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harinishivaa · 9 months

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Of Babies, Cookies and Love

@yehsahihai and I are back with yet another collab! It is SUPER LONG, so enjooooyyyyyy.

Arun- Arulmozhi Varman

Kshithija- Vanathi

****

“We really should do something about it, shouldn’t we?” Aditya asked Nandhini, who was playing with their daughter Srija. “They helped us get ourselves together and understand that we really want each other.”

Nandhini briefly paused, wondering for a second whom he was referring to before wincing slightly and saying, “I’d say we should, but I am seriously considering if it is worth the headache we will have to go through to get them together.”

“Areyy-”

Aditya was interrupted from finishing the rest of his statement as his nine month old daughter loudly squealed in joy as her mother’s fingers found a particularly ticklish spot on her stomach. He stopped, admiring her rosy cheeks and dark eyes, the latter inherited from him, the shape round and wide like her mother’s.

He did not realize his wife now smirking at him, her expression one of amusement.

“You were saying, Adi?”

“Nandhu, come on. They need to be together. It is tiring even the parents on both sides out, and Kaveri has already planned half of Thija’s baby shower by now.”

Nandhini waved him off, as she said, “Please. I’ve got a whole binder of their wedding arrangements planned, plus her bridal trousseau and his too.”

Aditya laughed as he heard his Nandhini say that, before realising that she was in fact not laughing. “Wait, you’re serious?”

She nodded in affirmation.

“Oh wow… I may have a bachelor party trip planned for Arun, like Zindagi Na Milenge Dobaara,” he said, half sheepish but not really sorry.

She rolled her eyes, but smiled, giving away the fondness she felt. She knew he would! Plus Deva had helped.

“We really do need to get them together don’t we?”

Aditya grinned as he recognised the glint in her eyes, Scooching to be closer to her. “What are you thinking?”

***

“Arun please. You know I wouldn’t call you for this unless it was really an emergency.”

“Anna, you know that I work late on Fridays na? Then why?”

“Arun please. Plus you can work from here right?”

Arun groaned as his anna kept persisting, wondering if it would be too rude to just cut the call right there.

“Anna-”

“Thija will be there as well.”

Arun stilled instantly as he heard that, internally cursing his anna for being so perceptive. He knew that whatever he had been feeling for her for a while now was more than just friendship, but the fact that even Aditya anna and Kaveri akka had picked up on it……

He was beginning to think he was a terrible actor.

Snappily he asked, “Why does that matter?”

Aditya grinned at the phone, easily picturing his brother’s disgruntled expression and blush that seemed to spring up whenever Thija was mentioned.

“Oh it doesn’t. I’m just saying it because she can help you so you don’t have to worry so much about looking after Sri through the night.”

Arun huffed, before giving in, realizing it was a lost cause. Plus he did love his niece the most, and so did she, despite whatever akka might say.

“Fine. But you owe me for this. Big time.”

“Whatever you say, kuzhandhai,” Aditya teased, cutting the call thankfully. Arun sighed. Srija and Thija in one night?

How could he even think of work?

He called his secretary, asking him to cancel all his work for the evening. He should groom a little before going.

****1

Kshithija had been called by Nandhini to babysit her god daughter Srija, the light of her life. She would be spending time with Arun too, for they had been asked together, for some reason. Not that she minded.

Arun was one of her best friends, and she loved being around him. She tried not to name the butterflies that danced in her every time he was mentioned around her, every time she thought of him, or any time he was as much in her vicinity. He was her best friend’s brother, her other best friend, and it was not done by girl code. Though Kavi had been pushing her towards Arun often, now that she thought of it.

She should not be thinking about this, but here she was.

Logically she knew that asking him out was the next step. She also knew however, that if he did not return her feelings, she would be left feeling terrible which would then make him feel terrible which would then mean..

Ughh, it was too much to think of. It would be a cycle of misery for both if he rejected her.

She parked her car, turning it off and grabbing the cookies she had baked for Aditya, Nandhini and Arun.

