Chapter 3

Sujoy’s POV

 

I texted Kiya 's address to my PA and headed home after picking up gifts and chocolates for Roohi and her cousins, Raj and Ron. I also got Sia’s favorite food. The last time she visited, I wasn’t in Delhi, so today, I wanted to spend time with her.

 

As I reached home, I spotted Roohi’s toy lying near the door. Smiling, I stepped inside, placed the bags on the table, and picked up my little doll—Roohi. She was chatting with Dad.

 

“Maamu!” She squealed, wrapping her tiny arms around me. That warmth—nothing in the world could match it.

 

I hugged her tightly, kissing her forehead and cheeks.

 

“Maamu, what’s all this?” She asked, pointing to the bags with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

 

“Some gifts and lots of food for both my princesses.” I grinned, pinching her cheeks.

 

She frowned. “Both princesses?”

 

“Sia and Roohi.”

 

She pouted. “Mom is too big. I am your princess.”

 

I chuckled. “But she has been my princess since she was as small as you. She’ll always be one. Where is she?”

 

“With Grandma.”

 

“Let’s go!”

 

I walked to Mom’s room and found Sia sitting on the bed with her. Rohit was nowhere in sight.

 

“Hey, princess!” I called out.

 

“Bhai (brother!)” She rushed toward me, but before she could, Mom’s voice rang out.

 

“Careful! Don’t forget you’re carrying a child!”

 

Sia sighed. “Yes, Mom, I know…”

 

She hugged me, and suddenly, a wave of emotion hit me. She looked so radiant—happiness practically glowing on her face. Seeing her like this reassured me. She had always believed in love, and I was glad she had fallen for the right man. Rohit was a good guy, treating her like the queen she deserved to be.

 

“Finally, you got time to meet your brother?” I teased.

 

“Mom, look who’s talking!” Sia rolled her eyes.

 

Mom turned away dramatically. “Don’t talk to me about him.”

 

I gently turned her to face me.

 

“I am only Sia’s mom.” She huffed.

 

Wow!! That meant—no more nagging about my marriage? 

 

I was tempted to say it aloud but knew better. That would only trigger an emotional outburst.

 

“Mom, she’s here after so long. Please don’t start again.”

 

“Fine! I’ll never talk to you again.,"

 

I groaned. “What have I done now?”

 

“The problem is that you’re not doing what needs to be done!”

 

Ah. There it was.

 

“Mom, please. Let’s not spoil the evening.”

 

“Sia is younger than you, and she’s expecting again. When will you get married? After even Roohi gets married?”

 

I smirked. “That’s actually a great idea!”

 

Mom swatted my arm. “For God’s sake, you’re thirty-two!”

 

I surrendered. “Okay, Mom, enough! Let Sia and Rohit have a peaceful visit. Speaking of Rohit, where is he?”

 

“Gone to select our anniversary cake. He’ll be here soon.”

 

“Your anniversary is next week. Why today?”

 

Just then, Rohit walked in.

 

“Hello, Sujoy Bhai!” He greeted, embracing me.

 

“Hey, Rohit! Five years, and you’re still celebrating? Are you alright?” I teased.

 

He laughed. “Absolutely! Our family will be complete soon. My life is full of happiness and love—thanks to Sia!”

 

I smiled. His love for her was evident in every word.

 

“Did you select the cake?” Sia asked.

 

“There were too many options. I got samples and pictures—pick one, and I’ll order it.”

 

She beamed. “You’re a sweetheart!”

 

“You’re the sweetest heart.” he replied like a teenager, I rolled my eyes. Stupid, but a good man.

 

“That’s not even a word.” She giggled.

 

“Are we playing Scrabble now? Just understand what I mean.” He kissed her.

 

“Hello? That’s my sister you’re kissing! Stop before I punch you.”

 

Rohit grinned. “She’s my wife and mother of my kids. I have every right. But if you still want to punch me, go ahead, after all you are my brother-in-law.”

 

I chuckled, pulling him into another hug. “You deserve a reward for tolerating my sister for so long.”

 

Sia gasped. “That's mean. I’m not talking to you!”

 

I laughed. “Okay, okay, sorry! Look, I got all your favorite things.”

 

“Love you, Bhai! But I’m dying to eat the cakes first.”

 

“Cakes? You don’t even like them.”

 

She pouted. “Pregnancy cravings.”

 

Rohit chuckled. “She craves things she usually hates. Priya ( his sister-in-law) was the same. My brother went crazy with her cravings. This time, we’re prepared. I’ve been getting cakes almost every day!”

 

I raised a brow. “That’s… weird.”

 

Sia shot me a glare.

 

“Do you even know what it’s like to carry a child? Morning sickness, mood swings, sleepless nights, food cravings—it’s exhausting!”

 

I held up my hands. “Alright, I take it back. I didn’t know.”

 

Mom saw her moment. “Of course, how would you? You’d know if you had a wife and child. All your friends have settled. What are you waiting for?”

 

“Mom, not again! Stop bringing this up.”

 

Sia placed a hand on mine. “Bhai, Mom’s right. You’re thirty-two. It’s time to settle down.”

 

“Sia, not you too! Let’s change the subject. What do you want for your anniversary?”

 

She hesitated. “It’s okay. I have everything. I want something I don’t have… but never mind.”

 

I frowned. “What is it?”

 

She bit her lip. “I want a Bhabhi (sister-in-law). And a niece or nephew before my next anniversary.”

 

I groaned. “Don’t sound like a daily soap sister. Pick a real gift.”

 

“No, this is what I want!”

 

I turned to Rohit for help. He shook his head. “She’s right. Even I want this gift. And Roohi too! Ask her.”

 

I exhaled dramatically. “You’ve all conspired against me.”

 

Sia grinned. “So you agree?”

 

I sighed. “Fine. But a child within a year is pushing it.”

 

Sia clapped. “No negotiations! I want a niece or nephew ASAP.”

 

I threw my hands up. “Let me find a girl first. Now, can we eat?”

 

Mom brightened. “Don’t worry, I’ve already asked people for suggestions.”

 

I shook my head. “Mom, I’ll marry someone I choose.”

 

She nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes! Meet the girls and choose one.”

 

I sighed. “I’m hungry. Let’s attack the food. Where’s Roohi?”

 

“With Nanaji, telling him her stories.” Rohit smiled.

 

I grinned. “I’ll get her. Let’s eat.”