Chapter: Advanced Siblings Syllabus

The living room felt alive in the gentlest way possible. Shinchan's loud antics echoed through the TV, mixing with soft laughter and lazy comments thrown around without effort.

Maan, Anvi, Aarush, Avyuktha, and Arnav were scattered around the room in their own comfortable little bubbles, yet somehow connected. Aarush had tucked himself beside Avyuktha, leaning into her warmth like it was the most natural thing in the world. Avyuktha smiled faintly, wrapping an arm around him, absentmindedly rubbing small circles on his arm as the cartoon played. Aarush giggled every time Shinchan did something ridiculous, turning to her as if to make sure she was laughing too.

Anvi lay comfortably with her head resting on Arnav's lap, legs folded neatly so they wouldn't brush against Aarush. She was half watching the screen, half listening to Maan's commentary from the carpet near Arnav's leg. Arnav rested against the couch, one hand occasionally running through Anvi's hair, the other holding the remote, his eyes soft as he watched all of them together.

For a moment, it felt complete.
Like a family that had always existed this way.

Arnav said casually, "Thodi der mai hum sb shopping jayenge okay?"

Maan and Anvi hummed instantly, excitement slipping into their voices without them even realizing it.

Avyuktha didn't react. Her attention remained on Aarush, who was laughing at the screen.

Arnav noticed. Thinking she hadn't heard him, he called gently, "Avu."

Avyuktha looked up at once. "Mai khaana banake rakhungi.. Aap bss bata do kya banana hai."

The words came out easily. Too easily.
Like a reflex.
Like something practiced over years.

She said it casually, as if there was nothing odd about it at all.

The warmth in the room faltered.

Anvi shot up, eyebrows knitting together.
"Hain?"

Avyuktha turned toward her, offering the same calm reassurance she had given all her life...soft, careful, almost apologetic. "Hum khaana bana ke room mai chale jayenge. . We won't touch anything promise."

Arnav's chest tightened painfully.
Something inside him twisted, sharp and sudden.

Maan glanced at Avyuktha, then at Arnav, unsure how to react. Those weren't just words, they were memories echoing out loud.

Anvi frowned, confusion hardening into something stronger. "Tu khaana kyu banayegi?"

Before Avyuktha could respond, Anvi added firmly, "Tum dono bhi shopping pe jaoge... Tumhare liye hi toh hum sb jaa rhe hai... Tumlogo ke kapde toys wagera lene."

Aarush's face lit up immediately.
"Sacchi ?... Aap hame bhi le jaoge??..." he asked, excitement spilling out.

Maan smiled at him. "Tere liye shopping krne... Tujhe hi leke jayenge na Aaru."

Aarush blinked, disbelief shining in his eyes. "Sacchi" he asked again, looking around.

Anvi smiled warmly. "Haa aaru... Tu aise kyu puch raha hai?"

Aarush shrugged innocently. "Aree vo mami jab bhi mall jaati thi toh jiji ko khaana banane ke liye bolke jati thi isliye mujhe laga aap bhi...."

He said it casually.
Like it was nothing.

But the room went quiet.

Arnav's jaw tightened.
Maan's hands curled slowly into fists.
Anvi's smile faded.

And all three of them looked at Avyuktha, with a pain that came from realizing how early she had learned to make herself small.

Avyuktha looked down, embarrassed, her fingers curling into the fabric of her clothes. She knew....she knew they would never ask her to do any of this. Arnav himself had refused to even let her boil water, firmly telling not to even touch the stove as it's dangerous.

And yet... the words had slipped out on their own. Not because she believed them. But because instincts didn't vanish just because life got kinder.

Anvi straightened, her posture no longer relaxed, her tone no longer casual. There was something steady and unshakable in her eyes now. She looked at both of them, really looked at them.

"Aru Avu... Dono dhyaan se suno... Mami jo bhi krwati thi... Yaha kuch bhi vaisa nhi hoga... You both are free do do whatever you want samjhe... Jo cheez touch krni hai karo... Jo khaana hai khao.. Jo masti krni hai karo... Because its your house... You are free to live however you want... Do whatever you wish to do..."
Her words weren't loud, but they were final.

Not a reassurance.

A declaration.

Avyuktha's breath hitched slightly. Aarush looked up at Anvi, confusion battling years of conditioning. "Lakin..."

He barely got the word out.
Anvi cut him off instantly, her voice sharper now, anger slipping through the cracks of restraint she had held for far too long. "That women was a bitch Aaru... You never ever think about what she taught you or asked you to do or said to you.... Because she was a..."

"Bitch"

The moment the word bitch escaped Aarush's mouth, the room barely had time to breathe

Whack.

A sharp smack landed on Anvi's shoulder.

"Ahhh!" Anvi yelped instantly, clutching her shoulder and glaring sideways.

Arnav's expression had gone dead serious in a blink, "Kya sikha rhi hai usse..."

Anvi opened her mouth to defend herself

Whack.

This one was softer, controlled, but carried far more authority.

Arnav narrowed his eyes. "Samjha rhi hai toh dhang se bol... Gaaliya kyu sikha rhi hai usse... And maine bola tha na I won't tolerate any bad word."

Maan bit his lip hard, shoulders shaking as he tried not to laugh. Avyuktha's eyes widened, torn between shock and amusement.

Anvi instantly deflated and Sheepishly mumbled "sorry sorry."

She didn't even look at Arnav. Instead, she bent down, scooped Aarush up dramatically like a human shield, and scooted closer to Avyuktha in one exaggerated move, carefully placing Aarush between herself and Arnav.

