Sunday
1969 Words
Sunday
Arnav Singh Raizada twisted in his sleep. He knew it was way past his usual wake up time but he was also aware that it was Sunday. Back in the past when he was a bachelor, he used to work even on Sundays. But everything changed now. Now he is a married man and needs to spend time with his family like any man who loves his family would do. Arnav stretched his hand to feel his wife's body to pull her towards him, but he found the bed empty. He sighed as he missed his wife.
It seemed like only early morning so he can easily sleep one more hour. Arnav was about to slip into deep sleep when two chubby hands began to caress his cheeks. "Umm Arnav chided pushing the hands away. Those chubby hands now began to hold his nose in them and pulled. When Arnav tried to pry away the hands again, he felt a small body with delicate features, a body he was recently getting used to. Nevertheless, he pulled the person into hug, crushing the person under his arms. When futile attempts were made to be released from Arnav's hands he only placed soft pecks on the person's forehead to hush the protests. "Sleep he mumbled.
Arnav was about to fall in another round of sleep when he was woken up pitilessly by two hands pulling his smooth hair. "Ahh he winced. The pain eluded the sleep and he pulled the person reason for it on top of him. Once the person was comfortably settled on his stomach, he used his best angry glare. But the giggle of the other person only made Arnav break into a chuckle.
"Why are you up early shaithan? he asked ruffling bouncy black hair.
"Maa... ooja " Answered his one and a half years old son Ayaan.
"Oh Mom woke you up early to attend pooja? asked Arnav smiling at his cute son
"Your mom is turning you into her mini version. Look at what you are wearing. Arnav said pointing at Ayaan's pyjamas "Boys don't wear pyjamas with flowers Arnav nodded his head disappointedly.
Ayaan lifted his leg holding the sides of his pyjamas in a fist as if to check what is wrong with it. That action only made him hit his head with his own leg and fall back. Arnav's two strong hands held his son by waist and adjusted him to sit on his stomach properly.
"'Yaan ike flowes Ayaan pointed out to his father. (Ayaan likes flowers)
"Of course Ayaan likes everything his mom gives Arnav said shaking his head.
"What is wrong with his mom's liking? Arnav turned to the direction of the voice only to find his beautiful wife, in gorgeous orange sari, leaning on the door with her one hand holding his coffee while other placed on her hip.
"Good morning sweet heart Arnav wished stretching his hand as if asking his wife to come to him.
"Next time you comment about my choice don't forget that you are also my choice. " Khushi said as she walked towards the bed and placed the cup on the side table.
"Of course you have amazing taste sweetheart. It's just that flowery pyjamas are very girly for my macho man said Arnav pulling Ayaan's hand to poke at his barely there biceps. Ayaan only giggled thinking Arnav was trying to tickle him.
"My superstar looks best in everything "Khushi said as she extended her hands towards Ayaan and he happily jumped to his mom's arms. "And I am teaching my son good habits. Look at him he is already up and ready on a Sunday morning unlike some lazy bum Khushi said kissing Ayaan's nose.
"Khushi your son is not running a fashion house; he can hardly say numbers from one to ten. He knows no difference between weekday and weekend Arnav said lifting himself off and leaning on the bed post before taking the cup of coffee from the table.
"Aww Khushi said pouting "Don't say that. We learn a lot, don't we, Ayaan? Tell papa what I taught you yesterday Khushi said looking at Ayaan making him stand on the bed.
Khushi looked at Ayaan with hopeful eyes with her lips spread into wide smile while Arnav hopelessly shook his head at the duo and sipped his coffee. Ayaan looked at his mom then his papa and then back at his mom.
"Do it Ayaan encouraged Khushi.
Ayaan took the end of the comforter that was lying carelessly on the bed. He lifted his one leg and pulled the comforter between his legs. Then he did Salman Khan's famous step. Arnav choked at his coffee seeing what his filmy wife has taught their son. But he couldn't deny that Ayaan Singh Raizada looked like the most adorable kid ever. As Ayaan fell down after trying to pull the comforter couple of times, Arnav and Khushi chuckled and clapped at their son's attempt.
"You will make him a film star I am sure Arnav commented pulling his son into his arms who was grinning showing his tooth.
"Of course, my superstar beta Khushi said as she took a nip of kajal from her eyes and applied behind Ayaan's ear.
"I am glad I have a daughter who will follow my path Arnav said as he got up from the bed and wore his flip flops. "Where is Diya? asked Arnav as he picked up his phone to check messages.
"She is waiting for her dad in the pool side said Khushi and Arnav who was walking towards the bathroom halted.
"Oh its Sunday, means swimming lessons Arnav said looking at his wife.
"Yes. Did you forget? asked Khushi narrowing her eyes
"Not at all Arnav said straightening his demeanour. "You both go wait with her. I will join you in 5 said Arnav rushing into the bathroom.
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As Arnav walked to the pool after exactly five minutes, he was greeted by his whole family. Khushi was sitting on the recliner holding Ayaan in her lap trying to make him drink juice and Diya was in her swimming suit looking as ready as ever.
"Papa Arnav's six years old daughter Diya came running to him.
