IT'S NOT OVER

Chapter 9

"Yeh!" she declared, her bright eyes sparkling with delight.

"Such a good girl you are, aren't you, baby?" Reyansh cooed, his heart overflowing with love.

Avi, nestled comfortably in his arms, simply grinned and bounced a happy, "Yess!"

The warmth of the reunion with Avi lingered as Reyansh scanned the living room. Everything was neat and tidy, a testament to the nanny's attentiveness.

"Thank you for taking such good care of everything," he said with a genuine smile.

The nanny beamed. "Of course, sir. Is there anything you'd like me to prepare for dinner?"

Reyansh shook his head. "Thank you, but tonight I'll handle it.

Her eyes crinkled at the corners. "Certainly, sir. Enjoy your evening sir"

With a grateful nod, Reyansh saw the nanny out the door. Now it was just him and Avi.

"Ice cream!" Avi squealed, pointing at her face with a mischievous glint in her eyes. He knew that look all too well - it meant she'd been plotting sweet, sticky mayhem.

Completely forgotten. He'd promised chocolates and ice cream, the reward for being such a good girl.

"Alright, alright, little one," he chuckled, picking her up and showering her with kisses. "Seems like ice cream is calling your name, isn't it?"

Bath time was a whirlwind of warm water, playful splashes, and infectious giggles. After drying her off in a soft towel, Reyansh dressed Avi in a light pink gown that made her eyes sparkle like sapphires.

"You keep playing, sweetheart," he instructed, placing her on the floor amidst a sea of her favorite toys. "I'll just take a quick bath myself, and then we'll be off for ice cream. Chocolate chip, your favorite, right?"

Avi bounced in her pink gown, a happy squeal escaping her lips. "Yay! Ice cweam!"

"Toys!" Avi exclaimed, happily reaching for a stuffed animal.

A pang of worry, sharp and sudden, pierced Reyansh's stomach at the thought of leaving her alone, even for a short while. He meticulously scanned the play area, ensuring everything was safe and clean, with no choking hazards in sight. Satisfied but still cautious, he hurried off to the bathroom, throwing on some casual clothes in record time.

Emerging, he couldn't help but admire the scene before him. Avi sat perched on the lap of her giant, five-foot teddy bear, completely engrossed in a fantastical world of her own creation. A smile tugged at his lips, the worry replaced by a wave of tenderness.

"Avi," he called out softly, his voice gentle.

Her head snapped up at the sound of his voice, and in a flash, she was barreling towards him, arms outstretched. He scooped her up in a hug, the warmth of her small body a welcome comfort.

•••••

A deep breath before the doorbell chimed. Saarayu answered, a smile blooming as she saw him. But it was his little one who stole the show. Nestled in his arms, Avi was captivated by Saarayu's vibrant purple outfit, a stark contrast to the doctor's white coat.

"My daughter, Avi," he explained, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Without a word, Saarayu reached out, gently taking Avi. Surprisingly, the little one, usually wary, didn't protest. She snuggled closer, a gurgle escaping her lips.

"Mamma," she cooed, a tiny finger touching the soft fabric. Something about Saarayu, the color, or maybe her warmth, drew Avi in.

Saarayu's response melted the air. "How cute, how are you, baby?" she cooed, her affection genuine. A gentle kiss on Avi's cheek, like a butterfly landing, sealed the unexpected connection.

Saarayu, a picture of calm, hummed a lullaby, her voice a soothing melody for the startled Avi. As Reyansh watched them, a flicker of hope ignited - could this kind woman, who'd so easily connected with his daughter, be more?

Relieved sighs escaped him as Avi's cries subsided. Nestled in Saarayu's arms, curiosity replaced her distress. "Dinner!" she declared, a playful gurgle escaping her lips.

Reyansh chuckled, the tension easing. Saarayu bounced Avi gently, her smile widening. "The most delicious dinner ever, wouldn't we, little one?"

"Ice cweam!" Avi squealed, past tears forgotten.

Saarayu's laugh echoed. "Ice cream, you say? Well, guess what, sweetheart, so do I!"

Settling on the couch, Reyansh stole a glance around. Saarayu's minimalist haven, decorated with pops of color, mirrored her personality - simple yet elegant. Curiosity piqued, he finally asked, "Do your parents live here?"

Saarayu's smile faltered slightly. "No," she replied softly, "I live alone."

••••

Dinner was delicious! Reyansh thanked Saarayu for the yummy food. He was about to leave for home when Avi, who was playing nearby, dropped her ball.

"Ball!" she cried, pointing at the bright red ball rolling towards the street.

Without thinking twice, Reyansh handed Avi to Saarayu. "Hold her for a sec," he said, "I'll get the ball."

He hurried outside, almost reaching the ball, when a car screeched around the corner.

"Watch out, Reyansh!" Saarayu screamed from the doorway.

Reyansh saw the car at the last second and jumped back just in time. The car raced past him, way too fast. His heart pounded in his chest.

Saarayu rushed outside, holding a scared and crying Avi. "Are you okay?" she asked Reyansh, worry etched on her face.

Relief washed over Saarayu as she saw Reyansh nod, a little pale but unharmed. She watched as he scooped up a whimpering Avi, his embrace radiating protectiveness.

"That was too close," she said, her voice shaky. "The car was going way too fast."

Reyansh held Avi tighter, his gaze fixed on the street where the car had disappeared.  "Yeah," he muttered, his voice low.  He looked at Saarayu, his eyes filled with a newfound intensity. "I note down the license plate number

Saarayu's worry morphed into a spark of determination. "Good thinking. We should report it," she said, her voice firm.

"Definitely," Reyansh agreed, his jaw set. He looked down at Avi, who had buried her face in his shoulder. "Hey there, little one," he soothed, rocking her gently. "It's okay, you're safe now."

Avi peeked up at him, her big brown eyes filled with tears.