Maybe they could share it as dessert.

Arun’s car was already there. Damn it, now she had no time to prepare herself. She knew he worked longer hours on Fridays, so that he could take Saturday off, and had planned accordingly, but now…

She immediately smiled as she saw Nandhini and Aditya exit their home, knowing how rare it was that they got to go out these days, with Sri being so young.

Nanadhini reached her first, immediately pulling her into a hug, followed by Aditya.

“Well, you look nice”, Naadhini said, giving a once over to Thija who immediately felt a blush rose as she realised what was being implied.

“Oh shush”, she retorted. “I should be saying that to you.”

Aditya’s grin widened as he saw the box in Thija’s hands, as he asked, “Are those cookies?”

She nodded, prompting an exchange of very suspicious looking grins from the couple in front of her.

“What?”, she asked defensively.

“Nothing, nothing. Arun is already inside, so if you need anything he’ll be there ok? Bye”, Nadhini threw over her shoulder as she walked with Aditya towards their car, still grinning in that all too suspicious manner.

Did they suspect her feelings for Arun?

Her cheeks turned red at the very thought. Shaking it off, she walked into their house, closing and locking the door, knowing that both had their keys on them. Slipping off her footwear, she checked herself in the hallway mirror and took a deep breath.

“He is your best friend, Thiju,” she whispered to herself, before walking to the living room, where she was sure Arun would be with Srija.

“Hey you…” she paused at the entrance of the living room, her breath completely knocked out of her chest. Her eyes could only gaze in pure love and adoration at the blissful sight in front of her. Arun sat on the floor, his knees propped up, Srija cradled there, his two hands holding on to his niece incredibly tenderly. He had gotten rid of his shirt, now only in a black vest and jeans, his strong, well built arms flexing with the amount of control he was applying, something he made look easy. He was pressing his forehead to Srija’s, whispering to her in a baby voice, random nonsense that somehow made sense to him and Srija.

Oh…

Oh my…

Ishvara!

She was completely head over heels in love with him, wasn’t she?

She could feel her body tremble with the fever of sudden realization, and her mind spun wild images of him with their child; what a doting father he would be. Her lips parted in surprise at her thoughts, as she forced them down, Arun looking at her that exact moment, a smile brighter than the morning sun spreading across his ethereally handsome face.

Arun knew of course. Somehow it was like he’d developed a sixth sense for her. He knew when she had walked in, and he had felt her gaze piercing him, setting off a low heat that spread through his body, somehow managing to relax him and give him jitters simultaneously.

“Arun,” Kshithija said, her voice breathy, filling him with thoughts of her breathing his name in gasps and moans.

“Thiju, there you are,” he turned to his niece, focusing on her sweet eyes, saying in a baby voice, “See, your Kshithija Chitti is also here!”

Srija seemed to understand, for she immediately clapped her hands as best as she could, squealing happily.

“I am here, chellame,” Kshithija went into Chitti mode, cooing and keeping the box in her hand on the coffee table before scooping Srija up, her hair brushing against Arun’s forearm unplanned.

Arun stilled ever so slightly at her touch. Damn his heart for doing all sorts of gymnastics around her. And why did she have to be so heart-wrenchingly lovely that he couldn’t even look away for a second?

He continued to take her in, a flood of emotions and feelings overtaking him as he saw her with Srija in her arms, spinning her around and laughing. Truly, if he could bottle her laugh, he knew he’d be intoxicated for the rest of his life.

The urge to wrap his arms around her waist and play with Srija along with her was filling his eyes and mind, hurting his heart with just how much he wanted that.

Wanted her.

Would she be his if he asked her this very second? Would she let him date her? Take her for street food festivals, long beach walks and drives, take her to exotic places around the world. Would she let him hold her hand every day, cook for her, press her feet when she is tired?

Thija glanced over at him at that moment, raising her brows as though to ask, “What’s wrong?” causing him to quickly shake his head and flash a small smile at her.

