“No way, mister,” I laugh as I place my hands on his chest and give him a playful push. “I’m not skipping the lunch mymother-in-law has arranged for me. So, keep all your naughty thoughts on hold.”
His lips curve into a smirk, but I don’t give him a chance to argue. I open the door and slip into the passenger seat, stealing a glance at him through the rearview mirror. He shakes his head with a chuckle, then walks around the car as he opens his door and slides into the driver’s seat, his eyes still filled with mischief. I know that look. This conversation isn’t over.
“I bet my mom will understand,” he winks as he starts the engine.
I roll my eyes, grinning. “Oh, I’m sure she will. And then she’ll scold you for being shameless and tell you to let me enjoy my special lunch in peace.”
Aditya smirks, unfazed. “Or she might just agree that her son deserves some wifey time too,” he teases. “What does my princess say?” He glances into the rearview mirror, his expression softening when he sees Khushi lost in her own little world, tapping away on her iPad, her tiny fingers moving with full concentration.
Aditya chuckles, “Looks like our princess is too busy to side with either of us.”
I reach back and brush a strand of hair from Khushi’s face. “That’s okay… because no one is skipping this lunch. End of discussion.”
Aditya sighs dramatically. “Fine, fine. But after lunch, wifey… you’re all mine.”
I shake my head, but my smile doesn’t fade.
We make it to his parent’s home a little after one, thanks to the crazy traffic that tested both our patience.
As soon as the car comes to a stop, I step out, stretching slightly before moving to the back. Opening the door, I find my baby girl looking up at me with that bright, heart-melting smileof hers. Her tiny arms reach out instantly, wordlessly asking me to lift her.
“Come here, my love,” I say, scooping her up into my arms. She giggles, wrapping her little arms around my neck, her warmth making all the exhaustion from the traffic melt away.
Behind me, Aditya steps out, shaking his head. “I swear, I could’ve walked faster than that traffic.”
I smirk, shifting Khushi on my hip. “Well, good thing we took the car. I doubt your princess here would’ve enjoyed a midday trek.”
He grins, stepping closer to press a kiss to Khushi’s forehead. “You’re right. Our little queen deserves nothing less than royal treatment.”
Khushi giggles, nuzzling into my shoulder.
Aditya wraps his arms around me as we walk up to the door, but before we can even ring the bell, the door swings open.
Aditya’s parents stand there, smiling as if they had been waiting for us. His mom’s eyes immediately soften when she sees Khushi in my arms.
“There’s my little angel!” she coos, reaching out to take Khushi, who happily goes to her Daadi.
His dad smiles, stepping aside. “Come in. We were just wondering when you’d get here. Traffic must have been bad, huh?”
Aditya groans as he steps in. “Don’t even get me started, Dad. I thought we’d be stuck there forever.”
I shake my head, smiling. “But we made it, and that’s what matters.”
His mom looks at me fondly, reaching out to touch my cheek. “Sana, looking as beautiful as ever in this saree.”
I flush slightly at the compliment, glancing at Aditya, who just smirks as if silently reminding me of his earlier words. Ishoot him a playful glare, but he only winks before we enter the house.
As we step into the living room, Aditya’s mom gently places Khushi on her play mat, where she immediately gets busy arranging the tiny furniture in her dollhouse. Her little brows furrow in concentration, making us all smile.
Aditya and his dad take their usual spots on one couch, while his mom and I sit opposite them.
Aditya stretches his arms over the back of the couch, looking at me with a teasing smirk. “So, wifey, ready to be showered with all the love and attention today?”
His mom chuckles. “Of course she is! Today is special, and we’re all so proud of her.”
I smile at her before looking at his dad. “I still can’t believe you all planned this lunch just for me.”
His dad waves a hand dismissively. “You’ve worked hard for this, beta. You deserve it.”
