Ties That Bind

6

### **Chapter 7: Cooking and Dancing**

The kitchen was buzzing with energy, the soft hum of the radio playing in the background as Virat chopped vegetables at the counter. Today, he had decided to prepare something simple yet comforting—dal and roti. It was a dish that always reminded him of home, of warmth and familiarity, and today, more than anything, he needed that.

As he stirred the lentils on the stove, the kitchen door creaked open, and in bounded Ishan, as bright and bubbly as always. Baby Kavir was in his arms, babbling away in his usual playful tone. Virat smiled instantly at the sight of them, his heart lifting.

"Well, look who's here to keep me company!" Virat exclaimed, wiping his hands on a dish towel. "And what's this? Kavir's ready to be my little sous-chef, is he?"

Ishan grinned, setting Kavir down in his baby seat near the kitchen island. "Yup! Kavir and I decided that your kitchen needed some fun today, *bade papa*."

Virat chuckled as Kavir began playing with one of his spoons, tapping it against the countertop like a little drummer. "Well, fun is always welcome here."

As the smell of spices filled the air, Virat focused on the dal, occasionally glancing over at Ishan, who was now playfully bouncing Kavir on his knee. The radio continued to hum in the background, but as the next song came on, the familiar upbeat rhythm caught Virat's attention. It was an old Bollywood track, one he hadn't heard in a long time, but its infectious beat made him tap his foot unconsciously.

Ishan, always quick to pick up on the mood, perked up. "Oh-ho, this is my jam!" He stood up, still holding Kavir, and began swaying side to side, his movements exaggerated and silly.

Virat laughed, shaking his head as Ishan spun in a circle with Kavir, who was now giggling uncontrollably. "You're impossible, *Ishu*."

"Impossible and fabulous," Ishan shot back, dancing his way over to Virat. "Come on, *baby*, you know you want to join in. The kitchen's way too quiet without a little music and some moves."

Virat tried to stay focused on the food, stirring the dal carefully, but the joy radiating from Ishan and Kavir was impossible to ignore. He felt the tug of their infectious energy, the lightness that always seemed to follow Ishan wherever he went. With a sigh, Virat gave in, setting the spoon down.

"Alright, alright," Virat said, wiping his hands again and turning to face Ishan. "But only for a minute!"

Ishan cheered, holding up Kavir's tiny hands like he was celebrating a victory. "Yes! I knew you couldn't resist."

Before Virat could protest further, Ishan grabbed his hand and twirled him around the kitchen. They both burst into laughter as they danced to the upbeat rhythm, moving around the counters like they were on a stage. Kavir clapped his little hands, his laughter filling the room as he watched his *bade papa* and uncle dance around him.

The kitchen became their dance floor, the stress and tension of the household melting away with each step. Virat twirled Ishan dramatically, and Ishan did a mock-dip, sending both of them into fits of giggles. Kavir, watching from his seat, was clearly delighted by the display, kicking his legs in excitement.

"See?" Ishan grinned, catching his breath. "This is what the kitchen needed—some music, dancing, and a lot of joy."

Virat couldn't help but agree. For the first time in what felt like days, he felt completely at ease. The heaviness that always seemed to linger in the mansion wasn't here, not in this moment. Here, there was only lighthearted fun, laughter, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by people who made life feel a little less daunting.