The Malhotras

Chapter 80

The haveli was silent, the silence that was unnerving and frightening. Advait and Reyansh entered the haveli followed by Abhishek and Sia. Tia ran towards Sia as soon as she entered the hall.

"Kahan chali gayi thi?" Tia hugged her tightly with a relief washing over her face.

Sia hugged her back.

Tia parted away and looked at Abhishek, "Tu theek hai?" She asked him but he didn't reply. His gaze was fixed on Advait's bloodied hand.

"Advait aapko ye chot kaise lagi?" Shreya asked taking his hand in hers.

"Bhabhi, first-aid kar dijiye please bohot blood nikal raha hai." Abhishek slowly said to her.

Advait snapped his head at him glaring at his soul.

Abhishek shrinked on his place. Shreya went to get the first-aid and came back with it. But Advait didn't let her treat his wound.

"Jungle me kya karne gaye the tum dono?Dimag kharab ho gaya hai dono ka?" Tia scolded.

"Aur tu." She said turning towards Sia, "Tujhe mai yahan apni responsibility par laayi hoon agar tujhe kuch ho jata to mai mom dad ko kya jawab deti tum logo ko idea bhi hai ye kitna dangerous ho sakta tha." She rebuked harshly.

Abhishek and Sia were looking down at the floor. They were standing in the middle of the hall. Abhishek's heart was beating loudly with a sense of dread and anticipation of Advait's reaction. He didn't say a single word till now but his eyes were enough to do the job.

"Kiska idea tha ye?" Advait asked, his voice was low but dangerous.

"Bhaiya please first-aid kara lijiye." Abhishek pleaded, his voice was just above a whisper.

Advait marched towards him with long strides. His jaw was clenched in anger. He stood just before him, looking furiously in his eyes.

"I'm this close to slap your face." He gritted out his teeth and pinched his finger with thumb, "Don't test my patience." He warned.

Abhishek looked down with tears in eyes. Sia sensed the tension and stepped forward meekly.

"Bhaiya, Abhi ki galti nahi ha.."

"I'm not talking to you, Sia." Advait shouted making her flinched. It was the first time he took that tone with her. The tears immediately came rushing into her eyes.

"Kiska idea tha ye?" He repeated to Abhishek.

"M-Mera." Abhishek whispered to save Sia.

Advait fisted his hands. But he controlled himself from slapping some sense into his younger brother in front of everyone.

Sia's tears were now flowing freely on her cheeks, "Mera idea tha Abhi ne mana bhi kiya tha maine usko force kiya." She sobbed not moving her gaze from the floor.

Tia glared at her firmly.

"Khud to bewakoofi ki hi saath me usko bhi shaamil kar liya." She said sharply referring to Abhishek.

Abhishek looked at Shreya with pleading eyes to treat Advait's injury.

"Advait mujhe first-aid karne dijiye pehle phir aaram se gussa kar lena." She said and tried to hold his hand.

But he backed off, "Nahi karwana mujhe."

"Bhaiya please." Abhishek said, a lone tear escaped from his eye.

"Tujhe kya farak padta hai meri chot se?" He yelled, "Agar tujhe mujhse zara sa bhi farak padta hota to apni life ko janbuz kar danger me nahi daalta."

"I am really sorry bhaiya, galti ho gayi." He sniffled.

"Galti?" He repeated incredulously, "Seriously Abhishek? You both could have died because of your stupidity." He reprimanded sharply.

"Bhaiya, Abhi ko mat daantiye please uski galti nahi hai." Sia said gathering her courage.

Advait shifted his hardened glare on her. Abhishek quickly stepped in front of her shielding her from Advait's wrath.

"Iski galti nahi hai, bhaiya." He whispered.

Reyansh internally palmed his forehead, "Dono pitenge." He muttered under his breath.

Shreya noticed Advait's boiling anger and interrupted, "Abhi, Sia dono apne rooms me jao." She gestured for them to go from there before Advait could explode.

"Jao aur jaa kar apne bags pack karo. We're leaving tomorrow. The trip is over." Advait announced.

He stepped closer to Abhishek, "I'll deal with you at home." He said to him making a shiver ran down his spine.

Advait left from there.

Shreya looked at both of them, "Koi baat nahi ab ho gaya jo hona tha, jao apne rooms me." She said noticing their teary faces.

"Bhabhi..." Abhishek was about to say but she cut him off gently, "Kar dungi mai bandage, don't worry." She said and they both went from there.

~________________________________________~

Abhishek was sitting quietly in his room. His eyes were fixed at some distance. He was regretting his each and every move. He looked up when a knock interrupted his thoughts. Sia was standing there with a guilty look on her face.

"Abhi, I am sorry yaar. Meri wajah se tujhe daant padi." Sia apologized walking towards him.

"Neeche apna muh band nahi rakh sakti thi?" Abhishek chided.

"Mai to apni galti accept kar rahi thi." She said meekly.

"Kisne kaha tha tujhe mahaan banne ke liye? Maine keh diya tha jab mera plan tha to kya jarurat thi beech me bolne ki? Shok hai daant khane ka?" He scolded her.

She sat down beside him, "Tujhe bhi to daant padi." She said in a low voice.

