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Chapter-11

Shraddha Kumar

I woke up with a disturbance of my irritating alarm clock. I went to the bathroom and did my morning chores.

I stood in my Walk-in wardrobe to select the dress for today. I selected the dress gifted by Divi which I never wore.

The dress is a cute short floral dress. I loved it when I saw it in the mall two months back. Divi saw it and bought it for me. I wore my dress. I paired it with the small stone earrings, watch and bracelets. I wore flat silver sandals. I completed my look with the sunglasses. I picked my handbag and went downstairs to the dining room.

I went near Papa and kissed his cheek saying “Good morning papa.”

Papa also kissed my forehead and wished me Good morning.

I sat in my place. Mumma and Kartik were shockingly looking at both of us.

“When this happened?” Kary asked me in shock.

“Yeah. When did your silent cold war end?” Mumma asked us.

I and papa smiled looking at each other. Well, yesterday I happened to talk with papa.

Flashback

After Kary came and went to freshen up. I heated the dinner for him and laid it out on the dining table. He came after having his quick shower and sat to have his dinner. I also brought the cupcakes and gave him.

“Wow Cupcakes, dii (Elder Sister) you are amazing.” He said while devouring cupcakes.

“Kary, I’m sorry but you have only 4 red velvet cupcakes. Shreya loved the cupcakes so I packed some cupcakes for her to take her home.” I said.

“Dii (Elder Sister) how can you give her my cupcakes?” Kary said in a sad tone.

“And who is she? Why did you give her my cupcakes?” Kary continued rambling about his cupcakes making me chuckle.

“She is the daughter of Mumma’s best friend,” I said not referring to my sister in law.

“Oh, you mean you’re to be Sister in law?” teased Kary.

He is so smart and intelligent.

“Yeah and tomorrow I’ll make it for you again,” I said.

With chit-chatting, he had his dinner and went to sleep. I cleaned the dining table and washed dinner plates. I switched off all lights of the Kitchen and Living room except some dim lights. I saw that the Study room’s lights were on so I went in it. Papa was standing near the window. He was in deep thoughts. I cleared my throat to grab his attention. He looked at me. I saw that he had the album in his hand. That was my childhood pictures album. Papa’s eyes were sad and teary.

I went near him and took his hand in my hands. I made him sit on the Sofa chair near the window. I sat on the floor near his legs. I kept my head on his lap. He started soothingly caressing my hairs.

“What do you want Shraddha?” papa asked me.

I started crying after listening to Shraddha from his lips. This is the first time we both were directly talking to each other after 2 years.

Papa made me look at him and asked me in a loving tone.

“What happened princess? Why are you crying?” listening to the princess word from his lips after a long time I cried more.

“Papa I don’t want to get married,” I said sobbing. My tears blurred my vision.

“Do you love anyone?” Papa asked me.

“No, Papa.” I shook my head in negative.

“Ok, so why don’t you want to marry him? You like someone?” papa asked me.

“No papa. I don’t want to leave you all.” I said in an emotional tone.

Listening to my response he just laughed.

“Papa, why are you laughing?” I asked frowning at him.

“Princess, don’t cry. I can’t see tears in your eyes.” Papa said, wiping the tears from my face.

“Princess, do you trust your papa?” he asked me.

I nodded my head in yes.

“Then trust me, He is a very good man. He will protect you, he will care for you. He will love you. He will give you all the happiness.” Papa said assuringly.

“But……” I said.

“No ifs, no buts. The way he thought about you even before you both met shows his care for you. He doesn’t want to disclose about you to the media and his rivals. He wants to protect you.” Papa said being impressed by him.

To impress papa is a very tough task. Papa is so impressed like papa knows him from before only.

“Papa have you ever met him?” I asked.

“Yeah, in fact, Kartik also met him. 2 months back our company got a project which was in partnership and the industries with whom we were partnered was Malhotra Industries and he was representing their industries. I saw his dedication and work ethics. I always admired him for being a young businessman.” Papa said. There was happiness in his eyes when he was talking. I’m happy that I agreed to marry this guy.

“Papa, I want to tell you something,” I said. Papa nodded his head in affirmative to continue. I took a deep breath and started.

“Papa, I do sing songs. I’ve pursued my passion for music. Me and Divi, we started the music studio. We record the songs in the studio and publish it on the internet. I sing songs and play the guitar whereas Divi plays keyboard or violin. I never wanted to hurt you by not accepting your decision.” I said not looking at his eyes.

