Chapter: Sukoon

Arnav went to Maan’s room first.

After what he had seen with Anvi, his heart carried a quiet dread, an unspoken fear that Abhimaan might be the same. He pushed the door open carefully… and froze.

The room was a miniature Shimla.

The air conditioner was blasting at full force, turning the room icy. Right in the middle of the bed, Maan lay curled like a careless starfish, occupying every inch of space, the blanket tangled around him in utter chaos. Arnav walked closer, his expression softening instantly. One glance was enough to notice the faint sheen on Maan’s skin, Abhimanyu had already applied the ointment.

Of course he had.

Arnav’s fingers slid gently through Maan’s hair, slow and soothing, as if the child could still feel it in his sleep. He bent down, pressing a lingering kiss to his forehead.

Then, with a slight shake of his head, he reached for the remote, turning the AC off while muttering something under his breath about reckless children and their equally reckless habits.

He pulled the curtains apart just enough to let fresh morning air slip in, light brushing softly against the room, before stepping out and closing the door behind him.

Downstairs, the house felt alive.

As Arnav descended the hall toward the kitchen to prepare breakfast, he stopped short at the sight in the living room.

Abhimanyu sat on the couch, a file open in one hand, eyes calmly scanning its contents. Completely unfazed by the chaos climbing all over him, Aarush was enthusiastically scaling his chest and shoulders like a personal jungle gym. Abhimanyu’s other arm remained securely around the child, instinctive and protective, preventing even the slightest chance of a fall.







Arnav’s face bloomed into a quiet, genuine smile.

This, this was the sight that grounded him.

Without a word, he moved toward them, warmth settling in his chest as he watched the man who carried the weight of the world handle both responsibility and tenderness with effortless ease.

“Good morning, Aru,” Arnav said, his voice impossibly soft and unnecessarily enthusiastic, like a man fully prepared to be rewarded with a grin and outstretched arms.

What he got instead was a tiny, highly offended humph.

Arnav blinked.

Once.
Twice.

Abhimanyu, sitting right there, had to pinch his own cheek to stop himself from laughing.

Just a minute ago, Aarush had been climbing him like a professional mountaineer. Now, with dramatic efficiency, he plopped himself firmly into Abhimanyu’s lap, curled into his chest, and very deliberately blocked Arnav from view, as if Arnav simply did not exist.

Arnav’s brows creased in pure disbelief. He slowly turned his head toward Abhimanyu.

“What… was that?” his eyes demanded.

Abhimanyu met his stare with a maddeningly amused smirk and muttered under his breath, “Gussa hai.”

Arnav frowned. “Mujhse?”

Abhimanyu nodded, utterly unhelpful and entirely entertained.

Determined, Arnav moved closer and sat beside them, leaning in this time. His voice dropped an octave, dripping with affection.

“Good morning, aruuu…”

Aarush let out a long, exaggerated sigh, the kind usually reserved for overworked CEOs whose schedules were being interrupted for nonsense. He peeked up from Abhimanyu’s chest, glanced briefly at Arnav, then tilted his head toward Abhimanyu instead.

“Good morning, bhai,” he said solemnly, like a tiny gentleman following protocol. Then, with pointed emphasis, he added, “Baaki logo se bhi good morning keh dijiye aap.”

Arnav’s jaw dropped.

Abhimanyu finally lost the battle and chuckled, his chest shaking.

Mission accomplished, Aarush buried his face straight back into Abhimanyu’s stomach, arms tightening around him, successfully reclaiming his exclusive rights.

Arnav let out a small, very undignified squeal.

“Arre maine kya kiya?” he blurted, genuinely baffled, eyes wide and wounded.

Abhimanyu merely lifted an eyebrow and offered the tiniest, most innocent shrug, one that clearly said I know exactly what’s happening and I’m enjoying this.

Arnav’s brows knitted together as he leaned in and gently poked the small back facing him as Aarush’s entire front was practically embedded into Abhimanyu.

“Aaru…” he tried, poking lightly again.
“Aaruuu…” he coaxed, dragging his name just a little, soft and pleading.

Nothing.

Instead, Aarush shuffled even closer to Abhimanyu, arms tightening around him like a koala that had sensed danger. If it were physically possible, Arnav was convinced the child would have crawled straight into Abhimanyu’s stomach and disappeared forever.

Abhimanyu bit his lip, shoulders shaking.

Arnav huffed, determination blazing in his eyes. With a swift, almost heroic move, he pried the tiny koala off its favorite tree, aka Abhimanyu and plopped him squarely onto his own lap.

Aarush squirmed and flailed like a heroine trapped by villainous goons, dramatic and utterly convinced of the injustice. But Arnav didn’t relent, not an inch.

