A light in the flame

Chapter 29 - Naira's Firsts

The first few weeks after bringing Naira home were nothing short of magical. Abhimanyu had taken a year-long leave from work, a decision that brought him a sense of peace and joy he hadn't felt in years. With every hour spent beside Akshara, Abhir, and their precious new addition, he felt closer to them, savoring the beauty of these early days as a family of four.

Each morning began with a gentle rhythm—Abhir would rush into their room with his big-brother energy, climbing up onto their bed to gaze down at Naira's tiny, sleeping form.

"Mama," he whispered one morning, careful not to wake her. "When will she start smiling at us ?"

Akshara chuckled, brushing her fingers through Abhir's soft hair. "Very soon, betu. Babies take time, but trust me, once she starts, you'll see that little smile all the time."

And indeed, just a few days later, they witnessed Naira's first smile. It was early one morning when Abhimanyu was holding her close, gently rocking her in his arms, whispering stories of love and promises. Suddenly, her tiny lips curled up, and her dark eyes sparkled in response to his soft voice.

"Akshu !" he called, his voice a mixture of excitement and awe. "Come quick—she smiled at me!"

Akshara rushed over, her eyes widening at the sight. "Oh, Abhi... she's smiling! Our little angel."

Abhir, peeking over his father's shoulder, clapped his hands. "She likes you, Papa ! Maybe she thinks your stories are funny."

Abhimanyu grinned, his eyes shining with pride. "I think she's just happy to be with her family."

From that moment on, Naira's little smiles became a daily treasure. Every new expression she made filled their hearts, and even the smallest of milestones felt monumental. The days passed in a blur of firsts, each one building a stronger bond.

One soft, sunlit morning, Akshara was sitting on the bed with Naira nestled against her, cooing softly. She ran her fingers through Naira's wispy hair, marveling at her tiny features.

"Naira," she whispered, touching the baby's nose with her finger. "Do you know how loved you are ?"

Naira gazed up at her mother, her eyes round and curious. She made a happy gurgling sound, reaching up to grasp Akshara's finger, her grip surprisingly strong. Akshara laughed, feeling her heart melt at the touch.

"You are Mama's little miracle," she murmured, leaning down to kiss her tiny hand. "And I'm going to be here for you through everything, just like I was for your big brother."

Abhimanyu stepped in quietly, watching the scene with a smile. "Hey, I thought I'd find my two girls in here."

Akshara looked up, her face lighting up. "Look, Abhi ! She's started holding on so tightly."

Abhimanyu grinned, taking a seat beside them. "Naira has the strongest grip," he whispered, brushing a finger over her small hand. "It's like she's saying, 'Don't worry, Papa—I'm here, and I'm not letting go.'"

The two of them shared a quiet moment, simply watching their daughter as she gazed at each of them in turn, her eyes full of a soft wonder.

_

A few days later, Abhimanyu and Akshara decided to pick up Abhir from school together. It had become a little family tradition, one that Abhir loved and anticipated each week. As they walked up to the school gates, Akshara held Naira close in her carrier, and Abhimanyu had his arm around her shoulders.

When the school bell rang, children spilled out onto the playground, their voices filling the air with chatter and laughter. Abhir's eyes brightened when he spotted his family waiting for him, and he dashed over, his school bag bouncing behind him.