Page 74 of Right Where I Belong
“He doesn’t have a phone,” she replied. “Wait, I’ll just call his instructor and tell him to inform Ahaan that we’re getting late. Ahaan knows to stay inside the premises till I get him.”
A minute later, her worried eyes met his. “The instructor is not answering.”
“Ahaan’s eleven. You need to get him a phone, Sabrina. It’s for his own safety.”
“I was waiting until he turned thirteen,” she explained. “I don’t want him glued to a screen, like other kids his age. They’re all addicted to gadgets already.”
“I get that. But get him a basic phone at least. Nothing fancy. And give it to him only when he’s going to his classes. That way, you’ll always be able to reach him.”
Sabrina blinked, and then she smiled. Taking his hand, she kissed it. “Thank you. I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
He turned his palm to lace his fingers with hers, holding her hand firmly. “I just think it’s safer, and I don’t like the idea of not being able to get in touch with him.”
She tapped her phone, and he heard her speak to Ahaan’s instructor and requested him to inform Ahaan. A sense of relief washed over him, and his chest eased. It struck him then how naturally the worry had come. How instinctively he’d thought about Ahaan’s safety. He wanted to protect this boy and his mother. He wanted to marry Sabrina, so he could have them by his side and keep them safe always. His chest tightened. Marriage. God, was he truly considering it?
Yes, yes, he was. He could picture it easily—Sabrina in his home, her laughter filling his days, Ahaan running through the hallways, Maya behind him, all of them filling his home with sounds of happiness. He liked the thought. No. He loved it.
And just like that, he was sure. Sabrina was the one for him. He’d been waiting for so damn long for a life filled with someone to love and spend the rest of his days with. And now, he had not just one, but two persons to love. And he prayed to God that one day soon, they’d love him back as well.
He studied Sabrina. She looked so lovely dressed in simple blue jeans and a plain white tee. She was the one, indeed. She made him steady, whole, complete. She made his heart beat harder. And with her came this sweet boy, whom he already cared so much for. Yes. Marriage. He was ready for it. He only hoped they’d be too.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the traffic began to move. When they finally pulled up at the skating academy, Ahaan came bounding toward the car, his haversack bouncing on his back. His face was bright with excitement as he slid into the backseat.
“Uncle Aditya, Mom! Are we still going for the cricket match?” he asked breathlessly.
“Of course, we are,” Aditya said with a grin. “Also, there is a small paper bag next to you. There’s something inside it for you.”
Ahaan quickly grabbed the bag and pulled out the tee. He squealed, “Mom, it’s the Indian team tee. See it has my name on it, and Kohli’s number, eighteen. So cool. I love it.”
Sabrina laughed. “What are we supposed to say?”
“Thank you, Uncle. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, buddy,” Aditya pointed to his own back. “Look, I’m wearing one with my name on it too. I put Dhoni’s number seven on it. Coincidentally, my birthday is also on the seventh of July, so it works for me.”
Ahaan grinned, quickly wearing his t-shirt.
“Wear your seatbelt now,” Sabrina said, watching as her son did as she said.
Once Ahaan was done, he peppered Aditya with dozens of questions about the stadium—how much time it would take them, what time the match would start, was he sure Kohli was playing. Aditya answered all his questions patiently. A few minutes later, the car lapsed into silence. Aditya looked into the rear-view mirror and found Ahaan fast asleep, his head lolling to the side. His heart filled with warmth, seeing him like that, looking so innocent.
“It’s so strange,” Aditya said, speaking softly. “One minute he was buzzing with energy and now he’s fast asleep.”
Sabrina glanced behind. “It’s always like that. But it’s a long drive to the stadium, so it’s good he’s getting some sleep.”
Aditya nodded.
“So, why didn’t I get a tee?” she asked, her eyes shining. “I like Kohli too; you could have got me one with his number eighteen printed on it!”
“Sabrina, the only name and number I want you wearing aremine.”
Her eyes darkened. “Is that right?”
“You’re mine. Never forget it.”
She slid her hand into his, squeezing it. “I’m thinking, let’s book that hotel room you suggested for tonight. I was planning to drop Ahaan off at Aisha’s for the night. She’s been asking to send him. I’ve got his backpack already.”
Aditya’s pulse spiked at her words. The thought of finally having her all to himself—no interruptions, no watchful eyes—made his chest tighten with anticipation.
