" Happiness isn't permanent, you can't really control it.
What you can control is your SMILE ☺
Smile More, Worry Less..."

_____________________________

ANSH'S POV

" Papa... Papa..." As I came inside the house all the three came running towards me.

" Hi... Kids... I've your favorite surprise... " I said handing them the bags.

" Woof... Woof..." It was Aurum.

" YUP! Aurum, you haven't been forgotten..." I threw his bone towards him. He wriggled his tail. I think we've bonded somehow. I find him cute now.

" Ansh!" It was Ahana. All the four stopped, gathering around me.

I had brought their favorite pastries and chocolates. I wasn't allowed to on a weekday but today I went for a meeting and couldn't resist myself.

" There is something for you as well, hon... " I smiled.

" Ansh! Yesterday, they had so many sweets. And you know how lazy your kids are. They don't even brush properly at night. You aren't suppose to bring so much junk food home..."

" Mumma... We shall have only one bite..." Ayan said.

Aman and Aavaya nodded.

" You shan't. Look at their audacity, Ansh... After I deny them, they still are adamant... " She quickly came towards us and took the bags from the kids and she even took the bone from Aurum.

" Ahana... Are you crazy? How can do this? Let them have it today..."

" You are spoiling them way too much. You said the same thing yesterday... I really don't understand why do you want to go against me, always."

" What? Are we really fighting on this?" I said removing my tie.

" Yeah! Everybody here is grounded. No more sweets and pastries and no bones for anyone for a month.... " She said. All the tiny pair of eyes were at me, waiting for me to rescue them.

" Ahana... You can't boss around. They are my kids too. I know how to take care of them. They are eating all this... That's final... " I said taking the bags again.

" Ansh! They already had their dinner. All this is going in the dustbin..." She snatched the bag again.

" Kids... Take Aurum to his den and then go to your room. I will bring these for you... " I gave a stern look to Ahana.
She looked agitated.

" It's alright, Papa... We're not hungry. Thanks... Good night... " Aavya said and they hurried away.

I looked at Ahana. I was furious.

" Ahana... That's wrong. I am their father... " I shouted.

" I know... Shouting won't prove anything. " We were definitely in a fight now.

"I know what's good for them as well... " I shouted folding my culfs twice.

" Of course, you know... You know how to spoil them, how to pamper them and how to make my life miserable... " She said fiercely.

" Ahana... Are you pregnant? Coz... I really think its your hormones speaking... " I said sitting on the sofa now.

" Ansh... " She was bewildered. I agree that came out way too upfront.

" You... I know that you want the babies to love you more. You are getting insecure coz they spend a lot of time with me.. Isn't it? You're jealous. " She stood right in front of me with her hands folded. She looks adorable when she's flustered.

She wasn't going to stop now, was she now?

" Ahana... What are you..."

" It's okay... You don't need to be with me anymore... Sleep with your kids... " Saying so she went upstairs.

I sighed. That's really too much for a couple of cakes. I am pretty sure she's pregnant and if she is then I would definitely be happy but now I am upset on her for acting like that. If she doesn't wanna spend the little time we get with me then even I am not dying to.

I went to the boys roomp. All the four were present there. Ayan was busy with Aurum and Aavya and Aman were reading something.

" Hey! Boys... Aurum's here... " I said as the dog looked at me. He wasn't bad after all.

" Papa... Did you make things right with Mumma?" Aman asked. The kids nowadays are way too smart to be fooled.

" Hmmm... Not yet. Aman and Ayan why don't you accompany your mother tonight. I'll love to spend some time with Aavya. Aurum can accompany us." I said as Aurum wriggled his tail happily.

" Okay... We don't mind. But are you fine with Aurum?" It was Ayan.

I looked at him and nodded. The boys got off to our room while I picked my Aavya and took her to her room. Aurum followed. I narrated Aavya a story and she was fast asleep in some time along with Aurum snoring beside.

I went to check out on the boys only to find Ahana sleeping soundly between the boys. I covered the three of them properly. It rarely happened that I don't sleep beside my wife, expect when Aavya was a baby. She still is but since 2 years she's all by herself.

Only on vacations we have the kids with us. When Aavya was a baby, Ahana wanted her to be with us every minute of the day. She didn't even trust me sometimes. She was extremely protective of her. I smiled when I saw her moving in sleep.

I love her so much. I love her more for the lovely family she gave me. I will definitely make up for her. I know she's pregnant hence the hormones. I took my clothes and went for a shower in the boy's room so as not to disturb anyone.

