Bound by Fate: A Journey of Hearts

CHAPTER 20

The next morning, the atmosphere in the hotel was bustling as everyone prepared to leave. Ananya and Ishaan had woken up early, both still processing the whirlwind of emotions from the past few days. After changing into comfortable travel clothes, they made their way to the hotel lobby, where the rest of the family was gathering.

Pragya bhabhi was organizing the bags while Niam excitedly ran around, playing with his toy car. Shiva bhaiya was chatting with Siddharth, and Kriti didi was double-checking the arrangements. The excitement of returning home mingled with a hint of nostalgia for the wedding festivities.

As they all gathered near the entrance, Ishaan leaned closer to Ananya. “Ready for this new chapter?” he asked, a reassuring smile on his face.

Ananya took a deep breath, her heart racing. “I think so. It’s a lot to take in, but I’m glad we’re doing this together.”

“Me too,” Ishaan replied, his gaze steady and supportive.

Once everyone was ready, they made their way to the vehicles waiting outside. The car ride to the airport was filled with laughter and chatter, as relatives reminisced about the wedding and shared playful banter. Ananya, Ishaan, Pragya Bhabhi, Shiva Bhaiya, and little Niam were all squeezed into the same car, ready to make the journey to Varanasi airport. Shiva Bhaiya sat in the front passenger seat, while the rest of them settled in the back. Ananya was in the middle, with Pragya Bhabhi on one side, Niam on her lap, and Ishaan on the other side.

The car rumbled along the busy streets, and little Niam was fidgeting restlessly, tugging at his father in the front seat for something. Shiva Bhaiya, busy with something on his phone, gently waved him off, asking him to wait a bit.

Niam, full of energy and curiosity, quickly turned his attention elsewhere. His eyes landed on Ishaan, and with a sudden spark of excitement, he pointed at him and loudly exclaimed, “Fufaji!”

The word seemed to ring in the car, and for a moment, everyone paused. There was a ripple of laughter as the adults processed the cute outburst. Ananya felt her heart skip a beat, a warm feeling spreading through her at the sound of it. Ishaan’s eyes widened in surprise, and he glanced at the little boy with a soft smile, clearly taken aback but pleased.

Pragya Bhabhi laughed, “Oh, do you want to go to him?” she asked, bouncing Niam lightly on her lap. Niam nodded enthusiastically, reaching out for Ishaan.

“Well, fufaji, looks like you’re in demand,” Shiva Bhaiya teased from the front seat, glancing back with an amused grin.

Pragya Bhabhi gently passed Niam over to Ishaan, and the little boy eagerly clambered onto his lap. Ishaan, though slightly unsure at first, quickly adjusted, shifting his arms to support Niam properly. The bond between them was immediate, and soon enough, Ishaan was fully engrossed, chatting animatedly with Niam, who was babbling away with all the excitement a toddler could muster.

The whole car ride transformed into a lively interaction between Ishaan and Niam. Ishaan pointed out things outside the window, showing Niam different sights as they drove by, while Niam giggled and babbled back, clearly loving the attention.

Pragya Bhabhi exchanged a knowing smile with Ananya, who watched the scene unfold beside her, her heart swelling at the sight of her new husband bonding so effortlessly with Niam. There was something endearing about seeing Ishaan like this — playful and gentle, completely at ease with the little boy.

Shiva Bhaiya looked back again and laughed, “I’ve never seen Niam this entertained in a car. Ishaan, you’ve got a new fan!”

“I think I’m the one who's the fan here,” Ishaan replied with a grin, tickling Niam lightly, causing the boy to burst into a fit of giggles.