Unexpected Proposal

Chapter 1- Retreating Steps

"Alie..." A gentle whisper came through the phone and Alisha was left in awe, tears streaming down her face as she recognised her dad's voice on the phone. It has been eight months since she had any communication with her family.

"Dad..." Alisha stammered, her throat suddenly parched and she was unable to form words.

"Hey, can you please talk to me?" His voice sounded weak and distorted with interference. She could hardly understand what he was saying, but she had so much to say. She missed her family.

"How's it going, kiddo? Don't you miss us? Hey, come home, kid. I swear, nobody's going to say a thing. We'll welcome him and your child too. Just come back." Kailash pleaded with his daughter.

"Dad, we're not together anymore. It's only the two of us, me and my son." She had been strong up until now, but expressing her reality was incredibly tough.

"Why, Alie, why? Why did you continue to endure so much by yourself? Why didn't you contact me?"

"I couldn't, Dad. I've hurt all of you."

"Come back, Alie. You're always welcome back. We are a family." He facepalmed and plopped down on the chair, clutching the phone.

"If word got out that I'm back with my family, rumours will start flying. Because of me, you'll have to endure even more shame, dad."

"You're my strong daughter; we'll get through this, Alie. I'm really missing my rebellious daughter; what have you done with her?" He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

A sweet chuckle left Alisha's throat as she said, "I promise dad, I'll come back, but give me your word that you'll never bring up the baby's father."

"I won't. None of us will. But here's the deal: only if you'll give life another shot."

Alisha ended the call and glanced at the baby, whose gentle snores filled the room. She leaned down to give a soft peck on the baby's forehead and whispered happily, "Let's go meet your grandparents."

****

As Alisha stood at the door, she couldn't help but think how it all began. She was standing at her door, feeling anxious, unsure of what awaited her on the other side of the door. To her relief, it was her mother, Uma, who opened it. "Alie, where have you been? I was really worried about you!" Uma, thrilled to see her daughter, gave her a big hug and ushered her inside. Alisha grinned at her mom and said, "Hey mom. How are you?"

Alisha peered into her mother's eyes, expecting the same disappointment she had witnessed back then but all she saw was her mother's eyes sparkling with joy. OMG! How much she longed to be with her family.

Kailash strolled by Uma, affectionately caressed Alisha's head, and grinned at the peacefully slumbering child in his daughter's embrace. "My grandson?" He inquired.

When she nodded, he extended his hand and asked, "May I?" seeking her permission. With tears of happiness in her eyes, Alisha carefully placed the baby in her father's arms. Her parents were over the moon, cradling their grandchild in their arms. Both of them were cooing at the little one, who had just woken up from a nap and was staring curiously at the unfamiliar faces in front of him. Not only Alisha, but her parents were also in tears.

"What did you name him, Alie?" Uma asked her daughter as she continued to coo at the baby, her smile never fading even for a moment.

Alisha officially introduced the little one to her parents. "Hey, Dad and Mom, Meet your grandson, August." Kailash held the little one in his huge arms, making him look skinnier than before. He leaned down to give a quick kiss on his forehead and then did the same to Alisha. Before long, the other Sabharwals also joined them.