𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"92. Baby Moments"

"Zara si hasi aur pyari aakhon me noor hai,
In nanhe chehron me pure sansaar ka suroor hai,
Ek choti si duniya basayi hai humne sath me,
Ab yahi mera sukoon, Mera guroor hai."

-Vaidehi
(Fictionflare_)

The twins, now two and a half years old, had reached the most adorable and talkative phase of their childhood. Their vocabulary had grown significantly, and they had become little chatterboxes, especially at night. It had become a cherished ritual for both Rudraksh and Ruhanika, listening to their tiny tots enthusiastically blabber about their day.

The moment Rudraksh would step inside the house after a long day at work, tired but eager, both Ruhaansh and Rudravika would come running towards him, talking over each other. They would tug on his trousers, climb into his lap, and begin recounting everything, from what they ate and played with, and everything. Rudraksh would sit on the couch, shoes still on, listening intently as they climbed all over him, using the most animated hand gestures and made-up words.

On the days when it was Ruhanika's turn to return from work, the scene would repeat. She'd barely put her bag down before Ruhaansh and Rudravika would run into her arms, shower her with kisses, and begin their non-stop banter. They didn't leave a single detail untold, even if it meant repeating things ten times.

To balance work and parenting, Rudraksh and Ruhanika had created a system that worked beautifully for them. They alternated their office days so that one of them was always home with the twins. It was a mutual decision born out of love, not just responsibility. They didn't want to miss these fleeting, magical moments, the first attempts at storytelling, the laughter, the tantrums, and the sweet hugs that came without warning.

Despite the demanding schedules, both Rudraksh and Ruhanika felt content. Their bond with the children was growing stronger each day, and their marriage even more beautiful. Every night, after the twins had shared every tiny detail of their day and finally drifted to sleep between their parents, Rudraksh and Ruhanika would look at each other, smile, and silently agree, it was all worth it.

The morning sun had just begun to peek through the sheer curtains, casting a soft golden glow across the room. The peaceful silence of early dawn wrapped around the Malhotra bedroom like a warm blanket. On the large bed, the entire family was asleep in a gentle sprawl of love and closeness. Rudravika, the tiny princess of the house, was curled up on Rudraksh's chest, her little hand clutching the fabric of his T-shirt. Her soft breathing matched the slow rhythm of her father's heartbeat. Beside them, Ruhanika lay with a serene expression, her arms wrapped protectively around Ruhaansh, whose tiny body rested comfortably against her. Their breaths intertwined in a quiet lullaby of comfort and bond.

Just then, the faint sound of Rudraksh's alarm broke the silence. It was gentle, but enough to stir him. With practiced ease, he reached over and turned it off with one hand while the other stayed protectively on Rudravika. He looked down at her, her cheeks were soft and warm, glowing slightly in the morning light. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly as she stirred. Rudraksh leaned in, kissed her forehead, and gently caressed her cheek with his knuckles.

With utmost care, he sat up with her still in his arms, her little frame resting peacefully. As he leaned forward to lay her down on the bed, she shifted slightly, her lips quivering in her sleep. Sensing her discomfort, Rudraksh gently took Ruhanika's hand and placed it over their daughter's back, almost like a magical spell, and just like that, Rudravika stilled and nestled closer to her mother's warmth. Rudraksh smiled, seeing both his girls now sleeping peacefully, their breaths rising and falling in perfect unison.