1. First Connection
Saanvi had only been in Devansh's home a few days, feeling like a stranger amidst the lavish surroundings. But Saira didn't seem to notice or care about any of it. One afternoon, Saanvi was reading quietly when Saira toddled over with her favorite picture book and sat down beside her, looking up expectantly."Do you want me to read this to you?" Saanvi asked softly, surprised at the warmth in the child's big, brown eyes.
Saira nodded vigorously, snuggling up as Saanvi read. Her tiny fingers clutched Saanvi's hand as she listened, eyes widening with every page.
At that moment, Saanvi felt her heart melt, realizing just how deeply she already cared for this little girl.
2. Learning to Say "Mumma"
Saanvi and Saira were playing in the living room, a stack of colorful blocks scattered between them. Saanvi built a tall tower, and Saira would knock it over with delighted giggles. After the third tower toppled, Saanvi sighed dramatically, making Saira laugh even harder.Then, out of nowhere, Saira looked at her and said, "Mumma?"
Saanvi froze, emotions flooding her. She blinked away the sudden tears and gathered Saira into a tight hug.
"That's right, sweetheart," Saanvi whispered. "I'm your Mumma."
From that moment, it was as if they had always been a family.
3. A Day of Makeovers
One rainy afternoon, Saanvi decided to introduce Saira to her old hobby of doing hair and makeup. She sat Saira on the bed, a hairbrush in one hand and a box of colorful hair ties in the other. Saira watched with wide-eyed curiosity as Saanvi brushed her hair and gently twisted it into tiny, playful braids."All done!" Saanvi announced proudly, holding up a mirror.
Saira gasped, patting her hair as if she'd transformed into a princess. She clambered off the bed and rushed down the hall to show her father, calling, "Papa, look what Mumma did!"
Saanvi couldn't help but smile, feeling like she had found her place, one braid at a time.
4. Bedtime Comfort
One night, Saanvi found Saira tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Saanvi picked her up, carrying her to the rocking chair and holding her close."Do you want me to sing for you?" Saanvi whispered.
Saira nodded, her little head nestling against Saanvi's shoulder. Saanvi started singing a lullaby, her voice gentle and soothing. Soon, Saira's breathing slowed, her little hand clutching Saanvi's sleeve.
As she watched Saira sleep, Saanvi realized she would do anything to protect and love this child, now and always.
5. Little Helper in the Kitchen
Saanvi was in the kitchen, attempting to cook, when Saira tottered in, hands on her hips, clearly ready to "help.""All right, little chef, what should we make?" Saanvi asked, amused.
Saira pointed to the bowl of flour and grabbed a tiny spoon, spilling more flour than she scooped. But her concentration was adorable, and Saanvi couldn't help but laugh. They worked together, Saira stirring clumsily, giggling each time she got flour on her tiny nose.
When they finally finished, Saanvi picked up Saira and kissed her on the cheek, grateful for every messy, sweet moment they shared.
6. "Don't Go, Mumma!"
One morning, as Saanvi was getting ready to leave for work, Saira ran up to her, wrapping her little arms around her legs."Stay, Mumma," she pleaded, her eyes glistening.
Saanvi knelt down, hugging her. "I'll be back soon, my love. And when I come home, we'll play as much as you want, okay?" She kissed Saira's forehead, smiling as the little girl reluctantly nodded.
Saira waved goodbye from the window as Saanvi walked away, making her promise to rush home to her little girl even more heartfelt.
7. Saira's First Drawing of "Mumma and Papa"
Saanvi found Saira coloring intently one afternoon, the crayons sprawled across the table. When she peeked over Saira's shoulder, she saw a stick-figure family with three people holding hands."Is that us, Saira?" she asked, touched.
Saira nodded proudly, pointing at the figures. "That's Mumma, Papa, and me!"
Saanvi's heart swelled, knowing that in Saira's world, they were already a family, and that was all that mattered.
YOU ARE READING
A LOVE WRITTEN IN SHADOWS
Mystery / ThrillerDevansh Choudhary is a man of many faces-an unyielding CEO by day, a feared mafia king by night, and the fiercely protective father of a young daughter. Ruthless in his world of shadows, he never expected his marriage to Saanvi Rathore, an innocent...