ISHQ IBAADAT 💗

37. A CUTENESS AND CONFESSION 💗

Author POV.

"Shiru baby, come here..." Shridha called out, her voice filled with warmth and laughter.

In the garden, the sun bathed everything in a soft golden glow. Birds chirped nearby, and the smell of freshly cut grass mingled with the aroma of tea and snacks on the table. Shridha and Shiru were playing joyfully, running barefoot on the soft grass. Their laughter rang out, pure and infectious, spreading through the garden. Shridha bent down, holding out her arms. "Come on, Shiru...don't make me chase you, baby!"

Meanwhile, the rest of the family was sitting at the tea table under the shade of a large tree, cups in hand, chatting softly. The Sunday holiday had brought everyone together, the warm air and the soft rustle of leaves adding to the serenity.

"See bhabhi...Shridha is so happy with Shiru," Smriti said, her small smile showing her satisfaction and relief. She watched as Shridha bent down, tickling Shiru gently, making the little girl squeal with delight.

"Yeah, very much...ever since there is no Adhrika, everything has changed. Agastya also went to Maharashtra... it's good that Shiru has come here. Otherwise...what would have happened to Shridha?" Aradhna added, her gaze softening as she watched Shridha twirling with Shiru in her arms.

"Adhrika, meri bachhi..." Dadi murmured, her eyes misty as she thought about Adhrika, the absence of her daughter still lingering heavily in the house.

"Adhrika was a different light of this house...or should I say, that Verma's three daughters were the light of our house," Smriti said with a wide smile, her voice carrying nostalgia and affection.

"Not three...only two's..." Aradhna's tone was sharper, her glare flickering toward Smriti.

"Bhabhi, you also know the truth, and I don't think there was any mistake of Adhya..." Smriti said, her voice steady, but with an undertone of defiance.

"What do you mean, Smriti?" Aradhna asked, her hesitation masking the irritation curling inside her.

"You know what I mean, Bhabhi... I don't think that I need you to explain what I mean," Smriti replied, her eyes narrowing slightly, the smirk on her face hinting at the challenge in her words.

"Why are you both glaring at each other like this?" Dadi asked, her voice calm yet laced with curiosity, looking between the two.

"Nothing, Maa...bhabhi knows what I mean...hai naa, bhabhi?" Smriti said, an evil smirk playing on her lips.

Aradhna's glare sharpened, and her jaw tightened as she heard Smriti's words. It was a silent battle of wills, both women holding firm.

On the other side, Shridha was completely absorbed in giving Shiru a playful bath. She held the garden hose pipe tightly, water splashing in all directions. "Shiru, don't do this drama, baby...come here!" Shridha called, trying to coax the little girl closer.

Shivaay, hearing the peals of laughter, came walking from the other side of the house. He paused at the edge of the garden, watching Shridha and Shiru play. The sight of them laughing and running around melted something inside him. He smiled softly, stepping closer to join in-or at least keep an eye on them.

Shridha, laughing, tried to spray Shiru with the hose. Shiru squealed and darted away, but in her excitement, the hose slipped from Shridha's grip. Water shot in all directions, creating a fine mist over the garden. Shivaay, caught off guard, tried to dodge, but a strong stream of water hit him squarely. Within seconds, he was drenched from head to toe. His hair plastered to his forehead, clothes clinging to his skin, water dripping down his face.

"Sh...shit..." Shridha exclaimed, her eyes widening as she realized what had happened.

"S...s...sorry...Shivay... it happened by mistake..." she said hesitantly, her hands raised slightly, still holding the hose loosely.