Chapter 66 — Bubba's First Day

The next morning, Poornima woke up early.

She found Bubba in the room with her toys scattered all over the floor.

Poornima looked at the mess and then at Noor.

Poornima: "Bubba, first you have to say sorry to the nanny for spilling all your toys."

Noor looked toward the nanny.

Noor: "Sorry, aunty."

The nanny smiled.

Nanny: "It's okay, Bubba."

Noor immediately turned toward Poornima.

Noor: "Mumma, now happy?"

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Very much, Bubba."

She picked up one of the toys and placed it back in the box.

Poornima: "Come. Let's get you dressed."

Noor's eyes widened.

Noor: "Mumma, today school?"

Poornima nodded.

Poornima: "Yes. Today you have to go to preschool."

Poornima helped her get dressed and fixed her hair neatly.

Noor looked at herself and then turned toward Poornima.

Noor: "Mumma, will I get friends?"

Poornima smiled and adjusted her little dress.

Poornima: "Many friends, Bubba."

Noor smiled.

Poornima: "But promise Mumma one thing."

Noor: "What, Mumma?"

Poornima: "Whatever happens at school, you will tell Mumma everything."

Noor nodded seriously.

Noor: "Yes, Mumma."

Poornima: "And you should study, enjoy yourself and play nicely with your friends."

Noor nodded again.

Noor: "Yes."

Poornima picked up her little lunch box.

Poornima: "And one more thing."

Noor looked at her curiously.

Poornima: "Your dabba should be empty when you come back."

Noor giggled.

Noor: "Yes, Mumma."

Poornima smiled.

Noor: "Bubba will be good... and naughty."

Poornima laughed.

Poornima: "Naughty?"

Noor nodded proudly.

Noor: "Little naughty."

Poornima pretended to be serious.

Poornima: "Mai pitayi karungi if you do too much badmashi in school."

Noor immediately laughed.

Noor: "Mumma!"

Poornima kissed her forehead.

Poornima: "I'm joking. But you have to be a good girl."

Just then, Veeresh walked into the room.

He smiled when he saw them.

He leaned down and kissed Poornima on the cheek.

Veeresh: "Good morning, Poons."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Good morning."

Veeresh then kissed Noor's cheek.

Veeresh: "Ready, Bubba?"

Noor nodded excitedly.

Noor: "Ready, Papa!"

Veeresh looked at Poornima.

Veeresh: "And you?"

Poornima picked up Bubba's school bag.

Poornima: "Yes. I'm ready."

Veeresh took the bag from her.

Veeresh: "Then let's go."

Poornima held Noor's hand.

The three of them walked out of the mansion together.

It was Bubba's first day of preschool.

And for Poornima, watching her little girl take this new step felt like the beginning of another beautiful chapter in their lives.