Maan lost it. A soft snort escaped him before he buried his face in his hand.

Arnav closed his eyes, exhaling slowly, clearly counting to ten. Then he leaned forward slightly, his tone changing completely as he looked at Aarush.

"Aaru thats a bad word don't ever say that okay..."

Aarush nodded immediately...fast, enthusiastic, eyes wide...clearly not wanting to have the safe fate as Anvi.

He instinctively leaned closer to Anvi, just in case.

Anvi rubbed her shoulder dramatically, muttering under her breath, "Freedom of speech bhi nhi hai yaha," earning herself another sharp look from Arnav.

Anvi rolled her shoulder once, brushing off the aftershock of the whack like it was nothing.

She shrugged casually and said,
"While we are at this topic... Mujhe tum dono se zaruri baat krni hai..."

The sudden shift in tone made the room go alert.

Before anyone could react, She reached out, gently but firmly, and made both Aarush and Avyuktha stand in front of her, like a self appointed headmistress about to deliver a life lecture.

Maan frowned slightly. "Kya baat krni hai" His eyebrows shot up in curiosity.

Anvi turned toward him instantly, pointing a warning finger.
"Bhaiya.. Bhaiyu you both won't interfere.... I have to pass my wisdom to my younger siblings... And you both won't interfere."

Arnav couldn't help but raise an eyebrows.

Maan, on the other hand, surrendered completely.

He adjusted himself on the carpet, sitting cross legged, resting his chin on his palm, eyes sparkling with mischief, clearly enjoying the show that was about to unfold.

The room went quiet.

Anvi took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and folded her arms, every inch the dramatic elder sister preparing to drop life changing gyaan.

Arnav leaned back slightly, arms crossed, gaze sharp but curious. Maan grinned.

Whatever was coming next...
was clearly going to be interesting.

Anvi exhaled dramatically and looked at Avyuktha and Aarush standing nervously in front of her.

She said, "Dekho... Mai abhi tak sbse choti thi ghar mai... Right?"

Aarush and Avyuktha nodded immediately.

Anvi straightened her shoulders.
"Ab mere pass do chote bhai behen hai... And now I am the elder one."

She said it with full pride, almost puffing up.

Arnav and Maan chuckled at her sudden promotion, clearly enjoying her seriousness.

Aarush and Avyuktha smiled too, Aarush a little confused, Avyuktha quietly amused, as Anvi sat there looking like she had just unlocked a brand new life title: Elder Sibling.

Anvi continued, "So its my responsibility to pass my wisdom to you both... On how to be a perfect younger sibling."

She nodded to herself, fully convinced.

Then she turned toward Avyuktha, pointing gently, authority dripping from every word. "Avu... Its more important for you... Abhi tak you were the elder one... But now you are younger than us... And you will act like that."

Maan snorted softly from the carpet.
Arnav shook his head, amused.

Avyuktha blinked once... then nodded slowly, lips twitching.

Anvi lifted a finger like a strict professor and announced, "So rule number one: You don't ever have to knock on door... Hum chote bhai behno mai sharam haya lihaaz kuch nhi hota hai... And you have to barge into room without giving them privacy... Giving privacy to elder siblings is PAAP"

Aarush nodded instantly, taking it very seriously.

Avyuktha, however, looked at her hesitantly, brows knitting.

Anvi caught it immediately and turned sharp. "If I ever see you knocking on my door or their doors... I will knock sense into you... Do you get that Avyuktha."

Avyuktha stiffened. "Ha ha... Ok... Doors knock nhi krne."

Satisfied, Anvi smiled and ruffled her hair once, approval granted.

Then her face went serious again, dangerously serious. "Rule number two: You have to whine at everything."

Aarush tilted his head.
"Mtlb?" he asked innocently.

Anvi crouched slightly to his level, explaining patiently like this was some deep life philosophy. "Dekh jaise maan le Bhaiya ne tujhe paani laane ko bola... Tu kya karega."

Aarush thought for exactly two seconds.
"Jiji ko bol dunga bhaiya paani mang rhe hai."

Anvi beamed. "Very good aaru... That's my boy."

She ruffled his hair proudly.

Aarush smiled shyly at the praise.

Avyuktha glanced at them, unimpressed, eyes narrowing slightly because somehow, no matter what rule was being taught, she always ended up doing everything anyway.

She sighed internally, then shrugged it off.

After all...
he was her baby.
And babies came with lifelong liabilities.

She turned to Avyuktha and asked,
"What will you do Avu?... Bhaiya ne tujhse paani manga toh tu kya karegi?"

Avyuktha answered instantly, "Paani laake de dungi." Like the good girl she had always been.

Anvi clicked her tongue and shook her head, clearly unimpressed. "Tujhe smart toh Aaru hai."

She shook her head again.

Aarush beamed proudly. Avyuktha frowned.

Anvi continued, "You have whine about it Avuuu... See."

She turned dramatically toward Arnav.
"Bhaiya zara paani mango mujhse."

Arnav raised an eyebrow, playing along.
"Chutki paani leti aa mere liye."

Anvi immediately whined, dragging the word out, "Bhaiyaaa... Bhaiyu se bolo na... Dekho vhi baithe hai... Hamesha mai hi kyu... Bhaiyu bhaiya paani mang rhe hai."

Then she spun back to Avyuktha.
"You have to whine like this... Do you get that Avu."

Avyuktha nodded, still not fully convinced.

