Chapter: Chaos Served With Curd & Comfort

Pari stepped into the Jaisingh mansion a little after nine, the weight of an exhausting day still clinging to her bones. Work had drained every bit of energy out of her, yet her heart pulled her home, to the people she loved more fiercely than anything else. The moment she crossed the threshold, the tension in her shoulders eased just a little. This house... this family... they were her calm.

She quietly checked on everyone, moving instinctively toward Abhimanyu's room first. The sight that greeted her made her steps falter and her heart soften instantly. There they were, the two people who carried the heaviest pieces of her heart, fast asleep in each other's warmth.

Arnav was curled securely in Abhimanyu's embrace, his hand wrapped tightly around Abhimanyu's fingers, as if he never wanted to let go. Abhimanyu's hand rested protectively on Arnav's forehead, both of them breathing in the same slow rhythm. They looked so peaceful that Pari's chest ached with tenderness. In that moment, all the exhaustion of her day dissolved like it had never existed.



With a small, fond smile, she closed the door quietly and walked to Avyuktha's temporary room.

When she peeked inside, another wave of warmth settled over her. All four siblings were huddled close, tangled in a soft little pile of sleepy limbs, holding onto each other like their hearts somehow knew they were safest this way.

Their faces were calm, their breaths steady, and the sight was so precious that Pari's smile stretched wider without her even realising.



She stepped back out, her heartbeat steady now, filled with that quiet contentment only her family brought her.

Even though her body begged for rest, she moved toward the kitchen. They needed comfort tonight, the kind that came from warmth, familiarity, and a lovingly cooked meal. So she tied her hair back and started preparing aaloo parathas, everyone's favourite. For Avyuktha, she made a softer version with less ghee, just enough for her recovering body to handle, and whisked together two bowls of curd...one sweet, one savoury because she knew how picky they all are.

The house stayed silent, wrapped in gentle night air, while Pari worked quietly... tired, yes, but guided by love in every small movement.

Once dinner was ready, Pari washed her hands, changed into a soft cotton kurti, and tied her hair loosely. The quiet of the house wrapped around her as she walked back toward Abhimanyu’s room, the warm light from the hallway falling softly behind her.

When she pushed the door open, the sight inside still made her heart melt the same way it did every time. They looked exactly as she had left them, Arnav breathing softly against Abhimanyu’s chest, Abhimanyu’s arm curled protectively around him. They looked so impossibly peaceful that waking them felt almost sinful. But she knew their bodies needed warmth and food more than uninterrupted sleep.

With that gentle thought, she sat down beside Abhimanyu and leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on his forehead. He stirred slightly, his eyebrows twitching as if he could feel the comfort seeping in. Pari smiled and pressed another kiss on his cheek, this one lingering just a moment longer. Abhimanyu shifted again, a soft sound escaping him, still nestled around Arnav.

She then brushed the lightest kiss to his chin, and that finally coaxed his eyes open. Sleepy and heavy, they landed on Pari and immediately softened. A slow, blooming smile curved on his face, the kind he only ever wore for her, warm enough to make her heart ease.

Half awake and led by instinct, he leaned forward to kiss her lips. Pari gently pulled back, her eyes flickering pointedly toward Arnav who was still curled in his arms. Abhimanyu paused, let out a quiet, sleepy groan, and pouted. Pari couldn’t help the tiny laugh that slipped from her, the kind that brightened the dim room without making a sound.

She touched his shoulder lightly, silently urging him to wake Arnav. Then she rose quietly and stepped toward the siblings’ room, her footsteps soft, her heart full, ready to gather her family together for the warm meal waiting downstairs.

When Pari entered the siblings’ room, the atmosphere felt different from the peaceful sight she had seen earlier. Maan and Anvi were sitting quietly on the bed, both looking a little tired and confused. Avyuktha was standing beside them, gently rocking Aarush in her arms. The little boy seemed restless, his face scrunched, his breaths uneven, still caught somewhere between fear and wakefulness.

Pari walked toward Avyuktha and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Avu… isse kya hua?” she asked softly, her voice filled with concern.

Avyuktha replied in a small, careful tone, “Koi bura sapna dekha hai isne… isliye dar gaya hai.”

Pari nodded slowly, her eyes shifting from Aarush’s trembling little form to the three siblings sitting patiently on the bed. She gave them a warm, reassuring look and said gently,

“Baccho, chalo khaana khaa lo… Aaru ka muh dhulwa do thoda, phir leke aa jaana.”

Maan and Anvi stood up quietly, Avyuktha adjusted her hold on Aarush, and the room filled with that soft, familiar warmth of a family moving together...tired, shaken, but still held gently by Pari’s steady presence.

They all gathered around the dining table, the warm smell of fresh parathas filling the air. Arnav’s eyes immediately went to Avyuktha and Aarush. The little boy was clinging tightly to Avyuktha’s t-shirt, his small fists trembling, his face still marked with the leftovers of fear.

Arnav walked toward them slowly, careful and calm. He didn’t place a hand on Aarush this time, he still remembered how startled the baby had been that morning. So instead, he crouched slightly and called out in the softest voice he could manage.

“Aaru…”

Aarush’s head lifted at the familiar sound. His eyes, still watery and uncertain, searched for Arnav. The moment he recognised the gentle tone, his tiny arms stretched out instinctively, reaching for the comfort he knew.

