Love Struck At The Wedding

BONUS CHAPTER

Shaurya's POV

It's been four years since our wedding, and life has changed in ways I couldn’t have imagined. We were no longer just Shaurya and Avni, husband and wife; we were now Papa and Mummy to our little angel, Meher.

Parenthood was an entirely new journey, and though it was filled with sleepless nights and endless responsibilities, it was a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything.

As I looked at Meher’s sleeping form, her small chest rising and falling rhythmically, I felt a wave of contentment wash over me. This was our little world, a world that revolved around the innocent giggles and curious gazes of our daughter.

Today had been one of those rare days when Avni convinced me to step out of this cocoon. My old college friends had planned a reunion, and despite their persistence, I had refused, not wanting to leave Avni and Meher alone even for a few hours.

But Avni, in her gentle yet firm way, insisted that I should go. "You deserve a break, Shaurya," she had said, her eyes twinkling with affection and a hint of mischief. "Besides, Meher and I will manage just fine."

Reluctantly, I agreed, knowing that she was right. But as the hours passed at the reunion, all I could think about was home—our small apartment filled with the scent of Avni’s cooking and Meher’s toys scattered everywhere. The moment the gathering ended, I excused myself and headed back, eager to return to my girls.

The drive back was filled with a mix of excitement and guilt; I couldn’t wait to see them but regretted leaving them in the first place.

The house was quiet when I entered, the only sound the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. As I made my way to our bedroom, I saw a dim light coming from the kitchen.

I paused, peeking in to see Avni’s mother, my mother-in-law, sipping water. She looked up and smiled when she saw me.

“Shaurya, you’re back,” she whispered, setting down the glass. “Did you have a good time?”

“I did,” I replied, though my heart had been half here the entire time. “How were Avni and Meher?”

She walked over, her expression softening as she spoke. “They were good. Meher was her usual self—curious and full of energy. Avni was tired, of course, but she managed. I stayed over just in case she needed help. You know, first-time parents and all.”

I nodded, grateful for her presence. “Thank you for staying. It means a lot.”

She waved me off. “It’s nothing. Meher did something quite adorable earlier. She reached out and said ‘Mumma’ while Avni was feeding her. It was as if she was trying to comfort Avni in her own little way. You should’ve seen Avni’s face—it was priceless.”

I felt a warmth spread through my chest at the thought of it. My little girl, already understanding more than we gave her credit for. “She said ‘Mumma’?”

“Yes,” mummy smiled. “She’s growing up so fast, Shaurya. You should spend as much time with her as you can.”

I nodded, already planning on doing just that. After exchanging a few more words, I bade her goodnight and made my way to the bedroom.

When I opened the door, the sight before me made my heart swell with love. Avni was fast asleep, her breathing soft and even.

Beside her, Meher lay wide awake, her large, doe-like eyes fixated on her mother’s sleeping form. Her tiny hand rested on Avni’s chest, and I noticed the slight dishevelment of Avni’s clothes from the late-night breastfeeding.

I slowly approached the bed, careful not to wake Avni. Meher’s gaze shifted to me as I leaned down, her eyes lighting up as she recognized me.

I smiled at her, gently lifting her into my arms. “Hey there, little one,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.