Watching Myra curled in Maithili’s lap, giggling, feeding her forkfuls of pasta, her small fingers brushing against Maithili’s hand with so much ease it made me feel like the happiest man alive.

I had always known Maithili was ready to love Myra. But somewhere deep within me, hidden behind reason and optimism, there had been a quiet doubt an unspoken fear. Could she give Myra the love a mother would? The kind of unconditional, patient, enduring love that Myra deserved?

And then today happened.

The way Maithili responded to Myra's hesitant glances, the way she listened to that innocent pointed questions from Kairav and Myra with grace and heart, the way she held Myra close when she called her “Mumma” … In that moment, all my doubts disappeared. Just like that. Vanished into thin air.

I realized then truly realized that I hadn’t just made a good choice. I had made the right one. For Myra. For me. For us.

I clicked a picture of them together Maithili feeding Myra, Myra laughing, both lost in their little bubble. But that photo wasn't just in my phone. I had etched it into my heart, into the part of me that would replay this moment for years to come. A snapshot of peace. Of home.

After lunch, when Ruchi sent the kids off to play and asked when we were going to make things official with our parents. I was silent but Maithili surprised me she said she planned to tell her mother tonight.

My heart stuttered, not out of fear, but because… I wasn’t ready for her to make the announcement. Not yet. I had something in mind. A plan. Just a little more time.

“Could we wait… just one more day?” I asked her.

She looked at me, confused, questioning. But then, like always, she trusted me. She didn’t argue. She simply nodded.

“As you wish,” she said.

And just like that, I knew with more certainty than ever I was building my future with someone who felt like home.

After lunch, Kaushik, Vikrant, and Ruchi, with little Kairav in tow, bid their goodbyes. They had welcomed Maithili with open hearts. No hesitations. No glances exchanged in quiet judgment. Just warmth. Just acceptance. Now, it was just us. Me, Maithili, and Myra.

“Papa, ice cream?” Myra’s voice rang out as she tugged at my sleeve, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I narrowed my eyes playfully. “Didn’t you have one just yesterday?”

“Just one, Papa,” she pleaded. “We need to celebrate… with Mamma,” she added, turning those innocent eyes toward Maithili and turning her charm up another level. “Mamma… just one?”

Maithili glanced at me, trying to contain a smile. “Just one, Abhiram. Even I want one.”

I leaned closer and whispered, “You need to start being strict. If you melt every time she gives you those puppy eyes, she’ll use it on you for life.”

Maithili chuckled, nudging my arm. “How do you say no to that face?”

“I’ve had to learn,” I said, grinning.

“Fine,” she laughed. “But for now, bring the ice cream. I’ll learn later.”

As I placed the order. We sat together, Myra happily bouncing between us, a melting cup of chocolate ice-cream in one hand, a spoon in the other. She fed both of us tiny spoonful’s, delighting in being the boss of our little party. It felt… like home.

And just like that, time moved again.

Maithili stood, brushing her hands. “Okay, Abhiram. Time to leave.”

Myra stopped mid-bounce.

“Mamma you’re… leaving?” Her voice trembled slightly, her spoon forgotten.

Maithili knelt. “Yes, baby. But I’ll see you again soon.”

Myra didn’t look convinced. She stood up slowly, frowning. “But… all mothers stay in the same house with their children. How can you leave?”

Her voice was quiet, but the words hit like thunder. I felt something tighten in my chest.

I met Maithili’s gaze—she was as stunned as I was.

“Myra, princess,” I said gently, kneeling to her level, “Maithili will come. Just not today.”

“But why not today, Papa?” Her voice cracked. “I want Mamma with me…”

I looked at Myra, her tiny fingers still clutching the edge of my shirt, her eyes searching mine with that unfiltered curiosity only a child carries. I bent down, scooping her into my arms, and gently carried her a little distance away from the others.

Once we were alone, I whispered, “Myra, this is our little secret, okay? Just between you and me. You can’t tell Mamma yet.”

Her eyes widened. “Secret?” she whispered back, already intrigued.

I smiled. “Pinky promise?”

She quickly held out her small hand and locked her Pinky finger with mine. “Pinky promise, Papa.”

I nodded and leaned in closer. “We’re going to plan a surprise for Mamma. A special welcome. We should bring Mamma home with a big celebration, right?”

Her face lit up like a thousand fairy lights. “Yes! A big party like my birthday party!”

“Exactly,” I said, smiling at her excitement. “We can’t take her home just like that, right. We must do it properly—with gifts, decorations, everything. Let’s make it grand. So, for that, we need to let her go today… just for a little while. Then we’ll bring her home with a big surprise. What do you say?”