She walked over to him, making him crane his neck in order to see her properly, breath catching as he saw her ginning down at him.

“Hi”

“Hey”, he said, playing along.

“What happened? You zoned out just now. I saw it. Work?”

“No no. I am not working more for the day,” he said softly, tracing her lovely face with his eyes, like a man parched without water.

“Hmm, in that case help me out. There’s cookies in that box and-

“There’s COOKIES?”

Thija startled slightly, not expecting the reaction from Arun. Slightly bemused at his sheepish expression she continued, “Yes there’s cookies and they need to go in the fridge.”

“Can I have one?” he asked her hopefully, flashing his famous puppy eyes at her, though they rarely worked on her, for some reason. That very thought made him pout.

“Only one, Run. The rest is for post dinner,” she laughed sweetly when he hurried to take one.

“Ok but, consider-”

“No. Honestly, one would think you’ve never had sweets the way you pounce on them the moment they’re within reach.”

“But you always make the best desserts”, he partially whined, turning the puppy eyes to max. She remained unmoving.

“Still no. Go put them in the fridge. And I know how many there are in the box by the way”, she called out as he huffed and walked away with the box. “So don’t even think of sneaking one.”

He placed the box in the fridge, smiling at how well she knew him, and how much she accepted her rights over him. Would she not take it romantically too?

He walked back outside, melting at the sight of Kshithija still cooing at Srija, who was watching the former with wide, happy eyes, squealing when she saw him.

“Want Chittappa, my darling?” he cooed, taking her from Thija’s arms, but purposely touching the latter’s palms fully. He tried not to smirk at the gasp she let out, glad that he did have that effect on her.

Kshithija blushed, his touch sending sparks through her. It was almost like he knew… she paused. Wait… he was not the kind to do something like this unless… HE KNEW!

Of her feelings.

And he is not the kind to tease a woman like that if they had feelings for him, except if… he too felt something for her… He liked her too?

Hope bloomed within her when she realized that he too felt something for her… could they then build something together?

“Thiju? Thij? Are you okay?” he called out. She came back to reality, looking at him, taking in his concerned eyes.

“I am Run. I am,” she allowed her affection to peek out in her tone and gaze.

He nodded, though still seemed skeptical. “Well, what should we do?”

Srija took that moment to grab his hair, yanking at it with all the strength in her body, causing his to wince in pain as he muttered, “Ow, ow, Sri no! We’ve talked about this. You do not- OW!”

Thija burst out laughing at the sight of Arun, now flailing about trying to get a baby to leave his precious hair.

“Oh I’m glad you find this amusing”, he almost growled at her, trying to gently pry her hands away. To her credit she did not budge, latching on tighter. Arun was sure she had pulled out his hair at this point. The thought almost made him weep. His hair had taken so long to grow and he took such good care of it to make it look good. Plus he had put in extra effort today for Thija and here his own niece, his flesh and blood was ruining it.

Kshithija laughed, gently reaching up to remove Srija’s hand from his hair, trying not to sigh in contentment at how luscious and soft his hair was. She really wanted to run her hand through his thick curls. How delightful it would be!

“Thank you, Thiju,” he smiled at her, his heart beating fast. Would she not rake her hand through his curls and soothe him after long days of work?

“You’re welcome”, she said, softly, trying to cover her blush at their proximity. Clearing her throat she stepped back, looking at the now-fussy Srija who seemed extremely upset at not having her uncle’s hair to yank on anymore.

“I-uh. I’m gonna go heat up her milk bottle. Then we can bathe her and put her to bed”

She began to walk over to the kitchen, before realising Arunw as following her. Whirling around she asked, “Arun, what-”

The words dying down as she saw a very sheepish Arun, holding Srija who seemed to be holding the end of her dupatta.

“She just grabbed on, and I didn’t want her to cry, so…”

She stared for a beat longer before shaking her head and gently prying it away from Srija’s hands, who immediately began to pout as her eyes filled with tears.