After a few seconds of high drama struggle, Aarush finally slumped, arms crossed, stubborn as a tiny mountain. His face turned determinedly in the other direction, refusing to acknowledge Arnav’s existence. With a long, deliberate humph, he made it abundantly clear this was not over, and he was still in full protest mode.

Abhimanyu, watching from the couch, stifled a laugh, utterly entertained by the domestic battlefield unfolding before him.

Arnav cupped Aarush’s small face gently, tilting it until the stubborn little head finally obeyed. Aarush tried to resist, but Arnav was stronger. Softly, coaxingly, he asked, “Gussa hai mujhse?”

Aarush’s little nod was heavy with all the drama of the world.

Arnav’s brows creased in genuine confusion. “Maine… kya kiya?”

Aarush’s eyes snapped up, wide and accusing, like a betrayed wife glaring at an utterly clueless husband. “Aapko nahi pata! Aapne kya kiya!”

Arnav’s shoulders slumped in a helpless, tiny shake, utterly at a loss.

Aarush huffed again, dramatic as ever, turning his face stubbornly in the other direction.

Undeterred, Arnav cupped his cheeks once more. “Aru… bata toh. Maine kya kiya? Mera gudda… mujhse gussa kyun hai?”

He poked Aarush’s tiny stomach lightly, trying to get through the fortress of attitude. “Bata na…”

Aarush exhaled with the exaggerated patience of someone who had been burdened with explaining the obvious one too many times. Finally, with eyes that could pierce steel, he accused, “Aapne mujhe apne room mein nahi sulaya… aur meri jiji ko kidnap kar liya.”

Abhimanyu, seated nearby, clenched his jaw and tried, very hard not to laugh, desperately hoping he wouldn’t end up on Aarush’s “bad list.”

Arnav’s jaw dropped. His eyes went wide. Utter disbelief radiated from him. “Kya...?”

Aarush folded his arms, leaned back, and glared. “Ha...Aapne mujhe apne room mai nhi sulaya aur meri jiji ko bhi le gye...Mai baat nhi karunga aapse”

Arnav’s jaw dropped. His eyes went wide. Utter disbelief radiated from him.

Arnav leaned in, voice soft but pleading, “Aree… toh tu so gaya tha na? Aur Avu akele soti, isliye le gaya tha mai usse apne room mein… Maine kidnap thodi kiya usse.”

Aarush’s little eyes narrowed in accusation. “Toh mujhe bhi le chalte na!”

Arnav blinked. “Lekin tu… so gaya tha na?”

Before the argument could mellow down, Abhimanyu chimed in with innocent perfection, “Toh utha ke toh le hi jaa sakta tha… hai na, Aaru?”

Aarush’s face brightened in agreement as he nodded vigorously.

Arnav’s glare shot straight at Abhimanyu. “Mannu!” he hissed, warning clear, but Abhimanyu’s expression remained the picture of absolute innocence, maine kya kiya?

Arnav turned back to Aarush, who was now looking at him accusingly. “Gudda… mai tujhe uthata toh teri neend kharab ho jaati… isliye sone diya.”

Aarush puffed his cheeks, stubborn as ever, looking away. “Nahi… aap mujhse chholke jiji ko le gaye… aap mujhse pyaar nahi karte.”

Arnav groaned, exasperation mixed with affection. “Arree… isme pyaar na karne ki konsi baat aa gayi? Tu so raha tha, Aaru… isliye mai sirf Avu ko le gaya.”

Aarush didn’t budge, refusing to look at him.

Arnav exhaled dramatically and muttered, “Tab toh… iss hisaab se mujhe tujhse gussa hona chahiye.”

Aarush tilted his head, confused.

Arnav poked his tiny stomach gently, voice suddenly sad and pleading. “Tu bhi mujhse pyaar nahi karta… tu Mannu ke saath so gaya… mere saath nahi soya.”

Aarush immediately retorted, “Aree… lekin mai toh Bhai ko garam karte karte so gaya tha!”

Arnav’s eyes grew wide, mouth dropping. “Nahi! Tu mere saath nahi soya… jaa… mai bhi gussa hoon tujhse!” And, in full dramatic flair, he turned his face away, arms crossed.

Aarush paused, blinking, processing the shift in roles, from victim to culprit in mere seconds. He looked at Arnav, who was facing away like a tiny offended adult, and then at Abhimanyu, whose expression was a perfect mix of bafflement and silent amusement at Arnav’s theatrics.

Aarush let out a tiny, defeated little sound. “Ohoo…Gussa toh mai tha”

Arnav had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing, "Haan toh ab mai ho gya gussa. " And he stayed committed to his antics, sitting there with an exaggerated pout, face turned away.

Abhimanyu, however, lost the battle completely and let out a quiet chuckle at Aarush’s utterly crushed tone.

Determined, Aarush straightened up. Right there on the sofa, he stood on his tiny feet to reach Arnav’s height but failed. So, naturally, he climbed onto Arnav’s thighs instead.



