The warmth of the morning sun filled the house, dancing across the walls and casting a glow over the family photos that lined the hallway.
Ten years had passed since the early days of Abhimanyu and Akshara's journey as a family. Their once-chaotic days with toddlers were behind them, replaced by a bustling household of school-age kids, teenage drama, and endless stories to share.
Abhimanyu was the first to wake, as usual, savoring a few quiet moments with his strong coffee before the house sprang to life. He barely sat down with his mug before feeling a familiar tug on his sleeve.
"Good morning, Papa !" chirped Naira, now eleven but still clinging to her status as Daddy's little girl.
Abhimanyu leaned down, ruffling her hair. "Good morning, princess. Up so early ?"
Naira beamed, hugging him tightly. "Because I wanted breakfast with you ! Can we make chocolate pancakes?"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Chocolate pancakes, hmm ? If that's what my Ira wants, then chocolate pancakes it is."
Naira's face broke into a wide grin, and she hugged him tightly. "You're the best, Papa !"
A sleepy voice interrupted them. "You know you're spoiling her, right?"
Akshara appeared in the doorway, her hair tousled and still in her pajamas, with a warm smile on her face as she leaned against the doorframe.
Abhimanyu shrugged, meeting her gaze with a mischievous smile. "I can't help it. She's a daddy's girl."
Naira giggled again, running over to hug Akshara. "Good morning, Mama ! You and Papa should come sit while I make you both breakfast."
Akshara's eyebrows raised, clearly amused. "Oh, really ? And since when did you become the chef ?"
"Since today !" Naira declared with a grin, taking their hands and leading them to the kitchen.
The kitchen soon filled with laughter, the smell of chocolate pancakes wafting through the air. Abhir stumbled into the room, half-awake, and took one look at the scene before giving a sleepy grin.
"Is that chocolate I smell?" he asked, eyeing the plates stacked with pancakes. "Looks like I woke up at the right time."
Naira smirked. "Don't be late next time, bhaiya. I'm taking over breakfast duties !"
Abhir chuckled, grabbing a pancake off the stack. "Guess I'll have to get used to it, then."
Naira made a face at him. "But only Papa gets the extra chocolate chips !"
Abhir laughed, rolling his eyes. "Of course, of course. Daddy's girl privileges."
"Hey ! I'm proud to be Papa's girl !" she said defiantly, giving Abhimanyu a big smile.
Abhimanyu winked at her. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
_
Later that afternoon, Abhir was getting ready to go out. As he adjusted his shirt in front of the mirror, Naira watched him, curiosity written all over her face.
"So...where are you going?" she asked, not-so-subtly.
Abhir cleared his throat, looking slightly awkward. "Um... just meeting some friends."
"Oh really ?" Naira teased, narrowing her eyes. "Is it just friends, or is it... someone special ?"
Abhir turned, giving her a playful glare. "Do you always have to know everything ?"
YOU ARE READING
A light in the flame
FanfictionSummary : 6 years later. After losing half of her soul, her heart, one of her babies and her brother. Akshara is now a changed woman. A woman who knows her worth. A woman who lives for her son's happiness. A woman with new dreams, hope and ambitio...
