Kashi Owns Future

4 𖤐

In morning

Bhavishya woke up to find the bed unusually empty. His wife and son were nowhere in sight. He stretched lazily, the morning sun streaming through the curtains, casting warm patterns on the bed. After a moment, he swung his legs over the side, got up, and went about his morning routine. Refreshed and curious, he made his way downstairs, following the faint clatter of utensils and the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen.

As he stepped into the dining area, his eyes landed on Kashi, his wife, meticulously setting the breakfast table. The faint glow of the morning light accentuated her serene expression. She looked up and met his gaze, her lips curling into a warm, welcoming smile. Bhavishya smiled back, his heart swelling with gratitude for the life they shared.

He pulled out a chair and settled down at the table. Kashi approached him with a plate in hand, serving him lovingly. Just as he began to savor the freshly prepared poha, he heard a familiar voice.

"Good morning, Bhai!"

Bhavishya turned to see Kritika, his younger sister, walking into the room with Ekansh, his six-month-old son, cradled in her arms. The sight of them brought an instant smile to his face.

"Good morning," he greeted her warmly, extending his hands toward his son. Kritika carefully handed the baby over, and Bhavishya settled Ekansh on his lap.

The little one's eyes sparkled as they wandered over the colorful array of food on the table. His tiny hands reached out enthusiastically, attempting to grab a plate. Bhavishya chuckled at his son's innocent determination.

But before the baby could cause any chaos, Kashi intervened. Gently holding his tiny hand, she said softly, "No, baby. Not for you."

Ekansh paused, his large, curious eyes shifting to his mother. With an expression of innocent longing, he stretched out his arms toward her, silently requesting to be held.

Kashi couldn't resist her son's charm. Smiling, she scooped him up into her arms, kissing his chubby cheek affectionately. Ekansh responded with an open-mouthed, wet kiss on her chin, a gesture that made her laugh. Her laughter filled the room, a sweet melody that added warmth to the already cozy morning.

Watching them, Bhavishya felt a deep sense of contentment. He admired the mother-son duo, their bond so pure and unfiltered.

"Kashi, when are you planning to visit the site?" he asked, breaking his momentary reverie as he took another bite of poha.

"Two months from now," she replied, her voice soft yet focused, as she gently adjusted Ekansh's position in her arms.

As if sensing his parents' conversation, Ekansh babbled something incomprehensible, earning another chuckle from Kashi. She kissed his forehead lovingly, her eyes reflecting her adoration.

Bhavishya smiled at the sight, his heart brimming with love for his little family. Leaning forward, he pressed a tender kiss to his son's forehead before standing up.

"Take care of yourself and this little mischief-maker," he said, giving them both a fond look.

"We will," Kashi replied with a smile, watching him leave for work.

As the door closed behind him, Kashi looked down at Ekansh, who was now attempting to grab a stray spoon from the table. She shook her head, amused at his endless energy.

After breakfast, Kashi carried Ekansh upstairs for his bath. The little boy, though playful, surprised her by behaving like a perfect angel, sitting calmly and letting her bathe him. She marveled at his good mood, giggling softly as she wrapped him in a fluffy towel and carried him back to the bedroom.

By the afternoon, Kashi was seated in the living room with Ekansh asleep in her lap. She gently stroked his soft hair, her eyes filled with affection as she admired his peaceful face. His tiny fingers curled loosely, and the slight rise and fall of his chest as he slept melted her heart.

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted her quiet moment. She turned to see Vaishali, her mother-in-law, entering the house with a warm smile on her face.

Kashi carefully stood up, not wanting to disturb Ekansh's sleep, but Vaishali quickly gestured for her to remain seated.

“Don’t get up, dear,” Vaishali said softly, walking over and settling beside her on the couch.

She reached out and gently lifted Ekansh from Kashi’s lap, cradling him in her arms as if he were the most precious treasure. “How are you, my sweetheart?” she asked, her free hand cupping Kashi’s cheek in a motherly gesture.

“I’m fine, Mamma,” Kashi replied, smiling warmly at her mother-in-law.

Vaishali’s gaze shifted to her grandson. “And how is my darling grandchild?” she asked, tenderly brushing a stray lock of hair from Ekansh’s forehead.

“He’s fine too,” Kashi said with a soft laugh. “Though he’s getting naughtier by the day!”

Vaishali chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “That sounds like Bhavishya when he was a baby. Always mischievous.”

“Really?” Kashi’s curiosity was instantly piqued. “Tell me about him! I want to know more!”

Vaishali smiled, her gaze distant as she delved into fond memories. “Oh, he was quite the troublemaker. Would you believe, he never let his father get near me when he was little? He’d cry his lungs out if his father so much as tried to hold my hand. That’s part of why there’s a twelve-year age gap between Kritika and Bhavishya—your husband made sure we couldn’t focus on anything but him!”

Kashi stared at Vaishali, wide-eyed. She couldn’t help but laugh at the image of her otherwise composed husband as a possessive, demanding baby. Her admiration for her mother-in-law grew in that moment. Vaishali had always treated her like a daughter, not just a daughter-in-law. She was more than family—she was a friend, someone Kashi could confide in without hesitation.

As they continued chatting, Vaishali shared more stories of Bhavishya’s childhood, each tale bringing laughter and warmth to the room. Their bond deepened with every word exchanged.

When Ekansh woke up with a soft whimper, Vaishali’s focus shifted entirely to her grandson. She played with him, her laughter echoing through the house as she delighted in his little gestures and babbles. Soon, Kritika returned from college and joined them, adding to the lively atmosphere.

A while later, Ekansh’s cries announced his hunger. Vaishali called Kashi over, handing him back to his mother. Kashi settled on the sofa, covering herself with her dupatta as she fed him.

“I almost forgot the reason I came here today,” Vaishali suddenly said, her tone light yet purposeful.

“What reason?” Kashi asked, her curiosity piqued.

“It’s Karva Chauth in three days,” Vaishali explained. “I came to bring you the essentials every mother-in-law gifts her daughter-in-law for the occasion.” She gestured toward the doorway, and a maid stepped forward with a neatly packed bundle.

Taking the bundle from the maid, Vaishali handed it to Kashi. “Here you go, dear. Everything you’ll need for the rituals.”

Kashi accepted it with gratitude, her hands brushing against Vaishali’s as she said, “Thank you, Mamma.”

Vaishali smiled warmly. “Are you planning to fast this year?” she asked, wanting to confirm.

“Yes, of course,” Kashi replied confidently. “He’s my husband. Last year I couldn’t because I was pregnant, but this year, I’ll definitely observe the fast.”

Vaishali’s eyes shone with pride and affection. “That’s wonderful to hear, my dear.”

***>