Chapter 15: The Warmth That Begins to Grow
Night had fallen when Saraswati finished her work in the kitchen. The comforting aroma of chicken soup lingered in the air, bringing a sense of peace after a long and tiring day. From the living room, the cheerful laughter of Amara echoed, making Saraswati smile. She walked slowly towards the living room and was greeted by a heartwarming sight.
There, Amara sat cross-legged on the carpet, laughing gleefully beside Boase, who was making paper dolls for her. Amara's bright eyes sparkled with joy, her tiny hands clapping excitedly every time Boase completed another paper doll.
"Look, Mom! Uncle Boase made me a bunny doll!" she exclaimed happily, holding up a paper bunny decorated with big eyes and long ears.
Saraswati smiled, her heart warming at the scene. "Wow, that looks amazing! Uncle Boase is really talented, isn't he?" Saraswati said gently, directing her gaze to Boase, who returned her look with a warm smile.
"Yes! Uncle Boase can also make an airplane!" Amara ran up to Boase with hopeful eyes, her excitement evident.
Boase chuckled. "Alright then, I'll make an airplane for you. But you have to promise to eat a big dinner later."
Amara nodded quickly. "I promise!" she said, raising her tiny hand.
Saraswati shook her head, amused by their interaction. There was something different about Amara whenever she was with Boase. The little girl always seemed happier, as if she had found something she had never truly experienced before—a father figure.
From her seat, Ratna, Saraswati's mother-in-law, observed the scene closely. Her eyes held a sharp gaze as she watched the growing bond between her granddaughter and Boase. But there was also something different in her expression—something softer, something Saraswati had rarely seen before. She said nothing, yet it was clear that, deep down, her heart was beginning to soften.
After a few minutes, Boase finished making the paper airplane and handed it to Amara. The little girl jumped in excitement and immediately started flying it around the room.
"Whoosh! My airplane is flying so high!" she exclaimed, running in circles with the paper plane in hand.
Boase smiled in satisfaction, then turned to Saraswati, who stood by the doorway watching them with a tender expression.
"She has quite the imagination," Boase murmured, his eyes glowing with warmth.
Saraswati chuckled. "She's always been a cheerful child. But lately, she's been even happier when you're around."
Boase held her gaze for a moment before exhaling softly. "I'm just happy to see her smile."
A warmth spread through Saraswati's chest. There was something undeniably different about Boase—he didn't just show up in their lives, he truly cared for Amara. Not out of obligation, not out of pity, but because he wanted to.
As the night grew later, it was time for Amara to go to bed. With a hint of shyness, Amara tugged at Boase's hand.
"Uncle, can you stay with me until I fall asleep?" she asked in a soft voice.
Saraswati was caught off guard, as was Ratna. Amara had never asked such a thing from anyone other than her. Saraswati looked at her daughter's little face and saw genuine sincerity in her request.
Boase hesitated for a moment, then looked at Saraswati as if asking for permission.
Saraswati nodded gently. "Alright, but only until she falls asleep."
Boase gave a small smile. "Of course."
Amara cheered softly and quickly led Boase to her bedroom. Saraswati and Ratna followed behind, watching as Boase sat at the edge of the bed, gently stroking Amara's hair—just like a father putting his child to sleep.
"Uncle Boase, can you tell me a bedtime story?" Amara asked, her eyelids already growing heavy.
Boase smiled at her request and nodded. "Alright. Once upon a time, there was a brave and cheerful little girl. She lived in a small village with her strong and wise mother."
Saraswati's heart skipped a beat. She knew the story was about them—about her and Amara. And Boase, with his soft, soothing voice, told it with such warmth and sincerity.
It didn't take long before Amara's breathing became slow and steady. She had drifted off to sleep, a small smile still playing on her lips. Boase watched her for a moment, then carefully stood up so as not to wake her.
As they stepped out of the room, Ratna, who had been quiet all this time, finally spoke.
"You… are very kind to Amara," she said softly, her tone no longer as rigid as before.
Boase turned to her, slightly surprised, then gave a warm smile. "She's an incredible child. I'm grateful to be part of her life."
Ratna remained silent for a moment, looking at Boase with an expression that was hard to read. Then, she let out a slow breath.
"Saraswati… I'm going to make some tea. Will you join me for a moment?"
Saraswati was taken aback but quickly nodded. This was the first time since Boase had entered their lives that her mother-in-law had asked to talk privately.
In the kitchen, Ratna prepared tea with a calm demeanor before turning to Saraswati with a thoughtful look.
"I've seen how Boase treats Amara. He's patient, caring… and he doesn't seem like a man who just wants to get close to you for selfish reasons," Ratna said quietly.
Saraswati remained silent. She knew Ratna had always been perceptive.
"I know you can take care of yourself. But if someone truly cares for you, if someone is willing to stand by your side sincerely… maybe I shouldn't be so resistant," Ratna continued.
Saraswati's eyes widened. She hadn't expected Ratna to say that. After all this time, after all the reservations and coldness toward Boase, her mother-in-law was finally opening up. Emotion welled up in Saraswati's heart at the realization.
"Mother…" Saraswati whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Ratna gave a small smile. "I'm not fully convinced yet. But I can't deny that Amara loves him dearly. And I'm not blind to how he treats both of you."
Saraswati gripped her teacup tightly, feeling overwhelmed with unspoken emotions. But deep in her heart, a sense of relief washed over her.
That night, warmth didn't just envelop Amara as she slept—it also crept into the hearts of Saraswati and her mother-in-law. Slowly, the walls that had kept Boase at a distance began to crumble, making room for a newfound hope—one that might lead them all toward a future filled with happiness.