Chapter 23: Ch.22/Feelings Are Mutual
Chapter 23: Ch.22/Feelings Are Mutual
Alessandro's POV:-
Life can not be a constant state of happiness, it will throw hurdle after hurdle to make you feel like a failure. I am not someone to believe in obstacles but before I didn't have anyone to care about the way I do now for the two important girls in my life.
I was so happy and excited to surprise my wife and wanted to see her smiling face by bringing her two favorite people in our house. However, the moment I saw the fearful look in my daughter's eyes, I felt such fury in me that I haven't felt before. I have vowed to take care of her for the rest of my life but I have failed to protect her. Some selfish people have made her cry and for that, they will have to face the consequences.
Currently, I am in my princess's nursery giving her a bath. She was very shaken up and sweaty so I have thought that the bath will help to calm her nerves. She is throwing the rubber duck towards Tank (Rottweiler) who is catching it in his mouth without any problem before putting the toy back in the kiddy bathtub. She is clearly enjoying the play with her brother because she hasn't stop giggling. When I think that the water is getting cold I take her out of the bathtub before drying her with a towel. I put baby lotion on her little body before getting her dress in a cute giraffe themed onesie.
"Hey princess, Papa has a gift for you. Do you want it?" I ask my baby girl who looks at me with a curious look.
"Gwift for me?" She asks while pointing at herself.
"Of course just for you my piccolo. Do you want it or should I give it to Tank?" I ask her in which she gives me small huffs in return.
"Me want gwift. Puppiesh no wike gwift. Give me gwift or me be angly." I can not help but laugh at my daughter's demand. I kiss her chubby cheeks before picking her in my arms. I come out of the nursery
before standing in front of the opposite room from her nursery.
"Close your pretty eyes baby." I tell her in which she immediately closes her eyes making me chuckle. I open the door to the room and put her down on the carpeted floor. After that, I tell her to open her eyes and when she does, her eyes roam around the room in excitement. She runs towards the life-size teddy bear that is sitting on the corner before hugging the stuffed toy tightly. This is her new or I may say the actual playroom which is personally designed by me. Unlike her nursery, this room is completely filled with different types of playing & learning things. I have purchased every single thing in here while keeping my princess's liking in my mind. I have chosen a Golden peach color for the room while child-friendly paintings are hanging on the walls. However, I have left a wall bare because I want to put my daughter's drawings there. From the unrecognizable doodles to the greatly done drawings, I am going to frame everything.
"Did you like it, princess?" I ask the hyper little girl who is running around the room to look at all the toys, coloring books, ball pit, and many more things.
"Me wike it much Papa. Me lub you." She replies coming towards me while I crouch down to her level before hugging her tightly.
"I love you too princess." I answer while she squeals in joy. She again runs away from my arms and starts to play with the kitchen set that has been set up by the left section of the room. I just stand there and watch my daughter play with Tank who is barking from time to time to show his excitement too.
"You are spoiling her too much." Melody comments from beside me but I can see the adoration in her eyes for the little princess.
"She is my daughter and if by making her happy is considered as spoiling her then yes, I am going to spoil her rotten." I reply without taking my eyes off from my smiling daughter.
"I am pleased to see you being like this. Now, go and talk to your wife. I want to spend some alone time with my grandbaby." She kinds of order me before walking inside the playroom. I take a deep breath and get out of there. I directly go to Anhuphama's room but she is not there so I go to the kitchen in search of her but she is also not there. Now, I am getting worried about her. I ask the maids but they reply that they haven't seen her for some time.
"She is in the backyard with Jasmine." Mr. Ganguly says coming in front of me. I heave a sigh of relief after knowing where my wife is.
"Thanks for the information, Mr. Ganguly. I just wanted to see if she is alright or not." I reply in which he nods his head.
"She was feeling very terrible after knowing what happened in Kolkata and also today at the mall so Jasmine is trying to cheer her up." He informs making me clench my fist. I know Anhuphama is still blaming herself for everything. I have to talk to her now. So I bid goodbye to Mr. Ganguly and go in search for my cara.
Like Mr. Ganguly has said I find Mrs. Ganguly and my wife sitting in the wooden swing that is available in the backyard. When they notice me, Mrs. Ganguly stands up from her place before giving me a small smile. Without saying anything she gets away from their leaving me alone with my wife who is wiping her cheeks. I sit beside her before looking at the night sky which is full of stars. After some time of sitting there, I feel her looking at me before she puts her head on my shoulder. I wrap my arms around her and pulls her near my chest.
"Are you feeling better now?" I ask while running my hand through her hair knowing she likes it very much.
"Hmmm, but I still think that everything has happened because of me. I have always been the reason for everyone's pain and now my dadabhai is separated from our family just because of me." She replies
making me want to slam my head on a wall but I know that I need to handle this with calmness.
"It's just your thinking Cara, not the reality. Your Grandma and Aunt have put so many bad thoughts in your mind that you are always blaming yourself for the things you don't have any knowledge about. Okay, fine you think that whatever happened with your cousin is because of you then please elaborate me how are you related to the topic of him marrying the person he loves? Aren't you happy to see them happy?" I retort back.
