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Hello My Gummy Bears🧸

I hope you all are doing well.

Happy Reading.

*********************************************************Author's POV

Adwitya's journey back home to Delhi felt like a homecoming in the truest sense. Stepping out of the cab, the familiar gates of Mehra House loomed before her, a comforting beacon after her time away in New York. As she pressed the doorbell, a wave of anticipation washed over her. The door swung open, revealing a sight that made her heart swell – her entire family stood there, their faces illuminated with smiles that radiated warmth and love. It was a welcome sight, a reunion she had longed for during her time abroad.

 Even the drive from the airport had been a trip down memory lane. The familiar chaos of Delhi traffic, the sight of roadside vendors, the glimpses of buildings she'd known since childhood – it all felt strangely comforting after the structured environment of New York. She'd even found herself smiling at the sight of the same old paan shop on the corner, a landmark that had remained unchanged through the years.

The initial moments were a flurry of greetings, hugs, and heartfelt exchanges. Adwitya's eyes sparkled as she touched the feet of her elders, a gesture of respect and affection, and embraced the younger members of her family, their youthful energy infectious. The warmth of their welcome enveloped her, erasing the miles and the time that had separated them. Led into the living room, the familiar surroundings felt like a warm embrace, a testament to the deep connection she shared with her family.

Sinking into the plush cushions of the sofa, Adwitya let out a sigh of contentment. "I missed everyone so much," she confessed, her voice filled with genuine emotion.

Tara, the youngest member of the family, a vibrant five-year-old, clambered onto Adwitya's lap, her eyes wide with adoration."Toh aap matt Jana ab luwyolk", (Then, now you don't go to New York) she declared, her voice a mix of pleading and demand.

Adwitya settled the little girl comfortably on her lap, her heart melting at the child's innocent affection. "Did you also miss me, my little munchkin?" she asked, her voice soft and playful.

"Yesh, I missed you so muchhhh, buaaaaaaaa," Tara replied in a sing-song voice, drawing out the last word with dramatic flair.

Adwitya giggled at Tara's antics, her heart overflowing with love for the child. "Okay, now Bua won't go back to New York," she promised, her eyes twinkling.

Tara's face lit up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Plomish?" she asked, extending her tiny pinky finger towards Adwitya.

"Promise," Adwitya responded, intertwining her own finger with Tara's, sealing the promise with a gentle squeeze.

The sight of this heartwarming exchange brought smiles to everyone's faces, their laughter echoing through the room, a symphony of joy and reunion.

"Bachha," Sandhya, Adwitya's mother, said gently, breaking the spell of the moment. "You go to your room and freshen up, then you can talk to everyone."

Adwitya nodded, understanding the unspoken message. She rose from the sofa and made her way to her room, a sense of anticipation building within her. As she opened the door, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. The familiar scent of her room, the arrangement of her books on the shelves, the cozy feel of her bed – it was all exactly as she had left it.

"Ahh...I missed my bed, books, closet, room, and everything so much," she murmured, sinking onto the soft mattress with a sigh of contentment. She spent a few moments simply enjoying the familiar comfort of her space, reconnecting with the place that held so many memories. After a while, she freshened up, eager to rejoin her family.

Downstairs, the dining table was set for lunch. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, a welcome change from the restaurant meals she had become accustomed to in New York. As Adwitya took her place at the table, Malini, her grandmother, turned to her with a warm smile.

"What are your plans now, my child?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest.

"I've applied for jobs, Dadi Ma," Adwitya replied. "Waiting for the call for an interview."

Nikhil, her uncle, raised an eyebrow. "Why in other companies, when you can work in our company, Adhu?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and suggestion.

Adwitya smiled patiently. "Chachu, you know I won't work in our company," she explained. "Papa, Bhai, Ruhan, and you all are there for our company, and I don't want to settle for everything served to me on a silver platter. I want to work for myself, work for my own growth."

Jeet, her grandfather, beamed with pride. "I'm proud of you, my child," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

After lunch, the elders retreated to their rooms for a well-deserved rest, while the younger members of the family gathered in Adwitya's room. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared stories, as they caught up on each other's lives.

After a while, Shikha, Adwitya's cousin, nudged Sharanya, her sister-in-law, and whispered in her ear, "Bhabhi, please ask her now."

Sharanya nodded in understanding and turned to Adwitya. "Adhu," she began, her voice casual, "do you have a boyfriend?"

The question hung in the air, and all eyes turned towards Adwitya, their faces a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

Adwitya looked at each of them, taking in their expressions, before answering. "No, I don't have a boyfriend," she said simply.

A wave of relief seemed to wash over the group, their faces brightening at her response. Adwitya, however, was confused by their reaction.

"What is it?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

"Nothing, Di," Shikha replied, her smile a little too innocent.

Adwitya turned to her brother, seeking an explanation, but he simply shrugged, his face a picture of innocence. "I'm not telling you anything," his expression seemed to say.

Sighing, Adwitya looked at each of them in turn, searching for answers, but no one offered any explanation. A scowl began to form on her face, her annoyance growing with each passing moment.

Seeing her reaction, the others couldn't contain their laughter any longer. They erupted in a chorus of giggles, their amusement clear. Adwitya, still in the dark, looked from one to the other, her confusion only deepening. The laughter, however, was infectious, and despite her annoyance, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She knew her family wouldn't tease her without a good reason, and she was sure she would get to the bottom of their mysterious behavior soon enough. For now, she was content to be surrounded by their love and laughter, back in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the people who mattered most to her.

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