Anvi narrowed her eyes. "If I don't find you whining... I will throw you off the balcony.... Do you get that."

Avyuktha nodded quickly. "Ha ha... Always whine about everything."

Satisfied, Anvi ruffled her hair again.
"Good girl."

Maan pressed his lips together, shoulders shaking with laughter.
Arnav shook his head, amused.

And Avyuktha stood there wondering how, in one evening, whining had officially become a life skill.

Anvi suddenly turned serious again.
"See... But you have to pick up your moments... Mahaul dekh ke ye sb karna hai..."

Aarush blinked. "Mtlb?"

Anvi sighed, then explained gently, lowering herself to his level like she was decoding a secret strategy. "Dekh... Tujhe nakhre tb dikhane hai jab bhaiya chill ho... Samjha.... Agar ghar pe serious mahaul hai ya bhaiya gusse mai hai.... Ya koi bhi gusse mai hai... Then you will do what you are asked for without whining.... Samjhe?"

Aarush's eyes lit up in instant understanding. "Hmm... Mtlb gussa dekh ke nautanki krni hai."

He said it innocently, proud of himself for cracking the code.

Anvi beamed like a victorious teacher. She ruffled his hair happily. "Itna smjhdaar hai na mera Aaru... Nazar na lag jaye."

She rotated her hand dramatically in front of him and touched her own ear, fully performing the nazar-utaaro ritual.

Aarush giggled.

Then Anvi turned to Avyuktha and softened just a little. "Koi nhi tu bhi sikh jayegi..."

Avyuktha nodded slowly, half amused, half overwhelmed, wondering how she had survived life without this advanced sibling syllabus until now.

Anvi stayed quiet for a minute.

Avyuktha glanced at her nervously, while Aarush silently revised everything he had just learned, eyes darting as if an exam was about to be announced.

Suddenly, Anvi leaned forward and flicked Avyuktha's forehead.

Avyuktha gasped softly, rubbing her forehead and looking at Anvi with wide eyes, but stayed quiet.

Flick.

Harder this time.

Avyuktha looked down, rubbing it again.

Anvi rolled her eyes.

Then flick.

Aarush's forehead.

He pouted instantly, rubbing it and shooting Anvi a tiny glare.

Anvi smiled mischievously and raised her hand again.

Aarush immediately stepped back, grabbed Avyuktha's hand, and announced, "Jiji didi maar rhi hai."

The room paused.

Anvi froze... then lit up like a teacher whose favourite student had just answered three questions in a row.

She beamed, scooped Aarush up, kissed his cheeks loudly, and declared,
"Very good Aau... Very very good."

Avyuktha stared at her like he had completely lost her mind.

Aarush, still unsure what exactly he had done right, grinned proudly anyway
like a trophy winner who didn't know the rules but loved the applause.

And then, like a teacher looking at the only student who had failed her class but still deserved one last explanation Anvi turned slowly toward Avyuktha.

She sighed. "You are smart... But you don't have survival instincts Avu..."

Anvi shook her head in utter disappointment and continued, "Tujhe agar teen bade bhai behen ke sath survive krna hai... Toh you have to learn this Avu.... You have to learn how to complain... Even when your sibling did nothing... Then too... You have to complain.. About anything and everything."

She held Avyuktha's hand seriously.
"Dekh bade bhai behno ka kaam hai tujhe tapli maarna... Hakk hai hamara... Lakin tujhe khade hoke tapliya nhi khaani... You have to revolt... You have to complain the higher authority.... See."

Anvi turned sharply. "Bhaiyu."

Maan immediately understood the assignment and casually whacked Anvi's leg, it was right there.

Anvi gasped dramatically and spun toward Arnav. "Bhaiya bhaiyu maar rhe hai."

Arnav didn't miss a beat. In full mock seriousness, he said,
"Abhimaan."

Maan instantly deflated.
"Sorry," he mumbled.

Anvi turned back to Avyuktha, victorious. "Dekh aise krna hota hai... Samjhi?"

Avyuktha nodded.

Whack.

Anvi hit her head lightly. "Samjhi?"

Avyuktha nodded again.

Flick.

Avyuktha stepped back, rubbing her forehead and burst out, "Bhaiya didi maar rhi hai... Mera dimaag nikal jayega peeche se bahar."

"Anvi." Arnav's voice cut sharply through the room.

But Anvi?
She beamed.

She ruffled Avyuktha's hair proudly and said, "You are a very good learner... I'm proud of you."

Avyuktha blinked, confused, mildly injured, but somehow... promoted.

And Aarush watched the entire scene like a student who was very glad he had already topped this class.

Anvi straightened again, clearly entering advanced syllabus mode.

She began counting on her fingers and declared, "Aur ab sequence samjho... Meri complain tu kisi bhi bade se kr skti hai... Bhaiyu bhaiya bhai pari di.. Anyone."

Avyuktha listened carefully, nodding like this was very serious information.

"Bhaiyu ki bhi same as me," Anvi continued.

"Bhaiya ki complain tu Bhai aur uncle se kr skti hai... Aur Bhai vaise tapli nhi marte phir bhi agar kabhi maare toh tu uncle se complain karegi ya phir pari di se... Ok?"

Avyuktha nodded obediently, then paused. "Uncle kon?"

Anvi answered instantly, as if this was obvious. "Bhai ke papa... He is a very important member of our family... He is like our father and you'll meet him soon."

Avyuktha nodded again, filing the information carefully in her mind,
New house. New rules. New authorities.

Arnav shook his head, hiding a smile.