Arnav’s hands shot out instantly, holding him steady.

Aarush leaned in close, peering straight into Arnav’s eyes, his expression suddenly angelic. Then came the weapon, an innocent, cheeky grin.

Aarush, trying to salvage the situation, piped up in a sweet, careful voice, “Good morning, Bhaiya,” exactly mimicking Arnav’s overly enthusiastic tone from earlier.

Arnav raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Good morning, Mannu… ab tu kisi aur ko bhi good morning bol de.”

Aarush froze, blinking, completely baffled. He had just tasted a tiny dose of his own medicine and, judging by the scowl forming on his face, he did not like it one bit.

Arnav’s dramatic humph echoed through the room, triumphant. Aarush pouted, cheeks puffed, plotting his next move as the miniature domestic battlefield continued.

Arnav bit his lips harder, trying not to smile, but his eyes betrayed him completely.

Aarush leaned in close, peering straight into Arnav’s eyes with big, puppy-like orbs that instantly melted his heart, then softly pressed a tiny kiss to his cheek.

“Good morning, bhaiyaaa,” he sang in the sweetest voice imaginable and pressed a soft kiss to Arnav’s cheek again.

When Arnav still didn’t respond, Aarush kissed his other cheek. Then his nose. Then again his cheeks.

That was it.

Arnav finally let out a small chuckle, shaking his head.

Aarush’s face lit up instantly, pride blooming across every feature. He lifted his tiny thumb toward Arnav. “Mithhii?”

Both Arnav and Abhimanyu burst out laughing.

Arnav joined his thumb with Aarush’s. “Mithhi.”

Aarush squealed in victory, kissed Arnav’s cheek once more, and wrapped his arms around him. Arnav hugged him back, settling him comfortably onto his lap. “Kahan se seekhta hai itni nautanki tu?” Arnav teased, gently blopping his nose.

Aarush answered without missing a beat. “Jiji se.”

Arnav’s brows rose. “Jiji se?”

“Haan,” Aarush nodded seriously. “Jiji hamesha Tai ko aise hi mana leti thi.”

Arnav frowned slightly. “Tai?”

“Haan,” Aarush said matter of fact. “Kashi bhaiya ki behen.”

Arnav blinked. “Kashi?”

Aarush sighed long and dramatic. “Aapko toh kuch pata hi nahi hai.”

Then, with the patience of someone explaining obvious facts to a very slow adult, he added, “Kashi bhaiya jiji ke best friend hain… aur Tai unki jiji.”

Just then, Anvi came downstairs and spotted Arnav, Abhimanyu, and Aarush gathered together. She walked toward them and announced softly, “Bhaiya, maine naha liya.”

Anvi reached out and ruffled Aarush’s hair gently. “Good morning, Aaru.”

As Anvi ruffled his hair, Aarush lifted his little hand and placed it over his head protectively, a shy smile spreading across his face. “Good morning, Didi,” he said softly.



Arnav looked up at her and immediately said, “Arre… maine toh abhi nasta banana shuru bhi nahi kiya. Rukk, rukk...bas das minute de mujhe.”

Anvi smiled. “Aap aaram se bana lo. Naha liya hai toh waise bhi abhi neend nahi aa rahi.”

Arnav nodded, a little apologetically, then gently plopped Aarush down from his lap. “Aaru, ja… jiji ko utha de.”

Aarush nodded with full seriousness and dashed off instantly, like a man on a mission.

Abhimanyu leaned toward Arnav and asked quietly, “Patch up ho gaya dono ka?”

Anvi nodded enthusiastically, and Arnav gave a subtle nod of his own.

Satisfied, Abhimanyu stood up, pressed a gentle kiss to Anvi’s forehead, and walked away as he was not feeling well and didn't want then to get anxious.

As Anvi and Arnav headed toward the kitchen together, she asked softly, concern edging her voice, “Avu abhi tak so rahi hai...Uski tabiyat theek hai na?”

Arnav glanced at her, his expression softening instantly, ready to reassure her as the warmth of the morning settled around them.

“Haan, baccha… tabiyat theek hai uski,” Arnav said reassuringly.

Anvi frowned slightly. “Toh phir itni der tak kyun so rahi hai? Das baj gaye hain.”

Arnav sighed, his movements slowing as he reached for the flour. “Kal raat…” he began, voice quieter now. As he kneaded the dough, he told her everything, how he had fallen asleep on Avyuktha, how she had stayed awake instead, gently running her fingers through his hair. He spoke about the fear of nightmares that lingered in her eyes, how she had been deliberately avoiding sleep. And then, about Pari’s suggestion...small, careful steps to help her cope when the nightmares returned.

Anvi climbed onto the counter, legs dangling as she listened, her playful energy fading with every word. She didn’t interrupt once.

