[Vastu Apartments, Mumbai] 

Normally on Sundays, the Kapoors enjoy their comfortable time with each other, watching films, and inviting friends for lunch or dinner.  Today was different. Alia had gone out for work related to her brand, Edamama while Ranbir stayed at home to play with his current obsession, Raha. 

Ever since Raha's birth, her parents were clear on how to divide time between her. If one of them was away for a shoot or some work, the other would stay behind and if both were out, Alia's mum or sister would take charge depending upon who stayed in Mumbai at that point. They made a conscious choice to have someone stay with their child in spite of having help from nannies. 

Meanwhile in her room she shared with her parents, Raha wiggled and laughed at her father who showed her magic tricks. She loved spending time with her dad who would make sure to be around her most of the time. He would tell her stories, talk to her in their balcony at their favourite spot with green plants around and a cool breeze. He was a master of burps and expert at making her sleep. 

Whereas with her mom, she enjoyed being read story books, imaginary fairy tales that her mum was an expert at creating, listening to her croon new songs, watching her dress up in the vanity room, and just inhaling in her sweet mother scent that make her feel protected and so loved. 

"Tere daath aayenge toh we can't keep you out. Tujhe zoo mein bhej denge." Ranbir fake winced at Raha's attempt to bite his hands with her invisible tooth. She was at her teething stage where she would put anything and everything into her mouth. It was a TASK to keep her distracted. They called her Cheetah for the noises she made and with all the biting incidents, she was ready to be their baby cheetah, just like the animal they loved and chose to put as a symbol of their family on the baby arrival posts. 

Ranbir gently smiled at his baby. She had quickly made a comfortable nest in all of their hearts. Mornings were extra refreshing with her around. If he could, he would never leave the house. Just stare and play and kiss their little wonder. But he had to do work and leaving her always broke his heart. Especially the way she would pout and look at him with those big beautiful eyes. He would then pester Alia to video call him and show Raha. 

Post meeting, Alia walked out of her office to paps ready with their flashlight. They were always there. She smiled and got into her car. Through the ride, she responded to mails and checked notifications. "She did it again?" Alia smirked and looked out at the roads dizzying past her. 

It's been quite some time since the 'she-devil' of the industry kept hounding her and her family. It began worse post-2020 and they decided to keep silent and not give her the desired attention that she so desperately craves. Her films aren't working, so-called supporters turned their backs, no invitations, no bhaav. Someone in that psycho element would target the most softest and easiest one i.e ALIA. 

Alia believed in karma and that goodness will always triumph. This time she went a bit too ahead and called their marriage 'fake' and how things weren't good between the couple. None of it were true. But the audience may believe her like she would spew gospel truth. Alia rubbed her temples and looked forward to meeting her world. 

Upon reaching, she fastened her steps to reach home. "Rahuuu, Baby...I'm home." 

Ranbir was on the floor with Raha on his tummy, kissing his face, playing with his hair. It made her giggle and smile like none of the accusations meant anything. This was her reality, her home. Nobody had to guess or create rumours. She knew what was true and real. Her home was well protected and way beyond the murk that lies in the industry. 

"Look mumma is here." Raha quickly looked up to smile at Alia. Her precious smile brought tears to her mother's eyes. The world could go ugly but her precious child was everything pure and a reminder of how good can also exist in this bad shitty world. A world that makes no sense but utters nonsense. That accuses and prisons everyone but real criminals. 

Alia bent to pick her baby. She happily jumped into her arms. She pecked Raha everywhere and Ranbir watched them with his keen eyes. He could smell worry from six feet away. He was their family worry sensor. He would just knew what went wrong. Alia tried to not look at him. After playing for some time, she put Raha in her seat and proceeded to tidy their room. 

Ranbir quietly came from behind and hugged her. She melted into his scent, his strong embrace. He was her home all this while. Her true anchor. If she fell, he would catch. If she tripped, he would hold. If she broke, he would mend. Each other's fevi-stick, was their inner joke. 

"Kya huwa?" he asked. "The usual." 

"I saw it. You and I know what's true. How does somebody else's opinion change that? It has nothing to do with our joy or peace. We are happy, we are grateful. And we don't have to prove anything to anyone. As long as you and Raha are heathy and happy, I don't care what she or anyone has to say. They mean nothing to me." 

She smiled with her eyes closed, body cocooned in his huge form. 

"I love you my hot bodyguard!"

"I love you too my storm." 

And they laughed with Raha clapping in glee, knowing how things would be alright as long as they had each other. 

NOTE : Hi sweeties, I missed you! 

So quickly summing up updates from my side - I finished my Post graduate this month! May-July were so so hectic with dissertation, final exams and more. I took some break to recover and now will be back to studies for a major exam in Dec + work. 

Technically I won't be that free like before :( Can't believe adult life has struck me and how. I miss my old 11th/12th early fresher's wattpad days where I could write chapters every day, read as many WA stories I want, as silly as it gets and have all the time in the world to fantasize. Unfortunately, life goes on and you can't stay the same. Tbh I hate growing up, haha.

Y'all have been a huge part of my growth in life. Thank you for sticking so far. 

The Ranlia drought went too far this time + all the stupid rumours. I did this chapter to clear them out from my mind and yours. All's well in our hood <3 Karma will bite her one day and I hope to stay alive till then! Happiest to see my Ranlia fam at RRPK premiere...missed them so much! 

Birthday next weeeeek :) Not excited but still excited :D 

Big love and kisses. 

Jemi <3