After the shower I crept beside Aavya and slept next to her. She's a miniature Ahana. She moves a lot in her sleep, just like her mother. I was extremely exhausted and in no minutes I was asleep.

***

I woke up with a strong smell of coffee, Ahana's coffee. I was still in Aavya's room. I completely forgot about it. Aavya wasn't there. I sipped the coffee, it was still warm and perfect. Just as I liked it. It's Sunday so I had the entire day by myself for my family.

I went downstairs. Aavya was busy playing with Legos and eating her cereals. She had her shower already. Looks like I over slept. It was around 10 now. There was no sign of the twins or Ahana. I wonder where did they vanish.

" Morning... Princess..." I said taking the newspaper.

" Morning, Papa..."

" Where're the others?" I asked as she didn't speak about them.

" Mumma went to drop Ayan and Aman for their soccer game. Aurum is in his den." She replied.

I totally forgot about the soccer. It's usually me who goes with them. I nodded and went to brush my teeth and shower.

When I returned Aavya was busy running around with Aurum. It was 12 now. Ahana should be back now.

" Aavya... Did your mumma tell you where she will go after dropping your brothers?" I asked.

" No..." She replied.

I tried Ahana's cell, it was switched off. I tried it multiple times. I wonder where did she go. Was she that upset with me? She never leaves the house without informing me.

" Papa..." Aavya sat beside me.

" Hmmm... "

" Is Mumma still upset with you?" She asked, concerned.

" Sweetie... I don't know... Perhaps... " I replied.

" So, Are you going to divorce each other? Coz, I want to live with both of you. "

" What? No... Honey... Who told you all this? " I was shocked. There is no way that I will divorce Ahana. It was just a small fight after all. And I am so very ready to apologise.

" Aman said that when one's parents fight they end up with a divorce and then we will have to live with either of them. He saw it in some movies..."

GOSH! Aman...

" Sweetie... It's just a small thing. Don't worry about it. C'mon.. Let's call Ma and ask her whether your Mumma is at her house or not. You talk to her.. Okay... " I dailed the number.

" Hi... MA...Aavya here... "

" Hey, Sweetie... Howzz u?"

" I am good... What are you doing? "

I gestured her to ask about Ahana. Aavya always ends up talking about other things.

" MA, Papa is asking whether Mumma is at your house or not?" I face palmed myself.

I whispered, " Don't tell her that I asked you, Aavya... "

" He's also telling me not to tell you that he asked you..." Man, This little girl...

Ma burst into laughs.

" Ansh... Ahana's not here. She didn't even call me. Looks like you guys had a fight?"

" Hi, Ma... Sort of... " I replied.

" I will inform you if she call me... "

" Okay... Bye. Give regards to Dad and grandpa..." I hung up.

I called Ahana again. Still, no reply. I was now worried like hell.

" Papa... "

" Aman, Ayan... Where is your Mumma?" I asked as they came running inside the house.

" She's not home, yet? She dropped us saying that Ram uncle will pick us up." Aman replied.

All the three kids looked at me now.

" Papa... Will mumma be back soon?" It was my little princess.

I eased my worried face.

" Of course... She has some important work to do. Let's have our lunch. And Aman I need to talk to you and you aren't allowed to watch TV for a week."

" What? Why are you grounding me? " He was shocked.

" Because of what you told us..."

" Aavya...." I stopped her.

The look on Aman's face said that he understood what had happened.

Later, I kept trying to contact Ahana but she wasn't answering yet. I called the office, Jaai and even Piya. She wasn't with anyone. The kids were playing amongst themselves and I was briskly walking around.

" Papa.. Aren't you gonna eat?" Aavya asked.

" I am fine, honey... Why don't you and your brothers have it, watching TV?"

" But Mumma..." She stopped.

" We will have it in the dining room..." Saying so she left.

GOSH! Ahana... Where are you?
The kids are missing you too. Usually they will fight for watching TV while having their food but today....

I walked to the gates. Her car wasn't there. Did I made her so upset?

" Aman... Didn't mumma tell you where she was going?" I heard Aavya ask. I was standing out of dining area. Actually I was passing by when I heard their whispers.

" Actually... She did..." Ayan said.

I stood on my toes.

" Ayan..." Aman stopped him.

" We need to tell her Aman... She's our sister. "

" Actually, Mumma said that she's going to see a lawyer. She said we shouldn't tell it to anybody..." Ayan said. I peeped in and saw Aman was agitated on Ayan.

