The cold air in the room softened as Nakul and Riya stood together, watching their daughter sleep. There was an eerie calmness, the weight of the curse hanging over them. Yet in that stillness, Aisha stirred again. This time, however, it wasn't the usual sleepy movements. She opened her tiny eyes, blinking as her gaze met Nakul's.
"Papa..."
The word came out softly, but it echoed like thunder in Nakul's heart. He froze, unable to believe what he had just heard. Riya's eyes widened as well, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief.
"Did... did she just—" Nakul stammered, his voice catching in his throat.
"Say it again, Aisha," Riya whispered, leaning over the crib. "Say 'Papa' again."
Aisha looked up at Nakul, her tiny lips curling into a smile, her eyes shining with the same mischief Nakul had always seen in her. She reached out toward him, her small hand grasping the air.
"Papa..."
Nakul's heart swelled with emotions he couldn't contain. His hands trembled as he picked her up, holding her close to his chest. The warmth of her little body against his made the world feel a little less cold, a little less frightening.
He had feared so much—about being a father, about the curse that loomed over them, about his ability to protect her. But in this moment, all those fears melted away. Aisha's tiny voice calling him "Papa" was like a beacon of light cutting through the darkness.
"Did you hear that, Riya?" Nakul asked, his voice cracking slightly, tears welling in his eyes. "She called me... Papa."
Riya smiled, tears of her own brimming in her eyes. "She did, Nakul. She knows you're her father. She feels your love."
YOU ARE READING
Secrets of a Second Life
FantasyNakul and his daughter Aisha navigate the challenges of parenthood while haunted by a mysterious curse. As shadows threaten their fragile peace, ACP Pradyuman stands as a protector. Nakul fiercely defends his family, confronting the growing darkness...
