ISHQ IBAADAT 💗

36. SOMETHING HURTS & A CUTE MEMORIES 💗

In Maharashtra

Author POV.

Aruhi's little voice rang softly in the car, her words laced with innocence and that adorable stammer that made her sound even more endearing. Agastya's gaze softened immediately, every ounce of his usually stern demeanor melting as he looked at her.

She was dressed in a tiny pastel frock, the kind that seemed too precious to be real. Her light brown eyes sparkled with mischief and curiosity, reflecting the sun in soft golden hues. Her tiny curls bounced slightly as she wriggled, impatient to get out of the car. Her naturally pink lips curved into a smile that was so pure, so untainted, that Agastya felt his heart swell.

"Adastya..." she said again, her hushed tone tinged with excitement as she tilted her head, her little fingers pointing towards him.

Agastya smiled, unable to resist the urge to lean closer. "How's she cute, Aditya?" he murmured softly, as he gently lifted her into his arms. Her small frame felt fragile yet warm, like holding the sun itself.

Aruhi pouted, scrunching her nose and furrowing her tiny brows in mock anger. "Untle pele mela Ansher dete naa..." she said, her voice full of playful scolding.

Agastya chuckled, the deep rumble of his laughter filling the car. "Awww...sorry, Cupcake...hume Maaf Kariye," he said, leaning down to nuzzle her little ear softly, asking for her forgiveness with exaggerated affection.

But Aruhi's pout deepened, and her voice grew louder. "No...Torry! Mude Iethim thayiye!" she insisted, her chubby little fists shaking as she demanded ice cream. Her cheeks puffed out adorably in anger, and she stomped her tiny feet against the car seat lightly.

Agastya burst into laughter, the kind that came from deep within, letting out a few small tears of joy that slid down his cheeks. He held her close, rocking her gently in his arms, the sound of her giggles mixing with his own laughter. Every droplet of those joyful tears felt like a release, washing away the stress and heaviness he hadn't realized he was carrying until now.

"You're impossible, you know that, Cupcake?" he whispered with a soft grin, brushing a curl from her forehead. She responded with a tiny squeal of laughter, burying her face in his chest, completely at ease.

Aruhi's hands explored his shirt, her little fingers gripping at the fabric as if anchoring herself to him. "Untle...plesse icecream...pleasse..." she coaxed, her tone half pleading, half demanding, the way only a three-year-old could manage.

Agastya laughed again, this time quieter, more tender, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Alright, alright...we'll get ice cream. But first, let's take a ride around, hmm? Just you and me, Cupcake," he said, his eyes softening as he glanced at Aditya in the rearview mirror, silently conveying his gratitude for this little spark of light in his life.

Aruhi clapped her tiny hands excitedly, bouncing slightly in his arms, her curls bouncing too. "Yayyy! Ride! Ride!" she squealed, her laughter pure and infectious. Agastya's own heart felt lighter than it had in years, each of her giggles weaving a warmth into his chest that he hadn't realized he was missing.

For the first time in a long while, Agastya allowed himself to just be, to feel joy without reservation. Aruhi's presence, her tiny little hands, her laughter, and her stubborn little pouts were like sunshine breaking through a storm. And as he looked at her radiant face, her sparkling eyes, and that unmistakable innocence, he knew something unspoken but deeply true: he would protect her, cherish her, and never let anything dim that light.

Even as the car started moving, Aruhi pressed herself closer to him, muttering about ice cream while giggling between words, and Agastya held her a little tighter, a small smile playing on his lips, his heart swelling with a happiness he had thought was long gone.