Arnav didn’t waste a second. He gathered the little boy into his arms, supporting him with ease, one arm securely under his small body, the other resting protectively along his back. Aarush curled into him immediately, burying his face against Arnav’s chest, his tiny body folding into a tight, trembling ball, seeking safety in the warmth he trusted the most.

Arnav sat down with him still held close, his embrace constant and steady. Slowly, the rest of the family settled into their seats as well, the quiet clinking of plates mixing with the soft breaths of a calmed child and the comforting presence of the people who loved him.

Aarush shifted slightly in Arnav’s lap, his small fingers tightening around Arnav’s shirt. His voice came out in a tiny, trembling whisper that barely reached the table.

“Mujhe yaha nhi rehna, bhaiya…”

Arnav’s heart stilled. Around the table, everyone slowly turned toward them, Maan, Anvi, Avyuktha, Pari, Abhimanyu. For a second, the whole room felt like it stopped breathing.

Arnav swallowed softly.
“Aaru…”

But Aarush continued, his voice shaking as fear bubbled up again.

“Papa bahot gande hai bhaiya… unhone maara jiji ko…” His eyes filled, lower lip trembling. “Unhone didi ko bhi maara…”

Tears spilled down his cheeks as he held onto Arnav even tighter. “Vo aapko bhi marne wale the… mujhe bahot darr lag raha hai bhaiya… aap hame yaha se le chalo…”

The words were small, but the impact was crushing.

Everyone felt it, like something sharp had been dragged through their chests. The fear this tiny child carried, the memories he shouldn’t have had, the scars left by Viren… it showed in the way every pair of eyes at the table turned glassy.

Arnav blinked away his own tears and gently brushed Aarush’s cheeks with his thumb.

“Aaru, tu dar mat baccha… vo ab yaha nahi aayenge. Tu safe hai… yaha koi kuch nahi karega.”

But the guilt crept up anyway...heavy, painful. He had promised Aarush that no one would touch Avyuktha. He had said it with conviction. He had meant every word. And yet the promise had broken, not by his fault but still under his watch.

“I’m sorry, Aaru…” his voice was quiet, thick. “Maine promise tod diya… lekin baccha, dobara kabhi nahi hoga aisa.”

He looked up at the others...Avyuktha, Anvi and Maan, each of them holding their tears back.“Kabhi bhi nahi.”

Then he looked down at the boy in his arms. “I’m really sorry, baccha…” he murmured, brushing the loose hair from Aarush’s forehead.

Aarush frowned, confused. “Aap sorry kyu bol rahe ho…? Aapne toh hum sabko protect kiya… ekdum superhero ki tarah.”

Before Arnav could react, Aarush straightened in his lap, puffing up his tiny chest. He lifted one hand dramatically, mimicking Arnav’s expression with as much seriousness as his little face could hold.

“Aapki himmat kaise hui… meri bacchiyon par haath uthane ki…”

He sat even straighter, narrowed his eyes just like Arnav did, and declared with full attitude,

“How. Dare. You.”

There was a heartbeat of stunned silence.

And then

Whole table erupted into laughter.

Soft, relieved, tearful laughter.

The kind that came after fear had finally started loosening its grip. The kind a family needed.

Aarush lifted his head again, eyes shining now instead of trembling, and chirped in his tiny excited voice,

“Aap ekdum hero lag rahe the… ekdum action hero!”

Arnav let out a soft breath and shook his head with a faint, helpless smile. The guilt that had been crawling through him all day loosened its hold just a little. He still blamed himself, he always would but hearing his siblings speak of him with so much trust, so much certainty, eased something inside his chest. They didn’t blame him. They didn’t doubt him. And knowing that made Arnav’s heart feel a little fuller, a little steadier.

Right beside him, Avyuktha felt something shift too.

The words Aarush had mimicked earlier “meri bacchiya” kept echoing in her mind like a gentle heartbeat. Arnav hadn’t just spoken for Anvi… he had spoken for her too. He had placed her in that circle of protection, claimed her as someone who belonged, someone he would stand for without hesitation.

A warmth spread quietly through her, soft but steady. Even while her mind was still hurting, still bruised by the cruel words Viren had thrown at her earlier, this small moment wrapped around her like a blanket. A reminder she didn’t know she needed.

She remembered her mother’s voice, gentle, firm, always right.

The right people won’t need a reason to stay. They won’t need proof, or explanations, or perfection. They’ll choose you as you are...your flaws, your fears, your storms. And they’ll stand with you in every high and low. That’s how you know they truly love you.

And as she watched Arnav holding Aarush, comforting him, protecting all of them without thinking twice…
something inside her quietly agreed.

She wasn’t alone.
Not anymore.
Not with him.

Pari and Abhimanyu had gone to the kitchen to bring dinner for everyone while silence settled over the living room like a fragile sheet.

Aarush sat curled up against Arnav’s chest, tiny fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt. His eyes looked hazy, too calm for a child who should’ve been laughing, too distant for someone his age. It was as if he was trying to make sense of things far bigger than his little world could hold.

Arnav held him tighter, one hand protectively cupping the back of his head, the other wrapped around his small body. He kept murmuring soft, steady reassurances, not even words sometimes, just warmth, just presence, trying to anchor him back into safety.

Beside them, Avyuktha watched the tiny bundle of her life curled up so quietly, and her chest squeezed painfully. She wanted to scoop him up, hide him from every hurt.

Maan and Anvi exchanged a glance, both of their faces drawn with worry. Their hearts broke a little seeing Aarush like that...usually sunshine, now sitting like a small, gloomy cloud in Arnav’s arms.