“Wow my Princess achieved her dream. You are way stubborn than me. Once you want something, you'll never give up right.Today you proved that definitely you're my blood.” Papa said smiling at me proudly.

“You never asked me why I said no for singing. Why?” Papa asked me.

“I never felt the need to ask you about it,” I said.

“I was a singer. Yes. I was a failed singer. I struggle a lot to get a chance to showcase my talent but I never got it. We were not financially strong so that with the money I can launch my song. That time there was no internet craze like now. I failed to achieve my passion. I started a technological business which provides various and modern technology as well as appliances. Gadgets have always been my other passion. I never wanted you to face all the problems or difficulties which I faced. I knew that for your betterment I have to decline you for music and I did it. But now thinking about it I feel that it was a wrong decision.” Papa said sighing sadly.

“I have listened to every song of yours. I have the whole collection of it. I have read the messages your fans post for you. Whenever I  listened those songs I used to feel disappointed that I stopped you from achieving your dream. I used to think that girl as you but I never knew that was actually you. But  When I see all this I feel that I made the wrong decision. But hearing the truth, I am so happy for you my little princess. ” Papa continued. His eyes were filled with tears. I can’t see my strong papa so vulnerable. I hate to see tears in his eyes.

“Papa, whatever you decided was for my betterment and I’m happy with the way all this turnout. You know that I don’t like the media and fame etc. I trust you, papa, always.” I said, wiping the tears from his eyes.

“Papa, I want to share something also?” I asked him.

“I know that you co-own a Karate academy with Divya and Kartik where you teach Karate to the students and you own coffee shop also.” Papa said smirking.

He is so secretive.

I was shocked that papa knows everything.

"Does Karthik knew that I sing songs?," I asked looking at Papa.

“I don't think he knows” Papa said. If Karthik knew he will definitely would have asked me but he didn't. I think he didn't know about this.

“Oh, well I talk to him tomorrow,” I said.

“Princess, you can wear all types of clothes. I never restricted you for anything. I would love to see my princess in western outfits also.” Papa said. He always knows what I want before saying it.

“I’m ready to marry the guy you chose papa,” I said with a smile.

“I’m happy with your decision,” Papa said smiling patting my head.

“Papa, from tomorrow can we again start having our father-daughter time at night?” I asked feeling happiness is about to burst in me.

“Yeah. I’m ready for it.” Papa said patting my head lovingly.

“I love you Papa and I missed you a lot,” I said with tears.

“I love you too my princess and I also missed you a lot,” Papa said.

I hugged papa tightly and kissed his cheeks. Papa also hugged me and kissed my forehead.

“Bye Papa. Good Night. Tomorrow these two will be getting surprises.” I said while getting out of the study.

Papa also followed me. I bade bye to him and went to my bedroom.

I was very happy today. Finally, I and papa had cleared our silent war. With happy thoughts, I went to sleep.

Flashback ends

I completed telling yesterday's event to both Mumma and Kary.

“I also want to tell you all something,” I said. All were looking at me.

“I sing songs. I and Divya both make music and posts on our website and YouTube. I with Kary and Divi own a Karate Academy.” I said. When I was telling all this I heard a gasp coming from Mumma. She didn’t know anything and I felt bad that I unknowingly hurt her.

“I know that you sing songs. Being a mother can't I identify my daughter's music?” Mumma said.

“You are not angry?” I asked them stupidly.

“I was never angry. I did not know that you three own Karate academy so I was a little shocked.” Mumma said. I hugged her and kissed her right cheek.

"I am also not angry sis. I am super happy and proud of you for achieving your long term dream," Karthik said kissing my forehead.

After that, we completed our breakfast and bade bye to each other.

Today Divi was coming late to the café so I went alone only. When I was waiting for the green signal, I saw that one boy was selling roses. I called him. I asked him whether he goes to school or not? He said no and he has a younger sister for whom he is earning.

I bought all the roses from him. He gave me a bunch of roses with a paper-wrapped. I gave him the money and also gave him the card. I told him to call on that number and tell them my name. Mumma works in an NGO and Orphanages whenever she gets time. When I was speaking with him I felt a strong gaze. I looked for it but I didn’t see anyone. I bade him bye and went to the café. After reaching the café I called the orphanage and told them about the boy. They said that they will visit him and asked him to live in an orphanage. I felt happy....................


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