She squealed, clapping her hands. “Yayy! Yes, Papa! I will decorate everything with balloons and we will bring a big cake for mamma with many candles!”

I laughed softly, overwhelmed by her joy.

I looked at Maithili, who was watching us with curious eyes, a soft question lingering in her gaze. Myra nestled in my arms, still bubbling with excitement from our secret plan. We walked up to Maithili.

I looked at Myra and said gently, “Okay, princess, give Mamma a big hug and say goodbye with a smile, hmm?”

Without a second’s hesitation, Myra leaned forward, wrapping her little arms tightly around Maithili. “Bye, Mamma!” she chirped, waving enthusiastically as she stepped back.

Maithili smiled; a bit surprised by the sudden shift in mood. She waved back and said, “Bye, baby.”

Then, her eyes moved to me, narrowing slightly with playful suspicion. She leaned in and whispered, “What did you tell her? Her mood did a full 360 suddenly.”

I chuckled, keeping my expression light. “Nothing,” I said with a shrug, clearly not giving anything away.

Maithili arched a brow but didn’t press further. She smiled, gave us one last wave, and got into her car.

I stood there, Myra’s hand in mine, as we both watched the car drive off until it disappeared down the street.

Soon we reached home. I spotted my parents relaxing in the living room, chatting quietly. As soon as we stepped inside, Myra darted ahead.

“Dadu! Dadi!” she squealed, running into my father's arms.

He scooped her up with a laugh, placing her on his lap. “So, how did my little princess enjoy lunch with her Papa today?” he asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

As I sat comfortably on the sofa, drinking a glass of water, Myra cheerfully announced, "I had a wonderful time, Daddu! And I also had ice cream with Mamma!"

I choked mid-sip.

My parents froze for a second, both turning to look at me with wide eyes, then at Myra.

“You enjoyed with... Mamma?” my mother asked slowly, her voice laced with curiosity.

I sighed inwardly. Of course, I forgot to tell Myra not to mention anything to her grandparents. My plans had been so carefully set: propose to Maithili first, then talk to both sets of parents together. But with my daughter? That excitement is uncontainable.

Before I could recover, Myra doubled down. “Dadu, you know Papa and I planned a grand welcome for Mamma! It’s a secret surprise. Don’t tell Mamma, okay?”

She grinned and darted off before I could stop her. “I need to make a welcome card for Mamma!” she called out, disappearing down the hallway.

I groaned. Traitor. She spilled everything and vanished before I could even blink.

My mother looked at me, eyebrows raised. “Abhi… who is Myra talking about?”

I rubbed my face “She’s talking about Maithili, Ma.”

Both my parents blinked and then their faces lit up like Diwali lamps. My mother practically beamed, while my father’s smile stretched from ear to ear.

“You didn’t tell us!” Ma said, a playful scolding in her tone. “We’ve been asking you every day!”

I nodded, trying to explain. “Ma, we wanted to be sure first. I wanted Maithili and Myra to meet, to connect naturally. I needed to see if Myra could accept her... not just like someone new, but as her mother. And she did far beyond what I ever expected.

My mother came over and hugged me tightly, her voice soft. “You’ve made me so happy, Abhi. So happy.”

I smiled, feeling the weight of her words settle in my chest.

She pulled back, already reaching for her phone. “I’ll call Poornima and share the good news—she’s been waiting for this day too!”

“Ma, wait!” I interrupted quickly. “I just told Maithili not to say anything to her mother yet. I wanted to propose to her properly first, then tell everyone together.”

My mother’s hand hovered mid-dial.

I continued, “But thanks to our overexcited little spy, that plan’s gone out the window.”

My father chuckled heartily. “Well, in her defense, she’s clearly thrilled to welcome her Mamma, Abhi.”

My mother grinned, dialing anyway. “So what? Your daughter just did the hard part for you. Now you go make it official. Today. We’ll all go together. You surprise her. Propose.”

“Ma, Ma! Hold on!” I tried to protest.

But my mother wasn’t listening anymore. She was already dialling Richa, grinning from ear to ear.

I sat quietly, listening to Richa and Ma already deep in planning something over the phone. Their voices bounced with excitement. My father leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile on his face.

“Are you tense, my boy?” he asked with a chuckle.

I sighed. “I just wish Ma would slow down, Papa. She’s planning everything way too fast.”

He laughed softly, patting my shoulder. “She’s been waiting for this moment for a long time, Abhi. You know how hard it is to stop your Ma when she’s excited. Just… deal with it.”

I couldn't help but laugh at his calm acceptance.

My mother ended the call and turned to me triumphantly. “Abhi, I’ve decided. I’m going to speak with Maithili’s mother, Swapna ji. I already told Poornima about your proposal plan. They were very excited.”

