ABHIROHI OS

Shadows of Love [4]

Hey everyone! Sorry for the late update. I was really busy with my assignments and other work. Updates might not be regular for now since I’m still working on a lot of things. Thank you for your patience and support!

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Moon light filtered through the curtains of Aarohi's room as she sat by the window, watching her daughter, Ruhi, play with Dev. Their laughter echoed through the room, bringing a small smile to her face. Despite everything she had gone through, moments like this made Aarohi feel like she was doing something right. Ruhi’s joy was all that mattered to her, even if, deep down, there were questions she feared her daughter might ask one day.

Dev and Ruhi were building a tall tower with colorful blocks, their playful banter filling the room.

Ruhi (giggling): "Mamu, noooo! Don’t put that big block! The towaaa will fall!" 
Dev (teasing): "Oh, you mean tower, not towaa! And it won’t fall, trust me!" 
Ruhi (crossing her arms): "It will fall, I know it!"

Just as they were about to add the final block, Navya entered the room with a gentle smile, breaking up their fun.

Navya: "Dev, it’s getting late now. If you two keep playing, Ruhi won’t sleep, and she has school tomorrow."

Ruhi pouted, clearly not ready to end her playtime, but Dev, with a sigh, nodded and stood up.

Dev: "Alright, alright. We’ll finish the towa… I mean, tower, next time!" He ruffled Ruhi’s hair, making her giggle before heading out with Navya.

Aarohi watched them leave and then slowly walked over to where Ruhi was sitting, staring at the unfinished tower. She knelt beside her daughter, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

Aarohi (softly): "Beta, you did not feel bad when Pinky asked about your papa today?" 

Ruhi (shaking her head with a sweet smile): "No, Matashree. Pinky always asks silly questions. She also asked if elephants can dwive cars!" Ruhi laughed.

Aarohi’s heart ached with love. She marveled at how pure and carefree Ruhi’s world was. Yet, the thought lingered in her mind: *Wouldn't she want to know about her father?* Aarohi couldn't avoid the subject any longer.

Aarohi (after a pause): "Ruhi, you never ask me about your papa. You still have the right to ask, you know? Other kids talk about their papas. Don’t you ever wonder?"

Ruhi looked up at her mother, her innocent eyes filled with understanding far beyond her years. She tilted her head, thinking for a moment before answering in her usual adorable manner.

Ruhi (cheerfully): "Matashree, I no need papa. I has you! And mamu and mami and a big family! Why I need papa when I has eberyone?" She mispronounced “everyone” as “eberyone,” making Aarohi smile despite the heavy conversation.

Aarohi’s heart swelled with both relief and sadness. Relief that her daughter was content, surrounded by love. Sadness because she knew Ruhi deserved more, even if she didn’t realize it yet.

Aarohi (hugging Ruhi tightly): "You are so precious, Ruhi. You don’t know how lucky I am to have you in my life."

Ruhi wriggled in Aarohi’s arms, laughing. "Matashree, you squeezy me too much!" she giggled, trying to free herself from the hug, but Aarohi wasn’t ready to let go just yet.

Aarohi (teasing): "What if I never let go? What if I just keep hugging you forever?"

Ruhi (giggling more): "Then I turn into a pancake! Flat-flat Ruhi!"