Aman... I swear he's gonna get from me.

I was about to dash in when Aavya spoke.

" Aman... Why didn't you tell Papa about it? He needs to know. He's worried... " My Princess.

" I know Aavya... But Mumma said it doesn't need his attention..." Aman said. I really doubt if Ahana told them all this in detail.

" I think I don't belive you, Aman... " Aavya said.

" Actually, He's telling the truth. Mumma didn't drop us to our soccer class. It was Grandad . We first dropped Mumma to some place. Aman asked where she was going. She replied to the lawyer's and Papa doesn't need to know anything about it. Grandad also said the same thing. " Ayan explained.

GOSH! Dad was in this!

I should have called him. Kids call my Dad as Grandad and Ahana's Dad as Grandpa. Ma is common for all of us. Pa is used for both the great grandfathers. It's damn confusing but now we are all used to it.

" Aman.. Do you really think that Mumma is seeing a divorce lawyer? I can't choose between them..." Ayan asked. I clenched my fists.

" Me neither..." Aavya said, shrugging.

I wanted to dash in now. I was really upset with Ahana now. What the hell was wrong with her?

" Hey! They really love each other... Trust me... Have your lunch now. If Papa sees us like this he will be more upset..." Aman was matured enough to handle his siblings. I smiled. Aurum woofed politely. He's definitely a member too now.

He's correct. I must think much about all of this. I know Ahana loves me a lot. I didn't intrude them. I went to the study, but it was hard to concentrate. Aurum came wriggling his tail. He ran circles in front of me. It felt as if he knew I was upset.

I caressed his fur. I laughed at myself as I realized that I've started liking him after all.

" Do you think she's upset with me?" I sounded like an imbecile.

" She still loves me right?" I asked and as if he understood what I said, Aurum woofed with grace, making me smile.

It reminded me about the post I saw a few days ago. Maybe I'm grumpy, maybe I'm not. But Aurum was Ahana's gift to us and thus in every way I love her.

After an hour or two I went to check on the kids. They were playing Nintendo.

" Papa... Wanna join? There's no one for me..." Ayan said.

I smiled and nodded. It was Sunday after all. I can't waste it.

In the evening we were sitting in the garden.

" Papa.. Let's call Mumma again..." Aavya said.

I nodded and took my cell phone out.

" Hey! Kids... Aurum... " I turned as I saw Ahana walking with two bags in her hands towards us. All of them ran towards her and so did Aurum.

She didn't even look at me. I pulled my cell in pocket again.

" Mumma.. Where did you go?" Aavya asked.

" Had some work, honey... But look I have brought something for you.... Pastries and Doughnuts..." They were indeed happy.

She fed Aurum his flavoured bone.

" Ansh... Won't you join?" Finally, She noticed my presence as she set up the table in the garden.

" I thought you don't need me anymore... " I said.

She made a face but it was followed by a lovely smile. A dimpled smile that I could die for. We all had our desserts and the kids went to their room after they promised Ahana to brush their teeth. We both came to our room. Ahana was pulling out her clothes from the closet while I stood next to the door.

" Ahana..."

" Hmmm..." She hummed.

" Where were you the entire day?" I asked.

She looked at me.

" Ah.. I was with the boys and then I went to buy desserts. I really wanted to make up for last night..." She said hurriedly.

She was lying. And that was upsetting.

" Really? When do we lie to each other, Ahana? " I asked. She looked at me on that instant.

" Ansh... I am... "

" Ahana... Don't you love me anymore? I know you went to see a lawyer. I heard Ayan telling that to Aavya..." I said.

She was speechless. She didn't look at me directly.

" I know I hurt you. Look, I am sorry but you don't have to lie to me. Are you really thinking of divorcing me? " I blurted out.

This made her look at me. I didn't want to mention that but the hearing the kids really made me feel restless.

" What?"

" Ahana.. I am sorry... But we can sort small issues out... Divor.... " But before I could complete myself Ahana had already shut me off with a kiss. Her eyes were closed and her hands were around my neck as she kissed me hard. I closed my eyes and grabbed her waist to kiss her back. I felt something wet on my cheeks. Ahana's tears. Our foreheads touched as our breathing became normal. We opened our eyes simultaneously.

" Ansh... Are you crazy? Who said that I went to a divorce lawyer? Don't tell me you give into everything the kids say."

" But..." She kissed me again.

