MOMMA BY CHOICE

Chapter 11

So, let's get started...

The evening was softly settling in, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink. A warm breeze rustled through the garden, its gentle touch carrying the sweet scent of blooming jasmine and fresh grass. The large Raichand estate was peaceful in the quiet of the evening, but in the center of the garden, a much more playful scene was unfolding.

Meera sat cross-legged on the soft grass, her arms folded across her chest, clearly in a mood. Her lips were pouted, the look of mock indignation resting on her face as she watched Veer, who was joyfully crawling around the garden, completely oblivious to the drama unfolding in Meera's mind. Despite the peaceful setting, a small mischief had taken root in her.

Earlier that day, Veer had knocked over her favorite flower pot. It wasn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it still irked her. When she tried to scold him softly, but the cheeky boy had just given her a wide-eyed look and run off to continue his playful mischief.

Meera, now in the garden, had tried to stay upset, but it was difficult with Veer being so cute and utterly oblivious. Still, her pout stayed put as she watched him. "He's impossible," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. But deep down, she couldn't stay angry for long. After all, he was just a child.

Just as Meera was about to give up on her fake anger, she heard a familiar voice, and her attention snapped up.

"Meera, my dear, what's the matter?" Gayatri's voice was sweet and light, but there was a hint of concern in her tone as she approached with Abhimanyu beside her. The pair exchanged knowing glances, clearly amused by the sight of Meera's exaggerated pout. Gayatri's eyes twinkled as she added, "Why are you sitting out here all alone with such a grumpy face? Tell me, what happened?"

Meera immediately shot her a playful look. "It's nothing," she said, her voice soft but firm, as though she was still clinging to her act. "I'm just... frustrated with someone."

Gayatri raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Let me guess, someone who is crawling around like a mischievous little duckling, isn't it?"

Meera's face softened slightly as she turned to glance at Veer, still happily crawling around and picking flowers. She let out a heavy sigh, this time not in frustration but in feigned exasperation. "Exactly. He knocked over my favorite flower pot earlier, and now... now he's pretending nothing happened." Her arms crossed tighter over her chest as she stared at Veer, still pouting.

Gayatri didn't miss a beat. She dramatically gasped, placing her hand over her heart. "Oh my goodness, how could he? That's terrible! Veer, come here at once!" she called out, her voice carrying a playful mock sternness.

Veer, who had been lost in his little world, stopped in his tracks. He looked up, his large, innocent eyes widening as he saw Gayatri's exaggerated expression. As if on cue, he began to crawl toward Meera slowly, his tiny hands digging into the earth with determined precision. The rest of the family observed in delight, knowing exactly where this was going.

Veer finally reached Meera, but instead of looking guilty, he crawled directly into her lap and, with a little whine, reached for the nearest flower—a withered one—and held it up to her with a soft, pleading expression. He made a small, almost inaudible noise, as though he was apologizing in the only way he knew how.

Meera stared down at the sad little flower, her eyes softening. But she wasn't about to give in too easily. "Really, baby?" she said, her voice dripping with mock sternness. "A withered flower? You couldn't even bring me a fresh one?"

Veer looked up at her with his round eyes, his expression full of innocence. He took the flower and placed it gently in her hands before leaning in to press multiple sloppy kisses on her cheek and neck, each one more affectionate than the last. "eya," he whispered, the word coming out in the softest, most endearing tone.