Dev Aur Isha : Kismat Ki Dastan

Chapter 005: Chapter 1: Angel

Since I promised you all a double update after exams

I also want to ask for your patience because managing two books at once is tough, but I'll make sure to keep up. Every week, you'll either get one Rathore chapter and one Dev Ki Isha chapter, or two chapters from either book.

Either way, you'll definitely get two updates per week!

Enjoy the update❤

I am excited to work on this book🥳🥳

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Four Years Ago – 5 AM

Devansh was deep in sleep, his legs sprawled out, arms resting beside him. The early morning silence was comforting until a sharp, heart-wrenching cry pierced through the air. His eyes snapped open, his body jolting upright. He turned to his side, expecting to find someone there, but the space was empty.

A frown settled on his face. Had he dreamt it?

But then—another cry, desperate and loud. His heart clenched. His gaze darted towards the crib, and there she was—his tiny, beautiful mishka her face scrunched up as she wailed uncontrollably.

His breath hitched. Without a second thought, he rushed to her, scooping her fragile body into his arms. She was trembling, her little fists curled tightly as if she were trying to grasp onto something—onto him.

"Shh, Bacha... why are you crying?" he murmured, gently patting her. His voice was soft, filled with concern, but she didn't stop.

He swallowed hard, pressing a light kiss to her forehead. "I just fed you, didn't I? Are you still hungry?" He knew she couldn't answer, but the thought of her in distress made his heart ache.

Her sobs didn't cease. Her tiny body shook against his chest, and with each passing second, his helplessness grew.

"Please, love... stop crying," his voice cracked, his grip tightening around her protectively. "You don't know what you do to me when you cry like this. My heart... it hurts."

He started pacing, patting her back gently, whispering sweet nothings in hopes of calming her down.

"Tell me what to do, Bacha. I'll do anything... just don't cry."

A lump formed in his throat. How could someone so small hold his entire world in her tiny hands? How could her tears feel heavier than any pain he had ever endured?

He rested his chin on her head, closing his eyes as he continued to soothe her, hoping—praying—that she would finally find comfort in him

A wave of panic surged through Devansh as mishka cries continued, piercing through his heart like sharp daggers. He had never felt this helpless before. His hands, the same hands that built an empire, were trembling as he held his tiny daughter close.

"Enough, Bacha... enough, please," he whispered, his voice breaking. But her sobs didn't stop, and that terrifying feeling of losing control gripped him tighter. His breathing turned shallow.

Devansh's eyes darkened with desperation. "Siri, call Den!" His voice was sharp, urgent.

The phone beeped as the call connected.

"Sir?" Den's alert voice came from the other end.

"Den, come to my room. Now! We're taking her to the hospital!"

"Yes, sir!" Den responded immediately.

The moment the call ended, Devansh's arms instinctively tightened around mishka. His panic was consuming him, his throat dry, his hands clammy. He had been helpless before, but this... this was unbearable.

His voice quivered as he pleaded, "Please, love... stop crying. My breaths will stop if you don't." He pulled her closer, pressing her tiny body against his chest, wrapping his arms around her protectively as if shielding her from the world.

And then—just like that—silence.

Devansh froze.

The cries that had been shaking the entire room, shaking his very soul, suddenly stopped.

He held his breath, afraid to move.

Slowly, he tilted his head down, and his heart nearly burst out of his chest. Mishka tiny eyes, round and twinkling like little stars, blinked up at him.

For the first time in her fifteen days of life... she saw him.

Devansh's lips parted in disbelief, his heartbeat hammering against his ribs. "Den..." His voice came out breathless. "See..." He swallowed thickly, his hands gently cupping her fragile back. "She—she's looking at me."

Den, who had just entered the room, stopped in his tracks. He stood frozen, witnessing something he knew his boss had been waiting for desperately.

Devansh's eyes burned as a lump formed in his throat. "My baby... my daughter," he whispered, his voice heavy with overwhelming emotion. He brushed his thumb over her soft cheek, memorizing every tiny detail of her face, from her delicate nose to her rosy lips.

Den exhaled sharply, feeling his own eyes sting. He had never seen his boss like this—vulnerable, raw, so utterly lost in love. He knew what these fifteen days had been like for him.

Fifteen long days since mishka was born.

Fifteen long days since she had come into this world.