Arun quickly exchanged panicked glances with Thija who seemed to have frozen as she realised that a tantrum was well on its way.

“Do something!”

“Me? You’re the one who took the dupatta from her. You do something!”

“I’m heating up her milk! She’s in your arms, ergo your responsibility.”

“Did you seriously just use ergo in a conversation?”

Srija took that moment to let out a wail, causing both of them to flinch. Fixing him with a galre that screamed, “Fix this”, Thija turned to look for her bottle.

He hummed softly to Srija, rocking her in his arms.

“Chitti is making food for you, see,” he said in a cute voice. “Please don’t cry chellame.”

Srija continued wailing, and he looked desperate. Smirking when Thija turned, he grabbed the end of her dupatta, giving it to Srija, who stopped crying.

“Run!”

“Yes Thiju?” he said innocently, laughing when she glared at him, though the smile on her lips gave her real thoughts away.

“I cannot have her fiddling with my clothes and work near the stove at the same time. Take her away.”

This was apparently the wrong thing to say because she burst out crying even louder than before causing Arun to glare at Thija.

“Now look what you’ve done.

“M-Me? YOU GAVE HER MY DUPATTA! This is on you!”

“Can we please deal with the crying child first!?”

“You”, she said poking a finger into his chest. “You are dealing with the child.”

He shot a glare at her, before maneuvering Srija to rest her head on his shoulder as he began to softly pat her back. Pacing the kitchen he quietly began to hum, relief settling in as he realised she had quietened.

“Manikkam katti, vairam idai katti, aani ponnal seidha vana siru thottil,” he started singing the Pasuram, which he knew his niece loved listening to.

Kshithija almost froze as she cooled down the milk. His voice… oh his baritone had become smooth like butter, silky in texture, pure love and reverence abundant in the tone, as he sang to calm his niece down. Oh, how his voice made her want to rock against her feet and fall into his arms, sleep on his chest as they cuddled up to Srija together, holding their niece and each other to sleep…

“My sweet girl, see, your milk is ready,” said Thija softly, going close and feeding Srija, the little one refusing to leave her rest.

Srija promptly turned her head away, refusing to look at Thija, prompting Arun to stifle a snort.

“Looks like someone’s upset.”

“Mannupugazh kosalai than, mani vayiru vaaithavane,” Kshithija sang, ignoring Arun, knowing her niece always came around to this song.

Arun felt time slow down as he heard the melody leave her lips. How was it possible that he had never heard her sing before? How could he have missed this? Her voice seemed to comprise the sunlight itself, his heart being doubly fast the longer he let it linger in his mind. For one moment he pictured it; A time in the future when they would share the same space, lying on their bed, her singing as he held their child. It was overwhelming in the best of ways.

Kshithija sang to her niece, who finished her milk, Arun burping her gently on instinct alone, still lost in Kshithija.

“Run? Arun?”

Her call of his name brought him back to reality.

“Shall we bathe her and put her to sleep?”

H nodded, lifting Srija up in the air as she giggled and said, “Let’s go bathe you challeame”

Srija, in fact, did not want to take a bath. No she wanted a water fight. The floor of the bathroom was completely wet, Arun’s hair was dripping water, and his clothes were in a similar state. How could one child cause so much havoc was beyond him. Thija was in a similar state, although she seemed to be enjoying it just as much as the little demoness currently splashing about in her little tub.

“You”, he said pointing to Srija, who looked up with an expression of perfect innocence, “Are a menace.”

Thija laughed, a clear bright sound that enchanted him every time, as she responded, “Please. You love her.”

“That does not mean that she is not a menace,” he laughed.

“True”, she answered as she picked up a squirming Srija, and swaddled her, bumping their noses together as Arun felt his heart grow two sizes too big for his ribcage.

Taking her to her nursery, they quickly dressed her despite her incessant wriggling; Thija couldn’t help feeling as though something was fundamentally shifting between them the longer they stood there, near each other, working seamlessly. Could this be her future? Their future one day?

