AR----BELONGING

Epilogue

She was two minds about letting Nikhil go. It was the first time her little boy was going away from her and that too for the whole weekend. Looking at her reflection in the mirror she laughed at her worried state and continued packing his little bag. Yes, Nikhil had a habit of waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, but that was ok as her mom would be there. Ok but what if he cries for her? No, no Riddhima he'll be ok, he is a big boy of four now. Letting out a sigh she zipped up his bag and reassured herself that everything would be fine and if god forbids a problem does arise; her mother would call her immediately.

Looking out the window she smiled fondly as Nikhil jumped all over his father. Watching their smiling faces she closed her eyes briefly to etch this memory in her mind. She loved watching them together; they made such an adorable pair. It also helped that they looked so alike. She used to get so mad in the beginning whenever someone commented how Nikhil looked just like his dad and nothing like her, but now she cherished that and hoped that their next little one would look like him too. She was already 2 months and hubby had no idea. She was going to surprise him tonight after their friends left that is. Of course Muskaan knew; she was Riddhima's gynecologist after all and it was so sweet of her to keep her mouth shut; which for Muskaan was task in its own. Muskaan was married now and had a two year old boy of her own; who thankfully was much calmer like his father and had the cutest little head of curls. Rushing for the phone she couldn't help but laugh, what a long life she mused; she was just thinking about Muskaan.

"Hello"

"OyeRidzy it's me Muskaan"

"I know Muskaan, caller ID remember"

"Oh yea, KhairChadho, I was just calling to let you know that we are just about to head out. Is there anything else you need me to pick up or are we good?"

"We're good Muskaan, we'll see you soon" She smiled as her husband walked in with their son. Her mother would be here any moment to pick him up and well she was starting to get a bit anxious. She wouldn't cry she told herself. Nikhil will be fine and besides it was only 2 days!

"You ok?" He asked looking at her forlorn face as he bent down to tie Nikhil's shoelaces.

"I am fine"

"You sure sweetheart?" He gave her a quick peck on the lips and laughed with her when Nikhil made sounds of disgust.

"That's yucky!" scrunching his little nose he giggled uncontrollably as his father scooped him in arms and flew his little body around like an airplane. Ah, yes there they are thought Riddhima the most beautiful set of dimples.

It all seemed dreamlike now as if it had never happened, but it did. She had her mother to thank for this and mentally she did that every morning when she looked at her husband sleeping beside her.

*FLASHBACK*

"Nikki what's wrong?" He was frustrated by the constant banging, it was she who was shoving him in the bathroom in the first place and now here she was not even letting him clean up properly. As he opened the door however he was shocked to see her panting.