My Version of Love

Chapter 46: We're a Family

Hi guys!
We are back to Ariana's POV and this is the second last chapter of this story.
I liked this chapter because it makes Ariana realize the importance of her family.
So I am going to leave you guys to read.
Enjoy!!
_____

Chapter 46: We're a Family

I was exhausted when I reached the Delhi airport. It was dark when I hired a cab to take me home.
I asked my dad not to come, I needed more time and I knew how much strong I pretend to be, I'll be bawling my eyes out when I see my parents. I was still contemplating on my decision of coming back home.
I could have waited till Reyan was out of the hospital, say goodbye to him and come back but I didn't. I don't know how but Reyan's mom's words affected me so much, maybe because they were true.

I reached home within an hour and rang the doorbell. The door opened and I was surprised to see my sister-in-law Jaycee, opening the door for me.

"Oh my god, Jaycee," I said as she hugged me. "So good to see you," I said.

"It's good to see you too Aru, come on. Everyone is waiting for you" She said pulling away.

"Who all?" I asked her.

"Your grandparents, parents, brother, niece and nephew," She said and I nodded. "And of course, Riya, Nikhil, and Samaira" She added and my eyes widened.

"What?" I asked her with surprise, "When did you guys come?" I asked her.

"Just yesterday. It's almost the end of summer vacations and we figured you'll be here soon," She said with a smile and pulled me inside towards our living room.

Everyone was sitting in the living room, looking at the television screen and I smiled at that. We used to sit together and watch T.V. when I was younger. Suddenly all my delimma about coming home was thrown out of the window. I was glad to be back.

"Guys, look who's here!" Jaycee said loudly to pull everyone's attention to us and it worked. The kids ran towards me, screaming 'Aloo'.
I laughed, it was Hridhan who told them to call me that, first it was just the childish lisp but slowly it became my name. Two of them hugged my knees and I bent down to greet them properly.

"Aloo, we missed you" Trisha, my 4-year-old niece said.

"Yes, Aloo. I mished you too" Samaira nodded.

"I missed you guys too, where is my little champ?" I asked them.

"He's sleeping upstairs. Did you get us gifts?" Trisha asked me and I felt bad for not getting them anything.

"No, sorry. I didn't know that you guys were here" I said and they looked down sadly. "But...what if I take you guys on a treat tomorrow? Candies, dolls and ice-cream?" I suggested and they beamed.

"Yes!!You are the best Aloo" They said in unison and hugged me as I laughed.

"We'll take Neal with us. He too likes ice-cream" Trisha said and I nodded.

"You just came and started spoiling my children already," A powerful voice said towering me and I saw Hridhan looking at me. I suddenly I felt nostalgic and stood up to greet my older brother.

He extended his arms and I immediately hugged him, feeling calm and safe in my brother's embrace. I missed him so much. Yup, definitely not a bad idea to return.

"I missed you Princess Aria," He said my childhood name and I chuckled.

"I missed you too Hridhy" I called him by his childhood name and we pulled away.

Suddenly I met with a bone crushing hug and I knew it was Riya.

"Riya, you are killing me" I choked and she released me.