And fifteen long days that she had spent without ever seeing her father.

But even without seeing him, she had always known him.

She had always recognized the rhythm of his heartbeat.

And now, as she stared at him, her little hands curling slightly against his chest, it was clear—she had finally found the face that matched the heartbeat she had always trusted.

Devansh's lips trembled as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "You scared me, love," he murmured, his voice still shaky.

"But you also gave me the most beautiful moment of my life."

And for the first time since she was born, his little mishka gazed at him, as if memorizing him just as he was memorizing her.

And for the first time since she was born... Devansh felt whole.

Present Day – Devansh's Office(in mansion)

Sitting in his chair, Devansh leaned back, lost in thought. His mind drifted to that moment—four years ago—when Mishka had looked at him for the first time. That tiny gaze, filled with innocent curiosity, had changed his life forever. He could still feel the warmth of her in his arms, the way her little fingers had grasped onto him, as if she had always known he was hers.

A soft smile tugged at his lips. How had time flown so fast? His once-fragile baby was now a little storm, filling his life with endless mischief and love.

Just then, a sweet, high-pitched voice pulled him back to reality.

"Dadda!"

Devansh turned, his smile widening as his little angel marched into his office, hands on her tiny hips, a determined look on her face.

"I want to go outside! Come, let's go!" she demanded, her big eyes sparkling with excitement.

Devansh chuckled, immediately standing up and walking towards her. Without a second thought, he scooped her up into his arms. "Of course, love. Where do you want to go?"

Mishka pursed her lips, pretending to think. "Umm... anywhere! I'm getting bored living with these odd creatures!"

Devansh raised an eyebrow. "Odd creatures?"

She nodded seriously, crossing her arms. "Yesh, dadda! There are very boring people here! They don't even play with me!" she huffed, clearly displeased.

Devansh couldn't help but laugh. His little princess was too much.

"And, dadda," she continued, her pout deepening, "where is Yudhveel dadda? He didn't miss his Mishka?"

At the mention of Yudhveer, Devansh sighed. "Umm, Mishka... he is playing with your Badi Maa right now. Let him be, okay?"

Mishka's face scrunched up in confusion. "Playing? What kind of playing?"

Devansh coughed, trying to suppress his laughter. "It's important work, princess. But don't worry! Once he gets back, we will all play together."

Her frown disappeared instantly, replaced by a bright smile. "Angel will also play?"

Devansh blinked. "Angel?"

She eagerly nodded her head.

He tilted his head, confused. "Angel? Who's Angel?"

She said dadda the one who helped me to hide from you.

Devansh narrowed his eyes in confusion. "Angel? The one who helped you hide from me?"

Mishka eagerly nodded, her tiny hands clutching onto his shirt as she looked up at him with excitement.

He frowned, trying to recall who she was talking about. And then—it hit him.

"Ishani?" he asked, realization dawning on his face.

"Yes, dadda! Angel!" she chirped happily.

Devansh let out a small chuckle. "But why are you calling her Angel?"

Mishka pouted. "Because she helped me! And angels help us, right? So I'll call her Angel only! She is so pretty too!"

Devansh shook his head, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Okay, love. If you say so. She's Angel now."

Mishka clapped her hands excitedly at his agreement. "Yesh! My Angel!"

Devansh ruffled her hair. "Alright, now tell me—where are we going?"

Mishka's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Dadda... umm... ice cream!"

His smile instantly dropped, and he gave her a knowing look. "No, Mishka. You will get ice cream only once a week. And you've already had it this week, so no more ice cream till next week."

Her face immediately fell. "Dadda, please..." she tried, her big eyes turning pleading.

Devansh sighed, already feeling weak at her sad expression. But he couldn't give in—her health wasn't the best, and he always tried to avoid giving her unnecessary treats.

"No, love. Please listen to me," he said softly, cupping her cheek. "Dadda will get you ice cream next week, okay?"

Mishka, however, had no intention of backing down. "No, dadda! I want it! Pleaseee?" she dragged the word, blinking at him cutely.

Devansh sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead. She always knew how to make him helpless, but this time, he had to stand firm. "Mishka, baby, listen to dadda—"

But before he could finish, she gasped dramatically and jumped out of his arms.

Her little feet stomped on the floor, and she huffed. "Dadda, you don't love Mishka anymore!"

