ENCHANTED - BY INNOCENCE (ongoing)

69

Thank you so much for your patience, my lovelies 🙏

I've been going through a lot and really appreciate it.

This is a short chapter (2600 words) but please bear with me this one time. Longer chapters will come soon.

Target for next chapter: 1400 votes and 700 comments

*** Shanthi ***

KNOCK KNOCK

I immediately rushed to open the door, anticipating a sad Vinod—worried about the consequences of him giving up on the case—but to my surprise, he remained... neutral?

"Is everything alright?" was my very first question.

Vinod nodded.

"Did General Sir not get angry about you giving up on the case?" I asked, confused.

"I didn't give up on the case," he replied. "I wanted to explore one last possibility before stepping away, so I asked for some time."

"Well... that's good," I said, relieved. "Come in, have dinner—it's quite late."

"Is there enough food for three people?" he asked. "We have a guest."

"A guest?" I asked, puzzled—and then I heard a giggle. I tilted my head slightly, and Vivek slowly emerged from behind my husband.

"Vivek?" I exclaimed in joy.

"Chitti (Aunt)!" Vivek called out as he came running toward me and hugged me tightly.

"Oh, my sweet boy," I said, hugging him back. "What brings you here?"

"Pritham Sir left for the East, so Vinod Sir asked if he could bring me home for a day—and they agreed," he replied cheerfully.

"That's wonderful," I smiled. "Come in, let's go and eat..."

"Shanthi, wait," Vinod stopped me and looked at Vivek seriously. "Vivek, son, I hate saying this, but there are some rules you need to follow..."

"Yes, I know," Vivek interrupted quickly. "Stay away from the room with important documents, always stick by your side, and don't wander off. Those were the rules when General Sir took me home."

Vinod smiled.

"Well, an officer's home isn't quite that strict," he said kindly. "I only have one desk with important documents, so you're free to explore the entire house—except for those cabinets. And you don't have to stick to my side, though I'd appreciate it if you stay within eyesight. And yes, please don't wander too far."

"Deal!" Vivek grinned, and I welcomed him inside.

Soon enough, the three of us sat down for dinner.

"So, what's next, buddy?" Vinod asked. "Off to sleep?"

"Not sleepy yet," Vivek replied politely. "I'd love to do some reading, if you don't mind."

"Of course I don't," Vinod said warmly. "Would you be interested in reading this book?" he asked, showing him the one we got from the library.

The same book I'd been asking Vinod to read for a very long time—but he couldn't, as he'd been busy.

"I'd love to!" Vivek said excitedly. "This looks interesting."

"Would you mind reading it aloud, son?" Vinod asked. "So that Shanthi can enjoy it too?"

"Yes, of course!" said Vivek. "Come, Chitti," he said, holding my hand.

I looked at Vinod, surprised.

My husband had planned all of this.

Vinod winked and smiled, confirming that he had indeed planned it all.