Enduring Partners

Chapter 8

Ishita turned to see who this mysterious "papa" was. As soon as the man stepped into the living room, Ruhi leaped into his arms. He lifted her effortlessly, his face breaking into a broad smile.

But as their eyes met, both Ishita and the man froze, recognition dawning on their faces.

"Tum?" they exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with shock.

Ishita's eyes widened as she realised who this man was. The one who scratched her car and was so arrogant that instead of apologising he was fighting with her.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Ishita blurted, her voice tinged with disbelief. She could hardly believe her bad luck. What the hell is this insolent man doing here?

Raman’s eyes narrowed, the recognition clearly mutual. “I should be asking you the same thing, you irritating woman,” he retorted, his voice dripping with irritation.

Ishita rolled her eyes, trying to suppress the rage bubbling inside her. “Oh, great. So, the most unmannered and insolent man is calling me irritating? The one who scratched my car and didn’t even bother to apologize?”

Raman scoffed, “You mean the car that you left in the middle of the parking like a wrecking ball? You practically dared me to hit it.”

Ishita’s jaw dropped. “Dared you? Are you kidding me? Your driving was so reckless, even a toddler could see it coming.”

Raman’s eyes flashed with irritation. “Oh, please. Your car was practically begging for a makeover. It looked like it had seen better days in the ‘90s.”

Ishita crossed her arms. “And you think your so-called luxury car is a masterpiece? Newsflash, Mr—just because you drive a fancy car doesn’t mean you have to act like one.”

Raman's eyes narrowed. “And just because you drive a less-than-fancy car doesn’t mean you have to be a traffic hazard.”

Their voices were rising, but Ruhi clung to Raman, confused by the escalating argument. “Papa, why are you fighting with Auntie?”

Ishita gasped in shock hearing Ruhi refering to this man as her father. “He's your papa Ruhi?”

“Yes, Ishita aunty,”

“This is your Ishita aunty?” Ramna asked bewildered, he didn't expected that the woman his daughter has fell in love with was none other than this women.

“Oye Puttar, tum dono jaande ho ek dusre nu?” Santoshi asked curiously looking at the interaction between the two.

“Yes, maa. Unfortunately...” he mumbled the last word under his breath.

Ishita took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “Yes auntie. I know him. You know what, Raman? Let’s just forget this ever happened. I’m here for Ruhi, and I don’t have time for this nonsense.”

She said trying to be reasonable. She did not wanted to fight with her little angel father.

Raman smirked, obviously enjoying her discomfort. “Fine by me. But if you ever decide to leave your car unattended again, don’t be surprised if it ends up with a few more scratches.”

Ishita glared at him. “And if you ever drive recklessly again, you might end up with more than just a few scratches.”

Raman raised an eyebrow. “You have quite the imagination, Ishita.”

Ishita huffed. “And you have a lot to learn about manners, Raman.”

As the tension crackled between them, Ruhi finally spoke up, tugging at Ishita’s sleeve. “Auntie, do you want to come play with me?”

Ishita’s expression softened at the sight of Ruhi’s hopeful face. “Of course, Ruhi. I’d love to.”

Raman, still smirking, watched as Ishita knelt beside Ruhi, their previous animosity momentarily forgotten.

The hostility between Ishita and Raman might have simmered, but the spark of their earlier clash was unmistakable, leaving them both fuming but unwilling to let it show in front of the little girl.

“Wait, Papa!” Ruhi exclaimed, her eyes wide with realization as she tugged on Ishita’s hand. Turning to her father, she said, “I forgot to introduce you two properly!”

With a bright, eager smile, Ruhi continued, “Papa, this is Ishita aunty. She’s really special to me.” She then looked up at Ishita with a hopeful expression, adding, “And Ishita aunty, this is my Papa. I’m so excited for you both to meet!”

“Haan beta, excited toh main bhi tha,” Raman said with a smirk, making Ishita shoot him an exasperated look.

“Are you not excited now, Papa?” Ruhi asked, her lower lip jutting out in a pout.

“Of course, I’m excited!” Raman said, forcing a wide grin. “See, Ruhi, I’m thrilled to meet your Ishita aunty.” His exaggerated smile and enthusiastic tone made everyone burst into laughter.

“Khadoos,” Ishita muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes with a smile.

Ruhi sat on the sofa, her excitement evident as she watched the interaction between her Papa and Ishita aunty.

Raman, with a teasing grin, said, “So, Ishita aunty, I hear you have quite the reputation for being a stickler for rules. Ruhi tells me you’re the ‘no-nonsense’ type.”

Ishita raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on her lips. “Oh really? And I’ve heard that Papa here is the king of spontaneous plans. Did you ever finish that project he promised you months ago, Ruhi?”

Ruhi giggled, her eyes darting between the two as their banter grew more animated. Raman feigned offense. “Hey, I’ve been busy! Some of us have important meetings to attend, you know.”

Ishita chuckled, shaking her head. “Important meetings, or just avoiding house chores?”

Raman gasped in mock outrage. “I’ll have you know, I am an expert at multitasking!”

Ruhi, catching the playful mood, jumped in, “Papa, see? Even Ishita aunty thinks you need to work on your multitasking!”

Raman grinned at his daughter, then turned back to Ishita. “Well, maybe we can test that theory over coffee. What do you say, Ishita aunty?”

Ishita's smile widened. “Only if you promise not to turn it into a business meeting.”

As Ruhi watched, her face beaming with delight, it was clear that despite the bickering, there was a genuine connection forming between her Papa and Ishita aunty. The light-hearted exchanges made her feel hopeful and happy, knowing that her two favorite people were getting along, even in their own unique way.

So, how was the chapter?

Did you like their meet?