The Charade

48| 𝕿𝖜𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝕵𝖔𝖞

Chapter 49 and 50 are posted on Scrollstack.

AUTHOR'S POV

"Mumma kahan hai, bacha?" Adhikrit whispered softly to Reyaan, cradling the little boy in his arms. Reyaan cooed back, innocent and unaware of where his mother might be.

(Where's your mumma, babyboy?)

Adhikrit had come home early to surprise her, only to find she wasn't around, and no one knew where she had gone. He guessed she might be somewhere around the house, so he decided to wait. He changed into comfortable clothes and began playing with Reyaan, who was clearly delighted to be with his father, his laughter filling the room.

Just then, the door creaked open. Adhikrit's forest-green eyes turned to the doorway, and there she was. Kashi stood there, a bit breathless, carefully folding a shawl in her hands. Their eyes met, and she froze for a moment, surprised.

"Aap?" she asked, her voice tinged with shock.

(You?)

"Nahi hona chahiye tha hume yahan?" he replied, studying her. Her beige saree was damp at the edges, with spots of mud-evidence that she had likely been outside, maybe in the garden. The shawl in her hand only added to his curiosity.

(Was I not supposed to be here?)

"N-nahi, Adhikrit, humara vo matlab nahi tha," she stammered, her voice soft, trying to sound calm.

(No, Adhikrit, I didnt mean that.)

"Toh?" he asked, his gaze steady on her, noticing the slight rise and fall of her chest as she took a deep breath and walked towards the closet.

(Then what did you mean?)

"It's just... you usually don't come home this early," she said with a small, nervous smile as she glanced at him.

Adhikrit just nodded, casting a look at Reyaan, who sat there watching his father, almost as if to say, "It's not my business if Mumma's acting like a criminal."

"I was gardening," Kashi added, her voice lighter as she tried to explain. "Got a little muddy and wet." She gave a smile before slipping into the closet to change.

Adhikrit thought over her words, wondering if he was overthinking things. Meanwhile, Reyaan, still resting against his father's chest, gripped his shirt tightly and watched his mother disappear into the closet.

"Papa," Reyaan whispered, drawing Adhikrit's attention back. Adhikrit smiled, setting Reyaan down on the bed, where the little boy settled quietly, almost as if he understood his mother's secrets better than anyone else.

"Yes, bacha?" Adhikrit asked, running his fingers gently through Reyaan's soft hair. Reyaan said nothing, his gaze dropping as he toyed with the fabric of his tiny clothes.

Adhikrit continued to lay there, waiting for her to return, his hand gently massaging Reyaan's back as the boy sat quietly, studying his little legs.

A few minutes later, Kashi emerged from the closet, her hair pulled into a loose bun. She wore a satin night robe that brushed against her ankles, and as she moved across the room, she looked serene and graceful. A few strands of hair fell loose, framing her face. The green eyes were adoring her beauty.

"Hum khana laga dete hain." she said with a soft smile, moving towards the couch.

(I should set up dinner.)

Both Adhikrit and Reyaan watched her as she moved, captivated by her quiet beauty. Adhikrit remained seated, pulling up the bed rail to make sure Reyaan wouldn't roll off, while Reyaan, half-laying against the cushions, kept his gaze fixed on his parents.