Author's POV
Ishqi bounced beside her dad, her hand tucked into his. The restaurant, with its warm lights and the clinking of glasses, felt exciting and grown-up.
"Can we get that pizza with the extra cheese?" she asked, her eyes wide as she pointed at the menu.
Her dad smiled. "Of course, sweetheart. And maybe we can try that new pasta dish too?"
Ishqi nodded eagerly. "With the meatballs!"
As they waited for their food, Ishqi chatted about her day at school, her voice filled with the energy of a child who loved to talk. Her dad listened patiently, occasionally asking questions and offering words of encouragement.
Just as she reached for her water glass, her father's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing slightly.
"Excuse me for a moment, Ishqi," he said, his voice now tinged with urgency. "It's an important call from the office."
Ishqi watched him rise from the table, his phone pressed to his ear. He moved to a quieter corner of the restaurant, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. Ishqi felt a pang of disappointment. She had been looking forward to spending some quality time with hr father, enjoying a leisurely meal together since her mom died .
She picked at her napkin, her eyes tracing the intricate patterns on the tablecloth. The vibrant colors of the restaurant, the chatter of other diners, all seemed to fade into the background. She missed her father already.
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