Meanwhile, Aarush stood there proudly, already fluent in Complaint 101, wondering when the next test would be announced.

Anvi clapped her hands once, fully in her element. "So now the next rule is: negotiations."

She leaned forward slightly, eyes sharp.
"Dekh... Tumlog se aage chalke hazaro galtiya hongi... And someone..."
she paused and gave Arnav a very pointed look, then turned back to the younger ones, "Will give you consequences of your actions... Urf punishment."

Arnav raised an eyebrow but stayed quiet.

Anvi continued, "Ab dekho... You have to negotiate... You will have to show your puppy eyes."

She instantly made exaggerated puppy eyes, tilting her head.

Then, very seriously, "Like this, you have to whine that its unfair, and you will try everything...cry, beg, show puppy eyes from all angles... But negotiate and bring your punishment to a generous level."

She raised a finger in warning. "Lakin lakin.... Agar galti badi hai toh chup chaap punishment puri kr lo... Negotiate krne se aur phass jaoge..."

Both Avyuktha and Aarush nodded solemnly.

Anvi nodded, satisfied. "And the last rule: you always have to complain."

She cleared her throat like announcing a slogan. A"Mujhse koi pyaar nhi krta.... Ye slogan hai younger siblings ka."

She began counting on her fingers.

"First is mujhse koi pyaar nhi krta...
Second is aap use mujhse jyada pyaar krte ho...
Third is aap meri side kabhi ni lete
Fourth jao mai aapse baat nhi karungi
Fifth pyaar se bolo... Warna rone lagungi mai..."

She looked at them seriously.
"See these are the five slogans. Remember it okay?"

Avyuktha and Aarush nodded again, absorbing their new way of life.

Arnav sighed dramatically. "Bichare mere seedhe sadhe baccho ko bigaad rhi hai ye... Khud toh hai hi chaant."

Maan smirked. "Inn seedhe saadhe baccho ko thoda bigadne ki hi zarurat hai."

Arnav smiled, not amused, but quietly proud. He knew Anvi wasn't just teasing or encouraging mischief... she was passing on something far deeper. In her own playful, dramatic way, she was teaching Avyuktha how to live freely inside a home that would never take love away for honesty.

Maan grinned, already familiar with Anvi's ways.

And Anvi...she smiled too, that cheeky, victorious grin of someone who had survived years of being the perfectly annoying younger sibling and had finally earned the right to pass that hard-won wisdom to her very first disciple.

Avyuktha stood there, listening, something slowly easing inside her chest.

For the first time, she realised that none of them were offended. No one was angry. No one was pulling away, no love being withdrawn for speaking too much, for complaining, for being a little dramatic.

What Anvi had taught her wasn't mischief at all, it was permission.

Permission to speak without fear.
To complain without guilt.
To be dramatic, careless, imperfect.
To exist without constantly measuring every word.

All her life, Avyuktha had watched other children live this way from a distance, wondering what it felt like. And now, despite the very official threats of whacks and balcony warnings, she finally felt allowed to breathe.

She knew she couldn't become that open all at once. Healing didn't work that way. But the thought alone brought her relief, the quiet hope that one day, she could laugh freely again... the way she had when her mother was still alive.

And for now, that was enough.

Without thinking, Avyuktha stepped forward and hugged Anvi tightly.

Aarush joined immediately, wrapping his arms around her.

Anvi hugged them both back without hesitation.

And for a moment, in that messy living room full of rules, laughter, and chaos, Avyuktha felt like a child again.

Avyuktha slowly pulled back, raising her eyebrows, Anvi's lessons seeping in faster than expected and asked carefully,
"Mai ye sb karungi toh aaplog gussa nhi na karoge?"

Anvi smiled and ruffled her hair gently.
"Kabhi nhi."

Avyuktha looked at Arnav and Maan next.

Both of them shook their heads, smiling.

Still unsure, she asked again, "Pakka?"

Maan nodded firmly.
"Haa bhai... Tujhe jitni masti krni hai kr... Koi nhi bolega tujhe kuch... It's a new start Avu... It's your rebirth... Live it to your fullest...."

Arnav's voice followed, calm but steady.
"And Avu... Ek cheez yaad rakhna baccha.... Tu chahe jo bhi kar... Koi bhi masti, shaitaani, infact galti bhi... We will always be there for you...to guide you, correct you... And we will never ever leave you... You don't have to be scared of us Avu... Never."

Something shifted.

Avyuktha smiled, really smiled for the first time. Like a child who had just been given permission to breathe.

Her eyes lit up as she asked excitedly,
"Toh mai ekdm pehle jaise masti kr skti hoona.. Jaise mummy thi tb krti thi?"

She laughed softly, shaking her head at herself."Mumma thi toh oh god... Mai itni shaitaani krti thi..."

She looked up again, memories rushing in. "Mai aur kashi milke pure school ko sir pe utha dete the... Har dusre din mumma aati thi school meri complains sunane."

She smiled sheepishly at them.

Anvi leaned in, curious.
"Choti maa tujhe daanti nhi thi?"

Avyuktha's eyes widened in mock offense. "Areeeeee.... Aap pucho mat... Main itni baar murgi bani hoon na didi... Ki mujhe lagne laga tha... Mai actually mai murgi na ban jau."

She sighed dramatically. "Mumma hamesha murgi bana deti thi... Ya phir lines likhwati thi.... Aur unka favourite, garden mai khada kr deti thi."

