Reshimbandh~Silken Threads

26. Precious Moments

The twins, Aru and Anu, tugged at Arjun's hands, their eyes wide with excitement. "Papa," Aru said, "we want to play in the garden."

Arjun smiled, leading them toward their cozy lawn. "Here we are," he said. "Our own little green haven."

But the twins shook their heads. "Not here," Anu insisted. "The neighborhood garden-outside!"

Arjun hesitated. "It's not safe out there," he said gently. "We'll have more fun here."

"No, Papa. Outside garden." Aru crossed his arms.

Anu's lower lip quivered. "Everything is safe when you're with us, Papa. Please."

Arjun sighed. He understood their longing for adventure, but his protective instincts kicked in. "Listen," he began, "have you considered how much fun you can have right here? Our lawn is like a secret kingdom, guarded by our loyal companions-Rocky, Sandy, and Nyx."

Aru scrunched his nose. "But Shiv's papa takes him everywhere. They explore forests and climb mountains."

Anu nodded. "Yeah, everything is always about work with you and Akka'i. You don't spend time with us."

Aru and Anu stomped their feet, crossing their arms. Arjun's heart twinged. He had missed so much-their laughter, their dreams, their innocent mischief. "Okay," he said, "But, have you considered how much fun you can have here with Rocky, Sandy and Nyx? You cannot take them out in the neighbourhood, baccha! Let's play with them here in the garden!

Arjun whistled and the canines came running. Arjun picked up a tennis ball and threw it to a distant corner. Sandy sprinted after it. She returned, dropping the ball at Arjun's feet, wagging her tail.

Anu looked at the pets happily surrounding Arjun from the corner of her eyes and walked up to him with a pout. "I will play," she declared, joining the wagging-tail circle.

Arjun ruffled her hair, giving her the ball. She threw it in the air, Rocky leaped up to catch it.

Arjun sat on the grass, a big smile on his face as he watched his twins chase each other around the backyard. Their canine friends Rocky and Sandy were also running around playing fetch. Anu laughed uncontrollably as Aru tried to catch her, his little legs pumping as fast as they could go.

A smile crept up Arjun's lips, the sound of their joy filling the air and his heart with warmth. Nyx was purring in his lap as he rubbed her belly.

"Oops!" Anu tripped over her own feet and fell to the ground. Aru rushed over to her, concern etched on his face, along with Arjun. Instead of crying, she burst into a fit of giggles, rolling around in the grass.

"Are you okay?" Arjun asked, pulling her in his arms.

She giggled. "I'm good!"

Arjun frowned looking at her bruised knee. "Let's get you some first aid and then we'll play inside."

"No papa! We want to play here." Anu protested.

"Let's go inside for now." Arjun picked her up and walked in with Aru.

~~

Arjun sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by colourful blocks and toys, as his twins, giggled with excitement. Aru built a towering block tower, while Anu carefully placed toy animals around it, creating a zoo.

Arjun joined in, adding a toy car that zooms around the zoo, eliciting squeals of delight from the twins.

"Wow, papa! I love this new car!" Aru grinned excitedly.

Anu joined in, "We will make a Lego tower."

Arjun watched their little hands connect colorful bricks and they pulled him in the game.