Aarush shifted slightly in Arnav’s arms, looking up at him with those big, trusting eyes, the kind of eyes that believed Bhaiya had all the answers, all the protection in the world. His voice came out small, trembling:

“Bhaiya… sab Jiji ko bura bura kyu bolte hai?”

Arnav’s throat clenched. His breath caught. What could he possibly say to that? How do you answer a question that even adults fail to answer with dignity?

Aarush parted from his chest just a little, tears already shining in his lashes as he repeated, more confused, more hurt

“Jiji toh bahot achi hai, Bhaiya… phir bhi sab Jiji ko bura kyu bolte hai?”

His little heart was breakhur, trying and failing to understand the cruelty the world had shown Avyuktha.

Aarush’s voice cracked as he continued, the words tumbling out as if each one hurt him

“Jiji sacchi mein bahot achi hai… aapko pata hai… Jiji hamesha mujhe apna khaana khila deti thi… mujhe gaana gaake sulati hai… mere liye halwa banati thi… vo sabke liye khaana bhi banati thi… saaf safai bhi karti thi… kapde bhi dhulti thi… pura din bas kaam karti rehti thi…”

His chin wobbled, tears spilling down his cheeks.

“Phir bhi mere saath hamesha khelti thi taaki mujhe bura na lage… Jiji sab karti thi...jo bhi bolta tha sab kaam karti thi, Bhaiya… lakin phir bhi unhe sab bura bura bolte hai…”

The dam broke.

Aarush started crying, tiny shoulders shaking, breath hitching, as he tried to make sense of a world that had been too cruel to the person he loved most.

“Hamesha Mami unhe dantati rehti thi… bura bura bolti thi… aur yaha pe Papa…”
His voice cracked again. “Sab meri Jiji ko bura bura kyu bolte hai?”

Avyuktha’s throat tightened painfully, tears burning her eyes. Maan and Anvi sat frozen, tear eyed, feeling guilt and heartbreak coil inside them. Arnav blinked rapidly, trying to swallow the lump in his throat, trying to stay strong for the little boy crumbling in his arms.

Aarush wiped his eyes roughly, frustration mixing with heartbreak.

“Inlogo ko dikhta kyu nahi hai Jiji ko kitna bura lagta hai unki baato se?”
His voice went small, angry, shaking.
“Jiji raat bhar roti rehti hai, Bhaiya… aapko pata hai? Mujhe sula ke woh chupke se roti rehti hai…”

Every word stabbed deeper.

“Maine dekha tha unhe… chupke… rote hue…” His voice dropped to a whisper.
“Mujhe pata hai…unhe bahot hurt hota hai bhaiya…”

He looked up at Arnav again...hurt, confused, desperate for someone to make the world make sense.

Avyuktha couldn’t bear it anymore.

Aarush’s tiny sobs… the pain in his voice… the way he clung to Arnav as if the world was too cruel to face, every word stabbed into her chest.

Before she even realized, she got up on trembling legs and knelt down in front of them. Her hands shook slightly as she reached up and cupped Aarush’s cheeks with all the gentleness in the world.

“Aaru…”
Her voice came out soft, breaking at the edges. “Mai theek hoon, baccha…”

She forced a small smile, eyes shining with unshed tears, trying to look strong because that’s what she had always done, hide her pain so her baby brother wouldn’t worry.

But Aarush shook his head furiously, his face crumpling.

“Nhi ho aap theek…” he burst out, voice thick with hurt.“Mujhe pata hai…”

He reached forward and grabbed her hand with his small trembling hands, almost angry, almost pleading.
“Aap bahot hurt ho, Jiji… bahot…mujhe pata hai” His lips quivered. “Lakin aap hamesha jhoot bol deti ho mujhse…”

That accusation, that truth, hit her harder than anything else ever had.

Avyuktha’s tears were flowing freely now, her chest trembling as she leaned closer to Aarush. She gently cupped his face with both hands, voice breaking softly as she said, “Aaru mujhe bahot bura lagta hai unki baato ka... I accept it... Lakin baccha tu aise ro raha hai mujhe jyada bura lag raha raha hai baccha…. Please aise ro mat baccha…”

Her thumb wiped his tears again and again, her own tears dripping onto her hands but she didn’t stop.

She forced a tiny watery smile and whispered, “Aaru tu hai na mere pass… Tu hai na mujhe batane ke liye mai kitni achi hoon… Mujhe aur kisi se nhi sunana… Tu hai na...mera personal cheerleader”

Aarush kept hiccuping on Arnav’s lap, shoulders shaking, but he still didn’t look up. His tiny fists held Arnav’s shirt tightly, his eyes fixed downward, refusing to meet hers because seeing Jiji cry was too much for him.

Avyuktha looked up at Arnav...eyes red, face wet, silently pleading for him to help, to hold them together before one of them broke more.

Arnav’s own eyes were teary and his throat tight as he watched the two kids he loved, melt in pain. He inhaled shakily, then shifted slightly.

Without saying a word, he slid an arm around Avyuktha’s waist gently and pulled her up into his lap too, so carefully as if she might break.

Now he sat there with both Aarush and Avyuktha in his arms, one crying into his chest, the other shaking beside him, both clinging to him for warmth and safety.

Avyuktha let out a tiny sound, half-sob, half relief, as she settled beside Aarush. Her hand immediately went to his back, rubbing him softly while she leaned into Arnav’s shoulder.