Avyuktha continued, her thoughts drifting back to her mother... the sweet, gentle woman who could instantly turn strict when it came to teaching manners and the art of living. A nostalgic smile played on her lips as she spoke, eyes shining with mischief.

She said, "Aapko pata hai ek meri teacher thi sheela miss.... "

She suddenly giggled, the kind that already warned everyone that trouble was coming. Remembering her mischief, she tilted her head and said, "vo uss time pe gaana chala tha na sheela sheela ki jawaani.... "

Her laughter bubbled up uncontrollably as she continued, clearly enjoying the memory far too much. She said, "Toh maine kya kiya kaashi se bol diya tu 'What's my name chilla'... "

She paused only to laugh harder, then added with dramatic emphasis, "Aur vo usne what's your name chillaya aur maine 'My name is sheela sheela ki jawani'.... "

Just recalling it made her burst into laughter again. Wiping imaginary tears from her eyes, she said breathlessly, "Aur jaise hi miss ne suna vo mere peeche aane lagi tog maine chilate chillate bhaagne lagi 'I'm too sexy for you mai tere hath na aani' "

She laughed so hard that tears gathered in her eyes and said,
“Phir… phir main aur Kashi....”

She paused again, clutching her stomach, laughing, and continued, “Hum dono class ke bilkul saamne jaake gaane lage… dance karte karte, ‘Haye re aise tarse humko, ho gaye sau arse re… chu ke dil pe megha banke teri nazariya barse reee!’”

She held her stomach, laughing uncontrollably. Maan, Anvi, and Aarush burst out laughing along with her.

“Aur phir,” she went on between giggles, “Jaise hi ma’am aa gayi na, hum chilla ke wahan se bhaag gaye...‘I know you want me but you’re never gonna get me… tere haath kabhi na aani!’”

She shook her head, still laughing,“Itna mazza aaya tha na… kya bataun main.”

She laughed so hard at her own memory that it took her a moment to settle down. Anvi, on the other hand, looked scandalised, gasping loudly, "Haww avu tu itni shaitaan thi"

Avyuktha instantly replied, chest puffed with shameless pride, "Are bahot... Pura school mujhse pareshan rehta tha"

Maan, now fully invested, asked curiously, "phir kya hua"

Avyuktha's expression instantly twisted into a cringe as the consequences of that memory hit her. She said, "Areee... Phir mujhe aur kaashi ko principal ke yaha bhej diya gya...Mumma aur tai ko school bulaya gya tha... "

She continued, her tone turning dramatic as if reliving every second, "Mumma ne hum teeno ko ghar pe drop kiya... Phir vo office chali gyi..."

Her hand instinctively went to her ear as she went on, "Aur pehle taai ne humlogo ko khoob daata kaan bhi kheeche"
She rubbed her ear exaggeratedly, as if the pull still stung after all these years.

Shaking her head at her own fate, she continued, "Phir tai ne garden mai hath upar krke khada kr diya... Kya batau mai "
She shook her head helplessly, completely immersed in her misery.

After a dramatic pause, she said, " Phir mumma aayi... Unhone ne bhi pehle daata phir samajhaya ki aise nhi krte... Aur phir mujhse aur kaashi se 100 times likhwaya 'I won't disrespect anyone'... "

She let out a long, defeated exhale and said, " Socho 100 times... Mere hath dard krne lage the ekdm"

She looked down at her hands and shook them like they were still aching, sulking openly as she added, " Aur phir sbke samne maam ko sorry bhi bulaya... "

Finally, she looked at Anvi with a deep pout and said solemnly, " Kasam se maine phir vo gaana nhi gaaya kabhi"

Anvi, Maan, and Aarsh burst out laughing, while Arnav too chuckled at her dramatics. But somewhere beneath that smile, his heart ached a little. Seeing how lively and carefree this girl once was made something twist painfully in his chest.

She had been pure sunshine once... loud laughter, fearless mischief, unfiltered joy.

And he silently promised himself that he would do anything to bring that cheerful girl back to life again... even if it meant his hair turning grey before thirty.

Aarush, who was listening to her stories for the very first time, exclaimed in disbelief and said, "Aap toh bahot masti krti thi... Ab kyu nhi krti... Mujhe bhi aapke sath masti krna hai"

The words hung in the air... innocent, honest, and unknowingly heavy.

Maan and Anvi both looked down, their smiles fading as they already knew the reason. The laughter that had filled the room just moments ago slowly dissolved into a quiet stillness.

Avyuktha's eyes misted instantly. She inhaled sharply, then exhaled...a slow, trembling breath... as if steadying herself before the memories could spill out.

Sensing the sudden shift in the air, Anvi was quick to act. She immediately distracted the topic and said, "Choti maa toh bahot stict thi... Hai na Avu... "

She threw her hands up dramatically, eyes wide in mock horror, and exclaimed, "100 lines... Baap re"

It was almost funny, the girl who had to write thousands of line as a punishment given to her half an hour ago was now reacting as if Avyuktha had been handed the punishment of a lifetime. Her over the top reaction was so exaggerated that it pulled a small smile out of everyone present.

Avyuktha couldn't help but blink at her, the heaviness easing just enough for a soft laugh to threaten its way back.

Arnav watched his sister quietly, a warm smile tugging at his lips. Anvi had always been like this, instinctively knowing when to step in, when to lighten the moment, when to make everyone smile again... without making it obvious.

Avyuktha, now successfully distracted, waved it off with a dramatic sigh and said, " Areeee bahot strict thi mumma... Hamesha punish krti thi... "

Her voice softened. "Lakin phir itna pyaar krti thi."

