𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓼 [*Complete*]

Ch. 28 ⭐

Road to Nainital,

Next day,

10:00 hours.

A semi-Volvo 40-seater bus rumbled along the winding roads, making its way to Nainital. Inside, the Shikhawat family, Lala Gehlot, some of his guards, all of Nandini's friends, and Arnav were comfortably settled. The journey had begun early, around 07:00 am, and many of the youngsters had taken advantage of the first two hours to catch up on some much-needed sleep.

As the bus continued its journey, the soft hum of the engine was occasionally interrupted by the quiet chatter of those who had already woken up. Lala Gehlot found himself seated beside Madhumati, Khushi's adoptive aunt. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he leaned closer and said, "Madhumati ji, it seems fate has placed us next to each other for this long journey. Perhaps it's trying to tell us something?"

Madhumati, known for her no-nonsense attitude, raised an eyebrow but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, Lala ji, if fate was trying to tell us anything, it would be that you're too old for these flirtations."

Lala chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Old, you say? Age is just a number, Madhumati ji. My heart is as young as ever, especially in such delightful company."

Madhumati shook her head, a smile breaking through. "You always know how to sweet-talk your way around, don't you, Lala ji? Aap bohot hi badmash ho, HNK!"

"Only when the company is worth it," he replied with a wink, making Madhumati laugh softly, the warmth of the moment spreading through the bus.

Encouraged, Lala leaned in closer with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Madhumati ji, did anyone ever tell you that your smile could put the sunrise to shame?" Lala complimented with a suave grin.

Madhumati chuckled, pretending to be unaffected by the flattery, though a faint blush crept up her cheeks. "Lala ji, you must be careful with such words. People might start thinking you've become a poet overnight."

Lala leaned back, laughing softly. "Poet or not, it's the truth. Besides, who wouldn't be inspired sitting next to such a lovely lady?"

Madhumati gave him a playful nudge, but the smile on her face lingered as she turned to look out the window, secretly enjoying the attention.

Meanwhile, Rajveer found himself with a curious little companion. Daisy, Dev's five-year-old daughter had been bursting with curiosity since she learned that she was about to get a new chachi [aunt]. She had been waiting for a chance since they started this journey, and now that everyone was waking up, she decided it was the perfect time to ask her Chachu [uncle] all her burning questions.

"Chachu," she began in her sweet, childlike voice, "is my new chachi pretty?"

Rajveer chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Yes, your new chachi is the prettiest, Daisy. Even prettier than your favorite princess." he replied with a playful wink.

Daisy's eyes widened in wonder. "Prettier than Elsa?"

"Much prettier," Rajveer confirmed with a grin.

Daisy's face lit up with excitement. "And does she like ice cream? And will she play dolls with me?"

Rajveer nodded seriously, matching her enthusiasm. "She loves ice cream, and I bet she'll play dolls with you if you ask her."

This delighted Daisy, who clapped her hands happily. "I can't wait to meet her! Will she teach me how to dance like a princess too?"

Rajveer laughed, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Of course, she will. She's a great dancer."