Reshimbandh~Silken Threads

25. Papa, mere papa!

Next morning, 

Shashikant patted her head, "Good morning princess!"

Neha groggily opened her eyes and blinked to get a clear picture of the person waking her. "Papa?" Sleeping pills had put her in a deep sleep. Shut up Neha, go to sleep, it's a dream.

"Nehu dear, wake up, please?" He kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes again.

A few minutes later she opened her eyes again to see the olderly man sitting by her side. "Papa, is it really you?" She sat up, "When, how?"

"Just landed in Mumbai." Shashikant held up a glass of water.

"Hold on," she held his hand, "why are you here?"

"It's my house, I'll come when I want." He smacked her head, effectively waking her.

"Oh," she smiled and rested her head on his shoulder, "I'm glad you're here, papa."

"I'm happy to see you too!" He caressed her hair. "Come on Princess, I'll see you for breakfast in a while."

"Yes papa!" She smiled. Her heart felt elated seeing him. All the stress of the previous day vanished in a blink.

~

Arjun's heart swelled with a mix of overwhelming joy and bittersweet nostalgia as he heard the excited cries of "Papa!" from Aru and Anu.

The sight of his children, who had grown so much in the past three years, left him momentarily speechless. Dropping to his knees, he gently cupped their faces.

"Hello my precious ones!" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. The twins, in turn, buried their heads into his shoulders, their small arms wrapping around him in a tight embrace.

Arjun could feel their hearts beating against his chest, a rhythm that brought tears to his eyes. He patted their backs, conveying the depth of his love and the pain of their separation.

This unexpected reunion was a dream come true, yet it also reminded him of the time lost. He had imagined this moment countless times, but the reality was even more poignant.

The twins had a healthy glow, their sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks bore excitement. They shared a striking resemblance to each other and to their parents.

"When did you come?" Arjun asked.

"Just now." Aru answered, "with Kaka."

Arjun placed little kisses on their forehead and cheeks. His phone buzzed. "Sorry beta, I have to take this call."

"Sure papa!" Anu nodded.

"Morning, Rathore." Arjun answered.

"When are you reaching ETF?"

Arjun glanced at the twins, his heart longed for their presence, "if it's not urgent, I'll come in the second half?"

"Arre, nahi papa, please go, we're going to sleep anyway." Anu said.

"Didn't you sleep in the flight? Passu!" Aru smacked her.

"Well, I'm still tired and sleepy." She smacked him back, "Papa come early in the evening."

"Haa, evening is good, we'll play!" Aru nodded.

"Alright." He answered the phone, "I'm coming in an hour."

"Okay."

"Let's have breakfast then."

"We'll go, freshen up, brush our teeth. Then join you " Anu ran out of the room. She bumped into Neha who was waiting for her. Anu waved her hands and Neha picked her up.