Fifty Six : Little Acts of Love

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Parthavi

"Arya, look!" I squealed, practically skipping into our chamber, cradling a tiny, white, fluffy rabbit in my arms like it was the most precious thing in the world. Its soft fur tickled my fingers as it wiggled its little nose. "Isn't he adorable?" I beamed, holding him up for Arjun to see. "Can we keep him with us?"

Arjun, who had been deeply engrossed in some scrolls, looked up at me and then at the rabbit. His eyes widened in sheer horror, like I had just brought home a wild tiger instead of a tiny, harmless bundle of fluff.

"Parthavi," he said, his voice slow and deliberate, as if trying to reason with a particularly stubborn child. "No."

I gasped dramatically, clutching the rabbit closer to my chest as if shielding him from such cruelty. "What do you mean no? Look at him, Arya! He's so small and soft and helpless. How can you say no to this face?" I turned the rabbit slightly toward him, hoping its tiny, innocent eyes would work their magic.

Arjun exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose like a man preparing for battle. "Parthavi, we are not keeping a rabbit in our chamber."

"But why not?" I pouted, batting my lashes. "He isn't taking up any space. He's practically weightless. He'll just sit in my lap and be cute."

Arjun gave me a flat look. "Ask Nakul. He loves animals. He'll happily take care of it."

I blinked at him, utterly betrayed. "But why would he take care of my rabbit? I found him. I want to keep him."

"Parthavi-"

"Please?" I tilted my head, widening my eyes to the most innocent, pleading expression I could muster.

He groaned, shaking his head almost violently. "Don't look at me like that."

"Like what?" I asked sweetly, hugging the rabbit closer, my voice laced with exaggerated innocence.

"Like you're about to cry if I say no," he accused, pointing a finger at me.

I gasped again, deeply offended. "I would not! That is so unfair, Arya," I stomped my foot, my brows knitting together. "Itne bade kaksh me aap thodi si jagah nahi de sakte?" I huffed, gesturing dramatically around our very large chamber. "It's not like I'm asking you to keep an elephant."

Arjun stared at me, his lips twitching like he was fighting a laugh. "That's exactly my fear. Today it's a rabbit, tomorrow you'll bring home a baby deer, then a peacock, and next thing I know, there's an entire jungle living with us."

I gasped, my jaw dropping. "Arya! How dare you assume such things!"

He crossed his arms, giving me a knowing look.

I hesitated.

Okay, fine. Maybe I had thought about bringing in a baby deer if I ever found one. But that was beside the point!

"You're being unfair," I huffed, stomping toward him. "I never complain when you bring weapons, and those actually take up space. At least my rabbit won't accidentally stab anyone."

Arjun sighed, looking at me, then at the rabbit, then back at me. His jaw tightened, his internal battle so visible on his face that I knew he was this close to caving.

So, of course, I went in for the kill.

I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a whisper, "Please, Arya?" I blinked up at him, my lower lip jutting out in the softest, most heart-melting pout I could manage.

He groaned again, shutting his eyes like he was in physical pain. "Parthavi..."

I held my breath.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, he exhaled sharply. "Fine."

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