Devansh's heart squeezed at her words. "Mishka—"

She turned her back to him, crossing her arms. "Now Mishka won't listen! Mishka is a good girl, but dadda is not listening to her, so Mishka won't talk to dadda anymore!"

Before he could stop her, she turned on her heel and ran out of the room in an angry mood, leaving Devansh standing there, completely stunned.

He let out a long breath and shook his head. This little storm in his life was impossible.

Mishka's Room

Mishka sat on her bed, arms crossed, her small lips forming a perfect pout. Her tiny legs dangled off the edge as she kicked them in frustration.

"Bad dadda!" she huffed under her breath. "Always says no! Doesn't even love Mishka!"

She turned to her favorite stuffed bunny, hugging it tightly. "Bun-bun, dadda doesn't listen to Mishka anymore. Now Mishka won't listen to him either! Hmph!"

Just then, the door creaked open, and Devansh stepped in. His face softened when he saw his little storm sitting with an angry pout, refusing to even look at him.

He walked towards her slowly and crouched in front of her. "Mishka, love... still angry at dadda?" he asked gently.

Mishka turned her face away dramatically. "Mishka doesn't talk to dadda anymore!"

Devansh bit back a smile. Her little tantrums were the most adorable thing in the world, but he knew better than to laugh—it would only make her angrier.

He sighed, sitting beside her on the bed. "Okay... if Mishka doesn't talk to dadda, then I'll talk to Bun-bun instead."

Mishka peeked at him from the corner of her eyes but remained silent.

Devansh picked up the stuffed bunny and held it up. "Bun-bun, do you know? My Mishka is the most beautiful, cutest, and smartest girl in the whole world!"

Mishka's lips twitched, but she quickly controlled her smile and kept her face serious.

"But..." Devansh continued, pretending to be sad, "Mishka doesn't love dadda anymore. Now dadda will be all alone. Who will play with me? Who will call me dadda with the sweetest voice?"

Mishka's resolve wavered. She hated seeing her dadda sad. She peeked at him again, this time with slightly guilty eyes.

Seeing that he was getting through to her, Devansh sighed dramatically. "I guess I'll have to find a new best friend now..."

That was it. Mishka couldn't take it anymore. She quickly grabbed his hand. "No, dadda! Mishka is your best friend!"

Devansh smiled and pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her. "I knew my love wouldn't stay angry for too long."

Mishka hugged him back, her tiny arms squeezing his neck. "But dadda is still bad! Didn't give Mishka ice cream!"

Devansh chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "Because dadda loves you, and I don't want my baby to get sick."

Mishka sighed dramatically. "Fine... but next week, two ice creams, okay?"

Devansh laughed. "We'll see, little troublemaker."

Mishka finally smiled, snuggling into his chest. "Dadda, Mishka loves you the most!"

"And dadda loves you more than anything in this world, my princess," he whispered, holding her close.

And just like that, her little tantrum ended, leaving Devansh wondering how his world had ever existed without her.

After making peace with her dadda, Mishka was back to her usual cheerful self, running around the house with her endless energy. But soon, she got bored again. She wanted to do something fun—something mischievous.

As she sat on the couch, swinging her legs, an idea popped into her head. She gasped, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Angel!" she whispered to herself.

A wide grin spread across her face as she jumped off the couch and ran towards Ishani's room. If dadda wouldn't give her ice cream, maybe her Angel would!

Reaching the door, she carefully peeked inside. Ishani was sitting on the bed, reading a book, unaware of the little storm that had just arrived.

Mishka tiptoed into the room and, in a dramatic voice, called out, "Angel!"

Ishani looked up and smiled. "Mishka? What are you doing here?.

Mishka pouted and ran towards her, climbing onto the bed. "Dadda is so bad, Angel! He didn't give me ice cream!"

Ishani bit her lip to hold back a laugh. "Oh no! That's a serious problem, isn't it?"

Mishka nodded furiously. "Yesh! Very serious! You help Mishka, na?"

Ishani smiled at her innocence. "And how can I help you, my little princess?"

Mishka grabbed her hands and gave her best puppy eyes. "Angel, take Mishka outside for ice cream?"

Ishani hesitated. She knew Devansh had probably refused for a reason. But looking at Mishka's big, pleading eyes, she felt her heart melt.

"Please, Angel?" Mishka whispered.

