𝑨𝑵𝑰𝑫𝑰𝑻𝑨: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐞 - Yours With All My Heart

|43|•ᴄᴏᴜʀᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍꜱ•

BONDITA

The day had been relentless, every hour slipping away without me even realizing it. I'd been busy arranging everything for tomorrow, eager because Bondita was coming. The anticipation kept me going; I wanted everything to be perfect for her. While I was at it, I made sure her office was set up right next to mine. If she's with me, she's going to be close to me, no question about that.

I had every intention of getting home before ten, but things never go as planned. By the time I finally reached our doorstep, it was nearly 12:40 a.m. As I pushed the door open, the first thing I saw was Bondita, curled up on the sofa with a book in her hands. She was waiting for me-this late.

Guilt gnawed at me as I shut the door quietly behind me. Her eyes, heavy with sleep, lit up the moment she saw me. In an instant, she was on her feet, the book forgotten on the table, and she ran towards me with that radiant smile that never fails to melt my heart. I couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm; she was just like a little kid, her excitement contagious.

She threw herself into my arms, hugging me tightly. "Finally, aap aagaye! I missed you!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled against my chest.

I wrapped my arms around her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. This girl is so precious, I thought to myself

My fingers brushing against the back of her neck as I gently moved her hair aside. "And I missed you just as much, my little butterfly," I murmured.

Bondita pulled back slightly, her eyes suddenly wide with excitement. "AAPKO PATA HAI?"

I chuckled at the adorable urgency in her voice. "Hmm? Kya pata hai?" I asked, playing along.

Her eyes sparkled with happiness as she practically burst out, "Mujhe Batuk ne phone kiya! Usne bola ki woh yaha aarha hai! Aapko pata hai main kitni khush hu!!"

Her joy was infectious, and I couldn't help but grin along with her, my heart swelling at the sight of her so happy. Not only was my little butterfly glowing with excitement, but my younger brother, Batuk-the infamous B.R.C.-was coming home. He hadn't even been at our wedding. In fact, no one had been there. How could I forget that?

Still smiling, I slowly moved my hand from the back of her neck to cup her face, my thumb gently rubbing her cheek. "So, your dear devar finally decided to talk to you, huh?" I teased, my voice soft.

But to my surprise, she lowered her head, slipping out of my hold. She moved towards the book she'd been reading earlier, her playful demeanor intact as she said, "Ji haan, aur haan, jaa kar naha lijiye. Aapse bahut badbu aa rahi hai."

I cleared my throat, feigning a stern expression. "Bondita..."

She looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes, completely unfazed. "Sach bol rahi hoon. Jaa kar naha lo, main aayi aapka khana lekar," she said with a mischievous grin before quickly darting off to the kitchen, leaving me chuckling in her wake.

Her antics always had a way of brightening even the longest of days.

_

As I walked out of the room, wearing only my sweatpants, the mouthwatering aroma of food filled the air. I glanced over at Bondita, who was once again engrossed in her book. But this time, the red blush on her cheeks gave away what she was reading. My innocent butterfly had a naughty side, it seemed.

I couldn't resist; I stepped closer and leaned down, planting a quick kiss on the edge of her book. My eyes widened when I caught a glimpse of the content. Oh. So that's what had her all flustered. I cleared my throat, catching her attention.