"Oh dono idiots ek saath hi hain." Reyansh commented entering the room.

They both bowed their heads in shame. But rubbed their heads when Reyansh landed whacks on both of their heads.

"Lag rahi hai jiju." Sia rubbed the spot he whacked on.

"Acchi baat hai." He taunted, "Dono bewakoof ho bilkul." He said.

"Tera plan tha na ye?" He said to Sia whacking her arm.

"Mai di se complain karungi." She pouted rubbing her arm.

"Accha ji ek to khud galti karo aur phir ulte jawab do." He twisted her ear making her teared up.

Abhishek noticed it, "Bhai, chordo na ro rahi hai wo." He said.

Reyansh left her ear, "Rone se galti theek ho jayegi?" He snapped at Abhishek.

Sia stood up mumbling, "Jaa rahi hoon mai."

"Drop that attitude, Sia." He said sternly.

She sat down again with a gulp.

He fixed her with a glare before looking at Abhishek, "Tere paas khud ka dimaag nahi hai?" He whacked him.

"Isne tujhe apne stupid plan me shaamil kiya aur tu ho gaya." He said, his tone was sharp and pointed.

"Sorry bhai, ab aap bhi naraaz mat ho please." He hugged his torso.

Reyansh exhaled softly before wrapping one arm around him.

"Humesha bina kuch kiye hi fas jata hai, idiot." He muttered.

Sia was looking at them with watery eyes. A pout was formed on her lips. Reyansh opened his another arm and pulled her in a hug.

"Apne iss chote se dimaag ko thoda kam use kiya kar." He said flicking her forehead lightly making her pout.

~________________________________________~

Advait was standing crossing his arms in the middle of the room. Aditya was standing in front of him bowing his head. The heat of Advait's gaze was piercing through his soul.

"Tujhe pehle se pata tha Abhi aur Sia ke stupid jungle adventure ke baare me?" He asked him firmly.

He nodded slowly.

"Jubaan nahi hai?" He snapped.

"Pa-Pata tha, bhaiya." He replied, his voice was just above a whisper.

"Mujhe bataya kyun nahi?" He asked folding his hands over his chest.

Aditya fidgeted with his fingers, "Sia didi ne mana kiya tha." He replied.

"Oh aur tu toh bohot agyakaari hai agar kisi ne ek baar mana kar diya to wo kaam kabhi karta hi nahi hai." Advait said sarcastically.

Aditya kept his gaze on the floor without any word.

"Mujhe kyun nahi bataya, Adi?" He repeated.

"Unhone mujhe kasam de di thi ki kisi ko mat batana." He confessed.

"Kiski kasam de di thi?" He asked narrowing his eyes.

Aditya gulped.

"Aditya." He strictly said.

"Vanu ki." He whispered.

Advait held the bridge of his nose exhaling sharply. He didn't know what to say to his lover brother.

He sighed and sat down on the couch, "Come here." He said to him.

Aditya slowly made his way to him. Advait pulled him between his knees.

"Look at me when I'm talking." He said making him look up.

"Kisi ki kasam ki value rakhna bohot acchi baat hai par soch Abhi aur Sia jungle me the un dono ke liye ye kitna dangerous ho sakta tha agar tu humein nahi batata ki wo dono jungle me hain to hum unhe kabhi wahan dhundte hi nahi.

Tujhe idea bhi hai ye kya ho sakta tha wahan par wild animals bhi rehte hain agar un dono ko kuch ho jata to kya tu dekh pata?

" He said gently, "Tune Vani ki kasam ki value rakhi acchi baat hai magar jarurat hone par kasam todna galat baat nahi hai.

Maine kitni baar kaha hai na Adi... agar tumhare kisi bhi action se kisi aur ko directly ya indirectly harm ho raha hai to ye galat hai. " Aditya nodded his head.

"Tere chup rehne se Abhi aur Sia ko harm ho sakta tha na wo to accha hai tune sahi time par apna dimaag use kar liya aur humein sach bata diya."

"Par kasam todne se Vanu ko bhi to harm ho sakta tha." Aditya replied slowly.

Advait internally slapped his forehead, "Aisa nahi hota, baccha. Humein kasam islie nahi todni chahiye taaki jisne humein kasam di hai uska trust break na ho magar tere case me to Sia ne tujhe jabardasti kasam di thi to wo matter nahi karta." He explained.

"Samajh aaya?" Advait asked raising his brow.

"Par maine kasam tod di shayad islie Vanu mujhse baat nahi kar rahi." He said sadly.

Advait flicked his two fingers on his forehead, "Vani tujhse kasam todne se pehle se baat nahi kar rahi hai." He said.

Aditya clicked his tongue realizing Advait was right.

"Ladai kyun ho gayi tum dono ki?" He asked curiously.

Aditya shrugged, "Aise hi." He said not wanting to tell him the real reason.

"Uh-oh secret." He teased pinching his nose lightly.

He again shrugged making him chuckled.

"Now go and sleep." He said patting his shoulder.

"Good night, bhaiya." He hugged him.

Advait pecked the temple of his head mumbling, "Good night."

~________________________________________~

The room was dark and silent, the silence was heavy and exhausting.