"I am very happy for them but I am also very sad to know that Pishimaa has disowned dadabhai just because he didn't want to accept her decision. I know that she is not correct but she is only angry because Jasmine di has helped me." She answers.
"Sorry to say that but you are completely wrong. Your Aunt is angry because she can not see you being happy with your husband and daughter. She only cares for herself, not her son whom she disowns just because he refused to accept her decision." I tell her to which he nods her. Suddenly, she pulls away from me before looking at me with an angry look.
"Why didn't you tell me that Dadabhai and Jasmine di is coming today?" She asks angrily but to me, she is looking like an adorable little kitten.
"It simple Cara. I wanted to surprise you so I didn't tell you. Also, I have something to discuss with your cousin. If everything goes well then I will start working on it." I reply making her looking at me with suspicion.
"You are not planning to do anything bad, right?" She asks while her lower lip jutting out in a pout.
"I promise Cara, I am not doing anything bad. Now, let's go and see the gift I have prepared for our daughter." I tell her and lead her inside the mansion while holding her hand in mine.
********
It's been two days since Mr. Ganguly and his wife has come here. I have talked to him about my idea, first he was a little hesitant to accept the offer but after some convincing, he has accepted my offer. Mr. Sengupta aka Anhuphama's father has fired Mr. Ganguly from the post of CEO of his company but I have a feeling that someone else is behind this mishap. I think they have forgotten that I still have 70% shares in that company. So, I have decided to transfer 20% of shares to Mr. Ganguly's name and the remaining 50% will go to my wife's name. Neither Mr. Sengupta nor his darling niece have any idea about my decision so it will be incredible to see their faces when they will come for tomorrow's reception party.
Bianca has hired top event planners for tomorrow's reception party while Samuel is seeing all the security measures. The party is going to be held in one of the most famous hotels in the entire Los Angeles. As my mansion is situated in Beverly Hills so I have decided to throw the party at a nearby hotel which has a big ballroom so it's quite helpful to invite many guests. Although I wasn't in favor of inviting many people but my PR team has suggested that it will be the best idea to introduce my wife and daughter to everyone.
Anhuphama and our daughter is spending time with Mrs. Ganguly while I am busy with non-stop meetings. I have invited the top media representatives to the party because I want everyone to know about my marriage and stop talking nasty things about my wife. By the way, I have shut down all the media agencies whose reporters were the reason behind my daughter's tears. The owners have begged me to forgive them but they should have been more careful before poking their nose in my personal matters. Earlier no one has any idea about my princess but now after the incident in front of the mall, many people have gotten to know that I have a daughter too and they are again making assumptions about it so I will make sure that by tomorrow everyone's mouth will be shut.
After completing the meeting with the CEO of a newly launched company I start to walk towards the elevator. I have also invited everyone from the company because they need to know who is going to be their other boss as I want my lovely wife to join my company but that completely up to her if she wants
or not. Finally, after a long hectic day, I am free to go home. However, I have somewhere else to go so I directly get near my car before driving towards my destination.
It takes me a maximum of fifteen minutes to reach my destination before I get out of the car. I go inside the restaurant and the hostess takes me towards my table. Soon, a middle-aged man come there and take a seat in front of me. He hands me over the thing I have ordered earlier.
"Wow, it's looking stunning Harry. I have already transferred the money to your account." I tell Harry who is looking very pleased with my response.
"It's my pleasure to work for you, Alessandro. I am sure that your wife will like the gift you have purchased for her." He replies with a warm smile.
"I hope so as she is not a fan of expensive things but I want her to wear something unique for tomorrow's party. By the way, don't forget to come to the party with your family. It's been a long time since I have meet your wife and daughter." I reply while the waiter put two soup bowls in front of us before leaving us alone.
"I can not lose the chance to meet the woman who has captured your attention so much that finally, you have decided to settle down." He replies making both of us laugh.
*******
Anupama's POV:-
"Advira stop hiding baby. Come to mum-mum please." I tell my naughty baby who is giggling loudly from somewhere in her playroom. When I first saw this room I felt like my heart could burst at any moment. Mr. Bianchi is so thoughtful about everything that I am sure our daughter is going to have the best in everything. However, she is becoming more naughty day by day and this has become a headache for me.
Currently, she has decided to hide from me and her brothers are also helping her except King who is trying to find her with me. Suddenly, I hear a whine coming from one of the shelves so I go there without making any noise. My eyes widen seeing that Boomer (Doberman) is trying to get out but my naughty baby is not letting him go away by holding his fur.
"Let him go Advira, you are hurting him by clenching his fur so tightly baby. He is in pain." I tell making her look at me with a pout before she takes her hands away from Boomer who comes running to me. I rub my hands on the area where Advira was clutching before kissing him gently on the top of his head.
"Go downstairs and see if Papa had come back or not." I tell him and soon he is out of the room. I then look at the little girl who is still sitting behind the cupboard with a mischievous smile on her face.
"Did you get her Anu?" Jasmine di asks after coming inside the room making me shake my head in response. I show her the place where Advira is hiding making her laugh loudly.
