Chapter 69: A Little Boy's World

The peaceful atmosphere of the haveli lasted only until the familiar sound of a school van stopping outside reached Poornima's ears.

A few moments later, the front door opened.

Aryan entered carrying his tiny school bag.

Just as Poornima and Veeresh had taught him, he carefully removed his shoes and placed them neatly in the rack.

Then he took off his socks and kept them properly beside the shoes.

After that, he went to wash his hands and feet.

The maids watching nearby smiled proudly.

The little boy had become very disciplined despite all his mischief.

The moment he finished, his loud voice echoed through the haveli.

"Mummaaaa!"

Veeresh immediately looked offended.

"I am also living here."

Aryan stopped midway and looked at his father.

"So?"

Veeresh folded his arms.

"You can take my name also."

Aryan narrowed his eyes.

"Dad."

"Hmm?"

"You are jealous."

Poornima burst out laughing.

Veeresh looked shocked.

"Not at all."

Aryan nodded knowingly.

"You are."

"I am not."

"You are."

"I am not."

Aryan smiled triumphantly.

Poornima was trying hard not to laugh at the expression on Veeresh's face.

Before the debate could continue, Aryan spotted Poornima coming down the stairs.

His entire face lit up.

"Mumma!"

He ran straight toward her.

Poornima opened her arms and he hugged her tightly.

She kissed his forehead.

"How was school?"

"Good!"

Then he looked at her seriously.

"Mumma."

"Hmm?"

"Did Dad trouble you?"

Poornima immediately laughed.

Veeresh placed a hand on his forehead.

"This child."

"No, beta."

Aryan looked relieved.

"Good."

Veeresh stared.

"Good?"

Aryan nodded.

Poornima could barely stop smiling.

Then suddenly Aryan remembered something important.

"Mumma!"

"What happened?"

His eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Today I learnt ABCD."

"Really?"

"Yes!"

He immediately opened his school bag.

After searching for a few seconds, he pulled out a notebook.

Then proudly showed her the page.

Big uneven letters filled the paper.

A... B... C... D...

Some were crooked.

Some were larger than others.

But to Aryan, it was a masterpiece.

Poornima looked at it carefully.

Then smiled proudly.

"Very good, baby."

Aryan's face brightened instantly.

"Really?"

"Really."

Then he pulled out another sheet.

"And drawing."

Poornima looked at the colorful drawing.

A house.

A field.

A large airplane.

And three stick figures.

"What is this?"

Aryan pointed proudly.

"This is Mumma."

Then another figure.

"This is Dad."

Then the smallest one.

"And this is me."

Poornima's heart melted.

She hugged him again.

"I am so proud of you."

Aryan smiled so widely that even Veeresh couldn't stop smiling.

Watching Poornima encourage him always made him happy.

The little boy immediately sat beside her and started explaining every detail of his day.

Who sat beside him.

What he ate.

Which teacher praised him.

And how another boy cried because he didn't want to write.

His stories seemed endless.

Finally Veeresh interrupted.

"Enough."

Aryan looked at him.

"What?"

"Get ready."

"For what?"

"We are going to the fields."

Aryan jumped up immediately.

"Really?"

Veeresh laughed.

"Really."

Within seconds Aryan grabbed his bag and ran upstairs.

The speed made both Poornima and Veeresh laugh.

From upstairs his voice echoed again.

"Dad! Wait!"

"I am waiting."

"Don't leave!"

"I am not leaving."

A few minutes later Aryan came running down again.

His clothes changed.

Hair combed.

Ready for the adventure.

The moment he reached Veeresh, he grabbed his father's hand.

Then looked up at him.

"Love you, Dad."

The words came so naturally.

So innocently.

Veeresh's expression softened immediately.

He squeezed Aryan's hand.

"Love you too."

Aryan smiled.

Then turned toward Poornima.

"Bye Mumma!"

Poornima walked closer and adjusted his collar.

"Be careful."

"I will."

"And listen to Dad."

Aryan nodded.

"Okay."

Then he kissed her cheek.

Poornima smiled warmly.

"Have fun."

The little boy looked happier than ever.

A trip to the fields with his father was one of his favorite things in the world.

A few moments later, Veeresh and Aryan walked outside together.

Aryan holding his father's hand proudly.

Like a little prince walking beside his king.

The Bullet stood waiting outside.

Aryan immediately climbed onto it with excitement.

Veeresh shook his head, smiling.

Then started the motorcycle.

Before leaving, Aryan waved enthusiastically.

"Bye Mumma!"

Poornima stood near the entrance.

Smiling.

"Bye."

The Bullet slowly moved forward.

Father and son disappearing down the road together.

Poornima watched them until they were out of sight.

Her heart full.

Because moments like these were simple.

Ordinary.

Yet they were the moments she cherished most.

The sight of her husband and son together.

Laughing.

Talking.

Building memories.

And as she stood there watching them leave, Poornima silently thanked God once again for the beautiful family that filled her life with so much happiness.