Only Hers || Starless Nights

Written by - Shwetank

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Swara woke him up with a peck on his cheek.

“Wake up, Sanskar.”

“Ummm.. just 5 minutes more.” Sanskar said with his eyes still closed.

“No, you've slept enough. Get up or Riya will be late for school. You've got only an hour to get her ready.” She said pulling Sanskar's blanket off him.

“Ok.” He tried to catch her but she pulled his nose and left.

“Com’on Riya. Get up.” He tried to wake Riya up who was still sleepy.

“Papa, isn't it Sunday?” Riya asked innocently rubbing her eyes.

“No baby, it's Friday. Now quickly get up.” Sanskar said as he folded Riya's blanket.

He got her teeth brushed, ironed her clothes, prepared breakfast and got Riya ready just in time and rushed towards the door.

“Have you kept her tiffin?” Swara called him from behind.

“Ohh. I forgot. How do you remind me everything just at the right time.” He said as he ran towards the kitchen to pick up the tiffin.

He quickly dropped Riya to her school and went to office.

That day again went busy for Sanskar. He could wrap up everything only by late evening.

“Papa!” Riya screamed as soon as he came from office.

She had been watching TV with her grandmother.

Sanskar kissed her and lifted her in his arms.

“How's my princess. What did you do the entire day?” He asked her while they sat down on the sofa.

“The teacher taught us a new poem today.” Riya said reciting the poem.

“Wow!! You’re quite intelligent. I've got chocolate for you. Go get them from my bag.”

Riya rushed towards the bag to get her chocolates.

Sanskar's mother was watching them and as he looked at her, he sensed her intention to start the same conversation again. Before he could leave to avoid it, his mother spoke.

“Son, why don't you marry again? It has been quite some time Swara left. I know you love her but just think about Riya. It’s also difficult for you to manage everything alone. I can't see you like this.” His mother sounded worried for both Sanskar and Riya.

“I am more than happy, Mom. I have no place for someone else in my life. Riya is enough to complete me. And I think Riya too dosen’t need anyone else.”

Saying this, he looked at Swara who was smiling from a distance.

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