39 - PIKACHU NIGHTS IN KYOTO

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The next evening arrived with the scent of excitement and the promise of adventure. Everyone was dressed and ready—tonight was all about exploring Kyoto's famed Pokémon Center.

Aakash looked devastatingly handsome, wearing a deep brown suede jacket over a classic black turtleneck. His sharp jawline was more prominent with the contrast of the outfit, and the way his sleeves were rolled just enough to reveal a hint of a silver watch made him look like a man who ruled empires—and hearts. A glass of cola loosely held in his hand added a casual edge to his composed demeanor. He was, in a word, irresistible.

Shashi was the very embodiment of soft elegance. Her chocolate brown tiered dress hugged her petite frame just right—fitted at the top and flowing below the waist, swaying as she walked. Her wavy hair cascaded down her back, catching the golden glow of the setting sun. She carried a tote bag with delicate prints, completing the look with innocence and charm that felt both grounding and magical.

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Shashi had dressed Advik as a tiny Pikachu, a conscious, mischievous choice. After all, they were visiting the Pokémon Center of Kyoto tonight.

“Yre ye kitna cute hai,” she cooed, cradling him in her arms. (God, he’s so cute.)

“Or cupcake mein!” A sweet voice rang from behind, drawing all their attention.

Shashi turned with a smile. “You are also the cutie,” she said, tugging Aarav’s cheek teasingly.

“Laa ab ise mujhe de. De nahi to tum logo ko tang karega,” Aadarsh huffed, trying to take Advik from her. (Come on, hand him over now, or he’ll trouble you both.)

To everyone’s surprise, Advik buried his face into Shashi’s neck, his tiny arms circling around her like she was the center of his universe.

“Rehne de na,” she whispered softly, her voice brushing against the silence.

Aadarsh chuckled in surrender and settled into the car.

The streets outside were quiet, welcoming their presence with the cool hush of evening. The city lights blinked lazily as their car drove through Kyoto’s veins.

When they reached the Pokémon mall, everyone’s faces broke into the biggest grins imaginable.

“ papa, look! Squirtle!” aarav exclaimed, jumping up and down in excitement.

“Come Aarav! Let me show you the biggest Pikachu!” Laksha grinned, dashing ahead.

The evening dissolved into giggles, gasps, and joyous chaos as they explored the wonders of the mall.

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Shashi lingered behind in the stationery section. Her cart was filled to the brim with notebooks and pencils—each one adorned with Pokémon prints. She held up a soft-cover notebook with a Gengar illustration and smiled to herself.

After paying the bill, she called Aadarsh to ask where everyone was.

“Food section,” he answered casually.

She headed there, her shopping bag swaying by her side.

Shashi’s POV:

I just stepped into the food section of this massive mall. The only thing this place seems to sell is chocolates. Although I have a sweet tooth, even I thought this was a bit much. But still, the chocolates here weren’t just good—they were divine.

And then I saw Aakash.

He was like a child—his eyes wide, his energy infectious, and his curiosity bubbling over. I remembered how Dadi Saa used to tell us about Aakash and Aadarsh’s obsession with Pokémon. Apparently, they even used to fight over who would marry Misty!

I chuckled at the memory and rejoined the others. After we finished exploring, we went to a restaurant for dinner.

Finding a vegetarian option wasn’t easy, but we found a cozy Indian place tucked into a quiet lane.

Honestly, there’s no peace like the peace daal-chawal brings. Nothing compares. It’s comfort food for the soul.

After dinner, I tried to put Advik to sleep. But my little cutie was in full-on rebellion mode tonight. I paced slowly across the lobby of the restaurant, patting his back gently.

Aadarsh and Bhabhi were still eating, while I was busy being a human swing.

“Soja betu… don’t be stubborn like your dad,” I murmured, pinching his tiny nose.

“Papa,” he whispered back, making my heart crumble into pieces.

“Yes, your papa. Now sleep, betu. It’s way past your bedtime,” I whispered again, continuing to walk in slow circles.

Soon, his breathing slowed. His head nestled into the crook of my neck. Arms wrapped tight around me. He was asleep.

He really is a stubborn little thing—but oh God, his cuteness? It's lethal.

He looked so peaceful, like his entire world was safe in my arms. I closed my eyes and held him tighter.

I heard footsteps behind me and turned around to see Aakash.

“Aapko bhi neend aa rahi hogi na?” he asked softly. (You must be sleepy too, right?)

I nodded. I was.

“Esa nahi lag raha ki ek baccha dusre bacche ko sulaa raha ho?” he smirked. (Doesn’t it look like a child is putting another child to sleep?)

I slapped his arm lightly.

“He’s so cute,” I whispered, careful not to disturb the sleeping bundle.

“You’re cute too,” he said, pinching my nose with a grin.

Just then, Aadarsh and Bhabhi joined us. Bhabhi gently took Advik from me, rubbing his back when he stirred.

“Isko pyaar se sulaya, daant ke nahi jaise hume sulate ho,” Aadarsh teased. (You put him to sleep with love, not scolding, like you do with us.)

“Woh cutie tere jaisa nalayak nahi hai na, Aadi,” I grinned. (He’s not a hopeless case like you, Aadi.)

Everyone laughed.

Aakash’s POV:

We were in the car again, heading back to the mansion. She was asleep, her head resting on my shoulder.

I had slipped off my jacket and draped it over her. She clutched it close like a blanket, her breaths slow and steady.

God, she was beautiful.

Her skin glowed in the dim car light. Her lips slightly parted. Her lashes fluttering as if caught in a dream.

My heart—the stupid, reckless traitor—matched its rhythm to hers.

I tilted my head slightly, watching her with the kind of devotion I’d never admit out loud. Not yet. But maybe someday.

An hour ago, she was holding Advik like he was hers. Like he belonged in her arms. She didn’t flinch when he tugged her hair. She didn’t complain when he wouldn’t sleep. She simply loved him—tender, patient, unshakable.

God, she looked like a mother.

And fuck… I shouldn’t be thinking this. I shouldn’t be imagining what it would be like if someday... we had our own.

But I couldn’t help it.

There’s still so much to figure out, so much to fix—but in this moment, I didn’t want anything else. I just wanted to love her. Fiercely. Completely.

We reached the mansion. I tried not to wake her, but she stirred and sat up slowly, adjusting my jacket around her shoulders before walking inside without a word.

I wanted to follow. I wanted to pull her back into my arms and never let go.

But Laksha called me over, and we began discussing something new. Some plan. Some strategy.

But all I could think about was the feel of her against me… and the hope I shouldn’t dare feel.

Yet somehow, it refused to leave.

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