25.
"Did you eat something, though?" Veer asked as he finished applying alta to Aarohi's feet with practiced care.
"Mhm. Don't worry," Aarohi replied with a gentle smile, watching as her husband carefully fastened the anklets around her ankles. "Shaurya Bhai sent the sargi, like he does every year."
In the tradition of Karva Chauth, sargi is more than just a meal — it's a heartfelt symbol of love, blessings, and connection, traditionally sent by a mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law.
Since there was no mother figure in the Shekhawat mansion, it had always been Shaurya who sent the sargi to Aarohi — year after year, without fail.
Veer gave a quiet hum in response, nodding slightly.
"You should talk to Shaurya Bhai," Aarohi said softly, a trace of sadness touching her voice. "Maybe convince him to bring Bhaiya back."
"There's no point, Aarohi," Veer sighed, now rising from the floor to sit beside her on the edge of the bed.
"Shaurya Bhai isn't the same without Bhaiya. I can't bear to watch him live like this... numb, distant. He's just surviving, not living."
Veer's jaw clenched. "It was his choice, Aarohi. Your brother didn't walk away — Shaurya Bhai let him go."
Aarohi lowered her gaze, biting her lip.
"I don't want to argue about this right now," Veer added, voice firm but not unkind. "Today is a special day. Let's not ruin it."
Aarohi reached out, gently holding his arm. "Alright, Mr. Dumbo. Don't get grumpy now," she teased, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
Veer smirked. "It's Karva Chauth, love. Main ashleel nahi hona chahta. I'll repay your affection tomorrow."
Aarohi shook her head with a small laugh and knocked him lightly on the forehead. "Drama king."
"Come on now," she said, standing and adjusting the pleats of her saree one last time. "It's time for the puja."
Veer laced his fingers with hers as they made their way together to the puja room — hand in hand, hearts still full of old wounds, but wrapped in the comfort of each other.
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The doorbell rang.
Yug opened the door, only to be met by two towering men. His eyes immediately landed on one of them — Ravi.
His body tensed. Without a word, Yug tried to close the door, but Ravi casually stopped it with his hand.
"Shaurya didn't send us," Ravi said, removing his sunglasses. "We're just here to see the girl."
Yug narrowed his eyes. "And I'm just supposed to believe that?"
But Ravi didn't offer a reply. He simply stepped inside, brushing past Yug like he owned the place. Roy followed without a word.
Inside, Aarya sat on the floor, completely absorbed in her drawing — a crooked triangle with arms that, to Roy, resembled a samosa with attitude.
She looked up and spotted Roy immediately, her eyes lighting up with recognition.
"Hello, weird uncle!" she chirped, hopping to her feet.
Yug blinked. Why wasn't she the least bit scared?
He moved closer instinctively, placing a hand on her shoulder protectively.
"Weird uncle?" Roy echoed, amused.
"Yep! Can I have your sunglasses?" she asked sweetly.
Roy chuckled and handed them over. She put them on with flair, striking dramatic poses like a film star. Yug couldn't help but laugh under his breath.
Ravi and Roy exchanged a look.
"She's really Shaurya's daughter?" Ravi whispered. "Feels more like Aarav's — all drama."
Aarya slid the sunglasses down the bridge of her nose and gave Ravi a suspicious side-eye. "Is he your friend, Weird Uncle?"
Roy smirked. "Unfortunately, yes."
Ravi knelt before her, gently taking her tiny hands. "What's your name, sweetheart?"
She smiled proudly. "Aarya Chauhan! And this is my Yug Uncle."
Ravi's lips curved into a rare smile. "I'm Ravi. And that over there is Roy."
"Hi Ravi Uncle! Hi Roy Uncle!"
Roy muttered, "I prefer Roy bhaiya, but okay."
Then, to Yug's alarm, both men knelt down and gave a small bow in front of Aarya in respect because no matter what, she was the heir of Shaurya Shekhawat, the first born of the next generation. She tilted her head in confusion.
Yug quickly walked over and pulled Ravi's arm. "Don't do that. You'll confuse her," he whispered sharply.
Ravi nodded and rose without argument.
"I wanted to play with Vayu that day," Aarya said suddenly, her tone turning soft and a little pouty. "Where is he?"
Roy smiled at her fondly. "We'll bring him next time, promise. You'll like him."
"Yay!" she squealed.
Her joy was infectious, her innocence pure. Even Roy, who rarely warmed up to anyone, seemed taken with her. She didn't need to share Aarav's blood to carry his light.
Meanwhile, Yug pulled Ravi to the side.
"Does Aarav know you're here?" he asked quietly.
Ravi nodded. "He's the one who sent us. He's with Shaurya right now."
Yug stiffened. "He's what? With Shaurya?"
Ravi raised an eyebrow. "Why? Jealous?"
"Why would I be jealous?" Yug snapped, then exhaled, running a hand over his face. "I'm just worried. I don't trust Shaurya. And I don't want Aarav getting hurt again."
Ravi's smirk faded. His silence said more than words.
There was history here. And it was far from settled.