Rent Free

6.Unforgettable memories

"Shubi, shall we stay for a movie?" Ishan asked as soon as the younger one walked in. "Anish and I thought that we could binge-watch the entire Conjuring franchise."

"That's not a movie, Ishu," Shahneel said as you placed the last of the cutlery in the draw. "It's a movie marathon."

"We can watch Insidious too," you added and she was all in. "I'll get some snacks ready-"

A familiar cry interrupted your words for the second time that evening.

Before you could excuse yourself and go check up on your daughter, Shubman volunteered yet again.

"I'll get the TV ready," Ara said as she walked towards the said device. "Movie marathon starts at 9:30 pm. You got twenty minutes to assemble, people."

As Ishan and Anish dashed to get to the nearest store for snacks, you decided to check up on Nini by yourself.

You walked towards your bedroom, letting the chaos fade in the background as you stepped past the half-open door.

The crib was on the side of the bed that was away from the door, and closer to the balcony.

And you were greeted by the sight of Shubman pacing by the crib, holding your daughter in his arms, while occasionally and gently rocking her in his arms.

"She wakes up at least twice or thrice before actually falling asleep," you said as you walked towards them. "She wants me near her almost all the time. Now that adds you too."

You saw a flash of his dimples, the fondness in his eyes as he placed a small kiss on Nini's head, carefully placing her back in the crib.

"Are you jealous?" He asked playfully as you slid the door to the balcony open.

"Maybe," you shrugged, making your way towards the railing. "Maybe not."

Shubman followed, resting his arms over the railing as the wind blew across your face.

You looked behind to make sure your daughter wasn't feeling cold, after which you continued staring at the city lights.

"Nice view, right?" You started randomly and he turned his head to look at you.

A small smile appeared on his face as he nodded.

"Beautiful," he said, thinking back to the first time he saw you.

"30 K per month," you mumbled. "It should be."

"Not the city," Shubman said again, and you noticed that he stood only a couple of feet away from you.

Glancing back at Nini's sleeping form again, you held your breath for a while.

Like the first time he saw you.

He turned to look at you while your eyes were on your daughter.

Your lovely serene face, the subtle smile as you stared at your little bundle of joy in the crib, then your eyes. He just couldn't stop himself.

When you moved your head again, Shubman's eyes were looking directly into yours.

Not too close. But not far either.

Just enough space. Enough to make his heart beat louder with each passing second.

One could easily get lost in his eyes.

They were capable of making someone smile with the joy in them.

His eyelids were like crescents that made you admire them every time you looked into his eyes.

And then you did this.

Your eyes flickered towards Shubman's lips and he did the same.

His breathing, you could feel, was getting slightly heavier.

"I'm not supposed to say this right now," he barely said. "But will we still be friends if I say I'm in love with you."

You said nothing. You just stared at him, making him even more nervous.

He closed his eyes and felt like disappearing from the world.

Not because of the rejection he'd expected. But because of the feeling of your lips on his cheek, which he hadn't expected.

Shubman opened his eyes again, lips parted slightly in shock and also partly to control the smile that threatened to break out.

"What?" You asked in a soft tone. "You thought I'd be skeptical about dating because I have a kid, even though I'm single?"

And it was the rest of the world that disappeared.

All that existed was you and Nini, with him.

He promised himself. It'll always be that way. You both will always come first.

You'd have better days. Something in life had got you down, and you were waiting for things to change.

He walked into your life. And you don't think you can see anyone else with you and your daughter.

Shubman was like a song that you heard when you were a little kid but forgot you knew until you heard it again.