MOMMA BY CHOICE

Chapter 8

So let's get started...

The gentle morning light of another Sunday streamed through the windows of the Raichand mansion, spilling across the sleek marble floors in long, stretching shadows. The air was crisp, and the house seemed still, broken only by the soft sound of a baby's laughter echoing from Meera's room.

Vihan paused in the doorway, leaning against the frame as he took in the scene before him. Veer, his chubby hands gripping the edge of the playmat, was giggling uncontrollably as Meera crouched before him, her eyes shining with affection.

"Peek-a-boo!" Meera exclaimed, lifting a soft scarf to cover her face before lowering it dramatically. Veer clapped his little hands, squealing with delight as if the simple game was the funniest thing in the world.

"Where's eeya (Meera)?" she teased, hiding her face again. Veer's wide eyes darted around, searching for her. When she revealed herself with a cheerful "Here I am!" Veer's laughter bubbled over, filling the room with pure joy.

Vihan couldn't help but smile. The sight of his son's unfiltered happiness was a balm he hadn't known he needed. And Meera—her natural ease with Veer, the way she radiated warmth—he couldn't tear his eyes away.

Noticing her audience, Meera glanced up and greeted him with a soft smile. "You're home early today, Vihan ji."

Before Vihan could respond, Veer noticed his father and pointed excitedly, his babbles growing more animated. His tiny hands reached out, beckoning him closer.

"Looks like someone wants Dadda to join," Meera teased, her voice light.

"Peek-a-boo isn't really my game," Vihan said, though his lips quirked up in a rare smile.

"Come on, Veer insists!" Meera laughed, holding out the scarf.

Reluctantly, Vihan stepped forward and took the scarf. He hesitated for a moment, then crouched beside Meera.

"Where's Dadda?" he said, his tone playful but awkward.

When he lowered the scarf to reveal his face, Veer's laughter erupted, his tiny hands clapping together. Emboldened by veer's reaction, Vihan repeated the action, his movements becoming more exaggerated each time.

Soon, Veer pointed at Meera, as if inviting her to join again. Meera leaned closer, her laughter mingling with Veer's as she joined Vihan in the game. At one point, Veer clambered toward his father but paused mid-crawl, his gaze shifting to Meera. He giggled and reached for her instead.

"He wants you now," Vihan said, handing the scarf back to Meera.

As Meera took it, Vihan instinctively moved closer, shielding himself behind her as if Veer might "catch" him. His hands found her shoulders, steadying himself, and then lightly rested against her waist as he peeked around her.

"Caught you, Dadda!" Meera teased, giggling as Veer squealed in delight.

The three of them dissolved into laughter, the moment so natural and full of warmth that Vihan couldn't remember the last time he had felt so light. As Veer clung to Meera, hiding his face shyly against her chest, Vihan found himself mesmerized—not just by his son's joy but by the easy connection Meera brought to their lives.

Later that afternoon, Veer was determined to practice his newfound skill of standing. Meera knelt on the carpet, holding her hands out encouragingly.

"Come on, Veer! You can do it!" she said, her tone gentle yet excited.

Veer wobbled on his little legs, gripping the edge of the couch for support. His determination was evident, and each tiny wobbly step he managed felt like a monumental achievement.

Vihan, sitting nearby with a cup of tea, watched intently. "He's really trying hard," he said softly.

"He's a fighter," Meera replied, her voice full of pride. "Just like his father." Vihan glanced at her, caught off guard by the comment. There was no sarcasm or teasing in her tone—only sincerity. For a moment, their eyes met, and something unspoken passed between them.

Suddenly, Veer lost his balance and plopped down onto his padded knees. His face crumpled, and a wail escaped his lips. Meera reacted instantly, scooping him into her arms before Vihan could even rise from his seat.

"Shh, it's okay, sweetheart," Meera murmured, cradling him close. "You're doing so well. Don't give up." She pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, her touch soothing.

Vihan stood and moved closer, placing a hand on Veer's back. "You're strong, Veer," he said quietly. His gaze shifted to Meera. "He's lucky to have you."

Meera looked up, her expression soft. "We're both lucky to have him," she replied, her voice almost a whisper.

That evening, after dinner, Veer was nestled in Meera's lap, his tiny fingers playing with the edge of her saree. Vihan sat beside them, closer than he normally would, as the three of them watched the flickering light of the fireplace.

"Meera," Vihan said suddenly, his voice low. "Thank you." She looked at him, puzzled. "For what?"

"For everything," he said, his eyes sincere. "For being there for Veer. For being there for me."

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked down at Veer, who had fallen asleep against her chest. "It's nothing, really. I just..." She hesitated, then smiled.

"I care about Veer. And... I care about making this home feel warm for him."

Vihan's chest tightened. The walls he had built around himself felt weaker in her presence. He reached out, his hand brushing against hers as he adjusted the blanket around Veer.

For a moment, they sat in silence, the warmth of the fire wrapping around them. And in that quiet moment, Vihan realized something he hadn't allowed himself to admit—Meera wasn't just a caretaker for Veer. She was becoming the heart of their home.

________________________________________________________________________________

Hey everyone!
Another new chapter is up! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the recent additions.

Have you noticed how Vihan is slowly opening up with time? And Meera—without even realizing it—is becoming so much more than just Veer's caretaker. She's becoming home for both Veer and Vihan.

Isn't that just so sweet and heartwarming? 💕

What do you think?
Keep voting and stay tuned for more!

With love,
Your Author ♥