She stretched her arms wide, eyes glistening but smiling. "Itnanaaa saara pyaar krti thi... Punish krti thi lakin phir... Mera massage karti thi... Mujhe pyaar se samjhati thi... Mera favourite khaana banati thi... Khoob saara pyaar krti thi... Kabhi agar maar diya tb toh pucho hi mat... Khud rona shuru kr deti thi... Aur khoob dheer saari kisses deti thi... "

She looked at them, eyes wet but shining.
"Aapko pata hai... Mai kabhi kabhi jaan bujh ke masti krti thi... Taaki mumma pehle punish kare phir khoob saara pyaar kare..."

Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Mumma ke jaane ke baad... Sab sirf punish krte the... Koi pyaar hi nhi krta tha... Na koi samjhata tha..."

She looked down. "Isliye maine masti hi krni band kr di."

Silence filled the room.

Maan swallowed hard.
Arnav's jaw tightened.
Anvi's eyes burned.

Because in that moment, they didn't just see Avyuktha standing there,

They saw the bright, chirpy little girl she used to be... and everything she had quietly buried after her mother left.

Avyuktha, still weighed down by her sadness, was suddenly wrapped in small but incredibly warm arms.

She looked down.

Aarush was hugging her tightly.

A soft smile appeared on her lips as she met his eyes.

He squeezed her harder and said,
"Jiji, aap sad mat ho... Mai hoon na... Mai bhi aapko itnaaaaa saara pyaar karunga."

As he spoke, he spread his arms wide, just the way Avyuktha had moments ago.

Avyuktha let out a shaky, teary laugh. She lifted him into her arms and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Tu toh mera personal cheerleader hai... Tere hote hue mai kaise sad ho jaungi bhala."

She kissed his cheeks again, lingering.

Aarush grinned, kissed her back, and hugged her fiercely once more.

Anvi gently pulled both Avyuktha and Aarush into her lap. Avyuktha leaned back against her, and Anvi wrapped her arms around them protectively.

"Mai bhi toh hoon," Anvi said softly.
"Aur abse... mai bhi tujhe itnaaaaa saara pyaar karungi."

She stretched her arms wide.

Maan didn't even hesitatd, he practically jumped into the hug, repeating the same words, until all four of them were tangled together in a warm, chaotic embrace.

Arnav stayed where he was, watching them quietly, a big smile on his face, heart finally a little lighter.

Anvi's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she tightened her hold around Avyuktha and Aarush. "Ab toh tere paas teen personal cheerleaders hai, Avu," she said teasingly, "Aur ek Hitler."

Avyuktha laughed softly at that, glancing toward Arnav.

He was sitting beside them, arms crossed, looking more sulky than offended, like someone pretending to be strict but failing badly at it.

Avyuktha shook her head, amused.
"Bhaiya punish toh karte hai... lekin pyaar bhi kitna saara karte hai... Mumma ki tarah ekdm." She smiled. "He's a sweet Hitler."

For a second, there was stunned silence.

Then all of them burst out laughing.

Even Arnav let out a chuckle, clearly caught off guard. He rubbed the back of his neck, eyebrows lifting as he asked,
"Mai tum logon ko sweet Hitler dikhta hoon?"

Avyuktha nodded, shooting him a shamelessly cheeky grin.

That was all it took.

Arnav lunged forward suddenly.
"Achhaaa... mai sweet Hitler dikhta hoon?"

Before they could escape, he was already tickling Avyuktha, Anvi, Aarush, and Maan all at once.

The living room exploded with laughter.

Aarush squealed. Anvi tried to shield Avyuktha while laughing helplessly.
Maan jumped in, protesting loudly, before turning the tables.

Within seconds, they ganged up on Arnav, tickling him just as mercilessly. The strict façade vanished completely as he laughed along with them, breathless and unguarded.

Hands, voices, laughter everywhere.

And soon, the entire living room was filled not with rules, not with punishment, but with echoing laughter and the quiet certainty of belonging.

All of them eventually collapsed back onto the couch, panting and breathless, laughter still slipping out in soft bursts.

Arnav wiped his eyes and said, still catching his breath, "Bas, bas... ab jao. Sab ready hoke aao....Shopping pe chalna hai."

That was all it took.

Excited murmurs filled the room as everyone sprang to their feet, the earlier heaviness now completely replaced by energy and anticipation. One by one, they scattered toward their rooms to get ready.

Some time later, they gathered again in the living room...changed, fresh, and buzzing with excitement.

Within minutes, the house came alive with movement.

The doors opened, and they stepped out together, accompanied by a familiar formation of security, moving seamlessly around them.

The moment they stepped into the mall, Anvi's excitement went through the roof.

Before Avyuktha could even properly look around, Anvi grabbed her wrist and dragged her straight toward the girls' section.

And then the real torture began.

T-shirts.
Jeans.
Dresses.
Kurtis.
More tops.
More pants.

Dozens of outfits piled up in Anvi's arms, while Avyuktha went in and out of the trial room so many times that she had completely lost count.

After trying what felt like hundreds of outfits, Avyuktha walked out once again, this time wearing yet another T-shirt, her shoulders slumped, eyes dull, soul visibly exhausted.

Anvi tilted her head, examined her critically, and said, "Ye thoda dark blue shade mai hota na... toh aur better lagta." She immediately shoved another top into her hands. "Ye wala le. Ye try kar."

Avyuktha stared at the T-shirt like it had personally wronged her.

