PATHS OF HEART [ON HOLD]

37

The sun was bright and cheerful as Anupama sat in the living room, sipping her morning tea and flipping through a magazine. It was a rare day off for everyone, and she was looking forward to a peaceful day. Little did she know that her two troublemakers—Anuj and Anika—had entirely different plans. It was going to be a day full of mischief, laughter, and, of course, scoldings.

As she took another sip of her tea, she heard soft whispers and giggles from the other room. She knew those sounds all too well. Before she could even get up to investigate, Anuj entered the living room with a mischievous smile, carrying Anika on his shoulders. They both had matching grins, which usually meant only one thing—trouble.

"Good morning, my beautiful wife," Anuj said with exaggerated politeness. "We have a special day planned for you."

Anika nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Mommy! Daddy and I have a big surprise!"

Anupama raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Should I be worried?"

Anuj laughed and winked. "No, no! Just trust us."

"Whenever you say that, I know I should be worried," she said, putting down her magazine.

Suddenly, Anika leaped off Anuj's shoulders and ran out of the room. Anuj followed close behind, and a few moments later, the unmistakable sounds of clanging pots and pans echoed from the kitchen.

Anupama rushed in, only to find both of them standing amidst a pile of kitchen utensils scattered all over the floor. Anika was stirring an empty bowl with a ladle as if she were preparing a grand feast, while Anuj held a pot on his head like a warrior's helmet.

"What... what is happening here?" Anupama asked, trying to suppress her laughter.

"Breakfast, of course!" Anuj said, pretending to be offended by her doubt. "We are making you a royal feast."

Anika beamed. "I'm making soup! And Daddy is... well, I don't know what Daddy's making."

Anuj held up a tomato. "I'm making... um, gourmet... tomato... something." He paused, then added, "With love."

Anupama couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. "You two are impossible."

Just as Anuj was about to make another culinary disaster, the doorbell rang. Anuj's parents, Rajesh and Meera, along with Anupama's parents, Sushma and Madhav, had arrived for a family day. When they entered, they were greeted by the sight of the kitchen in chaos—utensils everywhere, ingredients spilled on the floor, and Anika dancing around with a pot lid.

Rajesh crossed his arms and gave Anuj a pointed look. "What are you doing now?"

"We're just making breakfast!" Anuj replied, his grin wide.

Meera shook her head. "I don't know how you've managed to survive all these years."

Sushma chimed in, laughing, "Poor Anupama, having to deal with these two children."

Anika, hearing that, piped up, "I'm not a child, Grandma! Daddy is the child!"

Everyone laughed at that, except Anuj, who put on a mock-offended face. "Hey! I'm a responsible adult!"

Madhav pointed to the pot on Anuj's head. "Yes, very responsible. You look like a chef from a circus."

Anuj decided to up the mischief. He winked at Anika and whispered something in her ear. Her face lit up as she ran toward Sushma, her little arms outstretched. "Grandma, catch me!" she screamed, launching herself into Sushma's arms.

At that exact moment, Anuj sneaked up behind Madhav and gently pulled the back of his kurta, causing Madhav to stumble forward just as Rajesh stepped in to catch him. The result? A domino effect of tripping and falling, with all three grandparents somehow ending up tangled on the couch, laughing despite the chaos.