51.
"Dhriti?" Kiara shouted as she ran behind her one year old daughter with a bowl of milk and banana.
He watched the scene unfold, a fond smile playing on his lips.
"Dhriti, behave," Kiara scolded softly, a hint of amusement in her voice. The little girl squealed in response, her laughter filling the room.
He chuckled lightly, watching the interaction between Kiara and their daughter. "Looks like someone has some energy to burn off," he said, joining the chase.
He immediately caught dhriti and picked her up in his arms, "Why are you making it hard for mumma?"
Dhriti giggled as her father fake scolded her, Kiara sat on the couch and Ekansh sat next to her with Dhriti on his lap.
Kiara fed dhriti and kept the bowl aside,"It feels like yesterday, when she was born and tomorrow she is turning one year old."
He nodded, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips. "Time sure flies, doesn't it?" he said softly, his hand gently ruffling Dhriti's hair.
He looked at Kiara, his heart filled with a mix of fondness and wonder. "She's growing up so fast, love. It seems like just yesterday she was a tiny baby in your arms."
Kiara nodded with a sad smile, "Yeah, I wish I could give her a sibling," Ekansh glared at Kiara, "No more kids, we have talked about it, I can't risk your life again, wifey."
Kiara nodded in understanding and patted Dhriti's head, Dhriti giggled and squirmed in his lap, her little arms reaching out towards Kiara. "Mama, Mama," she babbled, clearly wanting to be held by her mother.
He chuckled softly and passed the baby to Kiara. "Looks like someone wants her mumma," he mused.
"She doesn't want her mumma, she wants milk." Kiara took Dhriti in her arms and she immediately pointed at her breast, "See."
He laughed lightly, shaking his head. "Seems like she inherited your appetite," he teased Kiara, his gaze still fixed on Dhriti.
He watched as Kiara lifted her top, preparing to feed the baby. "You're both always hungry, huh?" he said playfully, sitting back against the couch.
Kiara glared at him, "I don't eat much, and I feel like it was inherited by you, You were so obsessed with my br!asts."
He chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Can you really blame me?" he asked, his gaze wandering down to her exposed breasts. "They're beautiful, and they feed our child. What's not to love?"
"Have some shame, you are a father now." Kiara playfully hit him. He chuckled and feigned a wounded look, his hand covering his heart dramatically. "I do have shame, love. But it seems to go away when I'm around you."
He leaned closer, his eyes locked on hers. "You're just too tempting, even after all these years." She chuckled and smiled, "I can't believe you changed so much overtime."
He raised an eyebrow, his expression turning serious. "Changed?" he repeated, his tone quizzical. "In what way?"
"You changed from a cold workaholic man, to a lovely husband and a caring father." She replied.
He chuckled softly, a hint of self-deprecating amusement in his expression. "Lovely husband and caring father?" He shifted closer, his gaze locked on hers. "You give me too much credit, love. I'm still a workaholic, but you and Dhriti are worth every sacrifice."
...........
Kiara was getting ready for the party they were throwing on the first birthday of their daughter. Kiara stood in front of the mirror, wearing a baby pink saree.
She struggled to tie the strings of her blouse, He walked up behind her, his gaze fixed on her reflection in the mirror. He noticed her struggling with the strings of her blouse and chuckled softly.
"Need some help, love?" he asked, his hands already reaching out to help her tie the strings.
She smiled through the mirror and nodded, He carefully tied the strings, his hands moving with practiced ease. His fingers lingered for a moment, tracing the outline of her back.
"You look stunning, love," he murmured, his eyes locking with hers in the mirror.
She turned in his hold and corrected the collar of his coat, "So are you," He smirked, his hand coming up to gently cup her chin. "You sure you're not just saying that because I'm dressed up?" he teased, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.
She rolled her eyes and hit his chest playfully, "Is Dhriti ready?"
He chuckled at her playful hit, his arms wrapping around her waist. "She's all set. My grandmother is with her," he replied, his gaze drifting toward the bedroom door. "She looks adorable in that little party dress."
Kiara nodded and hugged him, placing her head on his chest, "She is growing up so fast."
He wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting on the top of her head. "She is," he agreed, his voice filled with a mixture of love and nostalgia. "It feels like just yesterday she was a tiny bundle in your arms."
Kiara and Ekansh walked downstairs with Dhriti in his arms, his many businesses partners and close relatives were invited, even her close family was invited.
He held Dhriti close, her small form a comfortable weight in his arms. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the sight of his business partners and relatives mingling.
He knew it would be a night of socializing and networking, but his primary focus was on making sure Dhriti had a wonderful birthday.
...........
Once everyone left Kiara's mother and his maternal grandmother decided to stay, Kiara and Ekansh were in their room, Kiara was trying to make Dhriti asleep but she was crying continuously.
Ekansh walked towards Dhriti and picked her up in his arms, rocking her. Kiara stared at them and soon Dhriti fell asleep.
"I guess she didn't like the crowd today, she was crying throughout the celebration." Kiara whispered.
He gently placed Dhriti in the crib, his hand smoothing her soft hair. "Yeah, she seemed a bit overwhelmed with all the unfamiliar faces and commotion."
He pulled the blanket up, making sure she was comfortable, before turning to face Kiara. "But she'll be alright now that it's quiet."
She nodded and stretched her arms towards him for a hug, "my turn, now I want cuddle."
He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "Of course, love," he murmured, his embrace firm yet gentle. "Anything for you."
She snuggled into his chest, "We should change first." He nodded in agreement, breaking the hug. "You're right. We should get comfortable."
He headed towards their wardrobe and rummaged through it, retrieving loose clothes for both of them. He handed her a light top and a pair of shorts, and started changing into his own set of clothes.
She watched him as he stood there shirtless, "You know what husband?"
He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his gaze as he caught her gaze wandering over his bare torso. "What is it, love?" he asked, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth,
Kiara smiled and got up from the bed, "Why don't we do some thing," she kissed his neck.
His smirk widened as her lips brushed against his neck, sending a shiver down his spine. "I like where this is going, love," he murmured, his voice tinged with desire.
He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him. "What did you have in mind?"
"Oh, you know very well." She whispered, coiling her hands around his neck.
He chuckled, his hands moving down her curves and settling on her hips. "You're a tease, love. You know exactly what you're doing to me right now."
He leaned in, his mouth hovering just above her ear. "And you know I can't resist."