The jeep rumbled softly as it made its way down the familiar dusty path toward the haveli. Tara sat beside Prithvi, her slender frame draped in a vibrant saree of green with golden borders, the pallu neatly pinned to her shoulder.

Her bangles jingled faintly as her fingers absentmindedly played with the edge of her pallu, her mind racing with thoughts of seeing Manik after two days that somehow felt like years.

Prithvi's hands gripped the steering wheel firmly, his focus on the road ahead, though he occasionally stole glances at Tara. She looked radiant, her face glowing with the anticipation of reuniting with their son.

"Do you think he'll be upset with us for leaving him behind?" Tara finally broke the silence, her voice soft yet tinged with worry.

Prithvi smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Upset? Maybe for a moment. But the minute he sees you, he'll forget everything. You're his whole world, Tara."

"And yours?" she asked teasingly, though her cheeks flushed slightly as she looked out at the fields passing by.

Prithvi chuckled, keeping his eyes on the road. "You've always been, Tara. Don't you know that by now?"

Tara smiled, her heart swelling at his words, though she tried to hide her reaction by adjusting her saree. The sights of the village began to come into view-golden fields stretching under the sunlight, villagers working tirelessly, and the faint smell of earth and smoke in the air. It all felt so familiar, so welcoming.

As the jeep entered the courtyard of the haveli, Tara's eyes immediately landed on Manik. He was playing near the steps with Suraj and Mannu.

His small, uneven arm moved excitedly as he tossed a cloth ball toward Suraj, his laughter filling the air.

The moment Manik spotted the jeep, he froze for a second before his face lit up with uncontained joy.

"Maa! Baba!" he screamed, his voice echoing through the courtyard.

Without hesitation, he dropped the ball and ran toward them, his small legs working as fast as they could. Behind him, Mannu barked excitedly, wagging his tail and running to keep up.

Prithvi brought the jeep to a stop, and Tara was already unfastening her pallu from her shoulder as she stepped out. Manik ran straight into her arms, clinging to her tightly as though afraid she might disappear again.

"Maa! You came back!" Manik exclaimed, his voice muffled as he buried his face in her shoulder.

Tara held him close, her arms wrapping around him protectively. Her saree rustled softly as she kissed the top of his head.

"My Manik, how could I not? I missed you so much," she whispered, her voice heavy with emotion.

Meanwhile, Prithvi stepped out of the jeep and was immediately greeted by Mannu, who launched himself into his arms with an enthusiastic bark.

"Mannu, calm down!"

Prithvi laughed as the dog's tail wagged furiously, and he began licking Prithvi's face with fervor.

"You're acting like I've been gone for years!"

Tara looked over and giggled at the sight of Mannu nearly overwhelming Prithvi with affection.

"Seems like Mannu missed you more than anyone," she said, her laughter ringing like a melody.

As Prithvi set Mannu down, Kusum emerged from the haveli, her face glowing with happiness. She was dressed in her usual simple saree, carrying a beautifully decorated aarti thal in her hands, the diya flickering softly.

"You're back," Kusum said warmly, her voice filled with relief. She approached them with purposeful steps, her gaze softening as it landed on Manik in Tara's arms. "The house has felt so empty without the two of you."

Manik pulled his head back and grinned at his grandmother.

"But I missed Maa and Baba the most!" he said, his voice filled with pride.

Kusum chuckled, brushing her fingers through his hair.

"I know you did, my little Thakur. Now, let me welcome your parents properly."

She began the aarti, her soft prayers blending with the sound of the diya's flame. Tara stood silently, holding Manik close, her saree swaying gently in the breeze. Beside her, Prithvi joined his palms together in reverence.

Once the aarti was complete, Kusum ushered them inside. Mannu trotted happily alongside Prithvi while Manik clung to Tara like a baby koala.

The haveli felt alive again with their presence, the echoes of their steps filling the once-empty hallways.

Tara looked around, her heart swelling with warmth. This was home. This was where they belonged.

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The soft glow of the moonlight filtered through the windows as Tara entered their bedroom after a delightful evening spent chatting with Kusum, Manvi, and Meera.

She adjusted her saree as she pushed the door open, her lips curved in a warm smile. It had been a long day, but the sound of laughter spilling from the room lifted her tired spirit.

As her eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room, the sight before her made her stop and lean against the doorframe, her smile widening.

The bed was an absolute mess-pillows strewn everywhere, the blanket crumpled at one corner. Manik was sprawled on his back in just his little short pants, laughing uncontrollably as Prithvi mercilessly tickled his tiny ribs.

"Baba, stop! Please!" Manik squealed between bursts of laughter, his small arms flailing as he tried to wiggle away.

Mannu, who was no less a participant in the chaos, barked excitedly, his tail wagging furiously as he jumped around the bed. He occasionally nuzzled Manik or playfully pawed at Prithvi, trying to join in the fun.

