10. Hide and seek

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As Krishav departed, the dam of emotions burst, and fat teardrops cascaded down Kunj's cheek. He gazed longingly at the door, yearning for Krishav's return, anticipating the familiar game of peek-a-boo.

"Shh, bacha aise nhii rote. Kya hua haii Aaj aapko?? Aap toh aise nhii karte ho, bhaii jaldi aa jayenge bacha"," Prerna whispered, gently rubbing Kunj's back to soothe his hiccups.

Witnessing Kunj's inconsolable state, Prerna became distressed, her own eyes welling up with tears.

She cradled Kunj, swaying back and forth, and began singing the lullaby she had always sung to him since they first found each other.

Her melodious voice enveloped the surroundings, radiating maternal love.

Gradually, Kunj relaxed against Prerna, his sobs subsiding as he nestled his head against her chest.

Prerna continued to sway gently, carrying Kunj to the garden, where the fragrance of blossoming flowers mingled with the symphony of nature, casting a magical spell. The lullaby's soothing melody created a serene ambiance.

The rhythm of Prerna's heartbeat, accompanied by her tender lullaby, calmed Kunj, who eventually ceased crying.

Settling on a nearby couch in the garden, Prerna continued to sway, cradling Kunj in her arms. After singing the lullaby to her now-peaceful son, Prerna felt distressed witnessing Kunj in such a state.

He, who was once a lively and energetic bumblebee, now sat quietly.

Prerna tenderly wiped away Kunj's tear-stained face with the corner of her saree.

His face had acquired a rosy hue from crying, his adorable button nose turned pink, while his doe-like eyes still held unshed tears, and his damp eyelashes clung together. In this moment, he resembled a precious rabbit, vulnerable and delicate.

"Bunny, now tell mumma why are you crying?" Prerna asked, her voice filled with concern.

Kunj, with tears streaming down his face, spoke in a sulking tone, "Bhai,promise his voice muffled as he rubbed his wet cheeks against Prerna's soft saree.

The room was filled with the sound of his sniffles, echoing in the air. It didn't take Prerna too long to understand the reason behind his tears.

Krishav, had promised to spend the day with them, but due to a sudden practice, he had to leave, completely forgetting his promise.

Even though Prerna could sense the truth, she didn't want to jump to conclusions, so she gently asked Kunj to confirm her theory.

"Bhai, powmise mumma, he play together with us," Kunj spoke, his voice trembling with sadness and disappointment.

Prerna, wanting to comfort her little bunny, whispered, "Shh, bache rote nhii, okay Bhai ko aane do mumma unki bahut daat lagayenge. Ye koi baat Hui mere chote se bunny ko aise promise karke kaise bhool sakte ho."

The room had a faint aroma of incense, creating a calm atmosphere as Prerna tried to soothe Kunj.

Kunj, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, declared, "Bhai ki pitayi v karna," as he looked up at Prerna.

Her heart melted at the sight of her child's innocence.

Prerna smiled and replied, "Jaisa aap kaho."

She shook her head internally, amused by her naughty child who had quickly gone from sulking to plotting to get his older brother scolded.

Prerna gently tickled Kunj's tummy, feeling the warmth of his laughter as she whispered, "Now if my little bunny is done making plans to get his bhaiya scolded, should he now spare some time for his mumma too?"

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