Aarush blinked in surprise when he felt Jiji so close, and his cries softened into quiet hiccups.

Arnav wrapped both arms around them protectively, holding them together as tightly as he could without hurting them, like he was trying to shield them from every single hurt they had ever lived through.

Arnav adjusted his hold on both of them, then gently bounced his leg on which Aarush was sitting, just enough to get his attention. His voice came out lightly, but firm enough to break through Aarush’s sobs.

“Tujhe kisne bola teri Jiji ke baare mai sab buri buri baatein bolte hai?”

Aarush’s hiccups paused.
He looked up with a tiny frown, confused, still crying but startled by the sudden question.

Arnav raised an eyebrow at him, as if challenging the very thought.

“Mai bolta hoon teri Jiji ke baare mai achi achi baatein...Tune kabhi suna hai maine Avu ke baare mai bura bura bola ho? ,” he said calmly, tapping Aarush’s nose.

Aarush though startled shook his head slowly answering the question arnav asked.

Arnav continued and said,“Tu bolta hai Avu ke baare mai achi achi baatein.”

Then he tilted his head toward the others sitting nearby. “Tere bhaiyu, didi, bhai, Pari di… humlog sab log itne pyaar se teri Jiji ko bulate hai…”

He leaned closer, lowering his voice lovingly but firmly. “Tujhe vo nahi dikh raha, hmm?”

Aarush blinked, his little eyebrows knitting together as he processed Arnav’s words. His tears slowed, the angry confusion on his face softening into something uncertain… almost hopeful.

Avyuktha watched both of them with trembling lips, her heart squeezing at how gently Arnav was trying to pull Aarush out of his pain.

Arnav kept bouncing his leg lightly, rubbing Aarush’s back with one hand, the other wrapped protectively around Avyuktha’s shoulder.

Their little trio stayed in that cocoon of warmth, Arnav holding them, Aarush trying to understand, and Avyuktha breathing shakily, waiting for Aarush to respond.

Anvi and Maan exchanged a look, their hearts softening at Aarush’s confused little face. They scooted closer, joining the small circle around Arnav’s lap.

Anvi leaned in first, voice gentle and bright,“Haa Aru...hum bhi Avu ko bahot pasand krte hai...Bahot jyada...Uski har cheez hi mujhe impress kr deti hai...Uske bolne ka style, uske sochne ka style...Sb ekdm different...Itni adorable hai na ki kya hi batau mai.”

Maan nodded quickly, adding warmly,
“Anvi sahi bol rahi hai… Avu kitne pyaare tareeke se bolti hai.”

Anvi grinned. “Haa, aur dekh uski aakhein… kitni pyaari si hai. Ekdum green green, sundar si… dekh ke hi dil pighal jaye.”

Maan chimed in again, like listing facts everyone must agree with,“Haa aur sundar bhi kitni hai.”

Anvi folded her arms and nodded proudly. “Aur intelligent bhi itni… iss age mein bhai se convertible bonds ke baare mein puch rahi thi… how smart she is!”

Maan added with a smirk, “Haa… choti si soch, bade sapne private limited...Iski future CEO bhi toh hai hamari Avu.”

Arnav felt Avyuktha stiffen in embarrassment beside him, her cheeks slowly flushing as the kids kept complimenting her from all directions. His lips softened into a smile.

The kids weren’t just comforting Aarush now, they were showing him how they truly saw his Jiji.
As someone precious.
Someone gifted.
Someone beautiful.
Someone loved.

Not “manhoos.”
Not “burden.”
Not what their father or Mami said.

Real.
Whole.
And endlessly special.

Arnav squeezed both Aarush and Avyuktha gently and joined in with a grin:

“Haa Aaru… maine toh teri Jiji ke liye song bhi banaya tha.”

Aarush’s head snapped up instantly, tears forgotten, curiosity lighting up his face.“Song?”

Arnav nodded dramatically, placing a hand on his heart. “Hmm…” he said, pretending to be mysterious, “Haan, song banaya tha.”

Aarush’s frown melted completely. His voice came out excited and chirpy,“Gaao na!”

Maan instantly joined, bouncing slightly,
“Bhaiya gaao na!”

Avyuktha, mortified, squeaked softly,
“Nhi bhaiya…”Her cheeks turned bright red, eyes going wide.

Anvi lightly smacked her arm.
“Are tu chup reh!” she teased Avyuktha, then turned to Arnav, eyes sparkling.
“Bhaiya gaao na… kaunsa gaana tha?”

Arnav took a deep breath like he was about to perform in front of a thousand people and then stood up theatrically, still holding Aarush in one arm and Avyuktha’s hand in the other.

He cleared his throat, widened his stance like a rockstar, and began singing loudly:

“Choti si Avu…
Chote chote… choti choti naak!”

He swayed side to side dramatically, wiggling his eyebrows as he sang.
Aarush giggled.
Maan laughed.
Anvi clapped her hands.

Avyuktha covered her face with her free hand, her smile shy, embarrassed, but blooming.

Arnav continued, even more dramatically“Chote chote pair, chote chote haath, Badi badi aankhiyaan jaise do taare, Laal laal gaal jaise aam ke paare!”

Aarush let out a full laugh...loud, bright, finally free from the storm he had been carrying inside him.