Shreya's head was resting on Advait's chest, her eyes were closed calmly.

But Advait, he was not calm at all. His breathing was ragged, his chest was heaving up and down and the sweat was forming on his face.

His hands were trembling on his sides. He was mumbling incoherently in his sleep.

"Mom please, uthiye." He said weakly.

His eyes were shut in fear and the whole body was shaking. Shreya's eyes flickered open sensing the uncertainty around her. She opened her eyes and her gaze met with her husband's restive face.

She quickly sat up straight and shook him gently, "Advait uthiye...

"Don't go." He whispered, his fingers twitching as if wanting to hold on something that was slipping.

"Advait kya ho raha hai aapko... Please uthiye." She wiped the sweat off his face, her voice was panicking. She shook him firmly.

"Mom." He screamed opening his eyes. He was panting. His eyelids were wet with the unshed emotions.

Shreya hugged him tighlty, "Aap theek hain?" She whispered, her own voice was shaky.

Her touch was grounding, he wrapped himself in the warmth of his wife. His breathing shallowed slowly. Shreya pulled away hearing his normal heartbeats and poured him a glass of water. He sipped down the water.

"Kya hua tha, bura sapna dekha aapne?" She asked gently wiping his forehead.

He rubbed his hands over his face leaning back on the headrest.

She quickly got up and took out his medicine from her purse before handing it towards him.

He looked up at her with a slightly irritated expression, "Meri medicines ke baare me kisne bataya aapko?" He asked.

She glared at him, "Agar aap nahi batayenge iska matlab ye nahi ki koi nahi batayega." She said.

"Lijiye." She forwarded it towards his mouth.

"I don't need these." He backed off.

"Advait, you just had a panic attack. Take it. You'll feel better." She said.

" 'M fine." He replied.

He stood up from the bed wearing his slippers.

"Kahan jaa rahe hain?" She asked from behind.

"Abhi aa raha hoon." He replied and left the room.

He made his way towards Abhishek's room. He was feeling suffocated from inside. The scene was playing in his mind in a loop when Abhishek was nowhere to be found. The anxiety, the fear of losing was clawing at his heart and it all led to the panic attack.

He gently opened the door and his muscles relaxed in relief when his baby brother's face came into his view.

He was still angry at him and decided not to talk to him until he learned his lesson.

He wanted him to be aware of the consequences of putting his life in danger on the name of the adventure.

He looked at him for a few minutes before tucking him properly in the blanket and left the room. He didn't caress his hair or peck his head like he always did. He just wanted to see him to calm down his own turmoil.

He went back to his room. Shreya was sitting on the bed waiting for him.

"Why're you not sleeping?" He asked walking towards her.

She quickly stood up handing him the medicine and a glass of water. He looked at her exasperatedly.

He sighed picking up the tablet and tossing in his mouth. He gulped down the water. She grinned widely.

"Kahan gaye the?" She asked putting down the glass of water.

"Just to check on the kids." He replied lying down on the bed and pulling her close to his chest.

"You mean to check on Abhi." She said looking up at him.

"Sleep." He gently pushed her face in his chest making her giggled softly.

He kissed her hair, "I love you." He murmured.

"I love you too." She kissed on his chest.

They both dozed off engulfing in the warmth of each other.

~________________________________________~

The next morning came with a lot of chaos. Vanya was walking royally like a princess and Aditya was following her like a sulking puppy.

"Vanu yaar please baat kar lena." He pleaded.

She shook her hand while raising it in the air without turning back.

"Tu mujhse baat nahi karegi to mai kisse baat karunga?" He asked sulking.

"I don't care." She flipped back her hair still walking ahead.

He ran and stood up in front of her, "Accha ek kaam karte hain, jab tak hum trip par hain tu apna gussa pause kar de phir ghar jaa kar wapas gussa continue kar lena." He made a deal.

She started to think about his deal, "Aur agar mai ghar wapas jaa kar gussa karna bhool gayi to?" She asked.

"To mai tujhe yaad dila dunga." He quickly said.

"Pakka yaad dila dega?" She asked pointing her finger.

"Pakka." He desperately said.

"Okay to ab mai tujhse gussa nahi hoon." She announced making him grin widely.

Vanya turned to go inside the haveli when her gaze fell on a small puppy who was waddling on his little legs. She squealed looking at the cute little creature.

She ran to his side and crouched down in front of the puppy, "Hey puppy!" She said softly.

Aditya grimaced.

"Adi dekh na kitna cute hai ye." She said looking up at him.

"I don't like dogs." He said dryly.

"But he is cute." He quickly corrected his statement when she glared at him.

She petted his head and looked at Aditya who was standing at a distance, "Tu bhi aa na." She encouraged.

"Nahi, mai yaheen theek hoon." He replied with a nervous smile.

She petted his head gently, "Hum isko andar le kar chalte hain." She said.

"Arey nahi Vanu iski mom isey dundh rahi hogi isey yahin chord de." He replied.

"Iski mom tujhe kahin dikh rahi hai? Shayad ye bechara baby akela hai mai isko apne saath le jaungi." She said picking up the little furry baby to her chest.

