An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 46

Important: Ishika's sister's name from Divya has been changed to Yashini.

I'll make the changes in other chapters soon.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

I ring the doorbell and wait. The door opens, and my mother's face lights up with a mixture of happiness and surprise.

"Ishika!" she exclaims, her hand immediately reaching out to caress my head.

"You didn't tell me you were coming!"

Before I can respond, Ivaan rushes forward, wrapping his tiny arms around her legs. Her eyes soften as she blesses him, her hand brushing over his hair. 

"Ivaan," she says, bending slightly to kiss his forehead.

I smile. 

"It was a last-minute decision, Ma. I just... I missed you and thought we'd come for a while."

She steps aside, gesturing for us to come in. "You've made me so happy. Come inside."

We settle on the sofa. The living room feels warm, the scent of freshly cooked food lingering in the air. 

"Abhiraj didn't come?" Mumma asks.

"He came to drop us. But I told him to go back. He was tired after work."

She nods, her gaze shifts to Ivaan, who is busy inspecting the toy basket in the corner. "It's good you came," she says after a moment. 

"It's been so long since you and Yashini spent some time here together with me. I miss those old days when both of you were around."

"Di's here?" I ask, my brow furrowing slightly. 

"Yes," she says, smiling. 

"She came five days ago. She's in the room, resting."

"Oh," I reply. I didn't know she will be present here, we'll have to share the room. 

" You were not aware?" I shrug, but I try not to show the flicker of unease that surfaces.

My mother doesn't seem to notice, her attention shifting back to Ivaan, who is now pulling out a small car from the basket. 

"Abhiraj doesn't have any problem with him, right?" She watches him fondly before turning to me again.

" No. he loves having him with himself. They both both have grown fond of each other." I smile.

She nods. " God bless him. People like him are very rare."

I nod vaguely, not knowing what to say. 

We talk for a while small about the flat, about Ivaan, about the neighbor's new dog, my married life. It feels good to be back here after so long. 

" Did you both have dinner?" 

" We ate with Abhiraj before coming."

"Well, then freshen up," she says, rising from her seat. "Rest it, it's already late. Let me know if you need anything."

I nod, standing as well. "I'll just change and put Ivaan to bed."

She smiles, and I head to the room I used to share with Yashini dii.

The door creaks slightly as I push it open, and switch on the dimmer light. 

The room is exactly as I remember it, cozy white walls, book shelf, study table, frames. And my gaze falls on dii, she's resting on bed, her head rest against the headboard.