Kashi Owns Future

5 𖤐

At night

Kashi was carefully setting the dinner table, arranging the plates and glasses with practiced ease, while little Ekansh was still sleeping soundly in his crib. The house felt strangely quiet, save for the faint hum of the evening breeze outside. Vaishali had left earlier that evening, soon after Kashi had arrived at the Singhania residence. Vaishali and Akash had decided to move to a farmhouse nearby, seeking solitude and privacy to spend quality time together.

The silence was broken by a polite yet firm voice. "Good evening, Ma'am," came Karan's voice from the doorway.

Startled, Kashi turned to see Karan standing at the entrance to the dining area. Her gaze instinctively flicked behind him, and her cheerful demeanor faltered slightly when she noticed Bhavishya was not with him.

"Ma'am, sir went straight to your room," Karan explained, observing her change in expression. "He spilled coffee on his shirt and needed to change."

Kashi managed a polite smile, but her mind instantly filled with concern. Was the coffee hot? Did he burn himself? The worry nudged her to act quickly. Without a second thought, she made her way toward their room, her heart beating slightly faster than usual.

As she stepped into the room, she froze in place, her eyes widening in disbelief at the scene before her. Bhavishya stood there, shirtless, holding a half-awake Ekansh in his strong arms. His bare torso gleamed faintly under the soft light of the room. The sight sent a rush of heat to her cheeks, which turned crimson almost instantly.

Ekansh, rubbing his tiny fists against his sleepy eyes, looked up at his mother as she stood paralyzed near the door. Sensing her embarrassment, Bhavishya smirked.

Kashi's voice stumbled out in a flurry. "I-I-I am so-so-sorry!" she stammered, her gaze darting to the floor as she quickly turned on her heel, intending to leave.

Before she could take another step, Bhavishya's hand shot out and gently but firmly caught her wrist. "Where are you going, Mrs. Singhania?" he asked in a low, husky voice, leaning closer to her. His breath was warm against her ear, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.

"Our son is hungry," he murmured teasingly, his voice thick with a mixture of affection and mischief.

Kashi's breath hitched, and she closed her eyes tightly to calm herself. She could feel the heat from his closeness radiating against her skin. Slowly, she turned to face him, her head still lowered in shyness. Without meeting his gaze, she carefully took Ekansh from his arms, her hands trembling slightly.

Bhavishya noticed her flustered state, his smirk deepening. "Why are you so awkward?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement. "I'm your husband, Kashi. You have every right to see me... like this." His words were playful, but there was an unmistakable warmth in his tone.

Kashi's cheeks burned an even deeper shade of red at his teasing remark. Avoiding his piercing gaze, she mumbled something inaudible and quickly turned to leave the room. Her footsteps were hurried, and she was careful not to look back.

Bhavishya watched her retreat with a chuckle, shaking his head at her adorable demeanor. He leaned against the doorframe, his lips curling into a fond smile. Even he couldn't quite understand why he felt so lighthearted and carefree around her today, but the sight of her flustered expressions warmed something deep inside him.

As Kashi left the room, cradling Ekansh in her arms, she felt her heart racing. She scolded herself silently for her overreaction, but a small, secret smile played on her lips. Bhavishya's words lingered in her mind, and despite her embarrassment, a strange warmth blossomed in her chest.

Kashi entered the dining area and noticed Karan and Kritika engaged in an animated conversation, likely about her college gossip. She raised an eyebrow, intrigued but chose not to interrupt.

Karan, spotting her approach, extended his arms and gently took Ekansh from her. Settling the little boy on his lap, Karan smiled mischievously, clearly delighted.

"Don't do this," Kashi warned, her tone both soft and firm. "He won’t let you eat in peace once you start."

Karan chuckled, unfazed by her words. "No problem, Mrs. Singhania," he teased, holding Ekansh's tiny hands as they made an ambitious attempt to grab the nearest dish.

Before Kashi could retort, Bhavishya entered the room and took his place at the table. Without wasting any time, he began helping himself to the food. His gaze soon fell on his son, who was babbling cheerfully and wriggling on Karan’s lap. Noticing his precarious movements, Karan held Ekansh more securely, ensuring the boy didn’t lose his balance.

"So, what did my son do all day?" Bhavishya asked, directing his attention to Ekansh, whose wide grin lit up the room. The child giggled at the sound of his father's voice, reaching out as if beckoning him closer.

"He spent most of his time playing with his dadi maa," Kashi replied with a faint smile as she began serving herself.

Bhavishya frowned slightly, curiosity piqued. "Maa? She came over today?" he asked, surprised.

"To meet her dear grandson," Kritika chimed in before Kashi could answer. "Why? Can’t she?"

Bhavishya shook his head quickly, sensing Kritika’s defensive tone. "No, no, that’s not what I meant. I just didn’t know she was here. But… she left without meeting me," he added, sounding a little disappointed.

"She wanted to talk to me," Kashi said quietly, keeping her eyes on her plate.

Bhavishya hummed in response, his thoughts momentarily elsewhere. After finishing his meal, he wiped his hands meticulously with a napkin, then stood and reached for Ekansh. Karan handed the little boy over, careful not to disturb his cheerful mood.

Holding his son securely, Bhavishya smiled and pressed a soft kiss to his tiny forehead. "Come on, champ," he murmured, walking out of the dining area with Ekansh in his arms.

Karan leaned back in his chair, watching them leave, while Kritika exchanged a knowing glance with Kashi. Moments later, everyone got up, signaling the end of the meal. The servants efficiently began clearing the table, restoring order to the room.

As Kashi moved toward the kitchen to oversee the cleanup, Kritika joined her.

After that, Kashi headed towards her room and saw Bhavishya sitting on the bed, playing with Ekansh. The room was softly lit, casting a warm glow over the cozy space. As soon as they heard the sound of someone entering, both father and son turned their attention towards the door and saw her standing there. A gentle smile spread across Kashi's face as she walked closer to them.

She moved to her side of the bed and extended her hands toward Ekansh. The little boy, with his eyes sparkling with joy, eagerly leapt into her arms. She cradled him lovingly, her motherly warmth immediately calming him. Settling herself comfortably, Kashi laid Ekansh on her lap. With a quick glance at Bhavishya, who was busy checking emails on his phone, she reached over and turned off the lights, allowing the room to be bathed in a soft, serene darkness.

Wrapping herself in the blanket, she began to nurse Ekansh, humming a gentle lullaby under her breath. Her thoughts, however, wandered elsewhere. Day after tomorrow was Karwa Chauth, and her mind buzzed with all the preparations she needed to handle—the rituals, the decorations, and the feast she would need to prepare for the family. Despite the tasks ahead, a quiet excitement filled her heart as she imagined the day unfolding.

Once Ekansh was content and had drifted into a peaceful slumber, Kashi gently placed him on the bed. The little boy stirred slightly but then rolled toward his father’s side. Bhavishya, noticing his son’s movement, immediately set his phone aside and leaned over, wrapping Ekansh in his strong embrace. Ekansh snuggled closer, burying his small face against Bhavishya's broad, muscular chest, seeking the comfort and security of his father’s warmth.

Kashi watched the tender moment with a smile, her heart swelling with love. For a few moments, she sat quietly, taking in the sight of her husband and son together, their bond so evident in the peaceful silence of the room. It was moments like these that reminded her of the joy and fulfillment her family brought to her life.

****>