"Oh my God. What is doing there? I have to say that my Vira has become very playful." Jasmine di comments.
"It's all because of her father who is always spoiling her. I think I need to talk with him." I huff while Di only giggle.
"Okay, I am going downstairs and you too come because the people from the salon's has come." Saying this she goes out of the room. After a few tries, I manage to get Advira in my arms.
When I reach downstairs I see that Bianca is also there but there is a very pretty lady sitting with her whom I don't recognize. I get in front of them and set Advira on the floor beside Mia who is drinking milk from her bottle.
"How are you doing Anupama?" Bianca asks me with a smile.
"I am good. How are you and where is Delilah?" I ask her back.
"Oh Delilah has gone to her friend's house to have a sleepover and I am also good. I want to introduce someone to you. Here meet my very close friend Olivia Campbell. She is also my stylist and from now on she is going to be your stylist too." Bianca says while gesturing to the girl sitting beside her who smiles at me.
"It's nice to meet you, Olivia. I hope we can become friends too." I really want to have friends as I was not allowed to befriend anyone in Kolkata.
"We are already friends Anupama. I think it will be better if we start with the spa and other necessary things." Olivia replies making me nod my head. I tell one of the maids to look after the girls and go to a vacant room which is big enough for the spa treatments. After many long hours the facial, manicure, pedicure is completed and I must say all the ladies are glowing. It's probably the first time I have gotten such a relaxing day for myself and I am really enjoying it. I just hope that everything will go well tomorrow at the party. As much as I want to meet new people, I am also dreading it very much because I have always gotten scared whenever I have to go in front of a big crowd. However, this time I am not that scared because I know I have my husband with me who will back me up if I feel like I am doing anything wrong.
I haven't seen my gown yet, because Mama Melody wants it to be a surprise for me. She had also chosen a matching outfit for Advira and I have full faith in her that whatever she has done is bound to be great.
"Thank you so much, Olivia. You and your team have done an amazing job. I am really glad that I got to meet you." I tell Olivia who beams in reply.
"Just like Bianca has described you are really a gem my dear Anupama. I would like to spend more time with you and also with your adorable daughter." She replies energetically making me giggle.
"Of course I will meet you again." I answer with the same enthusiasm as her. Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.
When we get back in the living room we see that both Advira and Mia have fallen asleep while the dogs are sitting around them as if they are on guarding duty. All of us coo at the adorable sight before Jasmine di click some photos of them. We decide not to disturb them and escort Olivia to the front door. Bianca also leaves with them saying that she is going to see the arrangement for tomorrow's party. I tell her that I will take care of Mia and if needed I will immediately call her. After that Jasmine di and I take the kids to my room because it's been a few days since my baby has slept with me.
"Are you excited about tomorrow's party?" Jasmine di asks after we are done putting the kids on my bed.
"I don't know the exact answer di. I am excited to meet new people knowing they are somehow related to my husband but I am also anxious because you know how I feel about being in a big crowd." I answer making her hug me which brings comfort to me.
"You are already doing so good Anu and believe me you will be doing excellent tomorrow. Not only me but your dadabhai also very surprised to see that you have accepted this new place so well in a few days. Our fear of you being not able to live here in peace has vanished the moment we saw your smiling face. It's not like you had never smiled before but now everything seems different about you. You talk more, you smile more, also you look super happy to be here in this house. That's all we have always wanted for you." Jasmine di says while kissing my forehead. She has always been more of a sister than a sister-in-law to me. The courage I have never gotten from Riya who is related to me by blood, Jasmine di had provided that courage for me.
"I am really happy to be here di. The love and enjoyment I have felt here can not be compatible with anything. The marriage which I had believed that going to be the end of my freedom, that same marriage has given me the utmost respect and admiration any person can ask for. I don't know if people will think of me as crazy because I am saying that I am happy in a forced marriage but this
forced marriage is becoming the most valuable prospect of my life. The person whom I thought of as the devil has become a savior to me. He has not only saved me but also my daughter who is the only thing that kept me sane during the hard times of my life." I answer back but when I don't get any response I look up to see that Jasmine di is looking behind me.
I get curious so I turn to look but gasp seeing the person standing in my doorway. Jasmine di excuses herself leaving me alone with Mr. Bianchi who hasn't taken his eyes off me. Slowly he starts to walk near me but something about him is different today as if he is a predator and I am his prey. Suddenly, he yanks me towards him making me squeal in surprise. Out of instinct, I clutch his shirt with both hands and close my eyes tightly. He wraps his strong arms around me before putting his chin on top of my head.
"You are the one who has saved me cara. Before marrying you I was only living to earn money but now I am living because I want to live with you and our precious daughter. I want to feel what it's like to have a real family. The family I can call mine and all thanks to you for coming into my life and also for bringing our princess with you." I open my eyes before lift my head from his chest to look at him to see that he is already looking at me. He has a soft smile on his face and that makes me smile too. He leans down before putting a kiss on my forehead. His lips linger on my forehead for a few seconds before again putting his chin on the top of my head while I snuggle closer to his chest.