Ishani sighed. "If we go, and dadda finds out, what will happen?"

Mishka giggled. "Dadda won't scold Angel! Dadda only scolds Mishka!"

Ishani shook her head with a smile. "You are very smart, aren't you?"

Mishka grinned proudly. "Yesh! So, let's go?"

Ishani thought for a moment. She didn't want to go against Devansh's wishes, but she also didn't want Mishka to be upset. Maybe they could make a deal.

"How about this?" Ishani said. "Instead of ice cream, we can make something yummy at home! That way, we won't have to go outside, and dadda won't be upset."

Mishka tilted her head. "Make ice cream?"

"Not ice cream, but something sweet and delicious! You can help me in the kitchen," Ishani offered.

Mishka thought for a moment, then clapped her hands excitedly. "Okay, okay! But Angel, it should be tasty, okay?"

Ishani laughed. "I promise!"

Holding Ishani's hand, Mishka skipped happily towards the kitchen, her disappointment forgotten.

But neither of them knew that Devansh had been watching from the hallway, his arms crossed and an amused smile on his face.

"So, my little troublemaker is trying to get her way again," he murmured to himself, shaking his head.

It seemed like he needed to keep an extra eye on his daughter and her newfound 'Angel.'

Ishani and Mishka stood side by side, Mishka perched on a small stool as she excitedly watched Ishani mix the ingredients. Her tiny hands were already covered in flour, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Ishani chuckled as she saw Mishka licking some batter off her fingers. "Mishka, you are supposed to wait until it's ready!"

Mishka giggled. "But Angel, it's so tasty! You make the best sweet things!"

Mishka was happily playing with the dough, her tiny hands covered in flour as she giggled at the mess she was making.

Ishani, on the other hand, was focused on carefully shaping the dough, occasionally glancing at the little troublemaker beside her.

The scene looked like something out of a perfect painting—a carefree child and a woman who had forgotten, even if just for a moment, about the weight she carried every day.

But, of course, Mishka wouldn't be Mishka if she didn't come up with something unexpected.

"Angel, make some sweet for my Bun Bun!" she suddenly exclaimed, her big, innocent eyes looking up at Ishani with excitement.

Ishani froze for a second, confusion flashing in her tired eyes. Bun Bun?

Who in the world is Bun Bun now?

"Who is Bun Bun?" Ishani finally asked, tilting her head slightly.

Mishka gasped dramatically, placing a flour-covered hand on her tiny waist.

"Oh, Angel, you don't know?"

The disappointment in her voice was almost offensive.

Ishani sighed, wiping her hands on her apron. "No, I don't. Who is he?"

Mishka huffed, shaking her head as if Ishani had just failed the most important test of her life.

"Bun Bun is my toy bunny!

And you know what, Angel? He loves sweets just like his momma."

Momma? Now, this caught Ishani off guard. She blinked, staring at Mishka with narrowed eyes.

"Momma?" she repeated, just to be sure she heard correctly.

Mishka, proud and confident, nodded with a big grin. "Yes, Angel! Me! I am his momma. I don't want my Bun Bun to be alone, so I became his mumma."

For a second, everything around Ishani blurred. The sound of Mishka's happy voice faded, and a strange, hollow feeling settled in her chest.

I don't want him to be alone...

She didn't even realize she had stopped moving until Mishka waved a tiny hand in front of her.

"Angel?

Ishani quickly shook off the moment and smiled, ruffling Mishka's curls.

"Wow, Mishka! You're such a responsible momma."

Mishka giggled proudly. "I know, right? So, now make some sweets for Bun Bun! He's hungry!"

And just like that, the heaviness in the air lifted. Ishani chuckled, shaking her head as she went back to work.

Mishka, completely unaware of the storm she had unknowingly stirred in Ishani's heart, happily chatted with Bun Bun, promising him the best laddoos ever.

At that moment, for the first time in a long while, the kitchen didn't feel like a place of endless work for Ishani.

It felt warm. It felt peaceful.

It almost felt like... home.

Ishani chuckled, wiping her hands on a towel. "Alright, alright. So, tell me more about this Bun-Bun. Is he your friend?"

Mishka's face lit up instantly. "Yesh! Bun-Bun is my bestest friend! He listens to all my secrets and never tells anyone!"