Maan and Anvi immediately joined Arnav, singing in a loud, off key chorus

“Choti si Avu!
Chote chote haath!
Chote chote pair!
Badi badi aankhiya jaise do taare!
Laal laal gaal jaise aam ke paare!”

All three of them started rotating in a circle around the room, Arnav leading the dance, Maan and Anvi following behind like backup dancers, singing loudly and horribly.

Avyuktha’s shy smile broke into a full blown laugh. Aarush laughed so hard his tummy hurt.

After such a stormy, painful night…
after tears, fear, and heaviness…

Arnav looked at them... the kids he would die for, dance for, sing for, become a clown for.

Seeing them laughing, smiling, glowing again, his heart melted completely.

If he had to sing a thousand songs or act like a joker every day, he would, just to keep these children smiling like this.

Arnav carefully sat down with both Aarush and Avyuktha on his lap. Avyuktha picked up a glass of water from the table and gently made Aarush drink a little first, then sipped slowly herself. The warmth of the moment hung in the air...quiet, tender, safe.

Arnav leaned down slightly toward Aarush, his voice calm but firm, “Aaru, tu itna mat soch baccha… Hum sab hai na ab… Abse koi kuch nahi bolega teri Jiji ko… Samjha?”

Aarush nodded, listening intently.

Maan, standing beside them, crossed his arms with seriousness and said, “Haa Aaru, aur koi kuch bolega bhi na… toh mai uska muh todd dunga.”

Anvi quickly joined in, her eyes flashing determination,“Mai bhi!”

Even in their soft voices, the determination was clear, no one would ever hurt his Jiji, their Avu now.

Avyuktha drank another sip of water, her heart swelling. Seeing them speak so lovingly about her, seeing them protect her even in words, she felt an ache of warmth, a sweetness that melted her defenses completely.

Aarush hummed seriously for a moment, then nodded. “Tb thik hai…”

Then, as if remembering something important, he added with a mischievous sparkle, “Haa… aur jaise Jiji kehti hai na…Sbki faltu baaton pe dhyaan nhi dete.....LET THE FUCKER FUCK OFF!”

The words hung in the air for a split second.

Everyone froze.

And then water.

Avyuktha, mid sip, suddenly sprayed it all over her front, choking and coughing as it burst from her mouth. Her hands flew to cover it, eyes wide, cheeks red from embarrassment.

Aarush blinked innocently, clearly proud of repeating Jiji’s words exactly.

Maan and Anvi stared, mouths half open, trying not to laugh too loudly.

Avyuktha snapped, her face flushing bright red. She shrieked, trying to hide her embarrassment, “Maine kab bolaaa!”
She nearly shouted, hands flying up as if to shield herself.

Aarush tilted his head, confused but curious. “Are… sitara mai jab apne aap se baat krti thi na tb… Maine suna tha… aap yhi toh bolti ho…'Sbki faltu baaton pe dhyaan nhi dete....LET THE FUCKER FUCK OFF!' ”

He mimicked her exactly, shaking his little head the way she did.

As the words escaped his mouth, Avyuktha shrieked again, flinging her hands toward him,“Chuppp hooo jaaaa!”

Aarush mumbled, “Are, lakin aapne…”

Avyuktha snapped sharply, cheeks still red, “Aaru, maar khaa jayega ab tu!”

Aarush protested, shaking his little head,
“Are, lakin aapne…”

Avyuktha’s voice dropped into a sharp, desperate tone, “Aaruuu…!”
She leaned forward slightly, trying to silence him, her embarrassment and frustration mingling.

Before the exchange could escalate further, Arnav stepped in. His tone was firm, commanding attention, “Enough.”

Both Aarush and Avyuktha froze, looking up at him. He gestured gently but firmly, having them stand in front of him.

First, he addressed Aarush, his voice calm but serious, “Aaru, those words are very wrong… They are very, very bad words, Aaru… And you will never repeat it again… Never. Did you get that?”

Aarush argued back, looking conflicted,
“Lakin Jiji toh bolti hai…”

Arnav’s gaze softened slightly, but his tone remained firm and authoritative,
“Jiji bhi nahi bolengi abse… Aur kabhi tune suna, toh come and tell me.”

He turned to Avyuktha, looking her in the eyes, “Mai samjhaunga ache se teri Jiji ko.”

The warning in his voice was unmistakable...clear, firm, and protective, leaving no room for argument.

Maan leaned slightly forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he teased, “Avu teri toh vocabulary badi colourgul hai…" He raised his eyebrow smirking, "Be careful, some people don't like colours.”

He smirked at Arnav, then glanced back at Avyuktha, enjoying her flustered reaction.

Avyuktha’s cheeks instantly deepened in red, and she opened her mouth to protest, but Maan’s teasing had already hit its mark.

Anvi, unable to contain herself, let out a small laugh...quick, sharp, and nervous and immediately covered it with a cough, trying to act innocent while her eyes twinkled with amusement.

Avyuktha glared at both of them, half embarrassed, half exasperated, as her hands fidgeted in her lap.

Arnav’s gaze shifted sharply to Maan, who froze instantly. He straightened up immediately, then glanced at Avyuktha. She was fidgeting nervously with her fingers, cheeks burning bright red.

Arnav’s voice cut through the room firmly,“Avyuktha…”

The use of her full name made her heart skip a beat. Since she had come here, Arnav had always called her “Avu,” never her full name. Hearing it now made her lift her eyes to him instantly, feeling the weight of his seriousness.