Prithvi, dressed in his dhoti, had a wide grin on his face as he pretended to consider Manik's plea.

"Stop? Why should I? You think you can escape the Thakur's tickles that easily?" he teased, his voice filled with mock seriousness.

"Baba! Mannu, save me!" Manik cried out, only for Prithvi to turn his attention to the dog.

"You too, Mannu! You're not safe from me!" Prithvi declared, playfully grabbing Mannu's paws and tickling the dog's furry belly. Mannu barked happily and rolled over, his tongue lolling out in pure joy.

The giggling and barking filled the room, creating a symphony of happiness that made Tara's heart swell.

She stood there, unnoticed for a moment, just taking it all in-the sight of her husband and son bonding so freely, so full of love and life. It was these simple moments that made her world feel complete.

Finally, she cleared her throat, her voice laced with mock annoyance.

"What's going on here? It looks like a battlefield!"

Three pairs of eyes-Manik's wide and innocent, Prithvi's mischievous, and Mannu's sparkling with canine excitement-turned toward her in unison.

"Ma!" Manik cried out, scrambling to sit up. His hair was a tousled mess, and his cheeks were flushed from laughing so hard. "Baba won't stop tickling me!"

Prithvi leaned back, resting his hands on the bed as he grinned at Tara.

"He started it," he said, pointing at Manik like a guilty child.

Tara raised an eyebrow, trying to maintain her stern expression but failing miserably as a chuckle escaped her lips.

"And you, Mannu?" she asked, crossing her arms and looking at the dog, who barked in response as if protesting his innocence.

Walking over to the bed, Tara sat down beside Manik and began smoothing his hair.

"Look at you, Manik. You're a complete mess. And Baba is no less," she added, glancing pointedly at Prithvi.

Prithvi smirked, leaning closer to her. "Messy nights are the most fun, don't you think?" he whispered, his voice low enough that only Tara could hear.

Tara's cheeks warmed as she playfully swatted his arm. "Behave," she said, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.

Manik, oblivious to the subtle exchange, threw himself on Tara.

"Maa, save me next time! Baba is too strong," he said, pouting dramatically.

Tara hugged him tightly. "Don't worry, my little Manik. I'll always save you," she promised, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Prithvi ruffled Manik's hair affectionately.

"All right, all right. No more tickles tonight," he said, raising his hands in surrender.

Mannu barked as if to say, "Finally!"

As Tara tucked Manik in and Prithvi began straightening the bed, the chaotic laughter of moments ago gave way to a calm, serene warmth that wrapped around the family like a blanket.

Tara watched the scene unfold with a fond smile, but as she walked closer, an idea sparked in her mind. Without warning, she reached out and jabbed her fingers into Prithvi's side, catching him off guard.

"Now it's your turn, Thakur ji !" she declared, her voice full of playful mischief.

Prithvi's eyes widened in surprise.

"Tara!" he exclaimed, half laughing and half protesting as he tried to wriggle away and fall on bed.

But Tara was relentless, her fingers finding all the spots that made him laugh. Manik's face lit up with excitement as he watched his mother launch her playful attack.

"Ma, get Baba..yaaaay !" Manik cheered, jumping up and joining the fray. His small immature hand weren't very effective, but his enthusiasm was contagious.

Mannu, not one to be left out, started barking excitedly and pounced on Prithvi, wagging his tail furiously. He playfully licked Prithvi's face, adding to the chaos.

"Traitors! All of you!" Prithvi said through his laughter, his voice muffled as Mannu's wet tongue made contact with his cheek.

Tara grinned triumphantly as she continued her tickling assault.

"You always think you're the one in charge, don't you? Well, not tonight!" she teased, her fingers dancing along his ribs.

Manik giggled uncontrollably, his laughter mingling with Prithvi's as he clung to his father.

"Baba, you're losing!" he declared, delighted to see his strong, stoic father at their mercy.

Prithvi finally managed to grab Tara's wrist, pulling her close as he tried to catch his breath.

His cheeks were flushed, his hair a tousled mess, and his chest rose and fell rapidly from laughing so hard.

"You're lucky I love you, Tara," he said, his voice low and playful, though his eyes glinted with mock warning.

Tara laughed, her heart light.

"Oh, I know, Thakur ji. That's why I'm not afraid of you," she shot back, her tone teasing.

Mannu barked in agreement, as if to say he wasn't afraid either.

Eventually, the room calmed down, though the bed was even more of a mess than before.

Prithvi sat up, pulling Manik onto his lap and ruffling his hair affectionately. Tara leaned against the headboard, her smile soft as she watched her husband and son.

