INNOCENCE

Chapter : 7

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The night was thick with darkness as Ananya trudged up the driveway of the Mehra Manor. The only sounds breaking the oppressive silence were the crunch of gravel under her feet and the distant, rhythmic chirping of crickets. It was close to eleven, and the moon was hidden behind a blanket of clouds, leaving the world in an inky void. Ananya’s body screamed with exhaustion, her muscles aching from the relentless work at the company. Her mind was equally fatigued, weighed down by the endless decisions and responsibilities that had marked her day. She was ready to collapse, to find solace in the comfort of her bed.

As she approached the manor, a soft light spilled out from the hall windows, casting a warm glow on the stone steps. Confusion furrowed her brow. Why was the hall light still on at this hour? Was someone still awake? She pushed open the heavy wooden door, its creak echoing through the quiet house.

Inside, the manor was still, the silence almost tangible. The only light came from the hall, and Ananya made her way toward it, her curiosity piqued. She found her mother-in-law, Mrs. Mehra, sitting on the plush couch, engrossed in a glossy magazine.

“Mom, why are you still awake?” Ananya asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Mehra looked up, her eyes softening when they met Ananya’s. “Just waiting for you,” she replied, her tone warm and gentle.

Ananya felt a strange happiness bloom in her chest at the unexpected care. She smiled, though fatigue pulled at the corners of her mouth. “But you didn’t have to, Mom,” she said quietly.

Mrs. Mehra’s smile widened. “Of course I had to, just to make sure my daughter came home safely.”

Ananya’s heart swelled with affection. “It’s late, Mom. You should sleep now.”

Mrs. Mehra stretched dramatically, a playful glint in her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, after all, I’m getting old now,” she said with exaggerated effort, rising from the couch.

Ananya couldn’t help but giggle at her theatrics. “Goodnight, Mom.”

“Goodnight, dear,” Mrs. Mehra replied, giving her a small smile before heading to her room.

Shaking her head in amusement, Ananya made her way to her own room, her body yearning for rest. She opened the door quietly, expecting to see Rihaan, cuddled up with a pillow as usual. However, the scene that greeted her was entirely different. Rihaan was on the couch wide awake, his cheeks puffed out in anger, forming a pout as he turned his face away from her.

“Rihaan?” she called softly, surprised to see him still up. “Why are you still awake?”

Without turning to face her, he replied in a cute, angry voice, “I’m not talking with you.”

Ananya raised an eyebrow in amusement. “And may I ask why?”

He remained in the same position, his voice small and petulant. “You left me here and went out alone.”

Ananya made a dramatic 'oh' face. “So that's why you're angry with me,” she said, a hint of laughter in her tone.

He nodded, still not looking at her. “But I needed to go to the office; it was important,” she explained, moving closer.

Rihaan uttered with a pout, “But you went alone, without me,” pointing at himself with wide, accusing eyes.

Ananya pressed her lips in a straight line, trying to suppress her laughter at his adorable expression. She composed herself and tilted her head. “I’m sorry. Forgive me,” she said softly, holding her ears in a gesture of apology.

His face was still turned away from her, his lower lip jutting out in a pout. Ananya took a deep breath, knowing it was going to take all her patience .

“Rihaan,” she began softly, walking over to him. Her voice was gentle and apologetic, each word carefully chosen to soothe his hurt. “I’m really, really sorry for leaving without you.”

Rihaan didn’t respond. He kept his face turned away, staring fixedly at the far wall, his brows drawn together in a stubborn frown. Ananya’s heart sank a little more, but she wasn’t ready to give up.

She knelt down beside the couch so she was at his eye level, her eyes wide with sincerity. “Rihaan, look at me,” she pleaded, her voice laced with sweetness and regret. But Rihaan remained resolute in his silence, refusing to meet her gaze.

Undeterred, Ananya decided to employ a tactic she knew often worked. She tilted her head to the side, letting her long hair cascade over one shoulder, and put on her most endearing expression. “Please?” she added, her voice even softer and cuter, hoping to melt his resistance.

At that, Rihaan’s resolve began to waver. He slowly turned his head to look at her, his eyes still holding a trace of hurt but also a glimmer of curiosity. Ananya’s heart lifted slightly, sensing she was making progress.

“Ok,” Rihaan said at last, drawing out the word slowly as if he were savoring his small victory. But then he added, with a hint of mischief in his eyes, “But on one condition.”

Curiosity piqued, she asked, “And what's that?”

Rihaan looked at Ananya with his eyes still slightly narrowed, the cute pout firmly in place. He took a deep breath and, with an air of seriousness that contrasted with his adorable expression, he finally told her his condition.

"You have to take me with you to the office," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his determination despite the childish pout that softened his features.

Ananya couldn't help but smile at his earnestness. She reached out and gently touched his arm, her heart swelling with affection. "Alright, Rihaan," she replied softly, her voice filled with warmth. "I promise, I'll take you with me next time. Happy."

Clapping his hands in excitement, Rihaan’s eyes sparkled with the joy of spending more time with her. Ananya couldn’t help but laugh softly, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the warmth of their shared moment.

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