Arnav softened his expression slightly, though his tone remained firm:
“I don’t want you to use these types of words… Not now, not ever… These are very wrong words, Avyuktha. And I don’t want my child to say these types of words....not alone, and especially not in front of anyone.”

Avyuktha’s heart stilled at the words “my child.” Her chest fluttered, and a warmth spread through her. She didn’t want to disappoint him. For this man who made her feel safe, loved, and protected, she could leave anything behind.

Slowly, she raised her hands and clutched her ears, voice trembling slightly but earnest, “Sorry Bhaiya… Abse kabhi nhi bolungi… Sorry.”

Her eyes stayed locked on his, sincere and unwavering.

Arnav’s expression softened completely. He smiled, reaching out to gently pull her hands down. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and said warmly “Good girl....Bhaiya’s Avu is the best… Right?”

Avyuktha nodded shyly, feeling her heart melt.

Arnav chuckled quietly, a low, affectionate sound that made the warmth in the room settle even more comfortably around them.

Pari entered with the parathe, and Abhimanyu followed with two bowls of curd. As they set everything on the table
Arnav’s eyes drifted toward the food spread in front of them and the moment he spotted aaloo paratha on the table, his entire face lit up as if someone had turned on a warm lamp inside him. And not just that… there were different kinds of curd too.

That was it.

Every trace of heaviness slipped away from his expression.

Arnav, despite everything, was the biggest foodie...not in the loud, greedy way, but in the way someone who loves comfort loves good food. In his world, food wasn’t just food; good, warm, rich food meant strength. A way of telling himself he could face anything.

He could easily go without meals when life got overwhelming, but when he wanted food, he wanted it right...rich, savory, the kind that hugged your tongue. But after Sudha’s death, that part of him had gone quiet. He ate because he had to, not because he enjoyed it. The fun, the excitement, the eagerness, all of it had faded.

He cooked regularly, Maan and Anvi’s favourites, the spicy dishes they loved but he never made his own comfort foods anymore. The meals that once made him feel like a child again: suji halwa, tehri, simple vegetable maggi, aaloo paratha with curd, sambhar rice, idli chutney… those had become rare visitors in the house. His and the kids’ taste buds never quite matched; Maan and Anvi adored spice, while Arnav preferred balanced, flavorful meals that didn’t burn his mouth.

Still, on the rare days something he loved appeared on the table, something inside him flickered back to life, the little Arnav who used to tug Sudha’s saree, demanding different cuisines, throwing melodramatic tantrums for the “perfect” taste.

Tonight, seeing aaloo paratha and curd waiting for him…That same little spark returned. A quiet joy spread across his face...innocent, warm, almost childlike.

And for the first time in a long time, food didn’t feel like a necessity.

It felt like comfort again.

Arnav glanced around the table, his eyes softening at the sight of everyone settling in. Pari began serving warm aaloo parathas to each of them, except Avyuktha. The moment Arnav noticed, something tugged inside his chest. Three days of soup… three days of watching her eat like she was being punished… his heart ached.

Just as Pari got up to bring Avyuktha’s separate meal, Arnav spoke gently but firmly.

“Pari, aaj Avu ko bhi parathe dene de na… 3 din se soup hi pi rhi hai bacchi… aaj jaane de na ye diet shiet.”

Pari had actually prepared a lighter paratha separately for Avyuktha, but the moment she heard Arnav’s request, a familiar spark of sibling mischief rose inside her, the kind that made her want to irritate him for no real reason except that she could.

She crossed her arms and said with full attitude,

“Avu ko soup hi milega. Aapko koi problem hai toh aap bhi soup pi lijiye… Avu ka sath dene ke liye.”

Arnav’s jaw dropped slightly.

Of all the battles to lose, he refused to lose this one.

“Dekh Pari, ek din mein kuch nahi hota. Usse aaj parathe kha lene de… kal se soup chalu kar dena.”

But Pari shook her head stubbornly, her voice matching his tone perfectly.

“Nahi. Avu soup hi piyegi.”

Arnav’s voice deepened, trying to intimidate her into budging.

“Pari…”

Pari didn’t flinch, didn’t blink, didn’t soften. She matched him note for note.

“Bhai.”

Before the argument could escalate into full sibling warfare, Avyuktha spoke softly,

“Bhaiya, mai soup pi lungi. Mujhe koi problem nahi hai.”

She was a picky eater, but life had taught her harshly that food on a plate...sweet, sour, bland, anything...was still a blessing. She had learned not to complain.

But Arnav shushed her immediately, the protective annoyance clear.

“Tu chup kar.”

He turned to Pari again, refusing to give up.

“Pari, ek din ki toh baat hai. Ek din mein kuch nahi hota.”

Pari shook her head once more, final and firm.

“Nahi bhai. Avu ko soup hi milega.”

With that, she walked to the kitchen, leaving behind an utterly stunned, mouth open Arnav frozen at the table.

For two seconds he sat still.

Then his eyes narrowed.

Mission mode activated.

He quickly stood up, settled Aarush into the chair beside him, snatched a paratha and a bowl of curd, dipped the piece generously, and began feeding Avyuktha before Pari even returned.

The moment the first morsel reached her lips, Avyuktha whispered in distress,

“Bhaiya… Pari di ne mana kiya hai…”

But Arnav didn’t care.

At all.

He gently pushed the bite into her mouth with absolute authority.

“Aree tu khaa chup chap! Vo soup leke aayegi na… thoda sa pike bol dena pet bhar gaya.”

