Chapter 11 — A Small Beginning

After their meeting, Arnav drove Ritika and Rishi back home.

The entire journey was quiet, but it was not uncomfortable. Rishi sat happily in the back seat, occasionally looking toward Arnav.

When they finally reached the Singh residence, Arnav stopped the car.

Rishi quickly got down and turned toward Arnav with a bright smile.

Rishi: I like you.

Arnav looked at him, slightly surprised.

Before Arnav could respond, Rishi stepped closer and kissed his cheek.

Rishi: Bye, Baba!

He immediately ran toward the house.

Arnav remained standing beside the car, watching him disappear inside.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

He then looked toward Ritika.

Ritika was already looking at him with a small smile.

Arnav didn't return the smile, but he gave her a quiet nod.

Ritika: Good night, Arnav.

Arnav: Good night.

He got into his car and drove away.

Ritika stood there for a moment before walking inside.

As soon as she entered, Devraj looked at her hopefully.

Devraj: Beta, how did it go? Did you like him?

Ritika smiled.

Ritika: Yes, Papa.

Before Devraj could say anything, Rishi ran toward him.

Rishi: Dadu! He is good!

Everyone smiled at the innocent declaration.

Devraj: Is he?

Rishi nodded enthusiastically.

Rishi: Yes! I like him.

Ritika looked at her son fondly.

The family slowly dispersed toward their rooms.

Later, Poornima sat with Veeresh while Thoshini and Rudra were nearby.

Poornima looked at Veeresh thoughtfully.

Poornima: Veer... will Didu be okay?

Veeresh looked at her.

Veeresh: She will be, chudali.

He gently held her hand.

Veeresh: I know Arnav. He may be cold and reserved, but he is a good man. He will take care of her.

Poornima: And if he doesn't?

Veeresh smiled confidently.

Veeresh: Then I am here.

Poornima smiled.

Suddenly, the baby moved inside her belly.

Poornima placed her hand over it.

Poornima: This baby keeps kicking whenever you speak.

Veeresh's eyes widened playfully.

He leaned toward her and gave her a gentle peck on her lips.

Veeresh: Oh, really?

He placed his hand carefully over her belly.

Veeresh: Thoshini? Rudra? Your little sibling is already reacting to Dada's voice.

Thoshini and Rudra immediately came closer.

Thoshini: Dada, the baby kicks even when we speak!

Rudra: Yes! See, Dada!

Poornima laughed softly.

Poornima: All three of you, stop talking. It is painful when the baby keeps kicking.

Veeresh immediately became serious.

Veeresh: Baby, please don't trouble Mumma. She is already in pain.

Thoshini: Baby, listen to Dada!

Rudra: Don't kick Mumma!

Poornima shook her head, smiling at the three of them.

Poornima: My goodness. Three children already, and one more is on the way.

Veeresh smiled and wrapped an arm gently around her.

Veeresh: Our little family is growing, chudali.

Poornima rested her head against his shoulder.

Their third baby was still growing inside her, surrounded by the love of a family that was already eagerly waiting to welcome the newest member.