“Doing up the last button on her onesie, Thija suddenly realised something, turning to face Arun who had already turned towards her. Their foreheads collided, as she winced from the impact, muttering “Ow, ow, ow.”

“Oh gods. Are you ok? Let me see”, came Arun’s slightly panicked voice.

Waving his hand away she replied, “I’m fine, I’m good. I just realised, now we actually have to get her to-”

The words faded as Arun's hand made its way to cup her face, looking at her with an odd intensity in his eyes, causing an instant blush to appear on her face.

“Ar-Arun? What are- What are you doing?” she stuttered as he brought his face closer. He wasn’t going to-

Gently, she felt him bumping his forehead to hers, still staring at her as he whispered, “We’ll grow horns if it only happens once.”

Shaking her head slightly, giddy from his proximity she replied, “You’re such a child.”

Arun grinned as he fired back, “Please. You love me.”

If only he knew how true it actually was. Feeling her blush intensifying she retorted, “In your dreams Arun.”

“Always,” he whispered.

“I am sorry?” Kshitija blinked. Had he just said always?

“Nothing Thiju, nothing,” he lingered with the touch before moving away reluctantly.

“Arun,...”

“Come, let us get her to sleep.”

Srija was out like a light, ten minutes later. Sighing in relief, they made their way out of her room, tiptoeing in order to not alert her of their absence. Quietly shutting the door behind him Arun turned to look at Thija who had collapsed on the sofa, turning to look at him with a tired smile on her face. He made his way over to her, poking her side to let her make space for him, prompting a halfhearted glare from her. Settling down he said, “I don’t know how they do it everyday. I’m exhausted and it’s only been a few hours.”

“I think when it’s about your own child you don’t think about the effort. Just about the happiness that comes with it.”

Arun hummed, throwing his head back in a similar fashion to rest, as Thija cracked open an eye to look at him.

“Arun. Run. Oye, listen.”

“What?”

“Your clothes. They’re wet. You should change out of them before you catch a cold.”

He got up, grumbling as he realised she was right. Looking over at her kurta, though he had been trying very hard not to, he said, “So should you. I think you got a worse treatment than me.”

“I know. But I genuinely don’t think I can rifle through Nandhini’s closet and try to figure out what I can wear.”

Arun grinned as he got up, telling her, “Wait here.”

Walking into the spare room, that had practically become his with the number of times he stayed over, he looked through the drawers, grinning when he found it. Walking out, he shook Thija gently, feeling his heart melt as she sleepily looked at him.

“Here. I left it here the last time and didn’t take it back, so…….”

Grinning, Thija took the hoodie from him, craning her neck to look at him, feeling the butterflies erupt at his gesture.

“You know if I take this, you won’t get it back right?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“You sure?” asked Thija. “I have seen you wear this exact hoodie many times, Run.”

‘That is why I want you to wear it,’ he thought, but out loud, said, “Thiju, wear it, please. It is fine.”

Nodding, she got off the couch, taking the hoodie from his hands, breath hitching as their fingers grazed each other. Walking into the room, she quickly shrugged off her kurta, grabbing a towel to dry herself off before slipping the hoodie on. A wave of instant warmth hit her, as she took in a deep breath, noticing how much bigger it was on her. She was reminded of the warmth and comfort of being under a warm blanket during the rains, as she buried her face in the hem of the hoodie noting how it distinctly smelled of his cologne.

“I am so far gone”, she thought as she walked out, closing the door only to look up and see Arun staring at her, the same intensity from earlier returning to his eyes.

By Ishvara, had he done the right thing?

She looked like she was his in his hoodie, and he just… wanted to gather her in his arms and kiss her beautiful face, hold her and never let her go. It was as if he had laid a claim on her with her use of his favourite hoodie.

How could words do justice to the beauty she showcased in that moment? With loose hair, a pair of palazzo pants, and his hoodie, she looked homey, cozy and comfortable- a combination that made him feel home, the blush on her face giving him sudden hope.

