CHAPTER 28 #2
That’s not something I’ll ever forget. Di is over the moon. We’ve already made plans for where to take Nani sightseeing.
And guess what? I’m picking her up from the airport. Jeeju had work, so I volunteered.
Wife
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Wife,
Yes, it’s her first international trip, so she’s a little anxious. But one of my staff will assist her through immigration.
Hope she doesn’t faint seeing you there to receive her.
Let me know how it goes.
Husband
Aanya laughed softly at his message. He was right. Nani would never expect her to show up like that. But maybe that was the point. It was time to surprise a few people.
Day 167
Nani wheeled her suitcase out of the Arrivals gate, scanning the crowd for Rishi.
Instead, she saw Aanya striding toward her with purpose.
She stopped in place, surprised. Aanya wore a simple top and denims, but she looked.
.. radiant. Was it the California air, or was it the effect of Reyansh’s daily emails?
“Hope you had a safe flight,” Aanya said as she reached her.
“I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t,” Nani replied dryly.
The snarky reply pulled at Aanya’s nerves, but she let it pass without comment.
“I’ll take your bags,” she offered, reaching for the suitcase.
“Where’s Rishi?” Nani asked, walking alongside her.
“He had some urgent work,” Aanya replied.
Nani sighed but followed her in silence. At the car, Aanya loaded the luggage into the trunk.
“Where’s the driver?” Nani continued with her poking.
“ I’m driving,” Aanya answered.
“You?” Nani raised a brow.
“Yes. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you reach safely.”
She opened the front passenger door for Nani, who muttered something under her breath. Aanya caught none of it and shut the door after ensuring Nani had fastened her seatbelt.
Just as promised, Aanya drove carefully. Nani didn’t say it, but Aanya could tell she was enjoying the ride too.
When they reached home, Radhika greeted Nani at the door. Nani’s tough exterior melted the moment she held Ruhi in her arms. Tears streamed down her face. Aanya left them to their bonding and slipped into the kitchen to help with dinner.
Rishi returned by dinnertime and since it was the weekend, Aanya stayed on with the Negi family.
“Nice dal, Radhika. Do you have Indian cooks here?” Nani asked as she savoured the lentils.
Radhika smiled and glanced at Aanya, who was busy serving the plates.
“Tonight’s cook is your daughter-in-law Aanya,” she said.
Nani looked stunned. Her eyes shifted back to Aanya, who showed no reaction, no pride. She just kept serving.
“Aanya, stop serving and sit with us,” Radhika said.
“I’ll wait until everyone’s done. If Ruhi wakes up, someone should be there to calm her,” Aanya replied.
“She won’t wake,” Rishi interjected. “And if she does, I’ll go.”
“Jeeju, you’ve been out all day. You should eat first. Please,” Aanya insisted gently. Rishi nodded, accepting.
Nani watched all of it closely. Aanya was different now, more grounded. She had learned to cook. She treated the family as her own. Was it all just for show?
When Ruhi started crying, Aanya sprang up and headed straight into the room.
“Radhika, will she manage?” Nani asked.
“Nani,” Radhika smiled, “she handles Ruhi better than me. Even Ruhi knows her touch. She calms down the moment Aanya picks her up.”
Ruhi’s cries faded almost immediately. Radhika turned back to Nani.
“See? I told you.”
Nani looked toward the bedroom where Aanya stood, gently rocking Ruhi in her arms, patting her back to sleep. It was really a change. A surprisingly good one.
Day 168
Husband,
Spoke to Dad. He’s made up his mind. He wants the divorce. I don’t think a phone call will change his decision. I need to meet him face-to-face. Can you find a way to send him here?
Wife
**************
Wife,
I’ll try. Give me some time.
Are you also going to talk to Kyle? Just think about it. I know you two have no real connection, but sometimes, drastic situations like these demand difficult conversations.
Husband
**************
Husband,
That’s a good idea. But not right now. Let me prepare myself. Give me a week, and then I’ll reach out to her. Meanwhile, try to bring Dad here. I’ll handle the rest.
Wife
Day 170
Husband,
Nani’s warming up to me. Slowly, but surely. She even complimented my cooking today. Can you believe that?
Wife
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Wife,
Do you own a magic wand? Because I cannot believe Nani actually appreciated you.
But I’m happy.
P.S. When do I get to taste your cooking?
Hungry Husband
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Hungry Husband,
Then come here. Any plans?
P.S. I thought you’d surprise me by coming here with Nani. ?
Thoughtful Wife
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Wife,
I thought you hated surprises.
Husband
**************
Husband,
My likes and dislikes have changed.
Anyway, there’s a cocktail party at work next weekend. Bought a knee-length skirt. Hope you don’t mind. Am I still banned from drinking?
Hopeful Wife
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Wife,
Wear what you like. No need to ask.
Drink if you want. I trust your limits. Actually, I’d like to see you drunk. It reminds me of our first kiss.
Dreamy Husband
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Husband,
Don’t daydream.
Thanks for trusting me. I won’t let you down.
I just wish I remembered that kiss. I was too intoxicated to hold on to any memory of it.
Sighing Wife
**************
Wife,
I could remind you… if you want.
Husband
**************
Husband,
I’ll think about it.
Wife
**************
Wife,
Please do.
Husband