Chapter-35

"He again woke up and is crying."

The maid rushes to my room, a worried look on her face.

"Again?"

I question

She nods hastily. A look of fear evident on her face. I am not surprised at all. As soon as Xavier will come to know that nikaloi was up all night, he will wreck havoc on all the house helps.

I shut my laptop off, get off the bed to make my way to him. The sound of cries intensifies as I am about to reach his room. My mother instincts kick in and I immediately enter the room to comfort him.

He is sitting up in his cot, crying his eyes out. As I enter he looks at me with his big eyes, a striking green similar to his dada. He is a carbon copy of him.

Same hair, Same eyes and same mannerism. He looks at me and reaches out for me, by spreading his arms indicating to take him up in my arms. His eyes now mellow.

I quickly get close to him and pick him up. Taking him in my arms I mutter

"What happened to my baby? Why are you crying my love?"

I talk in a baby voice while pecking his head.

His cries subside and he sniffles while laying his head on my shoulder. I gently pat his back and humm a bit. My voice always soothes him. And just as I thought it did soothe him.

I walk idly in the room with him in my hands. Making sure to lull him to sleep.

I hear the sound of door clicking and turn around to see Xavier entering.

I look at him and put my index finger on my lips while sushing.

He also imitates me and carefully enters the room. Coming close he whispers

"He didn't sleep properly tonight too?"

"You know he is teething and this time babies do get cranky. He is just frustrated."

I reply while lighlty swaying with nikaloi in my arms keeping the rhythm so that he doesn't wake up.

"Yes, you told me. But this has been happening for over a week. Even you are not able to sleep properly due to this."

He says his eyes full of concern for me.

"No, I am fine. You just worry too much."

I dismiss his worries but he shuts me down by saying

"The dark circles under your eyes say otherwise. Kuhu I know you go above and beyond when it comes to nikaloi but take care of your body too."

"I know Xavier but his comfort is more important. I am happy to sacrifice my sleep if he needs me."

"You won't listen to me."

He says while shaking his head in dismay.

We have gone over this conversation many a times. He knows it's a lost battle.

I lightly chuckle and tell him

"Yes, I won't. This is between us mother and son."

I press a kiss to my baby's head and lightly pat his back.

"I get it momma bear but let daddy do his duties too. You took care of him the whole day now let me look after him."

He says forwarding his hands ready to take nikaloi in his arms.

"No, not now. I know you have a big event coming up and are busy for it. You have to leave early morning room. So daddy duties are off for few days."

I say and sit on the chair by the baloncy. I lean back making myself comfortable and then lay nikaloi on my chest.

"But kuhu, you'll be exhausted this way."

He says

"I will be Mr Ivanov and you already are."

"So go have dinner and rest."

I says with a look of solemnity. He knows I am not budging. He sighs and mutters

"You are too stubborn."

"Yes, I am now go. Don't worry after your event and ball is over I'll make sure your repay back. Right baby?"

I ask nikaloi.

Nikaloi just looks up at me with his lids half closed. He is half asleep in his own dream world.

Xavier chortles and says

"Looking forward to it, my highness."

He bends down pecking nikaloi's head murmuring

"Good night, son."

Then taking my hands he kiss the back of my hand and says

"Good night, милый."

( Darling )

I take my hand back from his hold and nod. An awkwardness lingers in the air due to my unresponsiveness but he without taking it to heart smiles at me.

He knows I can't reciprocate neither his actions nor his feelings.

A genuine smile that is assuring. It tells me that I am in a place secure enough to voice out my likes and dislikes. His assurance distends my heart with pleasentness.

"Good night, Xavier."

I say smiling back ear to ear.

After hearing me greet him, he finally moves out of the door. Gently closing it on his departure.

I sigh and put my head back on the chair observing the moon lightning up the inky black sky.

Xavier is so good to me but still I am stuck where I was a year ago. Why is it so difficult to forget someone. Why do some people come in our life, give us a hope of a life that is beyond our dreams, completely otherworldly just to tell us that it was and will be a dream.

A dream which will not come true.

His face flashes in front of my eyes and it fills up with tears. My chest constricts and even if the pain is not physical it is equally tormenting.

A tear falls on my elbow and I look down at the faint scar present there. A new array of emotions now surround me. I can't forget those 4 days. They were the days of pure terror.

I then shift my eyes on nikaloi, my sunshine. The one who was a sunshine in that dark time.

I gently peck his head and tighten my arms around him feeling secure. I mutter

"I don't need anyone besides you, my baby."

I say gently pating him and lulling him to deep sleep.

..........................

A bright flash is in front of my eyes, disrupting my sleep. It is too bright.

"Ugh."

I groan putting my hand in front of my eyes to stop the light but to no avail.

So I finally open my eyes and look around. I remember last night I came into nikaloi's room. I look down to see nikaloi fast asleep in my lap.

What's the time?

I wonder knowing I have to get his food prepared before 9 otherwise this cute little munchkin will turning into a hungry crying monster.

I look at the wall clock. 7:45 am.

Thank God, still got time.

As I am about to get up to put nikaloi back in his cot.

The door of the room opens and a maid walks in with a tray full of fruits, juices, salads and pancakes.

"Mr Xavier said to maje sure that you eat before getting in the kitchen to work."

Xavier has always been strict with my eating schedules. This man fixed my bad eating habits so much that even I am surprised. The fact that he makes me have three proper meals in a day is a big achievement in itself only.

"But this much food that too for a single person."

I say pointing at that tray.

"He said to make sure that you get proper nutrition."

'I don't know about nutrition but he is sure is on a mission to make me obese."

I say and she also smiles upon hearing my remark.

"By the way where is he?"

I ask

"He left for a meeting miss."

Him and his meetings will never end and now that he have this important day coming, he is busy than ever.

"Miss."

The maids says.

"Yes?"

"He also told to remind you that you have to go for gown shopping."

I nod remembering that he told me the other day I have to buy a gown for the ball.

I am to attend the ball as his wife.