𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐒

O N E

- The Perfect Stranger -

Adjusting his suit, Krish gazed at his reflection in the mirror. He maintained a cold and stern demeanor with everyone except his family. Letting out a deep sigh, he smiled warmly as he observed his son's peaceful sleeping form. Krish Mehra, a single father, reminisced about his wife who had left him for another man.

Approaching his son, he gently stroked his head. "Kiaan, time to wake up, my boy," he said softly. The four-year-old hummed in response, eliciting a chuckle from Krish. "Come on, you're going to be late for kindergarten," he added, playfully tugging at the duvet.

"Umm, Dad, it's cold," the boy said. "No-no, get ready, come," Krish replied as he scooped his son into his arms and carried him to the bathroom. After a while, he finished preparing Kiaan for school. It was challenging for Krish to look after Kiaan by himself. He understood that Kiaan also needed his mother's love, but now he struggled to trust any woman.

Plating the breakfast, he glances at his mom, "What are you up to, Mom?" His mother shoots him a quick glance before breaking into a smile, "I'm on the hunt for a wife for you." "Mom!" He quickly grabs the iPad from her hands. "What's with this, Krish?" she questions. "I've told you before, Mom, I'm not interested in marriage," he asserts, grabbing his files from the table as he prepares to leave. "Please drop Kiaan off today; I'm running late for the meeting," he requests before hurrying out.

Kiaan gave his Dadi a pleading look, his lower lip jutting out in a pout. "Dad is never going to listen to Dadi," he lamented softly, his eyes reflecting a hint of disappointment. Mrs. Mehra, with a twinkle in her eye, gently placed a hand on Kiaan's shoulder and said, "Oh, my dear boy, don't you worry. Your dad might surprise us one day and listen to his dear old Dadi." She then playfully added, "But for now, let's not keep the school waiting. Come on, Kiaan, time to hit the road before we're tardy!" Her words elicited a giggle from Kiaan, his mood brightening as they headed out the door.

• Meanwhile •

Samaira Nair, a determined and bright student, was meticulously preparing for her day at the university. Despite her academic excellence, she faced financial hurdles that necessitated taking on part-time jobs. Her parents, unfortunately, held traditional views, believing that a woman's role was confined to domestic duties.

"Samaira, can't you hear your dad asking for coffee?" her mother's voice echoed through the house. With a heavy sigh, Samaira acknowledged, "Yes, I'm coming," as she made her way towards the kitchen to fulfill her familial responsibilities.

Handing the freshly brewed coffee to her dad, Samaira swiftly grabbed her bag, ready to embark on her day. "I'm off. Bye," she uttered, planting a loving kiss on her mother's cheek before stepping out of the house.

As she made her way towards the door, her mother's heartfelt words followed her, "Take care," echoing through the house. Samaira couldn't help but smile at her mother's caring gesture, her heart warmed by the familiar Indian familial love that enveloped her every morning. "Okay, Mom," she called back, her spirit lifted by the warmth of her family's affection even amidst life's challenges.

Mrs. Mehra stood patiently by the car, her brow furrowed in concern as she awaited the driver's assessment of the situation. "Will it take long?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of worry. The driver, with a tone of reassurance, replied, "Yes, Mrs. Mehra, I believe it will take some time to fix." Kiaan, sensing the disruption in their routine, piped up, "Dadi, what about school?" Mrs. Mehra, ever the comforting presence, responded, "Let's skip school for today. How about a little snack, Kiaan?" His eyes lighting up with excitement, Kiaan nodded eagerly, flashing a charming smile. "Alright, my dear, wait right here. I'll fetch you something to munch on," Mrs. Mehra declared before stepping out of the car.

Kiaan, nestled inside the car, caught sight of a charming cat outside and couldn't contain his excitement, exclaiming, "Aye, it's so cute!" With a mischievous glint in his eye, he stealthily slipped out of the car, careful not to alert the driver. Giggling with delight, he chased after the feline, playfully urging, "Cat, stop running!" Unbeknownst to him, as he neared the road, Mrs. Mehra emerged from the nearby shop, her eyes widening in sheer alarm at the perilous scene unfolding before her. "Kiaan!!!" she cried out in sheer panic, her heart racing as she dashed towards him, her maternal instincts propelling her into action to avert a potentially disastrous outcome.

As Kiaan found himself perilously close to the road, a guardian angel appeared, swiftly scooping him up before the impending danger could strike. Mrs. Mehra, her heart still racing from the frightful moment, let out a relieved sigh as she approached the duo. "You okay, kid?" she inquired, her concern palpable in her voice. Breaking free from the rescuer's embrace, Kiaan gazed up at the girl who had just saved him, his eyes reflecting gratitude.

"T..thank you," he stammered softly, a genuine smile gracing his lips as he admired her pretty face. Mrs. Mehra, now by their side, expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you so much, miss," her voice filled with appreciation for the stranger who had stepped in to safeguard her beloved grandson.

"It's completely fine, please take care of him," Mrs. Mehra said warmly, her eyes filled with gratitude as she glanced at the kind-hearted girl who had just saved Kiaan. "What's your name, dear?" she inquired with genuine interest. "Oh, I'm Samaira. Samaira Nair," you replied, your face beaming with a bright smile. Mrs. Mehra was captivated by your presence, her gaze fixed on you as she absorbed the moment.

"OMG, I'm getting late, I'll leave. Please take care of yourself," you exclaimed before darting off down the bustling streets, leaving behind a sense of warmth and gratitude. "Such a pretty child," Mrs. Mehra murmured softly, touched by the encounter. Turning her attention back to Kiaan, she gently reminded him, "I told you to stay inside the car, right?" Kiaan, looking down with a tinge of sadness, "I was so scared," Her voice filled with a mix of relief and remorse.

She held Kiaan in a tight embrace, the bond between grandmother and grandson palpable in the air. "Dadi," Kiaan whispered softly, seeking solace in her comforting arms. "Hmm?" Mrs. Mehra responded, her attention focused on him. "Isn't that pretty lady perfect for dad?" Kiaan pondered aloud, a spark of hope in his eyes. Mrs. Mehra's smile widened at his innocent observation. "She is," she affirmed warmly, acknowledging the unspoken connection between you and her family.

Breaking the heartfelt hug, Mrs. Mehra swiftly dialed a number, seeking assistance. "Oh Mr. Patel, I need your help," she conveyed over the phone before ending the call and settling back into the car with Kiaan.

As the journey continued, Mrs. Mehra delved into gathering more information about you, her curiosity piqued by the events of the day. "I'll meet them today," she declared with a smile, glancing at the file containing details about you, a sense of anticipation lingering in the air.

To be continue...