Kya Pyaar Karoge Mujhse....

Chapter 71- Step Two

"I'll be fine Annika, I have done this before-

"Once Shivaay, you have babysat Shivi once and it was with Kaki Maa and the babysitter." Annika sighed as she packed a small bag. "I don't think you're ready, maybe I should just call Sona-

"No. If there will be any problem, I will call Sonakshi." Shivaay said. "And it's only for one night. You'll be back by six and Shivi and I'll cook an amazing breakfast-

"Shivaa-

"How does aloo puri sound?" He smiled and she chuckled, nodding and shrugging.

"Fine. I have written her night routine and stuck it on the fridge, just look at it. 6 pm, snack, cut an apple into six pieces. Umm, 7 pm, dinner, cook anything filling, please add at least three vegetables, potatoes and peas don't count. If she's still hungry, half a glass of chocolate milk will do." Annika explained and he noted. "She usually sleeps between 8 to 8:30 pm, so just give her a quick shower, water temperature should be 27 degrees. She should brush her teeth. Her night suit is in her pastel pink drawer, second on the left. It's red in color. If she can't sleep, you can read her two bed time stories. Absolutely no TV after 8 pm and no ice cream, chocolates or anything junk after 7:30 pm."

"Woah, okay." Shivaay nodded, head reeling a bit. 

"I know this sounds very...tight but...that's the only way I can do it. I have to have a schedule for her, Shivaay-

"Annika." He chuckled and held her by the shoulders. "It's okay. Every parent has some way to take care of their kid. Rudra sings for Rumya every night, Soumya rocks her for 18 minutes every morning so she does not wake up crying and I get it. I promise, I will be a good dad. I'll try my best."

"That's all I want." She smiled. "I wish I didn't have to go see that venue-

"I think you'll get late, Noah will be here any moment to pick you up." He said and put her folded laptop charger in the bag for her. "You're all packed?"

"Yeah." She nodded and zipped her bag. "I am done."

"Mumma!" Shivi ran in the room, a piece of paper in her hands. "I made you a Miss You card!"

"Really?" Annika chuckled and sat on her knees, taking the paper, reading it. "Thank you baccha!"

"I love you Mumma, come back soon!" Shivi wrapped her arms around her mother and Annika took her in her lap before standing up.

"Haan baby. I'll be back before you get up in the morning." She kissed her cheeks and forehead. "Don't bother Mr SSO."

"Pinky promise." Shivi giggled and looked at Shivaay, showing her tongue.

"Wow, look at her being all sarcastic." He laughed. "Who taught you to do this madam?"

"Sid did." Shivi mumbled. "Don't scold him pwease."

"Won't." Annika and Shivaay shook their heads as Annika's phone pinged. "Whoa, Noah's here. I'll get going."

She put Shivi down and quickly left, lest she start crying.

--

"I don't want apples!" Shivi shouted, shaking her head.

"Shivi, but you love apples, no?" Shivaay said as he cut the fruit.

"I want owanges!" She said, furiously coloring her drawing. "I want only owanges."

"Shivi." Shivaay sighed and smiled. "Okay then, I guess, I will have to throw these magic apples."