Aditya made a face looking at the closeness between Vanya and the puppy.

She entered the hall with the puppy clinging to her chest. Abhishek was not feeling good so he was about to head outside for a short walk but stopped dead in his tracks looking at the pup in Vanya's hands.

"Kutta!" He yelled running back.

The small puppy got scared and scooted close in Vanya's embrace making Aditya gritted out his teeth at him.

Abhishek ran to the hallway and bumped into Reyansh who was entering the hall.

"Bhai kutta!" He said, his eyes wide in horror.

"Badtameez." Reyansh gasped whacking his arm tightly.

"Tune mujhe kutta bola." He said. Abhishek shook his head vigorously, "Itna bigad gaya hai ab tu ki mujhe gaali dega aaj Advait se keh kar teri saari akal theek karwata hoon." He said whacking his shoulder.

"Oww bhai mai aapko kutta nahi bol raha hoon. Kutte ko kutta bol raha hoon." He said rubbing his arm.

Reyansh furrowed.

Abhishek dragged him to the hall and pointed at Vanya who was cooing at the little puppy.

"To aise kutta kutta chilla kar bhaagne ki kya jarurat thi?" He chided him.

"Mujhe kutte nahi pasand." He said awkwardly hiding his fear.

"Abey dhyan se dekh wo bechara dhang se ande se bhi nahi nikla usse dar raha hai tu." He mocked him.

"Ma-Mai dar nahi raha mujhe bas inhe dekh kar ajeeb sa hota hai." He replied making a face.

Arush ran into the hall with his enthusiastic energy but took a swift u-turn looking at the furry creature in the hall.

He clunged to Reyansh's pants tightly, "Bhai, uthao." He almost cried.

Reyansh laughed at his expression but picked him up in his arms.

"Vani di ye aap isko ghar me kyun le kar aa gaye?" He asked.

"Aru, dekh na ye kitna cute hai." She said coming towards him.

Abhishek screamed and hid behind Reyansh, "Nooo!"

Arush shrinked more in Reyansh's arms. Vanya jolted stop on her way and the puppy made a whining sound.

"Kya kar rahe hain Abhi bhai aap usko dara rahe hain." She said disapprovingly.

"Arey hum usey nahi dara rahe ye humein dara raha hai." Arush replied peeking from Reyansh's neck.

"Exactly." Abhishek and Aditya said simultaneously.

Vanya snapped her head towards Aditya who quickly maintained his brave facade.

Sia and Tia entered the room and their eyes sparkled up when they saw the cutie. Tia carefully took the puppy in her hands and cooed at her making funny faces. Sia petted his head with a smile and the puppy wagged his little tail.

"Isey kaun le kar aaya?" Sia asked.

"Ye bahar akela ghoom raha tha islie mai isey apne saath le aayi." She replied.

"Bhai, hum isko apne saath ghar le kar chalenge." She said to Reyansh.

Reyansh rolled his eyes, "Aur iski care kaun karega?" He asked.

"Mai." She said confidently.

"Pehle khud ki care karna seekho baad me iski karna." He taunted making her pout.

"Bhai please mai pakka iski care kar lungi isko ghar le kar chalte haina." She pleaded mirroring puppy's cute eyes.

"Shut up!" He dismissed her.

"You're so rude and meanie. I'll complain to bhaiya." She sulked.

Reyansh rolled his eyes.

Advait entered the room with Shreya. Vanya quickly ran to him making him stop in his track.

"Bhaiyaa!" She whined.

"Kya hua, Princess?" He crouched down in front of her.

"Aap bhai ko samjhaiye na." She said.

"Kya samjhana hai bhai ko?" He briefly glanced at Reyansh.

"Yahi ki puppy ko ghar le kar chalein." She said and Advait furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Matlab?" He asked.

Vanya walked to Tia and pointed at the puppy in her hand.

"Mujhe isko ghar le kar jana hai bhai mana kar rahe hain aap unko boliye na." She complained.

Advait slightly widened his eyes looking at the small pup. Vanya took it from Tia's hand and stepped towards him.

"Dekhiye na bhaiya kitna chota aur pyara hai ye." She said coming towards him.

"Keep that thing away from me." He yelled in panic.

Vanya stopped. Reyansh stiffled his laugh at his reaction.

"Aap chilla kyun rahe hain dekhiye na bechara kitna masoom sa hai." Shreya spoke up.

"Bohot pyara hai, bohot cute hai aur bohot masoom hai magar door se. Please thoda sa door rakho isko mujhse." He said, raising his hands showing them to make a distance.

Abhishek, Aditya and Arush nodded their heads in sync.

"Par bhaiy..

Vanya was about to say when a loud bark interrupted her. Everyone's heads jerked to the entrance where a dog was standing. She was barking looking at her puppy. The puppy wiggled in Vanya's arms but she clutched him firmly.

"Vani, dekho iss puppy ki mumma aa gayi usko jane do ab." Reyansh said.

"Nahi ye mera puppy hai mere saath rahega." She said with a pout, hugging the pup close to her chest.

Tia kneeled in front of her to match her level, "Aap chahte ho na ye puppy khush rahe?" She asked. Vanya nodded.

