The Forced Bride

AND THEY LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER

"And that's how your mommy was born," the old man said, grinning through his slightly wrinkled face. The small girl, lying down on her stomach, ran her fingers through the picture album. "Woah...Naani was so beautiful and you were so handsome back then, Naanu!" the girl said, hugging her grandfather by the neck. He chuckled and kissed her forehead.

"Yes, little Siya. Naanu is still so handsome, but look at your Naani-she's getting old," he said, referring to his wife who just happened to enter the room. She narrowed her eyes, turning them into slits as she gazed at her husband.

"You old man! What did you say?" she asked, glaring at him. He and his granddaughter burst into laughter, making the woman smile at them.

"No, no, Nanna butifool so butifool," another little toddler approached the old woman's legs and clutched them tightly. She giggled and bent down before taking him in her arms.

"See Mr mean Rajawat if you have your granddaughter's support, I have my grandson's back too" she grinned proudly. "Yeah yeah, whatever... And you come to me when you want to go out little devil" Anvay rolled his eyes and then pouted toward his grandson making Avantika chuckled "Okay grumpy all of you come outside your parents are calling you babies," she said softly looking at their seven grandchildren including Siya and her small brother Xevier.

"Nanna no no going back Xavi lob you," Xavier said making Avantika eyes soften "Yes Naani Naanu we don't want to go back" Arina mumbled sadly. Anvay ruffled her hair "Hey kiddos quit getting sad you all will again come back on winter vacation okay" They all nodded even though sadness was visible on their faces even their grandparents' hearts felt heavy to send them back.

Avantika held little Xavier in her arms and walked out where all the other family members were waiting. Soon after Anvay also came out holding a small infant sleeping in his arms. While the other five followed him behind. "Dad let me hold her" Lily, their younger daughter said he smiled and handed her Shruti, Lily's second baby.

"Naanu you told them everything but the real process of child making" Rivaan the eldest of all his grandchildren said giggling Anvay laughed "I know but your Nanna will beat the shit out of me" he whispered as if they were spies indulged in some important case solving.

"But Naanu you said mom was born because you showed Naani how much you love her so now you have to tell us Uncle Ritvik, Jaiveer, Aunt Lily story also did you again show Naani how much you love her?" Sierra asked there's this awkward silence filled the room before all the elders began laughing at their mom who was blushing.

Avantika glared at Anvay who just winked at her "Mom why don't you come with us to London" their elder daughter Riva asked as her husband nodded "Baby what will we do there this is our home we want to stay here in our remain old days peacefully and beside we don't want to be burden to any of you" she said with a weary smile "Mom are we burden to you when we were kids? When you carried us all in your womb?" Ritvik asked more like scolded his mom.

Anvay came by Avantika's side and wrapped his arms around her waist "We know you want us to come and live with you but children this is our home me and your mom shifted here just after Riva's birth and you all have spent your childhood and most of the life here this house hold so many memories for both me and your mom" Anvay explained they know he was right but not like they are forcing them it's just the children are worried about their parents and wants them to come and stay with them in their old age. But if this is what their parents wish for they will happily respect their decision.

After some time everyone bid their goodbye and just like all the times the huge mansion went silent once again.

Avantika watched her children's car disappearing from her sight and she felt Anvay rubbing circles on the side of her waist. "It's okay they'll be back next summer or probably in winters" he tried to assure her she knew they'll come back but it still stung there was a time when this huge mansion used to be filled with laughters and cries of their four children but today they have their own families to look after.