Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-12: Rudraksh vs. Ansh

There’s nothing quite as sweet as the sound of a child’s laughter to fill the empty spaces of the heart.

Nandini’s POV,

The aroma of freshly baked cookies and warm pancakes filled the air as I placed the last plate on the table. I glanced at the clock and smiled—it was almost time for Ansh to arrive. My heart bubbled with excitement. After all, how often do I get the chance to dote on him without any interruptions? 

As soon as the doorbell rang, I dashed to open it. Ansh stood there, his tiny frame dwarfed by Bhai, who carried him. “Bua!” Ansh squealed, stretching his arms toward me. 

“Ansh!” I bent down, scooping him into a tight hug. His laughter was like music to my ears. 

Bhai grumbled behind me, “Oh sure, greet him first like I don’t even exist.” 

I laughed, giving him a quick side glance. “Hi, Bhai. You’re here too, huh?” 

He rolled his eyes, stepping inside with Bhabhi following, her arms laden with a bag. “We bring you one child, and suddenly you forget the adults.” 

Ignoring him, I led Ansh inside, settling him on the couch. “Wait till you see what Bua made for you!” I said, ruffling his hair. 

His eyes widened. “What, Bua? Tell Ansh!” 

“Not so fast,” I teased. “You’ll see when we sit at the table.” 

Bhai plopped onto the couch dramatically, throwing his head back. “Wow, no one cooks for me like this.” 

Bhabhi, shaking her head, smacked him lightly on the shoulder. “Don’t start, Rudra.” 

I grinned. “It’s because you’re not as adorable as Ansh. Look at that face!” I pinched Ansh’s chubby cheeks, earning a giggle from him. 

Ansh beamed. “Bua loves Ansh more!” 

Bhai gasped in mock betrayal. “I’m hurt. My own sister has turned against me.” 

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Bhabhi said, laughing as she settled next to him.

“But why didn’t anyone spoil me like this?” Bhai muttered, crossing his arms. 

I chuckled as I carried Ansh to the dining table. “Alright, everyone, come sit. The feast is ready!” 

The table was overflowing with food—pancakes, sandwiches, cookies, chips, milkshakes, and everything else I could think of that Ansh might love. His little eyes sparkled as he took it all in. 

“Wow, Bua!” he said, clapping his hands. “So much food!” 

“All for my little prince,” I said, placing a plate of pancakes in front of him. 

“Seriously?” Bhai said as he sat down, staring at the spread. “Why didn’t I ever get this royal treatment?” 

I rolled my eyes. “Because you’re not three years old and adorable.” 

“I was adorable once!” Bhai argued, pointing at himself. 

Ansh giggled, his mouth stuffed with pancakes. “Papa, you’re not cute like me!” 

“See? Even he agrees,” I teased, winking at Ansh. 

Bhabh laughed, shaking her head. “Nandini, do you realize you’re completely spoiling him? Look at this table! This much sugar and junk food in one day?” 

“Oh, let me spoil him,” I said, brushing off her concern. “It’s just one day.” 

Ansh, as if on cue, chimed in, “Bua loves me the most!”