By the time Arnav finished, she had gone completely quiet.

Her gaze drifted somewhere far away, lost in her own thoughts, the weight of what she had just heard settling slowly into her chest, while Arnav continued kneading the dough beside her Arnav glanced at Anvi and asked gently, “Kya soch rahi hai, baccha?”

Anvi looked up at him, eyes clouded with sadness. “Kuch nahi, bhaiya… bas yahi soch rahi thi,” she said quietly. “Avu ne kitna kuch jhel liya hai yaar… bacchi hai woh.”

She swallowed and continued, “Aapko yaad hai jab mumma chhod ke gayi thi… hum sab ke paas koi na koi tha.”

She paused, collecting herself. “Mere aur Bhaiyu ke paas aap the.... Humare paas Pari di, Bhai, Uncle, Yash Bhaiya even Keshav sb the. Hum sab ne ek dusre ko sambhaal liya.”

Her voice softened, heavy. She looked down. “Lekin Avu…”

She lifted her eyes to Arnav. “Chhe saal ki thi na woh?”

Arnav nodded slowly. “Chhe saal ki,” Anvi repeated. “Aur uski mumma ke jaane ke baad… ek newborn baby uske haath mein de diya gaya. Uske paas koi nahi tha.”

Her voice trembled. “Jaisi uski maami thi, mujhe nahi lagta unhone Aarush ko paalne mein zara bhi madad ki hogi. Ulta… Avu se aur kaam hi karwati hongi.”

She took a shaky breath. “Sochiye bhaiya… chhe saal ki umar mai… she had to grow up.” Her eyes glistened. “Usse toh bacha banne ka mauka hi nahi mila.”

Silence stretched between them.
Anvi stared down at her hands, while Arnav watched her, his chest tight, words refusing to come.

She spoke again, softer now. “Aur yahan bhi… jabse aayi hai na woh…” She shook her head faintly. “Maine usse khul ke haste hue nahi dekha.”

“If we don’t involve them, toh pata bhi nahi chalta ke ghar mein do chote bacche hain,” she said bitterly. “ Trying to be as invisible as possible... Hamesha bss help krne ke liye uska muh khulta hai... Bhaiya mai ye kr du didi mai ye kr du.... Like she tries to be helpful in any way possible... So that we don't see her as burden.”

Her voice broke on the last line.
Arnav exhaled slowly, deeply.
He knew, every word she had said was painfully accurate.

Anvi spoke again, softer now. “Aaru toh phir bhi chhota hai, bhaiya… time ke saath woh kaafi cheezein bhool jaayega.”

She looked up at Arnav, worry returning to her eyes. “Lekin Avu… uska kya?”
She paused, then asked quietly, “Aapko pata hai Avu ko kya chahiye?”

Arnav looked at her. “Kya?”

“Usse koi poke karne wala insaan chahiye,” Anvi said seriously. “Ya phir partner in crime. Koi aisa jiske saath uski automatic bonding ho jaaye… ya phir koi jo usse itna irritate kar de ki woh apne shell se bahar aa jaaye.”

Arnav let out a soft chuckle at her logic, more at the way she put it than disagreement. Because… she wasn’t wrong.

“Arey sacchi,” Anvi insisted. “Ya toh koi aisa jo Avu ko itna irritate kar de ki woh apne character se hi bahar aa jaaye. Ya phir koi aisa jiske sath Avu ka automatic naughty bratty childish nature bahar aa jaye.”

She leaned forward slightly, eyes gleaming now. “Mai toh bs yhi chahti hoon Avu apne shell se bahar aaye haldi se taaki hum sb khul masti kare... Mai ek baat batau.”

She shook her head dramatically. “Hum logon mein sabse zyada shaitaan wahi hogi. Main likh ke de sakti hoon.”

Arnav smiled. “Aur tujhe kaise pata?”
“Arey,” Anvi scoffed. “Just my intuitions.”

She finished with full drama, “Tab aapko pata chalega… main aur Bhaiyu kitne seedhe the.”

Arnav laughed softly.
Then he reached out, cupped Anvi’s face gently, thumb brushing her cheek. “Sab theek ho jaayega, baccha,” he said with quiet certainty. “Chinta mat kar. Avu bhi apne shell se bahar aa jaayegi.”

Arnav looked at Anvi with eyes full of pride, seeing not just his daughter, but the compassion in her soft heart. He smiled and said warmly, “Aur bahar kyun nahi aayegi?”

He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Uske paas itni pyaari didi jo hai… jo uske baare mein itna sochti hai.” Anvi smiled softly.

Then, after a small pause, he smiled and added, “Ek baat bataun tujhe, Princess?”
Anvi hummed softly. “Hm.”