Maybe…

Should he ask her out?

Clearing her throat to ease the sudden tension that was building up, she asked, “Do you- Do you want to eat dinner now? Or the cookies?”

Raising one eyebrow at her, Arun teased, “Are you suggesting we eat dessert for dinner Thiju?”

Goodness, the blush was becoming a permanent fixture on her face at this rate. Pulling herself up she retorted, “If you don’t want to Arun that’s fine. More for me.”

He stared for a beat, then another, then

“ME FIRST”

“NO WAY”

Scrambling their way to the kitchen, the skidded to a stop in front of the fridge, reaching for the box at the same time. Glaring at him she tugged the box towards her, announcing, “I made them so I get them.”

Unrelenting he tugged it back, scowling as he said, “Given that I reached it first, I get it.”

“No way.”

“Yes way.”

She narrowed her eyes at him for a second, suddenly darting her hand out to tickle his side, knowing exactly his weak spots after years of friendship. Yelping he quickly swatted her hand away leaving the box free to be wrenched out of his grasp.

“YESSSSS!”

Arun’s mouth fell open as he realised exactly what she’d done. Walking over to her, he quickly spun her around, pleased at the little gasp she let out as he bent to lift her in his arms.

“Arun, this is not funny! PUT ME DOWN”

“Give me the box and I will.”

She spluttered for a moment, giving him enough time to note how perfectly she fit against him.

“Absolutely not.”

He shrugged, saying “Fine. Then I’ll just-

Feinting dropping her, he let out a low grunt as her free arm came to wrap around is neck, fingers digging into the skin most likely leaving a mark. Not that he was complaining.

“Fine, fine”, she gasped out. “We’ll split. 50-50”

“Deal?”

“Yes, deal. Now put me down.”

“But I am so comfortable like this,” he pouted at her, not really wanting to let her go.

“Run…” it was not like she wanted to leave his arms, but any more holding from him, and she would start kissing him wherever she found space to.

“Okay,” he half pouted, seating her on the couch and plopping down right next to her, pressing his thigh to hers as casually as he could.

Thija stopped breathing for a second as she felt the warm press of his body against hers. This whole evening was starting to feel like they’d stepped into uncharted waters and she wasn’t sure that there was any way to turn back.

Still in her mind, she didn’t register Arun calling out to her, until he poked her side, eliciting a very undignified yelp from her.

“What?”

“Cookie?”

“You are unbelievable.”

He grinned; the same broad one that always sent her heart into a tizzy as he held out the treat to her. Muttering a soft thank you, she took it from his hands, smiling in pride at the appreciative groan he let out.

“Have I ever told you that you make the best desserts?”

“Many times.”

“Good. Because it’s true.”

Her answering smile was enough to cause a swarm of butterflies to erupt in his chest, even more so as he felt her slowly lean into his space. Holding his breath he waited till she had fully settled against his shoulder to exhale, resting his cheek against the top of her head as they both sat there in content silence.

Mustering up the courage he said, “We should do this again. Without the kid, I mean.”

She froze as she heard the words from him, slowly sitting up to look at him properly, causing his heart to work double time in his chest as he mentally cursed himself. He was just about to take it back when-

“Like a date?”

Thija waited for his response, her heart pounding in her chest as she saw him momentarily go silent, opening her mouth to speak, before he beat her to it.

“Yes. Yes, exactly like a date.”

She giggled at that, a familiar warmth blooming throughout his body as she settled back against him and said, “Well, as far as asking someone out goes that was absolutely terrible. But yes, Arun, I will go on a date with you.”

Arun laughed, a full bodied laugh that vibrated through him and sent reverberations through her as well. Feeling the brush of his lips against her temple, she heard him say, “Trust me Thija. I will more than make up for it, as long as you let me have you.”

*******

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijaysena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @rang-lo @ragkee sorry to all those I forgot to tag! Let me know your thoughts.

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