MOMMA BY CHOICE

Momma's little lion

Under the golden summer sun, the day stretched lazily ahead of them. The family pool shimmered invitingly in the heat, offering an oasis of cool relief from the sweltering temperatures. Meera watched from the poolside, resting in a lounger with a book she hadn't quite managed to read. Her attention kept drifting to the two most important people in her life—her husband, Vihan, and their little bundle of joy, Veer.

The sight in front of her was picture-perfect: Vihan holding Veer close, gently bouncing him in the water while Veer's delighted giggles echoed across the yard. Meera's heart swelled with love at the sight of her boys, yet beneath the surface, a familiar maternal concern bubbled up. Veer's cheeks were pink from the sun and excitement, and Meera couldn't help but worry about his sensitive baby skin and how much time they'd been splashing in the water.

"Vihan ji, Ab aap donno ko pool se bahar aajana chahiye," she called, the concern edging her voice. She shifted in her chair, setting her book aside, no longer able to ignore the unease.

Vihan looked up, his playful grin slowly fading as he saw the seriousness on her face. "Kya baat hai,jaan? We're just having some fun."

Meera bit her lip. "I know, per aap log ek ghate se bahar ho garmi mei. Veer's cheeks are turning red, and I don't want him to overheat or get sunburned. Aap log boht der se paani mei ho

."

Vihan looked down at Veer, whose tiny hands were busy slapping the water, creating splashes that sent him into fits of giggles. "But look at him, Meera. Veer boht masti kar raha hai jaan!"

Veer's baby voice chimed in at just the right moment, as if on cue. "Mammaaa! Dadddda! Ppllaalash (splash)!" he squealed, kicking his legs excitedly.

Meera couldn't help but smile at Veer's innocence. But her resolve didn't waver. "Vihan ji, manna ke veer boht masti kar raha hai, but uska khyal toh humko rakhna hai naa. He's still so little, Vihan ji. We can't keep him out here in the sun for too long."

With a heavy sigh, Vihan relented, though not without an attempt to charm his way out of it. "Alright, alright. But only if you smile for me first," he said, floating closer to the edge of the pool with Veer in his arms.

Meera tried to keep a stern face, but her lips betrayed her as they curled into a small smile. "I'm serious, Vihan ji. Babies can catch a chill or get sunburned so easily."

Veer babbled, as if he were trying to join the conversation. "Dadaaaa... Pllaasshh!" He whined little, his wide eyes bounced between his parents, sensing the conversation's tone shift.

Vihan chuckled. "See? Even Veer wants us to lighten up. He's siding with me, Meera."

Meera sighed, but her heart melted at the sight of Veer's earnest little face. "Alright, fine. But you both need to come out now."

Vihan smiled triumphantly and began to guide them toward the pool's steps. "Okay, deal. We're coming out—right after one last splash!"

With a final, dramatic swoop through the water, Vihan lifted Veer out of the pool and stepped onto the warm poolside. Veer's excitement hadn't waned, and he kicked his legs energetically as Meera approached with a soft, fluffy towel.

"There you go, mumma's little baby," Meera cooed, gently wrapping Veer in the towel, making sure every inch of him was warm and dry.

Vihan, still dripping with water, grinned as he slung a towel over his shoulder. "See? That wasn't so bad. And look, he's as happy as ever."

Veer's hands grasped at the edges of the towel, babbling away in his toddler language, "Mummaaaa! Naackkkk (Snack)!"

Meera chuckled, brushing the damp hair from Veer's forehead. "Awh.. baby ko snack chahiye, humm?"