The playful moment had reminded her once again how precious these small, chaotic snippets of life were. And as Mannu settled on Tara's lap, wagging his tail contentedly, Tara knew this was what happiness truly looked like-love, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.

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The morning light seeped through the curtains, bathing the room in a soft golden glow. Prithvi stirred awake slowly, feeling a familiar warmth pressed against him.

He blinked his eyes open to find Manik sprawled on his chest, his head tucked under Prithvi's chin.

A soft huff of breath drew Prithvi's attention to his other side. Mannu was lying on the bed, his muzzle resting heavily on Prithvi's bicep, his tail giving an occasional lazy wag as he dreamt.

Prithvi couldn't help but smile at the sight of his two companions. The room was quiet except for the soft snores of the sleeping boy and Mannu.

For a moment, Prithvi simply lay there, soaking in the peacefulness of the morning.

Tara's side of the bed was empty, but her faint fragrance lingered in the air. He guessed she must have woken early for the puja.

His mind drifted to her, imagining her moving gracefully in her saree and preparing everything.

Prithvi sighed, his free arm gently ruffling Manik's hair.

"Manik, beta, it's time to wake up," he said softly.

A muffled groan escaped the little boy as he buried his face into his father's chest.

"No, Baba, five more minutes," he mumbled, clinging tighter.

Prithvi chuckled, lifting him slightly.

"Dadi's puja waits for no one. If we don't go, she'll won't going to give you the special ladoos!"

At the mention of Mannu, Manik's eyes fluttered open, a drowsy grin spreading across his face.

Prithvi sat up, carefully shifting Manik to his lap and patting Mannu's head.

"Come on, Sona. Let's get ready. Mannu, you're coming too," he added, knowing full well he understood him.

Mannu barked softly, trotting behind them as Prithvi carried Manik out to the outdoor bathing area. The crisp water, set aside for purification, shimmered in the early light.

Placing Manik down, Prithvi began undoing the little boy's short pants. Manik squirmed as the cool breeze hit him.

"Baba, it's going to be so cold!"

Prithvi grinned, scooping some water with his hands and splashing him lightly.

" It will be okay, little prince. This is how we get ready for the puja-clean and pure."

Manik let out a squeal of protest before laughing uncontrollably as his father poured water over his head, making sure to scrub away the sleepiness.

Not to be left out, Mannu suddenly leapt into the shallow water, causing a mighty splash that drenched both father and son.

"Mannu!" Prithvi exclaimed, laughing as he shielded Manik. "You're enjoying this too much."

Once Manik was washed and dried, Prithvi helped him into a tiny white dhoti, tying it with precision. Then, it was Prithvi's turn.

The water was cold against his skin, but he took it in stride, pouring it over himself with practiced ease. The ritual cleansing felt grounding, a quiet moment of focus before the day's events.

Manik watched in awe as Prithvi wrapped the pristine white dhoti around his waist, the fabric gleaming in the morning light.

"Baba, you look like a king," he said, his small voice filled with admiration.

Prithvi knelt down to adjust Manik's dhoti, a fond smile on his face.

"And you're my little prince. Now come on, we can't keep your Dadi waiting."

With Mannu dried and trotting happily alongside them, they made their way to the mandir within the haveli.

Inside, Tara was already seated, dressed in a simple yet elegant saree. The soft hues of the fabric complemented her radiant face, and the fresh jasmine flowers in her hair exuded a delicate fragrance.

She looked up at them as they entered, her gaze lingering on Prithvi for a moment, a warm smile gracing her lips.

Manik ran to her, his tiny hands clutching her saree as he grinned up at her. Tara bent down to scoop him up, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek.

"You're looking very handsome my little Thakur," she said, before turning to Prithvi. "And you as well."

Prithvi smirked, his voice teasing.

"So, you approve, eh?"

Tara's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't respond, simply leading them to their places for the puja.

Kusum greeted them with a proud smile, her eyes softening at the sight of the family together. She even reached down to pat Mannu, acknowledging his rightful place in the family circle.

The puja began, the air thick with the scent of incense and the soothing hum of mantras. As they joined their hands in prayer, Prithvi couldn't help but glance at Tara, who sat beside him with her eyes closed in quiet devotion and head covered in pallu.

He felt a profound sense of gratitude for the life they had built, for the love that surrounded them, and for the future that seemed brighter with every passing day.

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1 𝙈𝙊𝙉𝙏𝙃 𝙇𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙍.

Prithvi and Suraj were finally on their way back from the business trip, cruising through the village roads in the jeep.

The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape.

Suraj, normally the quiet, thoughtful one, couldn't wipe the grin off his face. He was practically glowing, his mood so upbeat it was contagious.

Prithvi glanced over at Suraj, squinting.

"Suraj, you're smiling like you've won the lottery. What happened? Did someone finally notice that charming personality of yours?"