" I love you..." She said.

" I love you more... And I am sorry..."

" I know that. I am sorry too... And I am not gonna divorce you ever. Not even in your dreams... " She smiled.

I kissed her nose.

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA... " Ahana pushed me away as a big group burst in.

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANSH... "

It was already 12. I forgot that it was my B'day. Everyone was present.

" Wrong timing... As always... I think Ansh already got his gift... "

" Dad..." I grunted.

The kids brought me their gifts. We cut the cake. Dad gave Ahana a file. She insisted that he should give me. I wasn't sure what was happening. Later on Ahana gave in. Everyone was smiling as if they knew what it was. Even the Sehgals.

" Ansh... All the fuss you made..." She said.

I opened it.

" Oh! God... A Holiday Home..." I said.

" Ahana said you wanted one..." Ahana's dad said.

" But you didn't finalize it coz you were thinking of investing the money in a new firm... " Dad continued.

"... And also we have approved the new project for building a high school for the Little Angels orphanage. They will get free education till they graduate. We know you were trying hard for its approval. We even found some more investors." Grandad continued.

All I could do was Smile. They really complete me wholly.

Later, that night it was just the two of us.

" So, you went to the lawyer because of that? " I gathered courage to ask.

" Hmmm... You thought I was gonna Divorce you?" She asked without looking at me.

" What No... Aman is really too much..." I said.

Ahana laughed.

" Anyways... I know you're never gonna leave me... " I said.

" Really? So confident?" She pulled her night wear from the closet.

" Promise is a Promise..." I replied.

She didn't reply.

" Ahana... " I called her before she entered the bathroom.

" Hmmm... " She hummed as I back hugged her. My chin resting on her shoulder.

" I'm sorry and I love you..." I said.

She didn't say anything. I turned her face towards me. We shared an eye contact. I bent towards her lips and kissed her gently.

" It's alright of you don't reply me tonight. I deserve it..." I said.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek. Her lips were close to my ears.

" You deserve all my love... And..." She stopped.

" FYI... I'm not pregnant..." She said with a laugh and in a moment kissed me on my lips and rushed for a shower.

" Gosh... I wish you were Ahana..." I shouted.

" You Wish Ansh..." She called back as I heard the water running.

" Well, I still think that there's a lot of opportunities, Ahana...."

" Actually, I forgot to lock the door, Ansh..." I heard her as a wide smile appeared on my face. I knew she had the same expression on.

" Is it... Lemme check then..." I replied as I removed my t-shirt and threw it on the bed.

***

AHANA'S POV

" Mumma, It's a cooking competition." Aavya said.

We were admist an important discussion at our dinner table. Ansh was missing coz he was working as usual. I hate him when he isn't around for dinner.

" She can't cook." Ayan said.

" Ayan... Mumma, we have our sports event on the same day as the cooking competition." It was Aman now. I can't handle three of these all by myself.

" Aman, Papa is extremely busy." It was Aavya again.

I didn't answer them.

I still couldn't cook and Ansh was busy like hell. Our kids were understanding but after all they were kids.

" But, I like to win... "

" So do I... " I looked at my darling husband coming to my rescue like always.

" Ansh..."

" Papa..." Everyone said in unison.

He sat beside Aavya helping himself with a plate.

" Looks like no one can draw to a conclusion. Well, that's why I'm here. It's very simple...

I will accompany my princess for the cooking competition..." We were looking at him.

" I know it's Mother - Daughter, but they didn't say that Fathers can't participate. Mumma with accompany the boys for the relay. Trust me, she's too good. Like the best athlete you can find. " Ansh explained.

" Papa... Are you sure? " Aman asked.

" Aman, haven't you seen your medals?" It was Aavya and I just enjoyed listening.

" Let's talk when we have our trophies." Ansh's confidence is sometimes too much to handle.

Nevertheless the kids were happy.

I looked at him while the kids were eating. He winked at me.

I love him.

I love you more. He mouthed.

Crazy...

***

Honestly, we did won the trophies that day.

Ansh and Aavya cooked the best Italian Flavored Spaghetti. The judges loved it.
Ansh is surely an awesome cook.

We won the relay too. Ansh and Aavya cheered for us. I was the only female contender running o the ground, but then holding the trophy eased the butterflies in my stomach.

" See... I told ya." Ansh whispered in my ears as I put the kids on bed.

They were tired. Luckily, it's Sunday tomorrow so they can rest enough. So can we.