"To isko jane do ye apni mumma ke saath jyada khush rahega." She said.

"Mai bhi isko khush rakhungi iski care karungi." She said, her lower lip jutting out.

"I know aap isey bohot khush rakhoge par iski khushi to iski mumma ke saath haina." Tia said, "Kabhi kabhi hum jinse pyar karte hain unki khushi ke liye humein unhe jane dena chahiye." She made her understand.

Vanya's emotions bubbled up. She hugged the puppy tightly for the last time before leaving him on the floor. He quickly ran to his mother with his little legs and his mother licked him to show her affection.

The Malhotra brothers sighed in relief when the puppy came out of the sight.

~________________________________________~

Everyone sat on the breakfast table. The table was unusually silent.

Vanya was feeling a bit upset because of puppy's departure.

Abhishek and Sia were not saying anything still feeling guilty of their adventure.

Aditya was silent because his Vanu was silent.

Only Arush was talking, he was talking with everyone asking silly questions between his bites.

"Aaj hum kahan ghoomne jayenge?" Arush asked.

"Mumbai ghoomne." Reyansh replied sarcastically.

That got the kid's attention. Aditya and Vanya perked up their heads while Abhishek and Sia digged their heads more in their plates.

"Mumbai to hum kabhi bhi ghoom sakte hain aaj kahin aur chalte hain." Arush said not getting the sarcasm in Reyansh's reply.

"Hum aaj wapas Mumbai jaa rahe hain, trip over." He said clearly.

"Itni jaldi? Abhi to three days baaki haina." Vanya spoke up.

"Haan par in dono ne kal jo kaand kiya hai uski khushi me hum jaldi ghar jaa rahe hain. Ghar jaa kar Advait ko Abhi ka sammaan bhi karna hai." He again said sarcastically.

Abhishek didn't look up and Sia felt bad for him.

"Bhaiya galti to Abhi bhai aur Sia di ne ki haina to humari trip kyun jaldi khatam ho rahi hai?" Aditya asked.

"Haan aap un dono ko punish kariye na humari trip cancel mat kariye please." Vanya whined.

"Yes." Arush nodded, "Aap ek kaam karo Abhi bhai aur Sia di ko wapas ghar bhej do hum log yahin rukenge." Arush suggested.

Advait glared at him making him zipped his mouth. He turned his gaze towards Abhishek and Sia who were sitting silently not looking up from their plates.

"Apne bag packs kar lo thodi der me nikalna hai." He said ignoring the kid's pleading.

Shreya, Reyansh and Tia exchanged a disapproving look. Reyansh nudged Vanya who was sitting beside her.

She grabbed the hint and stood up from her chair before walking to Advait.

"Bhaiya, three days ruk jate haina." She said.

He sighed, "Princess, hum next time phir se aayenge promise par abhi nahi." He said.

"Please." She jutted out her lower lip, her eyes were wide like a puppy and the magic happened.

Advait melted just by his baby sister's pleading voice and the puppy eyes she gave was the cherry on top.

"Fine!" He exhaled.

"Yeahhhh!" She jumped in happiness and hugged him tighlty making him smile.

"Finally patthar pighla to sahi." Tia commented.

Advait passed her a mocking glare.

"Bhaiya mujhe kabhi mana kar hi nahi sakte, haina bhaiya?" Vanya said proudly.

Advait chuckled kissing her cheeks lovingly.

~________________________________________~

They all went to roamed around the city and explored the famous locations. Abhishek was denying to go at first but Shreya persuaded him and he agreed. He tried to talk with Advait but he ignored him without even glancing at him. Sia was blaming herself looking at Abhishek's upset face.

She was sitting silently while everyone was roaming in the palace. Tia came to her side and tapped her shoulder.

"Kya hua yahan akele kyun baithi hai?" She asked.

"Meri wajah se Abhi itna pareshan hai mujhe bilkul accha nahi lag raha." Sia replied, "Uski to galti bhi nahi hai."

Tia snaked her arm around her shoulder, "Tumne dono ne jo kiya usme dono ki galti thi I know tune usko force kiya but galti to uski bhi hai na.

Tujhe pata hai na Advait ka laadla hai wo bas abhi Advait thoda naraaz hai jaise hi uska gussa thanda hoga wo baat kar lega Abhi se tu tension mat le. " She said.

"Mai bhaiya se baat karun?" She asked meekly.

"Kyun daant khane wale kaam karti hai wo abhi tujhpar bohot gussa hai, kal jara sa daant diya tha utne me hi rone lag gayi thi." She said.

Sia leaned on her shoulder, "Kyunki pehli baar daanta tha unhone." She mumbled.

She chuckled ruffling her hair, "Koi nahi, maan jayega. Give him some time." She said.

~________________________________________~

They were back to haveli. Everyone went to their rooms but Abhishek followed Advait to his room.

"Bhaiya, I am sorry please don't ignore me." He said from behind.

Advait entered the room and locked it in front of his face.

Shreya glared at Advait, "Advait ye kya tareeka hai bacche ke muh par darwaja band kar rahe hain aap." She said and unlocked the door.