Suraj let out a dramatic sigh and leaned back in his seat, looking far too satisfied for someone who hadn't shared his secret.

"Oh, you'll see, Bhaiya. You'll see soon enough."

Prithvi shot him a confused look, then shook his head.

"See what? Are you trying to tell me you've been with a woman and now you're a changed man? Did someone propose to you? Did you win over the woman of your dreams?"

Suraj couldn't help but chuckle at Prithvi's exaggerated expressions.

"I'm not saying anything. You'll just have to wait."

"Suraj," Prithvi said with a fake stern voice, "you're making me nervous. Is this some sort of twisted game? Because, let me tell you, I'm not in the mood for suspense. If someone proposed to you, I think I deserve to know by now. Or did you get your first kiss? What's making you so damn happy?"

Suraj just shrugged, his smirk widening.

"You'll find out soon enough, Bhaiya. But trust me, this is good news."

Prithvi grumbled, rolling his eyes.

"Good news? I'm dying of curiosity here. Just tell me before I drive this jeep straight into a tree out of frustration."

Suraj just stared out the window, enjoying every moment of this.

"I'm not saying a word. You'll get it when you get it. The wait will make it that much sweeter."

By now, Prithvi had stopped trying to figure out his brother. Instead, he focused on the road ahead. But there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. What was Suraj hiding?

The jeep rumbled through the familiar village lanes, and Prithvi felt a sense of relief. Finally, they pulled into the driveway of the haveli.

As Prithvi stepped out, he saw the women of the house gathered by the entrance.

There was something in the air, a feeling of excitement that had him on edge. All the women-Kusum, Meera, and Manvi and even Manik-had sly grins on their faces.

"What's going on?" Prithvi asked, feeling a strange mix of confusion and excitement.

Kusum was the first to approach him, holding Manik in her arms. The other women stood behind her, all wearing identical teasing expressions.

Kusum's eyes twinkled mischievously as she spoke,

"Well, Prithvi, I'm glad you're home. Manik is going to be a big brother." She paused for dramatic effect, savoring the moment.

Prithvi froze. "What? Manik's going to be a... what?" He was still trying to process what Kusum had just said.

Kusum continued, "You're going to be a father again. Tara is expecting. Manik's baby sister is on the way, Prithvi."

For a moment, Prithvi just stood there, staring at Kusum. His mouth opened and closed, but no words came out.

He looked over at Tara, who was standing a few steps behind Kusum, her face flushed with happiness.

"I'm going to be a father again?" Prithvi asked in disbelief. His mind was racing.

Suraj, who had been watching the whole exchange with great amusement, could no longer hold back. He sidled up to Prithvi, grinning ear to ear.

"See? I told you, Bhaiya. You were clueless. The suspense was killing me. I had to hold in all my excitement."

Prithvi blinked twice, trying to process what was happening.

"Wait, so you knew?" he asked Suraj, raising an eyebrow.

Suraj threw his hands up in mock surrender.

"I wasn't going to spoil the surprise, Bhaiya. This is your moment. I've been sitting on this news for days. Can you imagine how hard it was for me to keep a straight face every time I saw you?"

Kusum chuckled, seeing Prithvi's overwhelmed expression.

"Suraj's been smiling like a cat that just ate a mouse, and you didn't even pick up on it. I told him not to ruin the fun."

Tara walked up to Prithvi, a soft smile on her face. She reached out and gently touched his arm.

"Surprised?"

Prithvi turned to her, a mixture of joy, shock, and love on his face.

"A little. But this... this is the best surprise I could have asked for." He pulled her into a hug, holding her close as the reality of the situation hit him.

"We're having a baby. A little girl. Just like Manik asked for" His voice was thick with emotion.

Suraj, unable to resist, tapped Prithvi on the back.

"Don't worry, Bhaiya. You'll get used to it. Girls are a lot of work, but they're worth it. Just wait until she starts asking for everything."

Kusum, watching her sons bicker, grinned.

"Prithvi, get ready. You're going to be wrapped around her little finger in no time. Don't think you're going to escape it."

Prithvi laughed, a real, full belly laugh that shook his shoulders. He looked down at Tara and then back at Suraj.

"I'm not scared. I'm looking forward to it."

Suraj raised an eyebrow.

"We'll see how long that lasts, Bhaiya. Just wait for her teenage years."

Kusum joined in with a chuckle.

"The real fun begins then."

Prithvi shook his head, smiling.

"I think I'll survive. After all, I'm a Thakur. I can handle anything."

The laughter of the family filled the air as Prithvi and Tara stood in each other's arms and Manik in their arms, knowing their lives were about to change in the most wonderful way. A new chapter was beginning for them-and they couldn't wait to start it together.

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𝙏𝙊 𝘽𝙀 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙐𝙀𝘿..