Arnav spoke quietly now. “Jab Avu aur Aaru ko yahan laane ki baat hui thi na…”

He paused, choosing his words. “Tab mujhe sabse zyada darr tera reaction ka tha...to be honest.”

He continued, eyes thoughtful. “Tu sabse chhoti thi ghar mein… aur mujhe yahi laga tha...how will you deal with them? Mujhe aur Maan ko toh aadat thi… lekin tu… tu toh sabse chhoti thi na... You became elder sibling now.”

His eyes gleamed with pride as he smiled. “Lekin mujhe pata hi nahi tha… meri Princess itni samajhdaar hai.”
He kissed her forehead again, slow and loving.

Anvi smiled and right on cue, her antics surfaced, rescuing the moment from becoming too emotional. “Samajhdaar toh main bachpan se hi hoon,” she said dramatically. “Bas aap hi ko nahi dikhta.”

Then, with full poetic flair, she added, “Lekin wahi baat hai... Ek asli johri ko hi heere ki pehchaan hoti hai. Warna log heere ko bhi kaanch ka tukda samajh lete hain.”

Arnav chuckled. “Yeh samajhdari diwal koodne se pehle holiday pe chali gayi thi Anvi ji ? ”

Anvi huffed. “Taane na maarao aap.”
Arnav laughed softly and ruffled her hair with affection.

By then, breakfast was ready, aloo sabzi and parathas laid out, the kitchen smelling warm and comforting.

“Chal,” Arnav said, wiping his hands.

“Tere Bhaiyu ko utha dete hain. Aur yeh Aaru ko Avu ko uthane bheja tha… abhi tak aaya nahi. Pura breakfast ban gaya.”

Together, they headed upstairs, to wake the house, the children, and another day filled with noise, warmth, and belonging.

Arnav and Anvi quietly moved to Maan’s room and found Abhimaan sitting on the bed, his legs drawn up to his chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, his head resting on his knees.

Arnav’s steps slowed. His heart clenched at the sight. He moved closer and gently placed a hand on Abhimaan’s head.



Abhimaan looked up, his eyes glassy and filled with unshed tears. One look was enough to make Arnav’s chest ache. He immediately sat beside him, cupped his face softly, thumbs brushing away the tears threatening to fall. “Kya hua, baccha?” Arnav asked in a low, trembling voice. “Ro kyun raha hai tu?”



Maan suddenly hugged Arnav tightly, burying his face into his shoulder. Arnav held him close without a word, one arm wrapped around him, the other slowly rubbing his back in gentle circles, calming, reassuring.

Anvi walked closer and sat beside them on the bed, her eyes fixed on her bhaiyu, full of worry and love.

Arnav pressed a soft kiss to the side of Maan’s head. “Kya hua, baccha?” he whispered again.

Still clinging to him, Maan spoke in a broken voice, “I’m sorry, bhaiya…”

Arnav let out a slow breath. He gently pulled back just enough to look at him, wiped away his tears with his thumb, and said softly, “I know baccha you're sorry.”

He shook his head lightly.
“Lekin ab rona nahi… shh.”

Arnav kissed his forehead with quiet tenderness.

Maan scooted closer, resting his head against Arnav’s chest, his arms circling Arnav’s waist as if afraid to let go. Arnav tightened his hold, silently promising comfort and safety, while Anvi leaned closer, her small hand resting over Maan’s arm.

Arnav held him closer and said softly,
“Main gussa nahi hoon, baccha…”
Abhimaan immediately sat up, his brows knitting together. Tears welled up again as he spoke, “Phir mujhe uthaya kyun nahi?”

He looked straight at Arnav, eyes shining.
“Aap gussa ho, isliye aapne nahi uthaya… warna roz toh aate ho mujhe uthane.”

He sniffed, then held his ears. “I’m sorry for what I did,” he said quickly, voice shaky, “Lekin aap aisa nahi kar sakte.” He looked determined now, almost fierce in his way. “Ye koi tareeka nahi hota baat karna band kar dene ka. You can’t do that.”

He shook his head stubbornly. “And I won’t let you do that.” “Punishment de do,” he added firmly, “Par silent treatment is off the list.”

Arnav couldn’t help it, he let out a soft
chuckle. Maan’s eyes widened. He glared at him, offended. “Aap hass rahe ho?”

That expression...puffed cheeks, teary eyes, stubborn lips, made Arnav’s heart melt completely. He looked so adorably cute that Arnav almost reached out to squish his cheeks.

Instead, Arnav shook his head and exhaled slowly. “Silent treatment nahi de raha tha, baccha, main.” He cupped Maan’s face gently. “Mujhe laga tu bhi late soya hoga, isliye sone diya.” He smiled faintly. “Aur waise bhi aaj Saturday hai… college band hai.”
Anvi nodded quietly beside them.

