Love Will Find A Way

Bonus Chapter-4

Dedicated to chaithra28 adiza_star

Avyukt, now a mischievous two-and-a-half-year-old, was the apple of everyone's eye. His boundless energy and naughty antics kept everyone on their toes. Cabir and Mukti had taught him all sorts of pranks.

Alya imparted some fashion sense to him, often dressing him up in adorable outfits. Abhimanyu and Dhruv were his gaming partners, and Navya, his favorite massi, showered him with love and attention.

One sunny afternoon, Nandini was in the kitchen preparing lunch when she heard a suspicious giggle. She turned around just in time to see Avyukt tiptoeing towards the fridge with a determined look on his face.

"Avyukt, what are you up to?" she asked, hands on her hips.

Avyukt looked up, his innocent eyes wide. "Nothing, Mumma," he said, batting his eyelashes.

Nandini raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? It looks like you're planning something."

Before she could react, Avyukt opened the fridge, grabbed a bottle of ketchup, and squirted it all over the floor. He then ran away giggling, leaving a trail of red behind him.

"Avyukt!" Nandini exclaimed, trying to stifle her laughter. She couldn't stay mad at him for long. She grabbed a towel and started cleaning up the mess.

Manik, who had just walked in, saw the commotion. "What's going on here?" he asked, amused.

"Your son decided to redecorate the kitchen with ketchup," Nandini said, shaking her head.

Manik chuckled and bent down to help her clean up. "Avyukt, come here!" he called out.

Avyukt peeked around the corner, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yes, Daddy?"

Manik tried to keep a stern face. "Why did you do that, buddy?"

Avyukt pouted. "Because it's fun!"

Nandini couldn't help but laugh. "Well, it's not fun to clean up, young man. Come here and help us."

Avyukt trotted over, grabbing a small cloth and mimicking his parents. "Sorry, Mumma, Daddy," he said, looking up at them with a sheepish grin.

Manik ruffled his hair. "Just don't do it again, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy," Avyukt replied, already distracted by a toy he spotted in the corner.

Later that day, Avyukt was in the living room with Cabir and Mukti. Cabir was showing him a new prank, while Mukti was laughing along.

"Okay, Avyukt, you take this whoopee cushion and put it under someone's seat," Cabir explained, handing him the inflated cushion.

Avyukt nodded seriously, taking the cushion and sneaking over to where Nandini was about to sit down.

"Perfect," Mukti whispered, watching from a distance.

Nandini, unaware of the scheme, sat down and the whoopee cushion let out a loud, embarrassing noise. Avyukt burst into laughter, clapping his hands with glee.

Nandini looked around, surprised, then saw Cabir and Mukti trying to contain their laughter. "You three are too much!" she said, shaking her head but smiling.

Manik walked in and saw the scene. "What's happening now?"

"Your son and his partners in crime are up to no good again," Nandini explained.

Manik laughed, scooping Avyukt up in his arms. "You little troublemaker! What am I going to do with you?"

Avyukt hugged him. "I love you, Daddy."