I rubbed my forehead. “But Ma, isn’t this rushing it? Can’t we take it a little slow?”

She shrugged. “What’s there to wait for when you both already know you want to spend your lives together? Good things shouldn’t be delayed, Abhi.”

Before I could respond, she added, “Now come on. We’re going shopping. You need to buy a ring for Maithili. According to our traditions, I need to select some jewellery for my future daughter-in-law. Richa, Kaushik, and Vikrant will be joining us.

I sighed again and leaned toward my father, whispering, “Papa… I wanted this proposal to be private. Personal. Just between me and her.”

He grinned. “Then you clearly forgot how expressive your daughter is. You should’ve told Myra it was a secret. You do know she can’t hold in excitement, right?”

I groaned, nodding. “I forgot.”

“It’s okay,” he said, clapping me gently on the back. “You can still propose privately. We’ll all step aside when it’s time.”

I smiled.  Just then, Ma got up and called out, “Abhi, get ready we need to leave now. I spoke to Sushma ji. She’s thrilled and agreed to keep it a surprise from Maithili.”

I nodded as Myra came running in. “Where are we going, Dadi?”

“To buy your Mamma a gift!” my mother said, her eyes twinkling.

“Even I can buy one?” Myra asked eagerly.

“Of course you can, sweetheart,” Ma replied, ruffling her hair.

We soon drove to the Jewellery store, with me driving, my father next to me, and Ma and Myra chatting in the back.

Plans had changed, yes—but maybe, just maybe, this chaos was exactly what made our lives so beautiful.

We reached the jewelry store, and as expected, Richa, Vikrant, and Kaushik were already waiting—little Kairav in tow. The moment we stepped inside, Myra and Kairav dashed ahead excitedly.

“Myra, slow down!” I called out, shaking my head with a smile.

The store manager welcomed us warmly and said, “Hello, sir. Please, we’ve arranged a private area for you.”

Before I could respond, Ma interjected, “No need! We’ll select jewelry here.” Then she leaned toward Richa and whispered, “How can I enjoy shopping locked in a room? I want to choose something special for my would-be daughter-in-law—with no compromise.”

I chuckled and told the manager we’d manage on our own.

We took our seats as Ma requested, “Please bring all the ring designs you have.” The manager nodded and disappeared.

Ruchi teased, “Abhi, you know her ring size, right?”

I sighed, knowing the teasing wouldn’t stop anytime soon.

Soon, trays of rings were laid out in front of us. My eyes scanned through each one until a particular designer diamond ring caught my attention. It was elegant, unique. The moment I saw it, I could picture it perfectly on Maithili’s finger. I knew, deep down, this was her ring.

I picked it up, admiring the design.

Myra, sitting beside me, leaned in and asked, “Papa, is this for Mamma?”

I nodded. “Yes, sweetheart. How is it?”

She nodded approvingly. “It’s nice.” Then, after a pause, she looked at me with those curious eyes and said, “She will wear your ring, Papa?”

Before I could answer, Vikrant chimed in with a grin, “Yes, Myra. That’s how everyone will know your Papa is your Mamma’s husband.”

I smiled. But Myra wasn’t done.

“Then even I want to buy a ring for Mamma,” she said seriously. “Everyone should know I’m her daughter too, right Papa?”

We all burst into laughter, warmth filling the room.

“Absolutely right, baby,” I said, ruffling her hair. “You can buy anything you want for your Mamma.”

Myra scanned the display with utmost focus, then pointed suddenly. “That rose ring, Papa!”

The manager brought it over immediately. I held it in my hand—it was beautiful. A delicate rose design in gold and pink stones.

Richa beamed. “Wow, Myra! It’s a rose. So pretty!”

Myra nodded proudly. “It’s perfect for Mamma. She’s soft like a rose... and she smells like one too.”

Her words caught me off guard. I looked at her—then the ring—then back, remembering those subtle moments. The softness of Maithili’s hand in that brief handshake... her floral perfume… It was like a rose.

Myra tugged my sleeve. “Papa, how is it?”

I smiled. “It’s beautiful, baby. Just like you,” I said, kissing her forehead.

I looked at the manager. “Please pack both rings.”

Meanwhile, Ma had found a stunning diamond and emerald necklace. “This is the one,” she said proudly. “A gift from us to Maithili—to make it official.”

With everything packed, we got into the car and headed to Maithili’s house.

As I drove, emotions swirled within me—anticipation, nervousness, excitement. I felt like a teenager again, about to propose to his first crush. But this time, it was deeper. It was responsibility, and a quiet dream coming true all at once.