Abhishek came inside with a pity look, "Bhaiya please baat kariye na aapne poore din baat nahi ki meri taraf dekha tak nahi." He said, his voice was hoarse.

Advait didn't look up from his phone. Shreya shook her head in disappointment.

"Bhabhi aap boliye na bhaiya ko mai nahi karunga aisi galti repeat, mujhse baat karna band na karein." He said looking at Shreya.

Shreya looked at him with concerned filled eyes, "Advait, usey apni galti ka realisation hai maaf kar dijiye usey."

He didn't react to anything as if the crying Abhishek was not even standing in front of him.

Abhishek didn't know what to do to earn Advait's forgiveness so he did the same thing he always did when Advait ignores him. He kneeled down in front of him holding his ears. Advait always melts down seeing him this vulnerable and small.

"Sorry bhaiya." He sobbed.

Advait stood up from the bed and walked past him without sparing him a glance. He exited the room breaking Abhishek's heart.

His sobs increased and the dam broke. He started crying hiding his face in his hands. Shreya's heart broke looking at him like this. She kneeled down by his side and pulled him in a hug.

"Aise rote nahi hai, Abhi." She whispered.

Her hand was rubbing his back and her another arm was wrapped around him like a mother shielding her child from all the problems. Abhishek cried in her shoulder without any hesitation.

"Tumhare bhaiya thoda gussa hain tum nahi mil rahe the to wo pareshan ho gaye the islie thoda naraaz hain bas par bohot jaldi maan jayenge. Aise rote thodi na hai baccha." She whispered wiping off his tears.

He nodded slowly.

Advait was walking in the corridor when Sia crossed him. But he didn't stop he kept walking.

"Bhaiya." She stood in front of him.

Advait tried to walk but she stood in front of him so he glared.

"Aise mat ghooriye na please." She said in fear.

He ignored her and again tried to walk away but she held his hand.

"I know aap mujhse naraaz hain I am really sorry bhaiya mere saath maine Abhi ko bhi danger me daala I promise next time se mai usko kabhi apne ridiculous plans me include nahi karungi." She said quickly.

But Advait's eyes hardened at her words. He gripped her ear and gave it a harsh tug, "Tujhe lagta hai mai tujhse islie naraaz hoon kyunki tune Abhi ko apne plan me include kiya huh?" He twisted her ear.

She stomped her feets squirming in his hold, "Oww bhaiya...

"Tu mere liye matter nahi karti?" He said sharply.

"Sorry galti se bol diya bhaiya chordo please." She said in pain clutching his hand.

He left her ear, "Maine kabhi tujhe Abhi, Adi ya Aru se alag treat kiya hai?" He asked in a pointed tone.

She shook her head rubbing her sore ear.

"To tune ye baat sochi bhi kaise ki mai islie naraaz hoon kyunki tune Abhi ko apne saath include kiya?" He harshly rebuked her.

Her eyes filled with tears and she blinked to avoid the tears.

"Bohot dimag chalne laga hai na tera aaj kal." He scolded, "Aise stupid plans banana, Adi ko Vani ki kasam de kar chup karwana bohot bigad gayi hai." He harshly said.

She widened her eyes slightly.

"Wo-Wo to maine aise hi kasam de di thi." She said meekly.

"Mai bhi aise hi ek thappad doon?" He asked sternly.

"Aap nahi maaroge." She blinked her eyes innocently. She knew he could never raise his hand on any girl not even on his sister.

He shook his head in exasperation and tried to walk away but she again stopped him.

"Bhaiya bhaiya please aapko jo punishment deni hai aap mujhe de dijiye par please Abhi se baat kar lijiye uski to galti bhi nahi hai wo sach me mana kar raha tha maine usko force kiya aur phir jab wo nahi maana to maine usko akele jane ki dhamki di islie usne mere saath diya please wo bohot guilty hai usko maaf kar dijiye. " She pleaded.

"Baccha nahi hai wo ki tune jabardasti ki aur wo maan gaya aur teri har shararat me bacchi samajh kar ignore karta hoon par ye koi choti shararat nahi thi tum dono ko ye baat pata nahi kaise samajh aayegi." He raised his voice.

"Samajh aa gayi bhaiya sacchi ab gussa mat kijiye aap kal se daant hi rahe hain." She sulked.

"Nahi daant raha mai aur na baat kar raha jaa yahan se." He said and walked away leaving her stand there alone.

~________________________________________~

Three days passed, everyone enjoyed the trip except Abhishek and Sia.

Advait didn't even glance at Abhishek in these three days and Abhishek was feeling extremely guilty and hurt.

He didn't talk with anyone else, he tried talking with Advait but got no response.

Sia felt a pang of hurt looking at him like this.

She had managed to earn Advait's forgiveness by shedding her few tears and he melted.

But after even getting the forgiveness she didn't enjoy the trip.

She remained by Abhishek's side and accompanied him every time.

Everyone was having breakfast early as they had to leave for the airport. The bags were packed and everyone was ready. Abhishek was silently picking on his food, he was looking so vulnerable.

"Abhi, theek se khao." Shreya nudged him as she was sitting beside him.

He nodded but left the food on his plate before standing up from his place.

"Kahan ja raha hai breakfast to poora kar." Reyansh said.

