Chaahat

Bonus scene

It's been a week since they've been married. Riya and Xavier have decided not to go on a honeymoon yet and spend time with Sofia instead. And tonight, the girls are on a special mission.

Xavier rolls his eyes as he lays flat on his back with his shirt off as his wife and daughter hold eyeshadow brushes and a pallets of brightly coloured eyeshadow.

"You have to be very still, papa."
A laugh leaves Riya's lips as she watches Sofia choose a tattoo she likes the most. Riya has her eyes set on the one on his chest, it's a butterfly with roses.

"Okay, I like this one!" Sofia points to the one on his bicep. It's a small routine of a rainbow and a unicorn either Sofia's name written under it. He had gotten it for her so he was sure she'd pick that one.

With  cheeky smile at each other, Sofia pulls her dad's arms towards her and Riya throws her legs on either side of Xavier's so before sitting on him.

"Please tell me why I have been subjected to this torture."
The girl laugh at him. "We just want to make them pretty."

Accepting defeat, Xavier places his head on the pillow and lets the girls do what they want.Satisfaction fills his chest when he hears his girls laugh and giggle.

"All done, papa. Let's go look at them in the mirror." Sofia's excitement makes the husband and wife smile at each other.

Looking into the mirror, Xavier smiles at the perfectly shaded butterfly and roses before moving is arm to take a look at his daughter's artwork.

The messy colours and streaks covering the unicorn and rainbow. Seeing the twinkling eyes of his daughter and the cheeky smiles on his wife's face, his heart melts. "They're beautiful."

Sofia hurries out, leaving the couple alone. Riya smiles up at her husband, she gently pats her husband's chest. "The colour really suits you. I really like it coloured."

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The next morning, Riya plates food for Sofia. Glancing at the time, she sighs. This morning, her husband left saying he's got something to do. She huffs after a few minutes, realising he's been gone for three hours and she has no idea where he is.

"Your dad is in big trouble when he gets home."
Sofia laughs at her mama before grabbing the small toast slice and stuffing it in her mouth. The chocolate spread smearing her face.

The door clicks open catching both the girl's attention. "Finally! Where have you been, Mr?"
Riya's voice is a mix of worry and frustration. "You said you'd be back in an hour. It's been three."

Xavier takes a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "I know, I'm sorry. But I promise, I have a good reason."

Riya's eyes narrow slightly. "It better be a really good reason."

Without another word, Xavier takes his shirt off, revealing his tattoos. They're no longer the usual black and grey. Instead, they're filled with vibrant colors, carefully shaded and blended to perfection. Just like how she had coloured them – rich purples, deep blues, shimmering golds.

Riya's expression soften as she takes in the sight. "You... you had them colored?"

Xavier nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah. You guys filled in my tattoos with colours. I couldn't stop thinking about how amazing they looked, how they felt more like us. So, I went to the artist and had them done properly."

Riya's eyes well up with tears, her frustration melting away. "Xavier, that's... that's incredible. You did this for us?"

"I wanted to have a piece of you and Sofia with me, always."

Riya's lips curves into a smile as she reaches out to trace the newly coloured designs on his arm and chest. "I can't believe you did this. It's beautiful."

Xavier takes her hand in his, his eyes locking onto hers. "You're beautiful. And I never want you to doubt how much you mean to me."

Riya's tears spill over, but they're tears of happiness. She pulls Xavier into a tight embrace, feeling the warmth and love radiate from him. "Thank you," she whispers against his chest. "Thank you for loving me like this."

Xavier holds her close, his heart full. "Always, Riya. Always."