Thanks For Coming Back

Chapter 9

“He is here…” She opened the door just in time before he could press the bell.

“I’m so sorry doll for being late. I hope I didn’t miss the cake cutting ceremony?” he said while picking up Sera and managing not to drop the large teddy he had brought for her.

“No. you’re just in time” she beamed at him and looked at her parents who were smiling at her.”Is that for me?” she asked pointing at the teddy. Aaron nodded and put her down to hand her the teddy but it was large for her to hold alone so her father came forward to help her put it aside along with other gifts. Swopnil then shook his hand with Aaron’s. Sera held her father’s and Aaron’s hands and pulled them towards the cake. Aaron saw Annie standing and nodded at her smiling, which she returned in same grace. The cake was cut and Sera was very happy that her new Uncle had come. Soon it was time for party to end. The guests were leaving one by one and only few friends were left behind. Sera had been busy playing with Aaron since he arrived and he didn’t mind the company. He realized there were two figures standing in front of him. He raised his eyes from Sera to find her parents looking at them from a foot distance. Swopnil smiled at his daughter and held his hand out asking her to come, who obliged easily. He then looked at man in front of him, who was looking anywhere but them.

“Thanks for coming!” he thought but was voiced by his wife.

Aaron looked at Anna, Anahita who had just spoken. He smiled at her and looked at her husband “Ammm, sorry I was late”

Swopnil waved his hand in front of him and said “don’t worry you didn’t miss much” He smiled at Aaron who nodded.

“Ammm so I would be leaving now?” Aaron said looking between the father, daughter and the mother. He looked at the latter for a bit longer.

“If you promise to see us again.” Sera said with hope in her eyes.

“Sorry doll, but I can’t. I’m leaving for Australia tomorrow.” He said ruffling her hairs and then looking at her parents who looked confused.

“But you said…” Annie spoke but was soon cut off by Aaron.

“Yes, but I got this opportunity to work in a good company there and I didn’t want to decline them. So… I’ll be leaving tomorrow…” He spoke quickly before Annie could ask why, because he doubted he wanted to tell her the reason.

“Oh.” Annie’s word but Swopnil’s voice.

“Ammm… Ann. , I mean Annie I wanted to ask you for something” Aaron murmured nervously, looking at the couple.

Annie looked at her husband who shrugged and smiled, giving her the space. She smiled back a thank you to her husband for being understanding. She turned to Aaron and asked” hmmm?”

“Can I get the box back?” he asked fast, afraid that he would change his mind if he took long time.

Annie gave him a confused look, not understanding the meaning.

“The one in attic?” He tried to clarify