" Ahana... I'm so tired today." Ansh dashed on the bed, messing up the bed sheets.

" I thought cooking rejuvenates you." I was doing the usual chores.

" Well, it does. The cheerleader thing made me tired." He winked.

" Good that you are tired tonight. Coz, I'm damn sleepy too. Can't keep my eyes open for a second." I got in the bed beside him.

" Ahana... It's Saturday..."

" Ansh... Tell me something that I don't know... " I was aware what does he wants.

" Ahana... " He called me as his fingers circled around my shoulders.

" Okay... " It was in a exaggerated tone. I turned towards him to give me a long peck. He pulled the covers on us switching the lights off.

***

" Mumma... Mumma..."

" Yes, honey... " I was just back from an important meeting and Aavya came running towards me. Ansh was already home. I saw him controlling his smile and I knew something was fishy. The kids had their summer holidays and hence one of us stayed back to accompany them. Whenever it's Ansh things don't end up good. Aman and Ayan were sitting beside their father watching football.

" Can you buy me a sister?" I choked myself with water.

" W-What?"

" Aman and Ayan are a team. If you bring me a sister then even I'll have a partner."

" Who told you all this?" I asked my curious five and a half year old.

" Papa said that you can bring me a sister."

I was furious now. What the hell Ansh was telling the kids when I'm not at home.

" ANSH!! " I shouted.

" Ahana... It's true anyways..." He was so spontaneous.

Is he gone mad?

" Honey, Aurum's in your team... Isn't he? " Aurum wriggled his tail and caressed Aavya.

" But he's a boy. I want a little sister. I want it as my b'day present. " She was so adamant. Just like her father.

Aarghhhh....

" Honey, let's have dinner. We can talk about this later. "

" Mumma... "

" Aavya..." I said with a stern voice and she lowered her eyes and left.

I sighed. I went to my room to change.

" Sweetheart... " I felt Ansh's voice. He held my waist. I punched him in his stomach with my elbow.

" Ouch... That hurts... "

" Good for you. What are you teaching the kids, Ansh? Why?"

" In the morning they started fighting more this majority thing. The boys are in majority in our house. So, Ayan provoked Aavya asking her to obey them. She came to me asking for a sister. "

" And you pinned the entire thing to me. Wow. " He didn't answer.

" Wow! Aren't you amazing?"

" What? Even I would like to have one. "

" Really? Then get pregnant yourself. "

All of sudden we heard some shouts. It was Aavya's voice. We rushed downstairs.

" I want to watch Frozen. "

" But we're already watching the game. Can't you see that?" Ayan shouted.

" What is happening here?"

" Mumma, he's not letting me watch Frozen."

" But we are in majority..." Ayan said.

Aman didn't say anything. He's always the quite one.

" Ayan, you better stop this now. Or else you are grounded for a month. Everyone has to share everything. Also no one is getting a sister for B'day present. And moreover you three have each other. That should be more than enough. You have to be considerate of the feelings of each other. " I said.

" Kids... Come here... " Ansh kneeled down.
They gathered around him. Aurum came beside them. Ansh has developed a good bond with him too. He doesn't mind his smell now. I'm happy for him.

" See, Aavya is your younger sister. You two are responsible for taking care of her. You need to be good brothers." Aavya had that smirk on her face like her father's.

" But Aavya you can't take advantage of this situation. Let's do one thing. Let's watch Frozen together and then we can watch the Highlights of your game, boys. What say? "

" Yeah! " They shouted together.

Ansh manages him well. It's just that sometimes he acts like them too. And that's what makes him even more lovable.

" So what about our little sister? " Aavya asked again.

Ansh looked at me.

" Let's have dinner. " I didn't wait for an answer and I was aware that Ansh was still grinning.

_____________________________

Last, but still never the Least!

Hey Guys!

Officially, the last chapter of a beautiful journey called
AGREEMENT

Ansh & Ahana's happily ever after after all sees an end! They surely have had a roller-coaster journey & their personalities have seen a lot of changes.

Well, in the end,
True Love ❤️ Finds It's Way

But, Surprises never finish, do they?

A little surprise on its way, soon 🔜.

Editing is still in process & it's cumbersome.
Thank you for your patience.

Thank You for Your Endless Love & Support.

You guys have been my backbone.

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Keep AGREEMENT added to your libraries for more updates.

Do check out my second work
YOU WERE MY SUPERSTAR

Luv...❤️
Vruksha.