"All ready? asked Arnav picking up Diya in his arms and Diya nodded cheerfully.
Arnav looked at Khushi as he lifted Diya and walked towards the pool. She was trying to hold Ayaan in her tight hold, who was insisting to join his dad and sister.
"Do you remember last week's class? asked Arnav as he got into pool along with DIya.
"Yes papa Diya said as she perfectly mimicked the motion which Arnav taught.
"Arnav!! called Khushi. "Ayaan is insisting on joining you Khushi said as she walked towards father daughter duo.
"Khushi we are trying to learn here Arnav said balancing Diya with one hand.
"Arnav I cannot handle him. See he is jumping Khushi struggled hard to hold Ayaan.
Before Arnav could rebuke they both heard a voice from behind. I will take him Nandakishore Singh Raizada said as he walked towards his sister in law and nephew.
"aachu!! exclaimed Ayaan as he extended both his hands excitedly towards his chachu.
"I am glad you are excited to see me said NK grinning as he took Ayaan.
"Take care of both my babies I am going to kitchen to check lunch Khushi said walking inside house.
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"Papa, listen the other day in school... said Diya
"Pa...pa, yan nats uce. Mumbled Ayan (Papa Ayan wants juice)
"Shh!! Ayaan. I am talking to papa. Chup.
"Shhup!! Ayaan mimicked his sister.
"Don't fight my jaans. I will listen to both of you. Said Arnav as he sat on the couch and took his kids on his lap. "Ab bolo.
Arnav was listening to his babies tell him all the stories, when his lovely wife came with soup for them.
"Now who wants tasty soup? asked Khushi smiling
Ayaan made a face and hid his face in his father's chest.
"Badmash, you have to drink. Chided Khushi
"Neyy.
Khushi took Ayaan in her arms after serving Arnav and Diya their soup.
"uce. Said Ayaan looking at the approaching spoon (Juice)
"Haan, juice only after you have soup. Said Khushi
After minutes of trying to feed Ayaan, Khushi looked at Arnav and glared. "Your son is difficult, just like you.
"You are only making things difficult. Said Arnav
"Acha! Then feed him. Said Khushi handing over Ayan and soup bowl to him.
Arnav looked at Khushi's retreating figure, then at Diya who was looking at him placing her face on her palm then at Ayaan who was glaring at the soup bowl.
"Chalo, Lets drink soup.
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Khushi looked at Diya running behind Ayaan and Arnav trying to catch them.
"Papa, stop. She complained huffing
"Come on, catch. Arnav shouted running across the lawn
"atch. Copied Ayaan his father
Diya stopped in a place catching her breath and looked at Khushi pouting. Khushi smiled at her daughter. She then stood on her legs threw her duppatta away and clapped her hands together. "Chalo. She said. "Let us see who wins.
Khushi began to chase Arnav who has now increased his pace.
"Come on, sweetheart. Tired already? commented Arnav seeing Khushi reducing her speed
Khushi with determination began to chase her husband. "Attack!! she shouted
Before Arnav could guess what was happening his daughter held his leg from behind, his son hugged him and his clever wife easily caught him.
"Yeah!!!! Both the kids shouted.
"Badmash! You are in my team or mama's? asked Arnav looking at Ayaan
Ayaan, who didn't know what to answer his father looked at his sister for a minute then began to run inside the house and Diya soon followed him.
"Deka, they both supported me. Said Khushi grinning.
"Well, Mrs.Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada, even I support you. Said Arnav winking at her.
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"Sundays are no more my days with you, it is you jaans'' day with you. Complained Khushi as she sat beside her husband on the bed
Arnav immediately pulled his wife to his arms and kissed her cheeks.
"Don't complain. All my days are yours.
Khushi looked at Arnav pouting, "Now you are going to Germany for a week and I will miss you terribly.
"Acha!
"Diya gets all cranky without you and Ayaan never even sleeps he keeps asking for his papa.
"I never knew I am this much missed when I travel.
"Hmm... Khushi cuddled more to her husband burying her in his body.
"I think I have a solution for it. When Khushi didn't say anything, Arnav continued, " This time instead of one I booked four tickets to Germany.
Khushi immediately lifted her head and looked at Arnav surprised, "What?
"And it is for two weeks, not one.
"Are you kidding me? What about Diya's school?
"Don't worry. I will talk to Ms.Angel. They will give her leave.
"Of course, Ms. Angel listens to you with fluttering eye lashes and stupid grin.
Arnav smiled at his wife's futile complains and pulled her back into her arms.
"Family vacation plus our fourth honeymoon. He said grinning
"Nooo... cried Khushi as she pulled back from his hold.
"Huh?
"Last time we went on this Family vacation plus honeymoon', we ended up having Ayaan. I am up for no more kids. Said a worried Khushi
"Acha, don't worry I will take care of it. Said Arnav assuring
"I don't trust you Mr.Raizada. said Khushi
"Trust me, no mistakes this time. I will pack one bag exclusively with protection.
Khushi wacked her husband making both of them giggles.
The spent the rest of the night talking about their plans for their Family vacation plus fourth honeymoon.
- Writer
