Chapter 47

"Shreya, I want that one," Akira said pointing at the red pastry on the display. Shreya immediately ordered them.

This was the last day of Shreya's vacation as well as Akira's. Shreya should be at the office the next morning sharp at 8 am or else Akash was going to give her hell. So they decided to play it safe and stay near. They both loitered around in the house watching all sorts of animated movies from the morning.

At night, Charan asked them out for dinner but as always, he was running late. So to pass time Shreya brought Akira to a mall nearby. And of course, the mall had a cake shop that caught Akira's attention. SO they were now buying red velvet cheesecake. And Shreya being her did not really know how to say no to Akira. SO by the time Charan actually joined them, Shreya's hands were already full with all sort of assortment of bags.

Charan let out an exasperated sigh.

"What is all this??" He asked Shreya giving her a look. He had a premonition of what they were already, he just wanted to confirm to make sure.

"These… these are… um… They are… household goods. I needed something for my home. Yes, that is it." Shreya brightly lied through her teeth. Just that she was no good at hiding things. Charan could clearly see a tail hanging out a bag which he assumed is a bag full of plush toys.

This happened one time before. Both of them behaved like kids and bought all sorts of plush toys. Leave them at an aisle full of toys, they will end up feeding each other's crazy love for toys. Last time Shreya did this, she got an ear full from Charan saying she was spoiling Akira way too much. And of course, Akira's room was full of plush toys now. So much so that Akira's bed was not enough anymore.

Akira stealthily hid behind Shreya with just her eyes peeking out to meet her dad's eyes.

Seeing the two in front of him, he just shook his head and smiled resigned. He reached out and took the bags from Shreya and walked towards the food court.

Shreya and Akira gave a high-five before following Charan like a pair of obedient kids.

Shreya never went overboard with her spending. Especially given their difference in status, Charan always thought he would be left to drown in insecurities. But Shreya was actually very down to earth. Expect for her cars and her apartment, she actually did everything a normal person would do. Nobody will be able to believe that she is actually the richest person in the country seeing the way she dressed. She ate and shopped in normal places. She seemed to detest luxury places and products. She will let Charan pay too whenever they ate out alternatively. So Charan pretty much forgot about their difference in status.

The only place she did not have control is when it came to Akira. When Akira asked for something, Shreya somehow seemed to not know how to say 'no'. Charan did not know how bad it is going to get but as for now, things were harmless. So he let it pass.

But more than that. He knew his own daughter. He knew that Akira is sensible. This is why when they reached home after dinner that day, Charan went to her daughter's room for a chat.

Akira sat on the bed with her head hung low.

"I won't ask Shreya for toys anymore. I promise." Akira said before Charan could even say anything.

Charan smiled at her. He went and sat beside her.

"It's okay. You can go do whatever you like with Shreya. I can see that it is not just you but it also makes Shreya happy when you ask for something. Just remember when to stop okay? If you really want something, you should work for it. And when someone gives it to you, remember to be grateful. You can be spoilt just don't become a spoilt brat." Charan explained softly tucking a few stray hairs behind her ears.

Akira nodded her head solemnly giving her dad a bright smile.

"But I wanted to actually talk to you about something else…" Charan started and paused looking at Akira.

Akira blinked at her dad but patiently waited for him to continue.

"Why did you stop talking about your mum??" Charan asked cutting to the chase. It was not just now. He had always been this straight forward to her. He always told her what was what and brought her up. He never hid anything from Akira or beat around the bush. And he was not about to change that now.

Akira widened her eyes and they hurriedly darted towards her dad. She just stared at him for a while without saying anything.

"It's okay, baby. You can tell me." Charan encouraged softly. But Akira did not talk even then. So he asked, "Did I do or say something?? It's because of something that happened that day right?? The day you drew our family picture??"

Akira immediately shook her head vigorously going pale.

Charan took a deep breath and scooped her into his laps. He sat her down on his embrace tightly comforting her. Trying to give her a sense of security. And it worked too. After a long time, Akira started talking slowly…

"That day… You… you cried so much and… and said you miss mum soo much that you wished you could be with her…" She blurted out stammering.

Charan immediately understood what he had done. He knew kids take things literally but he did not think it is going to be this literal. He hugged her tightly and said in a very serious voice, "I do miss her baby. But remember, I am going to do my damnest to be with you as long as I possibly can. I promise okay? Sorry, I scared you that day. I am so sorry baby."

Akira did not say anything. She just buried her small face into her chest and circled her arms around him tightly.

"I'm not going to leave you, baby. That day, I did not mean to say that I was going to leave you behind. I was just sad that I can't be with mom." Charan softly spoke reassuring her. After all, Akira's insecurities had built up through the years. He knew he can't make everything right with this conversation but he is going try his best to make it count.

He also knows he won't ever be able to eradicate her insecurities all together. Because, to Akira, leaving is not just leaving anymore. She got to know the true meaning of leaving permanently a little too early. So all he could do was make up as much as he possibly could.

"Good night baby. I love you. I am so proud of you." Charan said and gave her a chaste kiss over her head. He tucked on her blankets one last time and exited the room.