Ishani smiled, leaning against the counter. "He sounds wonderful. Where did you meet Bun-Bun?"

Mishka giggled, covering her mouth with her tiny hands. "Silly Angel! Bun-Bun is my stuffed bunny! Dadda gave him to me when I was a baby."

Ishani's eyes softened. "Oh, I see. So, Bun-Bun has been with you forever?"

Mishka nodded enthusiastically. "Yesh! He sleeps with me, plays with me, and even helps me hide when I play hide and seek!"

Ishani raised an eyebrow, amused. "Helps you hide? How does he do that?"

Mishka leaned in closer, whispering as if sharing a grand secret. "When I hide, I hold Bun-Bun really tight, and he makes sure I don't giggle! Because if I giggle, Dadda always finds me!"

Ishani laughed softly. "Well, Bun-Bun seems like a very good friend."

Mishka beamed. "He is! And now, Angel, you are also my bestest friend!"

Ishani's heart melted at her words. She reached out, gently tapping Mishka's nose. "I'm honored to be your friend, Mishka."

Mishka giggled, wrapping her arms around Ishani's leg in a warm hug. "Mishka loves her Angel!"

Ishani smiled, running her fingers through Mishka's soft hair. "And Angel loves her Mishka."

As they shared the tender moment, the oven timer dinged, signaling that their dessert was ready. Mishka's eyes widened with excitement.

"Yay! It's done! Let's eat, Angel!"

Ishani laughed, guiding Mishka back to the counter. "Alright, but remember, it's hot. We have to let it cool first."

Mishka nodded eagerly, her earlier pout forgotten, replaced with pure joy. Together, they prepared to enjoy the sweet treat, their bond growing stronger with each shared moment.

Ishani smiled and wiped some flour off Mishka's nose. "By the way, Mishka... why do you call me Angel?"

Mishka froze for a moment, blinking at her with an innocent expression. Then, she quickly shook her head. "No, no, Angel! It's a secret!"

Ishani raised an eyebrow. "A secret? But I'm Angel, shouldn't I know?"

Mishka giggled mischievously. "Nope! Angel can't know her own secret!"

Ishani crossed her arms, pretending to be hurt. "That's not fair! You gave me a name, and I don't even know why?"

Mishka put her hands on her hips, mimicking Devansh's usual serious expression. "Angel, some secrets are very, very important! And Mishka can't tell anyone!"

Ishani gasped dramatically. "Not even me?"

Mishka shook her head firmly. "Not even Dadda!"

Ishani leaned in closer. "Not even Bun-Bun?"

Mishka hesitated for a second and then whispered, "Bun-Bun knows... but Bun-Bun won't tell!"

Ishani burst into laughter. "Oh really? So your bunny knows, but I don't?"

Mishka giggled. "Bun-Bun is my best friend! He keeps all my secrets!"

Ishani sighed in defeat. "I guess I'll have to bribe you for the secret then."

Mishka gasped. "Bribe? What is bribe?"

Ishani smirked. "It means I'll give you something, and in return, you tell me the secret!"

Mishka's eyes widened with interest. "Ooooh! What will Angel give Mishka?"

Ishani pretended to think. "Hmm... extra chocolate in your dessert?"

Mishka gasped excitedly. "Angel! That's cheating! You already promised me a tasty dessert!"

Ishani laughed. "Okay, okay, what if I give you an bedtime story tonight?"

Mishka tapped her chin, pretending to think hard. Then, she leaned closer and whispered, "Angel, you are very smart... but Mishka is smarter! Secret is still a secret!"

Ishani shook her head in disbelief.

Mishka grinned proudly. "Mishka is best, right?"

Ishani sighed, ruffling her hair. "Yes, yes, Mishka is the best!"

Mishka giggled in victory.

This little girl was definitely trouble—but the most adorable trouble ever!

As the sweet aroma of the freshly baked dessert filled the kitchen, Ishani and Mishka sat at the table, waiting for it to cool. Mishka swung her legs cheerfully, humming a tune, while Ishani observed her with a gentle smile.

Breaking the comfortable silence, Ishani asked softly, "Mishka, you've told me so much about Bun-Bun. Do you have any other special friends or toys?"

Mishka nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Angel! I have Mr. Floppy, Ms.elephant, and Sparkle, the unicorn. But Bun-Bun is my most favorite!"