.
Someone who will take care of Sofia.
Twinkle lights on Christmas.
Someone who will treat Sofia with kindness and be a role model.
Bake cookies with my bestest friend ever.
Someone who'll accept me for me and my situation.

Tears begin to ushers in his eyes. The effort from her end makes him melt. He grabs the bright purple socks before walking out.

When he walks out, he sees the door open and a man standing with the pizzas in his hand and Riya standing in front of him. Although, they're just having a normal conversation, the gaze of the delivery man irks him. Xavier walks up to the two, he wraps an arm around Riya, his hand owing under her top, thumb drawing random patterns n her skin.

"Is our pizza here, baby?"

Riya melts against him, the deep husk in his voice making her weak at her knees. "Yeah." She manages to breathe out.

"Why don't you go get Sofia ready for dinner? Poor baby is hungry and she won't sit down if you're not there."
Riya looks up at him before nodding her head.

A/N - SOOOOO??? BOLO BOLO BOLO!

SEE YOU IN THE NEXT ONE AND GUYS......... MAX 5 CHAPTERS MORE INCLUDING EPILOGUE