𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐢 : 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

A normal morning scene followed the routine this day too. Vehicles whizzed past the morning traffic as the college students hailed rickshaws and the children in the passing buses stared in wonder at these 'didis' and 'bhaiyas' who seemed out of reach to them.

Beyond all these chaos , a strange scene was unfolding at the famous businessman's humble abode — Verma's Residence.

"Papa yarr! You promised to buy it!"

"Beta I 'assured' you , I didn't 'promise'."

"You gave me the words Dad! You can't back off now!"

"Oh? Did I? No way , I am mute. How could I give you a word-"

"Alright alright , why are you troubling your son this early in the morning?"

A gentle voice belonging to none other than Shalini Verma stopped the daily banter between the house's head - Suyash Verma and his dear son , Avyaan Verma.

A helpless chuckle escaped Suyash as he glanced at his pride - his son sulking like a kid on the couch as he refused to hand over the car's keys to him despite his promise.

Avyaan sneakily glanced at his father to figure out any sign of him giving in only to pout slightly in annoyance as Suyash sipped on his morning tea calmly with a teasing glint in his eyes.

Avyaan sighed before getting up. He stood there for a moment with his arms folded on his chest -

"Are you really not going to give the keys Dad?"

Suyash smiled sweetly "No my son. You won't get to drive before you turn eighteen."

An exasperated groan escaped Avyaan as he turned to his mother. "Maa , my lunch?"

Shalini raised her eyebrows "Not going to have it in canteen today?"

He smiles. "Could the food there taste like the one made by you , my Miss World?"

Shalini laughed at his usual antics before handing over his lunchbox to him , packed within which laid his favourite - Aloo ka Paratha and Green Chutney.

A grin appeared on Avyaan's face highlighting his features even more.

"You're the best!"

He glanced at his father who was watching them with a soft smile and smirked smugly.

"You still have to learn a lot from my mum , daddy dearest."

Suyash glared playfully ,

"You still want the car when you turn 18 , brat?"

Avyaan grinned shamelessly ,

"Love you dad" , before sending a flying kiss to Shalini , "Love you more , mum!"

The living room fell silent as he departed onto his first day in 11th standard — a new journey , with old people or maybe some new faces.

Suyash watched him leave before turning to look at Shalini as she stared at his back , she whispered softly ,

"He learned walking just yesterday , how did he grow up so fast?"

Suyash smiled before lightly placing his hand around her shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze ,

"Nakhre toh ab bhi waise hi h iske lekin."

(His tantrums are still the same tho.)

Shalini laughed before shrugging off his hand , "Go to office CEO Saheb. I need to head to my clinic."

Suyash grinned "With you , Doctor Saahiba."

Note : Translation of the given words -

Beta : Son

Maa : Mother

Aloo ka Paratha : Indian flatbread stuffed with spiced mashed potato , pan fried with oil or ghee.

Green Chutney : Coriander + Mint + Green Chilli + Salt + Lemon etc.grounded into a paste (the viscosity varies)

Saheb : Mister

Saahiba : Miss/Mistress.