Her voice came out tired, almost pleading. "Didi... bas karo na. Maine itne kapde try kar liye hai... issi mein se kuch le lo na. Please."

Anvi shook her head without hesitation.
"Nahi. Jaa, isse try kar."

Completely defeated, Avyuktha turned her head and shot a pitiful glance toward Arnav, silently begging him to intervene.

Arnav caught her look and chuckled.

"Chutki," he said calmly, "Size toh check kar hi liya hai na. Aise hi dekh ke le lo. Try karne ki kya zarurat hai?"

Anvi immediately protested, "Aree size hi thodi matter karta hai! Colour uske upar kaisa lag raha hai, woh bhi toh matter karta hai na."

She turned back to Avyuktha. "Jaa Avu, time mat waste kar. Abhi bahot shopping baaki hai. Jaa, jaldi."

Avyuktha made a full dramatic cry face and trudged back inside.

A few minutes later, she emerged, back in her own clothes.

Anvi frowned, realizing what she had done, and stepped forward but Avyuktha was faster.

She suddenly ran out of the trial area, darted straight to Arnav, and hid behind him, clutching onto his pant leg like her life depended on it.

"Bhaiyaaa, bacha lo yaar," she whined.
"Mujhse aur nahi hoga."

Arnav burst out laughing and looked at Anvi, who was now clearly annoyed.

"Bas kar, Chutki," he said gently.
"Dekh, halat kharab ho gayi hai uski."
He gestured toward Avyuktha dramatically hiding behind him.

"Jo jo isne try kar liya hai, ussi mein se choose kar lo. Next weekend phir aa jaayenge."

Anvi sighed in defeat, shook her head, and finally started picking outfits from the pile Avyuktha had already tried.

Avyuktha peeked out from behind Arnav and gave him a very grateful smile.

He chuckled back.

At that moment, Avyuktha felt immensely thankful that her Maami had never taken her on mall shopping trips.
She sent a silent prayer to God for that blessing.

By now, her legs ached from walking so long. She was utterly exhausted.

Arnav noticed her drooping posture and tired eyes. Without a word, he bent down and picked her up effortlessly.

Her eyes widened in surprise but the relief came instantly.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, murmured a soft, "Thank you..." and rested her head against his shoulder, completely drained.

Meanwhile, Anvi finalized the clothes and joined them.

And just like that, they moved on this time toward the boys' section, now for Aarush's shopping.

∆∆∆

Meanwhile, the moment they entered the mall, Maan had quietly slipped away toward the cafeteria.

He leaned casually against the counter, sipping a soft drink. Completely relaxed, he finished the drink and lazily walked toward the trash can to throw the bottle away.

That's when he suddenly bumped into someone.

Maan frowned instantly.
"Dekh ke nahi chal sakte kya?"

He looked down and froze.

It was a boy, no older than twelve or thirteen.

The boy stared at the ice cream that had slipped from his hand and fallen to the floor because of the collision. His jaw tightened as he looked back up at Maan, clearly annoyed.

"Aankhein toh aapke paas bhi hai," the boy snapped. "Aap hi dekh lete."

Maan's frown deepened."Bade battameez ho," he said sharply. "Galti ki hai toh sorry bolo.... Zaban laga rhe ho mujhse"

The boy didn't back down even an inch.
"Battameez toh aap bhi hue," he shot back. "Aap mujhse aake takra gaye, meri ice cream gira di... aur sorry mai bolu?"

Maan scoffed. "Oo hello, tu mujhse aake takraya tha."

The boy crossed his arms defiantly.
"Aap mujhse aake takraye the.... Mai toh shaanti se apni ice cream kha raha tha."
He tilted his head mockingly.
"Aap hi andhakasur banke aa gaye."

Maan stiffened. "Excuse me?"

The boy waved his hand dramatically.
"Excused."

He glanced at the fallen ice cream, picked it up, and tossed it into the trash before turning back once more.

"Jaa raha hoon. Meri behen wait kar rahi hai," he said coolly. "Learn some manners, okay?"

With that, he shot Maan one last annoyed look and ran off into the crowd.

Maan stood there for a moment, staring after him, still holding the empty bottle.

He muttered under his breath, "Kaisa battameez baccha tha..."
Then shook his head. "Aaj kal ke bacchon mein manners hi nahi rahe."

A small smile crept onto his face as another thought crossed his mind.

"Achha hai mere Avu aur Aru aise nahi hai... dono kitne pyaare bacche hai."

And with that, he finally threw the bottle away and quickly texted Anvi to check where they were, then started weaving through the crowd, making his way toward the boys' section to meet them.

Meanwhile, Anvi and Aarush were having a complete blast, both acting like overexcited toddlers as they darted from one section to another, picking out t-shirts, shorts, and everything in sight for Aarush. Anvi's over-the-top excitement perfectly matched Aarush's own bubbling enthusiasm, while Arnav silently followed them with Avyuktha in tow. Avyuktha, utterly tired and yawning from all the walking, couldn't help but smile every time Aarush emerged from a changing room, eyes shining with excitement.

Maan arrived shortly after and picked out a few t-shirts for himself and Aarush, adding to the cheerful chaos. Once Aarush's wardrobe was sorted, the group moved toward the footwear section.

Anvi, as always, went all out, picking what felt like an infinity of shoes for Avyuktha. After a while, she even requested the same pair in two sizes, wanting to match her footwear with Avu's. Satisfied, they finally moved on to the toy section.