“Toh sochha sone deta hoon,” Arnav continued, “Hum log toh tujhe uthane hi aaye the.” He shrugged lightly. “Mujhe kya pata aaj tu khud se uth jaayega.”

Maan blinked. “Oooo.” The anger slowly drained from his face, replaced by embarrassment. He scooted closer again, resting his head back on Arnav’s chest, muttering, “Toh pehle bolna chahiye tha na…”

Maan asked, “Gussa ho?”

Arnav replied, “Nahi.”

“Disappointed ho?”

“Haan… but in your reckless actions, not in you.”

"I'm sorry"

"I know"

“Will you be able to forgive me?”

“I already did.”

“You wanted to slap me after knowing about me and Mohit?”

“Yeah, I wanted to belt you, to be honest.”

“But you won’t.”

“Never.”

“So you actually forgave me?”

“Yes.”

"Both of us? "

"Yes."

A fragile hope bloomed. “So no punishment either?”

“No.”

Maan’s heart flustered with happiness. He had truly believed his bhaiya wouldn’t let him off this time, that there would be a long, terrifying list of punishments, and by the time he finished them, his mind, heart, and soul would have left his body.

But fate, as always, had other plans.

“You both will be dealing with the consequences of your actions, not punishment.”

The happiness shattered instantly.

Maan sat up, staring at Arnav, betrayed.
“It’s the same thing…”

His voice cracked as he whined,
“Bhaiya, jab maaf kar diya toh punish kyun kar rahe ho yaar… we both are really sorry.”

He looked at Anvi.

Both of them nodded...slowly, deliberately, wearing their most innocent expressions.

“We both learned the consequences of our actions.”

Again, the synchronized nodding. Almost rehearsed.

Maan scooted closer and held Arnav’s hand tightly. “Toh phir punish kyun karna?”

Both of them tilted their heads, eyes wide, lips pouted, the kind of puppy looks that could make even stone melt.

Arnav’s jaw tightened. His lips twitched, the urge to laugh threatening to break through but he swallowed it down.

“Nahi… you know every action has its consequences… and you will be dealing with that. And that’s final. Meet me in my study in the evening, okay?”

Defeat hit instantly.

Both of them pouted deeply, shoulders slumping as they surrendered. “Theek hai.”

Maan, however, wasn’t done. He knew he couldn’t spend the entire weekend dreading the consequences. The doom would hit eventually anyway, so why not right now? His shoulders sagged in exaggerated despair as he whined, already mourning his fate, “Bhaiya, tab shaam tak suspense kyun bana rahe ho… abhi hi punish kar do. Nahi toh poora din spoil ho jaayega suspense mein.”

He dragged the words, voice heavy with tragedy, like his entire existence depended on it.

Arnav shook his head calmly.
“Nahi… Chutki poori raat soyi nahi hai and she is too drained to take any punishment.”

Maan froze.

He turned to Anvi slowly, eyes widening.
“Tu raat bhar soyi nahi hai???”

Anvi shook her head.

Maan stared at her in horror.
“Pagal ho gayi hai kya… soyi kyun nahi?”

Before she could answer, Arnav spoke, his voice quieter now. “Ro rahi thi raat bhar ye sochke that I will leave you both.”

The room fell silent.

Anvi lowered her gaze, shame and embarrassment flooding her face.

Maan’s expression changed instantly, teasing gone, drama forgotten.

He straightened. “Bhaiya, I want to confess something.”

Arnav looked at him, equally serious.

“Yesterday I hit her on her shoulder… uske baad se bhaiya ye behki behki baatein kar rahi hai aur soch bhi rahi hai. I think kahin kisi galat nass pe maar diya maine… iska MRI karwana padega, bhaiya.”

Maan finished with full conviction, half terrified, half offended by his own actions, his whining now replaced by panic wrapped in concern.

Anvi snapped at him, chiding "Bhaiyu.." sharply.

Maan, however, dismissed her with a lazy wave of his hand and turned to Arnav.

Arnav reached out, gently whacked the back of Abhimaan’s head, and muttered with exasperated fondness, “Nautanki.”

“Areee sacchi, bhaiya, pata nahi kal se behki behki baatein kiye jaa rahi hai,” Maan said, shaking his head in disbelief, as if the situation had personally exhausted him.

Arnav spoke gently, his tone calm but sincere, “Hum logon ke beech kuch misunderstandings ho gayi thi… isliye woh darr gayi thi ki main use chhod kar chala jaaunga.”

Maan let out a long, theatrical sigh, looking up at the ceiling first, as if asking the universe for patience, before turning to Anvi. “Chutki, do you really think he can leave us?”

Anvi shook her head slowly, lips pressed together, the answer obvious.

“Aur agar ye jaana bhi chahein,” Maan continued, voice suddenly grave, eyes narrowing dramatically, “Toh tujhe kya lagta hai...hum log unhe jaane denge?”

Anvi shook her head again, this time more firmly, her gaze flicking instinctively to Arnav.

Maan turned to Arnav with an almost angelic smile and said innocently, “Aapne agar kabhi aisa socha na… you know we would chain you to the bed,” he added, the warning delivered so sweetly it was almost dangerous.

Arnav stared at him for half a second, then reached out and whacked his shoulder, harder this time. “Apne bade bhai ko dhamki de raha hai?”

Maan winced, rubbing his shoulder dramatically. “Dhamki nhi de raha tha... I was telling you the truth... Agar kabhi iccha bhi ki... Then also you can't leave us... I would chain you and keep you with us,” he muttered, completely unapologetic.

Arnav stared at him for a full second, visibly processing what had just been said...then, much to Maan’s satisfaction, the corner of his lips betrayed him.

Maan’s eyes lit up immediately. Victory. He grinned shamelessly, rubbing his shoulder where he’d been hit as if he’d survived a battle, clearly proud of himself for single handedly rescuing the atmosphere.

Anvi finally let out the breath she’d been holding, her shoulders softening as she looked between the two brothers. The tightness in her chest eased, warmth settling in its place.

It still surprised her, how easily they had talked, when she had needed an entire letter just to say what she felt.

But the thought didn’t linger. She knew her own mistakes weren’t any smaller. Her actions had been far worse than anything her bhaiyu had done.

She simply shrugged it off, stepped forward, and wrapped her arms around them, pressing her face into familiar warmth. Their arms came around her almost immediately, steady and unspoken, and in that moment, everything felt okay again.

The room, once heavy with tension, now felt lighter, filled with laughter waiting to happen, familiar bickering, and the kind of love that survived every argument… and every dramatic shoulder whack.

They eventually moved toward Arnav’s room, their footsteps instinctively softening the moment they reached the door.

They stepped into the room quietly and were met with the softest sight, Avyuktha cuddled tightly against Aarush. Aarush lay wide awake, staring at the ceiling, his small fingers gently holding onto Avyuktha’s hands that were wrapped securely around his waist. Avyuktha had pulled him in really close, as if even in sleep she didn’t want to let him go.

Arnav, Anvi, and Maan smiled at the scene, hearts instantly melting. They both looked so tiny and adorable together, Avyuktha wearing a peaceful little sleep smile, her face calm and content.

They walked closer, and Aarush whispered in a tiny, helpless voice, “Jiji ne mujhe hi pakad liya… uthao inhe.” He looked at Arnav pleadingly, completely trapped in her embrace.

Arnav chuckled softly and sat down on the edge of the bed. He ran his fingers gently through Avyuktha’s messy hair and said in a warm, loving voice, “Avu uth jaa bachha… Breakfast kr le, phir so jaana.”

Instead of waking, Avyuktha only snuggled closer to Aarush, letting out the softest, sleepy little whine.

Aarush shook her gently. “Jiji utho na…”

“Hm hm…” Avyuktha hummed, drifting right back into sleep.

Aarush tried again, this time a little more determined. “Uthooo naaa…”

Still half lost in sleep, Avyuktha murmured, “Kya hua Aaru… kuch chahiye baccha…” her eyes refusing to open.

“Haan… bhookh lagi hai mujhe,” Aarush said quietly.

“Bhookh lagi hai?” Avyuktha mumbled, her arms loosening just a bit.

“Haa,” Aarush nodded.

With great effort, Avyuktha pushed herself upright, eyes still closed. She hid her face in her palms and let out a small, tired breath, hair falling into quiet disarray as she rubbed at her cheeks, half asleep, half lost.

“Rukk… mai mami se khaana mang ke le aati hoon… Tu yhi rehna” she murmured, the words slipping out on old instinct, unanchored to the place she was in.

Sleep held her so tightly she didn’t notice the room around her, didn’t question the unfamiliar comfort. Tonight, her body felt no need to listen for danger. It felt… held.

Usually, even the soft click of a door would pull her back to the surface, alert and trembling. But not now. The silence did not threaten her; it cradled her.

And so sleep deepened, slow and complete, claiming the girl who once bargained with wakefulness through endless nights, leaving her at last breathing easy, resting not from exhaustion, but from the simple, unfamiliar grace of feeling safe.

She blinked herself awake and froze.

Maan and Anvi stood near the bed, watching her with quiet fondness. Turning her head, she noticed Arnav and Aarush sitting there as well. Heat rushed to her face. Startled and embarrassed, she hurriedly tugged the blanket aside.

“Vo… vo… mai uth hi rahi thi… sorry,” she murmured, voice still heavy with sleep.

Arnav chuckled softly, the sound warm and reassuring. “Fresh ho jaa, Avu… nasta kar le… phir so jaana.”

Avyuktha nodded without a word.