"Pet bhar gaya, bhai." He replied, his voice was barely audible.

Advait noticed him and spoke up, "Abhishek breakfast complete karo." His tone was calm but firm.

Abhishek snapped his head at him as it was the first time in three days he has spoken to him. He quietly sat down and complete his breakfast.

They all returned back to Mumbai. Aditya and Arush were tired so they slept early but Abhishek was restless. He was waiting for Advait to woke up so that he could talk with him.

At the time of the supper, Abhishek knocked gently on Advait's room and opened the door after getting the permission.

"Bhaiya aapne kaha tha ghar chal kar baat karenge." His voice was weak, "Ab to baat karein." He almost pleaded.

Advait stood up from his place and pulled him in a hug. Abhishek's whole body relaxed in his embrace, the tears he was holding for three days poured out in the solace of his brother's arms. He clunged tightly to him as if afraid of being ignored again.

He sobbed loudly soaking Advait's shirt. Advait didn't say anything and let him poured out his feelings. He held him tightly giving him the sense of reassurance.

"Aapne mujhse teen din se baat nahi ki." He sobbed, "Mai itna roya par aapne mujhe dekha tak nahi ignore kiya." He complained while hiccupping.

"Aapne promise kiya tha kabhi ye silent treatment de kar punish nahi karenge par apna promise bhi tod diya mai bilkul baat nahi karunga aapse." He said but contrary to his words his grip only tightened.

Advait listened to all his complaints rubbing his hand in small circles on his back. Abhishek choked on his own tears making Advait worried.

"Enough." He said giving him the glass of water.

"Nahi peena mujhe." He hiccupped wiping his face.

Advait gently made him drink water from his hands.

"Bas bohot ho gaya rona band ab." He said firmly.

Advait guided him to the bed and made him sat there. He also sat down beside him crossing his one leg under the other. Abhishek was still sniffling while looking down.

"Idhar dekh." Advait said gently.

"Nahi baat karni mujhe." He muttered.

"Itne din se mera dimaag kha liya baat karo baat karo bol kar aur ab jab baat kar raha hoon to baat hi nahi karni." Advait mocked lightly.

"Teen din." Abhishek turned towards him showing his three fingers in exaggeration, "Teen din se baat nahi ki aapne mujhse." He said.

"Galti kiski thi?" Advait raised his brow making him look down.

"Par aap koi aur punishment bhi to de sakte the silent treatment dena jaruri tha. You know I hate that." He glared through watery eyes.

"Aapko pata bhi hai ye teen din kaise gaye hain mere?" He asked in hurt.

"Aur jab mujhe pata chala mera bhai jungle me janwaro ke saath walk kar raha hai to mujhe kaisa feel hua tha pata hai?" Advait retorted.

Abhishek didn't say anything.

"Ye decision lene se pehle tune ek baar bhi mere baare me socha? Ye socha ki agar tujhe kuch ho jata to mera kya hota?" Advait asked, his tone was firm but a flicker of fear was clear in his voice.

"Jab mai aur Reyansh wahan pohche the to kis halat me mila tha tu humein?" He sharply said.

Abhishek couldn't reply anything so he chose to be silent.

"Bol ab awaaz nahi nikal rahi?" He scolded.

Abhishek leaned against his shoulder wrapping his arms around him.

"Seedha baitho." He scolded, half heartedly.

But Abhishek remained firm, "I am really sorry, bhaiya. Mujhe apni galti ka realization hai sach me aap mujhe jo punishment denge mujhe accept hai bas phir kabhi baat karna band mat karna." He whispered.

Advait melted. He softly pecked his head before ruffling his curly hair.

"You're forgiven." He mumbled.

Abhishek leaned into him making him stumbled back, "Kuch jyada hi pyar nahi aa raha hai?" Advait teased.

"Mai aapse pyar karta hoon aapki tarah thodi ki jab mann hua ignore kar diya." Abhishek taunted in a muffled voice.

"Hmm kal subah gym me apna saara pyar dikhaunga tujhe." Advait threatened.

"Bhaiya please ye nahi." He quickly sat up straight pleading through his eyes.

"Shut up. I want you there at sharp 5 in the morning." He ordered.

"Itni subah kaun uthta hai?" He whined.

"Aap uthenge." Advait taunted.

Abhishek sulked but rested his head on Advait's lap enveloping in his warmth after three long days.

~________________________________________~

The atmosphere in the gym was tensed. The discipline and order were lingering in the air. Advait was looking at Abhishek like a lion staring at it's predator. Abhishek was standing like a scared kitten dressed in his sport clothes and shoes.

"Treadmill." Advait curtly said pointing towards the machine.

Abhishek swiftly hopped on the machine in the manner to impress Advait so that he relents on him.

He set the machine at slow speed and started walking.

"Park me walk kar raha hai?" Advait's voice came from behind.

Abhishek quickly speed up the pace and started running. Only after five minutes he was out of breath earning a disapproving look from Advait.

"Bhaiya aur kitni der?" He panted.

"15 minutes." He replied, pulling up the weights.

Abhishek's internally fainted listening to him.

"Bhaiya ek hi jagah par aur kitni der bhaagun?" He whined.