Here, Aarush's excitement went completely off the charts. Avyuktha, rejuvenated after being carried around by Arnav for a while, also regained some energy. Aarush darted from shelf to shelf, picking out cars, airplanes, cricket sets, train logo sets, every toy he had ever wanted. Each time, he looked at Arnav and Avyuktha sweetly, asking,
"Mai ye le lu?"

Avyuktha gently shook her head most of the time, not wanting them to spend too much. But Arnav simply smiled, shushing her softly, and quietly picked up everything Aarush asked for.

Meanwhile, Arnav observed Avyuktha closely. She didn't ask for anything herself but lingered over certain toys, picking them up, checking the price, and putting them back. Most were soft, fluffy toys, clearly what she liked, but she hesitated because of the cost.

Unbeknownst to her, Arnav quietly selected every single one she had glanced at, tucking them away to surprise her later.

Arnav carefully picked out school supplies for Avyuktha and Aarush..bags, pens, pencils, pencil boxes, making sure everything was just right. As he worked, his mind wandered to logistics. He made a mental note to talk to the school management about their admission. He had already chosen his Baba's school for the children and wanted to personally visit both Aarush and Avyuktha's old school soon, to check on their performance and also arrange their transfer certificates.

Once the shopping was finally done, the group naturally gravitated toward the cafeteria. Maan and Anvi headed off to place their orders, leaving Avyuktha and Aarush sitting with Arnav.

Both kids were buzzing with excitement. Aarush, especially, couldn't sit still, bouncing in his seat, hugging Arnav tightly, planting kisses on his cheeks at every opportunity. Avyuktha, bubbling...happy, smiled every time Aarush's energy flared, occasionally leaning against Arnav herself.

Arnav chuckled softly at their antics, his eyes warm and full of affection. He gave them his full attention, smiling lovingly as he watched them, letting them cling to him and share their joy freely, and being the children they were suppose to.

As Anvi and Maan carried their tray of burgers, fries, and wraps toward the table, Maan's irritation flared once again. Just as he steadied the tray, he bumped into someone, again.

He froze, recognition dawning.
"Tu baar baar mujhse aake kyun takra jaa raha hai?" he exclaimed, utterly annoyed.

The boy, unfazed, crossed his arms.
"Mai nahi, aap mujhse takra rhe ho."

He bent down to pick up his tray, which Anvi quickly helped him stabilize, soft drink in hand. "Tujhe lagi nahi na?" she asked.

The boy smiled. "Nahi, mujhe nahi lagi."

Then, giving Anvi a cheeky grin, he added, "Didi, aap toh ekdum angel jaisi dikhti ho."

Maan's frown deepened. "Tujhe kis angle se ye angel dikhi hai?"

The boy pointed playfully. "Yaha se... dekho, aapko bhi dikhegi."

Maan threw his hands up in exasperation. "Beta, tu apni aankhon ka check-up karwa! Pehle mujhse takra raha tha, ab ye jangli bandariya angel dikh rhi hai....Teri aankhein thik nahi hain, check-up karwa."

The boy gasped dramatically. "Aap apne dimaag ka ilaaj karwao! Aap angel ko jangli bandariya bol rahe ho... sharam nahi aati aapko?"

Maan opened his mouth to retort, but Anvi quickly cut him off. "Bhaiyu, baccha hai... kya kar rahe ho?"

She ruffled the boy's hair gently.
"Jaa tu... mai inke dimaag ka ilaaj kisi ache doctor se karwa dungi."

The boy laughed, then gave a cheeky smile and a loving bye bye to Anvi, before rolling his eyes at Maan and running off.

Maan muttered,
"Kitna battameez ladka hai ye..."

Anvi laughed,
"Kitna cute ladka tha ye!"

Maan shook his head, pointing toward Anvi. "Tujhe agar suar bhi angel bol de, toh tu usse cute hi bolegi... Jangli bandariya jaisi hai, pata nahi kahan se angel dikh gayi usse."

Anvi rolled her eyes, grinning cheekily.
"Bhaiyu, you're just jealous... aur bacche toh bhagwan ka roop hote hai... unhe dik gaya ki I'm actually an angel."

Maan groaned, shaking his head.
"Bhagwan nahi, shaitaan hai vo... shaitaan."

Finally, they all made their way to a table. The group settled in, sharing their food quietly, laughing softly at little moments, and enjoying a rare peaceful break amid the day's chaos. Once they had finished eating, trays cleared and stomachs full, they gathered their things and started heading out, ready to return home after a long, fun filled day.

As they moved toward the exit, Arnav held Avyuktha's hand firmly, while Anvi had Aarush clutched to her side. They stopped at the main gate, waiting for the car.

Avyuktha's eyes wandered, and suddenly, without a second thought, she let go of Arnav's hand.

She bolted forward, her legs pumping like she was running in the Olympics, shouting at the top of her lungs.

Arnav Maan and Anvi ran after her, their hearts in their mouths, as they sprinted to catch up.

Avyuktha crossed the road blindly, completely absorbed in whatever she had seen.

And then, a speeding car came hurtling toward her.

Arnav's voice tore through the air, raw and panicked "AVUUUU!"

The world seemed to freeze in that heartbeat....

___________________________________________

Thanks for reading

Now tell me, how was it? I really want to know everything you felt while reading it, so please don’t hesitate to comment.

I know the story track has been moving a little slowly lately, and I understand your concerns. I promise I’ll try to cover more scenes in the upcoming chapters and improve the pacing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patience, love, and for staying with me on this journey, it truly means a lot

I’ll keep trying to do better.
See you in the next chapter...byeee and once again

I WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR