Faded Ties, Rekindled Hearts

Chapter 5

Tanya sat curled up on the sofa, her chin resting on her knees, staring at the door, waiting for her dad. Her eyes were disappointed, and she wondered, How could Mumma forget me? Just then, Yuvi strolled into the room, noticing her sulking.

He plopped down beside her and nudged her gently. "Kya hua, Miss Sad Face? Ghar pe bhool gaye na aaj tumko?" he teased with a mischievous grin.

Tanya pouted. "Haan! Mumma actually forgot me. I think she doesn't care about me anymore." She folded her arms, pretending to sulk even more.

Yuvi leaned closer, trying to make her smile. "Hawww! Aisa kabhi ho hi nhi skta. Tanu ko bhoolna mushkil hi nahi, impossible hai! Waise bhi, tujhe bhoolna ek crime hai. Ishima se galti ho gayi hogi, tension mat le," he said, softly poking her cheek.

Tanya's lips twitched, but she tried to stay serious. "Nahi! Main toh bhool gayi thi, sab busy hote  hain," she muttered, looking away dramatically.

Yuvi chuckled, "Chal jhuti! Ishima bhool gayi hogi par main hoon na. Main kabhi nahi bhoolunga tumhe." He added cheekily, 

Tanya narrowed her eyes,"Hn hn , tu kyu bhoolega mujhe?Mujhe irritate jo karna rehta hai tujhe!"

Yuvi grinned, pulling her closer into a side hug. "Irritate karne ka matlab hi pyaar hai, samjhi na? Tumhe dekhkar yaad aata hai, agar tum nahi hoti toh life boring hoti."

Tanya blushed slightly and rolled her eyes, finally cracking a smile. "Drama mat kar! Tujhe toh bas chance chahiye mujhe tease karne ka."

Yuvi smirked, "Chance nahi, permission milni chahiye hamesha. Tum meri best friend ho na?"

Tanya laughed, her mood lifting. "Haan, best friend ho, but yeh mat bhoolna ki enemies bhi hain!"

Yuvi winked. "Enemies ho, toh bhi main tumhe hamesha yaad rakhunga."

Just as Tanya and Yuvi were sharing a light-hearted moment, the doorbell rang. Tanya's eyes lit up, and she quickly jumped off the sofa, running to the door. As soon as she opened it, she saw her dad, Arnav, standing there, looking worried and tired.

"Tanya!" Arnav called out, kneeling down as she rushed into his arms. He hugged her tightly, his voice filled with concern. "Beta, are you okay? I'm so sorry for being late. Mumma and I were so worried."

Tanya pulled back slightly, her eyes a little teary but holding back her emotions. "Papa, aapko pata hai Mumma mujhe bhool gayi thi? She didn't even send the driver to pick me up."

Arnav sighed, guilt creeping into his expression as he cupped her face gently. "I know, princess. It was a mistake, Mumma didn't mean to forget you. She's been really stressed lately with a lot going on at home."

Tanya looked down, still a bit hurt. "But I waited and waited. It felt like no one remembered me..."

Yuvi, standing nearby, chipped in, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, Tanu! Dekh na, I didn't forget you. Tum yahin mere saath thi, aur humne bohot maza kiya!"

Arnav gave a grateful nod to Yuvi and turned back to Tanya. "Look, sweetheart, we'll make it up to you. Let's go home, and I promise, Mumma will explain everything. You know how much she loves you."

Tanya hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay, Papa," she said softly, still a bit disappointed but comforted by her father's presence.

Arnav stood up, thanking Yuvi for looking after Tanya. "Thanks, Yuvi. I appreciate you being there for her."

Yuvi grinned. "No problem, Uncle! Tanya ka khayal rakhna toh meri responsibility hai."

Arnav smiled and then gently took Tanya's hand. "Chalo, princess. Let's go home."