INNOCENCE : An Innocent Lovestory

Chapter : 36

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The sun had just begun to dip behind the hills surrounding Mehra Manor, casting a warm golden glow over the sprawling estate. There was a lightness in the air, a sense of peace that had settled over the household.

In the living room, the entire Mehra family gathered for what was supposed to be an ordinary evening, but it had turned into something much more special. Laughter echoed through the room as five-year-olds Isha and Rishi ran circles around the coffee table, pretending to be superheroes, with Rihaan joining in their playful chaos. He wore a towel draped over his shoulders like a cape, dramatically declaring, "I am the super protector!" in his most serious voice, making the little ones squeal with delight.

Ananya, sitting on the couch, watched them with a soft smile. For the first time in a long while, everything felt calm—the sounds of family, love, and laughter.

Mrs. Mehra, seated beside her husband, turned to Ananya with a knowing smile. "You know, you and Rihaan are such a good match. He’s brought so much light into this house."

Ananya blushed slightly, shaking her head. "He’s like a child, and I guess… in some ways, that’s what makes him so special."

Raj, sitting across from them, nodded in agreement. "He’s always been a part of this family, but after everything, he’s truly found his place. You’ve done that for him, Ananya."

Ananya glanced at Rihaan, who was now pretending to fly across the room with Isha in his arms, and her heart swelled with affection. He wasn’t just her responsibility—he was her partner, in the most innocent and purest sense. He made her laugh, he took care of her in his own clumsy way, and most of all, he brought joy into her life.

"Chachi, look!" Isha called, running over to Ananya with her arms wide open. "We’re flying like superheroes!"

Ananya opened her arms, catching the little girl and lifting her onto her lap. "Wow, you’re so strong, Isha. Maybe you’ll protect me too?"

Isha giggled, nodding enthusiastically. "I’ll protect you!"

Rihaan, overhearing this, ran over and plopped down beside Ananya, looking up at her with wide eyes. "Anya, I’ll protect you too. Always."

Ananya smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest. She reached over and ruffled his hair. "I know you will, Rihaan."

Just then, Priya entered the room, holding a tray of snacks. "Okay, superheroes, time for a break. Snacks are ready!"

The kids rushed to the table, followed closely by Rihaan, who immediately began stuffing his face with cookies. "These are my favorite!" he exclaimed with his mouth full, crumbs spilling everywhere.

"Rihaan, slow down!" Ananya said, laughing as she handed him a napkin. "You’re going to choke if you eat like that."

He grinned sheepishly, wiping his mouth with the napkin but immediately reaching for another cookie. "But they’re so yummy, Anya."

Priya sat down beside Ananya, shaking her head in amusement. "He’s  really one of the kids. But you know, it’s good to see him so happy."

Ananya nodded, glancing at Rihaan who was happily munching away. "He deserves to be happy. We all do."

As the evening continued, the family gathered around the table for dinner. The conversation flowed easily, filled with jokes, stories, and laughter. Rihaan, seated beside Ananya, was unusually quiet, though. Every few minutes, he would glance at her, a thoughtful look in his eyes.