Avyuktha chewed slowly, still hesitant.

“Lekin bhaiya...”

Arnav shoved another morsel toward her mouth, shaking his head as he ranted under his breath.

“Aree Avu tu ise nahi jaanti… ye koi doctor-voctor nahi hai! Isko na bachpan mai doctor-doctor khelne ka shauk tha, toh maine aur Mannu ne isse hospital kholke de diya… bas.”

He huffed, dipping another piece in curd.

“Bachpan mein hum log pe torture karti thi...‘bhai calories, bhai diet, bhai salt intake’… blah blah blah blah....Isliye maine hi isse nakli degree dilwa di aur bitha diya hospital mein… taaki meri jaan na khaaye!”

He pushed another bite toward Avyuktha who ate quietly, trying not to laugh.

“Tu iski baaton ko seriously mat le… tu khaa jaldi jaldi.”

And so he went on, ranting like an irritated elder brother, feeding Avyuktha hurriedly before Pari returned, both protective and dramatic in his own soft hearted way.

Meanwhile, Aarush watched with big eyes, already ready to report this entire crime to Pari if needed.

Avyuktha tried to protest, cheeks puffed out with the paratha Arnav had stuffed into her mouth. She let out a tiny, muffled,

“Bhaiyaaa…”

But Arnav was on a full mission and absolutely refused to hear anything.

“Are tu jaldi jaldi khaa… ye aa gayi toh teri jaan kha jaayegi!” he muttered, already scooping up the next bite. “Tujhe pata hai bachpan se hi aisi hai… nakchadi ek number ki. Maa ne isse sir pe chadha diya tha...‘meri beti itni intelligent hai, doctor banegi’....Kaakh intelligent! Cheating krti hai ye CHEATING......Cheating karke pass karaya hai… Maine hi farre banaye the raat raat bhar baith ke iske sath!”

Avyuktha almost choked on her laugh but Arnav didn’t even pause.

“Isko BP napne ko bolo toh thermometer le aati hai…Aur galti se fever ho gya toh kehti hai hajmola khaa lo subh fever nikal jayega.....hospital mein patients isko dekh ke hi door bhaag jaate hain!”

Another bite went into Avyuktha’s mouth.

“Ek baar pata hai ek patient aaya tha, bechare ko baar baar sardi hojati thi.... Ye kehti hai ‘aapka operation karna padega… naak hata dete hain. Na rahegi naak na hogi sardi’.”

Arnav turned to Avyuktha with the most innocent expression, as if he had revealed the world’s darkest truth.

“Ab soch le… aisi doctor hai ye.”

He scooped another paratha piece, dipped it generously in curd, and pushed it toward her again while continuing the rant.

“Aur ek baar ek patient aaya tha, bichare ka hath fracture tha. Hospital se jaate waqt uske dono pair gayab ho gaye the. Hath ka plaster kaatne mein isne uske pair hi kaat diye! ....Tauba tauba....Bichara”

He shook his head dramatically, feeding her another morsel.

“Aise logo ki baat nahi sunte, Avu… tu khaa jaldi jaldi.”

By now Avyuktha was half-laughing, half chewing, her eyes wide as she tried not to choke on food or amusement, while Arnav ranted like a man possessed, fully determined to feed her before Pari returned to enforce the dreaded soup.

Arnav kept pushing more food toward her, muttering under his breath like a grumpy, overprotective, dramatic elder brother on a secret rescue mission, his version of rebellion wrapped in paratha and curd.

“Seriously bhai.”

The second the voice dropped, Arnav froze mid feeding like someone pressed pause on him. Avu still had her mouth open, expecting the bite.

Arnav slowly, very slowly, put the morsel back on the plate like a criminal returning evidence.

Without a word, he walked back to his original chair, sat down properly, folded his hands on the table, and pretended he had been there the whole time.

He cleared his throat with fake authority.

“Avu… Pari di ne mana kiya tha na tu ye parathe kyu kha rhi hai?”

Avyuktha looked at him as if he had personally betrayed her in all seven lifetimes. Her cheeks puffed with paratha, her eyes huge, blinking between Pari and Arnav like bhai tu abhi abhi mujhe khila ke gaya hai.

Pari glared.

Arnav shook his head, shoulders dropping like a tired parent who had seen too much. For a moment, he genuinely looked like the unofficial father of the nation.

“Aur Avu...ye sb kya bakwass kr rhi hai meri behen ke baare mai” he said patiently. “Pari di tujhse badi hai… And she is a fantastic doctor as well… itni achhi doctor hai ki patients sirf inko dekhte hi thik ho jaate hain. ‘Aapko dekh liya, ab koi takleef nahi hai.”

Everyone paused. Even Pari blinked.

But Arnav was warming up now, voice full of innocent sincerity.

“Pure hospital mein bheed lagi hoti hai inse ilaaj karwane ke liye. Patients discharge hoke...turant phor vapas aa jaate hai sirf isliye taaki Pari se dobara ilaaz karwa sake...She has such healing hands.”

He nodded firmly, as if presenting undisputable scientific data.

“Pari di bahot achhi doctor hai, Avu,” he repeated softly, giving her a mild, disappointed dad look. “Aur tu inke baare mein aise baat karegi toh accha nahi lagta beta.”

Pari raised a brow, arms crossed lightly.
“Ho gayi meri tareef, ya abhi aur bhi kuch hai?”