Sliding off the bed, she walked straight to Maan and Anvi, drowsiness giving way to quiet worry. “Bhaiyu… didi… aap dono theek ho na…” she asked softly, her gaze catching the faint red ruler marks on their arms.

No one spoke for a moment. The room simply held them all, wrapped in a tender, unspoken warmth, made of love, concern, and those gentle, half awake moments that linger long after sleep fades.

Maan and Anvi smiled when they saw her standing there, eyes still sleepy yet full of worry. They bent down in front of her, lowering themselves to her height.

“Haa Avu hum thik hai.”

They kissed her cheeks, warm and familiar, the kind of kisses that had quickly become her favourite kind of comfort. Avyuktha smiled out of habit, but the feeling in her chest didn’t loosen.

She lifted her hand, hesitated for a moment, and then gestured for them to come closer. Her fingers trembled slightly, unsure, almost as if she might take the words back.

“Didi Bhaiyu mai ek baat bolu?”

Maan nodded at once. “Haa bol.”

Her heart began to beat faster as memories surfaced, Arnav calling out in panic, his voice tight with fear when he couldn’t find Anvi, and then the anger that followed when fear finally burst out of him. She remembered Anvi crying too, breaking in a way that made Avyuktha want to hide her face. She had understood, even then, that both of them were hurting, and that no one was wrong.

Swallowing her nervousness, she spoke softly, carefully. “Bhaiyu.. Aap log please bhaiya se baat kar lo na... Vo bahot ro rhe the kal... Please baat kar lo”

The image of his tears still sat heavy in her little heart, a weight she didn’t know how to put down.

Maan and Anvi blinked, slowly realizing she had seen everything that had happened yesterday.

Avyuktha fisted her tshirt, gathering courage she didn’t even know she had, and continued, her voice trembling just a little. “Please aaplog baat kr lo na... Aaplog ek dusre se gussa ho mujhe bahot kharab lag raha hai... Please baat kr lo na”

She had only found this family a few days ago...a place where people worried, searched, scolded, and still loved fiercely. Watching that love turn quiet and distant scared her more than she could explain. Even if they got angry at her for interfering, she needed them to know how it made her feel.

All she wanted was to see them together again, talking the way they used to, caring the way she had just begun to believe families did. And as she looked up at them with hopeful, uncertain eyes, the room seemed to hold its breath, wrapped in a warmth that carried both hurt and love...waiting for things to soften, for words to be spoken, and for the home she had just found to feel whole once more.

Anvi and Maan looked at her with soft, loving eyes. They noticed how hesitant and nervous she had been, yet how bravely she had asked them to mend things. Her small, careful words, the little courage she had gathered despite her fear, made their hearts ache with love. She hadn’t said it outright, but her actions spoke volumes...her love, her care, her desire to see them whole again.

Meanwhile, Arnav, sitting quietly on the bed, had heard her little request too. His heart melted at the sight of her bravery...how she had pushed past nervous fidgeting, past fear that they might scold her, and still approached them with the hope that things could be right again. Even in her smallness, her love had reached him.

As Avyuktha stood there, fingers twisting nervously and eyes downcast, Anvi reached out and cupped her face. “Avu… humne bhaiya de maafi mang li baccha… Bhaiya ne maaf bhi kr diyaa,” she said gently.

Avyuktha looked up, her eyes wide. “Sacchi?” she asked, almost incredulous.

Maan smiled warmly and nodded. “Haa sacchi… Ab sab thik hai… Tu chinta mat kar,” he said, ruffling her hair affectionately.

Avyuktha’s face lit up, a childish, beaming smile spreading across her features. Her small heart felt lighter, her fears slipping away in the quiet warmth of love surrounding her.

Arnav, Maan, and Abhimaan all let out soft chuckles at the scene, and Arnav finally said, “Jaa… fresh ho ke breakfast karne aa.”

The morning moved gently around them. They had breakfast together, Arnav feeding everyone with care, aloo sabzi and paratha, ensuring the little ones ate well. Arnav, following Pari’s strict instructions, ate his vegetable soup without salt, sulking quietly but managing, sneaking a few bites of the food he actually considered "real food" like a secret rebellion, a tiny victory over the watery imposter he was forced to call breakfast.

Then he helped lull both Avyuktha and Anvi to sleep, his hands gentle, his voice quiet and soothing. Anvi held Avyuktha close, letting her drift off peacefully, while Maan and Aarush played games nearby, their laughter soft and light. The morning sunlight spilled gently through the windows, painting the room in gold and warmth.

Arnav attended to a few meetings, the house filled with a quiet rhythm that only a family could create...laughter, care, and small acts of love intertwining naturally. Every corner, every sound, every gesture spoke of togetherness.

The morning moved on, calm and gentle, leaving behind the ache of yesterday and the quiet hope of today.
___________________________________________

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