A LOVE UNBOUND

Chapter 14: Siya's New Beginning

AUTHOR POV:

As Siya settled into the car, a sense of liberation washed over her. *I’m finally free,* she thought. Her heart warmed at the thought of devoting herself to little Raha. She adored the girl’s sweet, dimpled smile and felt a deep, almost inexplicable bond with her.

Her bodyguard’s voice pulled her from her thoughts as they reached Raha’s school. As Siya got out, she noticed Advik watching her expectantly. He assumed she was there for him and blocked her path, speaking rudely. "I won’t go with you," he declared.

Siya looked at him coolly. "Did I say I was here to pick you up? Go to your mommy. I don’t know who you are," she replied sharply, turning to his teacher. "Isn’t it important to teach kids not to talk to strangers?" Without a backward glance, Siya moved toward Raha, who was running happily to greet her.

She hugged Raha tightly, feeling a sense of calm settle over her. They began walking to the car, and once they were buckled in, Siya asked about Raha’s day.

Raha’s face lit up as she recounted everything she did at school, from playtime to her lessons. Then she eagerly told Siya about her drawing homework—a family tree assignment.

Siya smiled warmly. “Let’s do it together tonight, with Papa’s help, okay?”

Raha nodded excitedly, and as they arrived home, they shared some evening snacks. Raha then asked if they could watch a Disney princess movie, and they cozied up together for a sweet movie time. By the time Rajveer returned home, the movie was just ending.

He greeted Raha with a warm hug, but she only smiled shyly and stayed quiet. Siya noticed the brief flicker of sadness in Rajveer’s eyes. She decided she needed to talk to Raha.

When the chef announced dinner was ready, Rajveer went to freshen up, while Siya took Raha to the dining room. Seated together, Siya gently asked, "Raha, why didn’t you greet your daddy properly?"

Raha fidgeted, remaining silent, so Siya picked her up onto her lap. "You talk so comfortably with me, even though we’ve just met. Your daddy has been with you always—he loves you very much and wants to hear about your day. Wouldn’t you feel sad if I only talked to Daddy and not you?"

Raha’s eyes widened. "No, Mommy, I wouldn’t like that."

Siya stroked her hair softly. “Then, will you do something for Mommy? When Daddy starts eating, call him and ask if he’ll help us with the family tree for your school project.”

Raha nodded with determination. Just then, Rajveer joined them at the table, and dinner was served—homemade roti, rice, dal, and a specially prepared, non-spicy gobi sabji just for Raha. Rajveer and Siya’s dishes were spicier, and as they began to eat, Siya subtly gestured to Raha.

Following her cue, Raha looked at Rajveer shyly. “Daddy… will you help me and Mommy with my family tree project?”

Rajveer was visibly taken aback. Raha had never willingly told him about her schoolwork before; he usually had to check her diary and offer help himself. But tonight, she had asked him directly. Overjoyed, he smiled warmly. “Of course, my Raha. I’d love to help you and Mommy.”

After dinner, they all went to Raha’s room and worked on her project together. Rajveer brought out photos to create the family tree, while Siya helped Raha draw and color a beautiful tree. As they worked, laughter filled the room, and they looked like a perfect family.

By the time they finished, Raha had fallen asleep, so Siya gently changed her into pajamas while Rajveer tucked her in. Siya packed her school bag for the next day, and they quietly left her room, closing the door softly behind them.

Outside, Rajveer turned to Siya. "Would you like to talk about today?"

Siya nodded, and they went to the balcony for some fresh air. She recounted her visit to the court, Jennifer’s false accusation, and her interaction with Advik. Rajveer listened attentively, concern evident in his eyes.

“Don’t you miss Advik?” he asked cautiously.

Siya’s expression hardened. “Why would I miss him? I tried everything to prevent him from going down the wrong path, but he chose it willingly. He even took my baby from me… I can’t forgive that. I don’t want to be his mother. But I know that a mother’s heart can’t truly be cruel to her child. Advik is still innocent, a blank slate. Whatever happens now will shape him, and maybe one day, when he realizes the consequences of his actions, he’ll ask me to take him back. Only then will I consider it. For now, I don’t know anyone named Advik—he has to learn his lesson.”

As she spoke, Siya glanced up, catching Rajveer’s gaze. His eyes were filled with affection and admiration, and for a moment, Siya felt a flicker of warmth. *Is that love I see in his eyes?* she wondered, feeling her heart skip.

They exchanged soft smiles, and soon retired for the night. As Siya lay in bed, she felt a surge of excitement for the future. *Tomorrow marks the beginning of my new life,* she thought. She was ready to pursue her dream of becoming an interior designer—a passion she’d long held but set aside. Her dream was to design beautiful homes, sharing her ideas to help others, and someday, she’d create her own dream home, just the way she envisioned.

With these happy thoughts, Siya drifted off to sleep, ready to step into her new beginning.

___________________________________________

Hello guys!

I will update the next chapter today only

So stay tuned

Please vote, comment and follow