Arnav slowly turned toward her like a caught schoolboy, eyes wide with the purest innocence known to mankind.
“Are Pari… tu kab aayi?” he asked sweetly. “Dekh, ye Avu tere baare mein kya bol rhi thi.”

Avyuktha almost choked. “Areeeee...!”

But Arnav lifted a hand calmly, cutting her off like a seasoned diplomat.
“Lekin chhor, maine samjha diya hai. Sab theek.”

And then, smooth as butter, he switched sides again, turning fully to Pari with polite sincerity.

“Main iski taraf se sorry bolta hoon,” he said, almost proudly. “Bacchi hai. Jaane do.”

Pari looked at him, half amused, half done.
Avu looked betrayed.

Arnav just sat there, the picture of innocence, convinced he had handled everything perfectly.

Anvi and Maan already had their hands on their mouths to stop the laughter.
Aarush was giggling like he’d just seen live comedy. Avu looked like she was reconsidering every relationship in her life.

Abhimanyu’s lips twitched despite trying to stay serious.

Pari, who was supposed to scold, gave up and let out a tiny chuckle.

That was enough.

Abhimanyu leaned forward and whacked the back of Arnav’s head, clean, simple, deserved.

Arnav snapped his head around, pouting, rubbing his skull, glaring and whined, "Maine kya kiya"

And that was it.

Everyone broke.

Full laughter. Loud, messy, tear-in-eyes laughter.The kind of laughter where nobody even knows what they’re laughing at anymore....Arnav, Avyu, Pari’s face, the chaos, everything mixed together.

The whole room just dissolved.

Pari placed the parathas she had prepared for Avyuktha, the less ghee, less spicy ones, on the table and said casually, “Maine Avu ke liye kam ghee, less spicy wale banaye the alag se.”

Arnav’s jaw dropped clearly offended
“Tab bataya kyun nahi tune?....Ye soup soup kya kar rhi thi!” he exclaimed, glaring at her.

Pari smirked, shrugged nonchalantly, and Arnav’s glare intensified, but she remained completely unbothered.

She began serving the parathas to Avyuktha, who suddenly mumbled something with her mouth completely full. Her words were muffled, almost squirrel like, as she chewed rapidly, holding up one finger to indicate “one minute.”

Everyone at the table couldn’t help but chuckle at her adorable little frenzy.

After two minutes, her mouth was finally empty. She looked up and said softly,
“Di… bhaiya ne already 1 paratha khila diya mujhe… aur nahi chahiye.”

Pari’s smile widely and said. “Ek aur le le… at least do tho toh khaa baccha… itne chote chote toh hai ye.”

Avyuktha hesitated, but she didn’t want to refuse Pari....after all, Pari had made them especially for her. So she took one, and the table settled into a peaceful rhythm.

Maan chirped, whining that he will feed Aarush and fed him lovingly. Others quietly ate, laughing and chatting softly. Arnav, already in his usual feeding mode, continued giving paratha to Avyuktha with care while keeping an eye on everyone else.

As she chewed and watched, Avyuktha’s heart swelled. The care, attention, and love each one of them showed her made her feel… like she truly belonged. Even though her own father hadn’t accepted her, this...Arnav, Pari, Abhimanyu, Maan, Anvi, this made her feel like family.

Her chest felt full, her heart warm, and for the first time in a long while, she felt completely safe and loved.

After dinner, everyone settled into a quiet calm. The house felt peaceful for the first time in a while, though their minds still lingered on the earlier chaos, Arnav’s ranting, Avyuktha’s puffed cheeks, Pari’s smirk, and the laughter that had filled the room.

___________________________________________

Thank you for readingggg, my lovely readers!

This chapter was soft soft and funny funny, like a warm little break after all the emotional storms we survived together. I hope it made you smile the way it made me smile while writing it.

Please comment all your thoughts

1. Did you also feel that Aarush finally understood how everyone sees Avyuktha, not “manhoos”, but a whole precious cupcake to be protected at all costs?
I swear his confused face was priceless.

2.And hello??? Avyuktha’s colourful vocabulary???
Did it surprise you or did you also pause like, “madam where was THIS hidden??”

3. Did you enjoy how Maan and Anvi immediately started listing Avyuktha’s good qualities like panicked students reciting ABCD to save their grades?
Their loyalty has no brake, only accelerator.

4. Even though Anvi is a certified impulsive teenager, did she win your heart today?
Be honest, her protectiveness was cute na?

5. Arnav in full dramatic big-brother mode… did you laugh, or did you send prayers for Maan’s survival?
Either response is valid.

6. Which scene made you smile the widest in this soft-soft chapter?
I want to know the exact moment your heart melted.

7.Who surprised you the most today, our little cupcake Avyuktha, soft-boy Aarush, chaos-duo Maan & Anvi, or drama-king Arnav?
Rate the chaos.

8. How did you like Arnav’s dramatic little rant?

9. Pari’s desperate urge to annoy him just for fun, relatable sibling energy, right?

10.Aarush unknowingly soothing Arnav’s heart… soft-boy magic.

11. And Avyuktha finally feeling the warmth of being loved, did it melt your soul?

Tell me everything you felt. I love reading each word.

And yes, finally a gentle, comforting chapter, only because so many of you asked for it!

So keep commenting the scenes you want to see next.

I’m your genie… but a greedy one.
Let me finish my writing targets first, and then your wishes shall be granted one by one.

Love you all endlessly, keep reading and keep commenting!