INNOCENCE : An Innocent Lovestory

Chapter : 33

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The beach vacation was a refreshing change of pace for Ananya. It had been years since she had allowed herself to step away from work and responsibilities, and this was her very first vacation, albeit with Rihaan in tow. But as they settled into the rhythm of the days, Ananya found herself relaxing in ways she hadn't expected.

The mornings were filled with laughter as Isha and Rishi ran around, dragging Rihaan into their playful mischief. Ananya was sitting on the beach, feeling the cool breeze, her toes sinking into the warm sand as she watched the waves crash against the shore. She observed Rihaan with the kids, running through the surf and splashing water. His innocent, childlike laughter mixed with theirs, creating a sound that somehow brought her peace. He was so different from anyone else she knew-so untouched by the complexity of the world.

Rihaan came up to her with excitement in his eyes. "Anya! Come swim with me!" he called, already pulling at her hand.

Ananya, who had been lost in thought while reading a book, blinked and looked up at him. She wasn't the most enthusiastic swimmer, but there was something about Rihaan's excitement that was hard to resist.

"Swim? Now?" she asked, eyeing the cool water skeptically.

"Yes, yes! It's fun! Please?" Rihaan's eyes were wide, his expression pleading in that innocent way of his. It wasn't a demand, just a simple wish that she found herself unable to say no to.

Sighing, Ananya closed her book and smiled faintly. "Alright, let's go."

The two of them waded into the water, and before she knew it, Rihaan was splashing her, laughing uncontrollably as he ran away from her reach. Ananya, momentarily caught off guard, gasped at the cold water hitting her skin but soon found herself splashing him back, a genuine smile on her face.

They played like that for a while, Rihaan constantly giggling and splashing her, while Ananya found herself laughing softly in response. There was no pressure here-no stress, no decisions to be made, no need for her to constantly be in control. For the first time in a long time, Ananya felt free. It wasn't about romance or even responsibility. It was just a moment of simplicity, of living in the present.

When they finally tired of the water, Rihaan grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the sandcastle they had built the previous day, adding more details and structures to it while Ananya offered advice, indulging his creativity.

*****

By the time the vacation came to an end, Ananya felt something she hadn't in a long time: rested. The Mehra family packed up their belongings and left the peaceful beach behind, returning to the familiar comfort of Mehra Manor.

A few days after their return, things had settled back into routine. Ananya was back in her office, working diligently while Rihaan occupied himself with his usual antics. Everything felt normal, peaceful even. But this calm didn't last long.

One morning, Mrs. Mehra walked into the living room with a letter in her hand, looking a little surprised. She waved it around for everyone to see as she spoke.

"Guess what? We've received an invitation to a wedding," she announced, catching everyone's attention.

"A wedding?" Ananya asked, looking up from the papers she was going through.

Mrs. Mehra nodded, holding up the elegant envelope. "It's from my friend Rekha. Her daughter is getting married next month, and they've invited all of us."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Priya chimed in, already thinking about the festive atmosphere a wedding would bring. "It'll be nice to go to a big family event. Weddings are always so lively."

Ananya raised an eyebrow, unsure of how to feel about the sudden invitation. She hadn't attended a wedding in ages, and while the thought of socializing with large groups wasn't exactly her idea of a good time, she understood the importance of family events like these. Plus, it wasn't just about her anymore. The Mehras were her family, and she couldn't very well decline the invitation.

Rihaan, who had been watching a cartoon movie, perked up at the word "wedding." He didn't fully understand the concept, but the idea of something fun and exciting happening made him enthusiastic.

"Are we going, Anya?" he asked, his tone eager. "Weddings have cake, right?"

Ananya chuckled softly at his innocent excitement. "Yes, Rihaan, weddings usually have cake."

"Then we should go!" Rihaan grinned, clearly convinced.

Raj smiled. "Well, I suppose we'll have to dust off our fancy clothes. It's been a while since we went to a wedding."

Mrs. Mehra nodded. "Yes, and it's tomorrow, so we don't have much time. I'll have the staff prepare everything."

Ananya remained quiet, processing the sudden shift from the peaceful vacation to a formal event. She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to go. After the time spent away, she felt drained-emotionally more than anything. But it wasn't in her nature to say no to Mrs. Mehra, who had been so kind to her.

The family dispersed to their rooms, preparing for bed. Ananya gently guided a still-sleepy Rihaan to their room, helping him out of his vacation clothes and into something more comfortable.

As he drifted off, Ananya lay down beside him, staring at the ceiling. Her thoughts were still racing, despite the exhaustion she felt in her body. The vacation had been a brief escape, but tomorrow would bring her back into the world she was all too familiar with.

She closed her eyes, hoping for a dreamless sleep, but her mind still hummed with thoughts of everything ahead. But for tonight, at least, she could rest.

*****

The morning came swiftly. The house was abuzz with preparations for the wedding. Ananya woke to find Rihaan already up and excitedly rummaging through his clothes, trying to decide what to wear. He held up different outfits, asking for her opinion with the innocence of a child.

"Anya! Should I wear this one?" he asked, holding up a brightly colored suit.

Ananya smiled, amused. "Maybe something a little more formal, Rihaan."

He pouted but obediently swapped it for a more appropriate option. As she helped him get ready, her mind wandered to the wedding and what the day would bring.

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