Ardor

Chapter 7

I woke up to the sound of cheerful giggles. A smile spread across my face; there was nothing better than waking up to my baby's laughter.

"Mumma! Mumma Utho," Tara was gently patting my cheek, trying to rouse me from sleep. I peeked through one half-open eye and saw her beaming at me, her eyes lighting up the moment she realized I was awake.

"MUMMA!" she squealed excitedly, lunging forward and wrapping her tiny arms around my neck. I showered her cheeks with kisses, which made her giggle even more. Sitting up, I settled her in my lap, facing me.

"Good morning, Tara," I greeted her.

"Good mowing, mumma,"

"Ninna kari?"

"Yesh!"

"Good Girl," I kissed her forehead as she was sitting in my lap, playing with my rings.

"How did you get out of bed, bachcha?" I asked. She looked up at me, grinning as if remembering something exciting.

"Nani Maa!" she exclaimed, just as my mother walked into the room. I noticed the apron tied around her waist and knew exactly what she'd been up to.

"Maa, how many times have I told you—"

"Good morning, Diya beta," she interrupted me with her gentle smile.

"Good morning Maa," I sighed, "You know I really appreciate the things you do for us but you have to think about yourself too. We can manage you know. I'm still not a kid."

"I know you are an independent woman mera beta, but you kids will always be my babies." she gently caressed my head making me smile at her.

"But still Maa–"

"Subah subah Maa se behes nahi karte beta," she was giving me teasing smile. I shook my head at her knowing well enough that I won't win against her.

My mother suddenly looked as if she'd remembered something.

"Hey bhagwan! Main to breakfast ke liye bulane aayi thi tuje. Sab bhulwa diya. Badmash." she took Tara in her arms, "come on now, or the breakfast will get cold."

"Why don't you take Tara with you, I'll be with you in a few minutes," I told her.

"Okay. Aaja mera bachcha, Nani Maa ke saath," she then left with Tara.

I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, and then completed my skincare routine. I chose a maroon co-ord set and added a touch of makeup with lip and cheek tint. Finally, I put on a pair of silver jhumkas.

I can't help it—I have a borderline obsession with jhumkas and have a large collection of earrings, mostly jhumkas.

After getting ready, I went to the dining area, where Maa was helping Tara with her breakfast. Tara can feed herself and chew well, which is great for her age.

Maa was seated at the table, and Tara happily enjoyed her breakfast in her high chair. I smiled at the sight, noticing that most of Tara's breakfast was on her face!

I walked over to the table, sat, and served myself breakfast. We talked while eating. I asked where Papa was and she told me he was at home, doing gardening–one of his favourite things to do.

Maa was a homemaker, and Papa was a retired government officer. We were a happy, middle-class family. Our parents—mine and Disha's—provided us with everything we needed, but if we wanted something extra, we had to earn it.

After finishing breakfast, I asked Maa to get Tara ready while I took care of the cleaning. About an hour later, the three of us got into the car and headed to my sister's place for a weekend brunch.

We hold these brunches every weekend, taking turns to host at each of our homes. This weekend, it was Disha's turn to host.

We arrived at Disha's house and parked. As we got out, Maa carried Tara while I grabbed her baby bag. We walked up to the door, and I rang the door bell. Seeing this, Tara joined in, enthusiastically ringing the door bell. We chuckled at her excitement.

The door opened, and Raghav stood there. As soon as Tara saw him, she began squirming in Maa's arms, eager to reach him. Raghav chuckled at her excitement.

"Come here, angel," he said, lifting Tara into his arms, which made her giggle with joy. Then he greeted us, touched Maa's feet, and gave me a one-sided hug.

"Namaste Mummy,"

"Khush Raho Beta," Maa smiled at him, patting his head.

We stepped inside and found Disha in the kitchen, busy preparing brunch. When she saw us, she came over and gave Maa and me a warm hug.

"Kaise ho Maa," she asked Maa.

"Ekdum badiya," Maa replied.

"Look, Papa's here too," she said, prompting me to turn toward the door. We both went over and hugged Papa from either side. He chuckled, gently patting our heads.

"How are you, Papa? Apki Tabiyat thik hai na?" I inquired. He told me he was good.

We all started chatting about anything and everything. Raghav and I helped Disha in the kitchen while Maa and Papa played with Tara. Although Maa insisted on helping, we kindly refused and encouraged her to relax.

"Raghav, did you invite Arjun? He's coming, right?" Disha suddenly asked Raghav. I got confused as to who they were talking about.

"Who's Arjun?" I inquired.

"Arjun is my best friend from school. He recently moved here, so we thought we'd invite him over for brunch," Raghav replied. Then he turned to Disha and added, "And to answer your question—yes, I invited him, and yes, he's coming. I just spoke to him a few minutes ago; he said he'll be here in 20 minutes."

"That's good. The food's almost done so he wouldn't have to wait to eat," Disha informed. Just as she was speaking, the doorbell rang.

"That must be Arjun," Raghav moved towards the door and opened it.

*** 

Next chapter in Arjun's POV.

Get ready people. :D

Till then...

Caio!