"Go run the ten laps of the garden." Advait said making him shut his mouth.

"Mai to aise hi mazaak kar raha tha kitna maza aa raha hai is par running karne me." He said quickly.

Advait rolled his eyes at his dramatic brother.

After twenty minutes, Advait allowed him to get down off the treadmill. Abhishek slid down off it with wobbly legs and sat down on the floor.

"Five minutes break." Advait said.

"I need a lifetime break after this torture." He replied opening his water bottle.

Advait ignored him and got busy with his work out. He looked back at Abhishek after five minutes and an amusing glare appeared on his face. Abhishek was sleeping with an opened mouth while sitting on the floor.

He marched towards him and gently whacked the side of his head jolting him awake from his peaceful slumber.

"Kya hua?" He asked straightening up.

"Get up. Twenty pushups. Now." Advait instructed.

He made a crying face but stood up from his position and started doing pushups.

"Correct your posture." Advait barked and he quickly maintained a distance between his legs.

He completed the twenty pushups with a great difficulty taking breaks in between.

"Twenty burpees." Advait said even before Abhishek stood up.

"Bhaiya bas jane dijiye ab bacche ki jaan lenge kya." He said breathing heavily.

"Don't worry you'll survive. Now start." Advait said relentlessly.

Abhishek started doing burpees. He managed to do fifteen but the last five was still left. Every step was stretching his muscles shooting a pain through his body.

"Last five. Com'on, you can do it." Advait encouraged and Abhishek somehow managed to complete it.

Advait proudly ruffled his sweaty hair, "You did well." He said vanishing all the pain from Abhishek's body just by a little praise.

"Now plank." He said making him sulked.

"Bhaiyaa." He whined.

"No whining. Get into the position." He commanded.

Abhishek took a deep breath and got into the position. Only twenty seconds was in the position and his muscles started screaming in protest. The pain shot through his arms making him groaned loudly.

"Hold on. Don't break the position." Advait said crossing his arms over his chest.

Abhishek groaned but didn't bteak the position. After a one and a half minute he slumped down on the mat breathing heavily. He rolled over his back. His chest was heaving up and down rapidly. Advait passed him the water bottle with a proud smirk and Abhishek weakly smiled at him in return.

~________________________________________~

Shreya was sitting on the bed, her chin was rested on her arm as she was watching her husband who was applying nail paint on her feet. His sole focus was on the task at hand, his movement was precised and filled with the gesture of love and care.

He titled his neck a bit to look properly at her feet after applying the nail paint on the toes of her right leg.

"Perfect!" He mumbled in himself making her smile.

He focused on her left leg and started smoothly painting her nails. His focus broke when the hurricanes came running in the room without any knock as the door was already opened.

Shreya quickly pulled her leg back from his hold but Advait narrowed his eyes at her and gently settled her leg back at the place.

Abhishek, Aditya and Arush curiously looked at them.

"Kya kar rahe hain bacchein hain yahan." She chided in whisper.

"I'm raising standards for them. They should know how to treat their wives." He replied, gently dipping the brush in the small bottle.

"Mai bhi Vanu ke nail paint lagaunga." Aditya whispered to Abhishek who rolled his eyes at him.

"Mai bhi apni wife ko nail paint lagaunga aur bohot saara pyar karunga." Arush chirped up making everyone laugh.

"Pehle theek se bada to ho jaa nail paint ki bottle bhi tujhse do inch badi hai." Aditya said sarcastically to tease him.

"Bhaiyaa!" Arush whined.

"Har baat par to bhaiya bhaiya karne lagta hai aaya bada shaadi karne wala." Aditya teased again.

"To kya teri tarah Vanu Vanu kare?" Abhishek said, teasingly wriggling his brows.

Wrong move.

"Nahi aap ki tarah Rupali Rupali kare." Aditya retorted making Abhishek coughed loudly.

Advait shot up his eyes as soon as the name slipped out of Aditya's mouth.

Shreya rubbed Abhishek's back as he was standing near her.

"Kaun Rupali?" Advait asked.

Shreya clicked her tongue.

"Arey bhaiya aap Rupali ko nahi jaante?" Aditya asked innocently.

Advait shook his head before glancing at Abhishek.

"Bhai aapne bhaiya ko Rupali ke baare me nahi bataya?" He asked making a serious face and Abhishek passed him a deadly glare.

"Mai aapko batata hoon." Aditya said looking at Advait.

"Rupali bhai ki classmate hai jo bhai ko pareshan karti thi to unhone teacher se uski complain kar di phir us ladki ko bohot daant padi tab se bhai ko school me kisi ko bhi darana hota hai to wo Rupali Rupali keh kar sab ko dhamki dete hain islie maine aisa bola.

" He made up a story looking at Abhishek's scared face.

Advait narrowed his eyes at Aditya's stupid story but let the topic go.

"Padhai karne ki age me dimaag padhai me hi lagaya jaye to accha hota hai." Advait said indirectly to Abhishek.

"Exactly mera to poora dhyan padhai me hi hai, bhaiya." Aditya said confidently.

"Hmm mujhe acche se pata hai tera kitna dhyan kahan hai." He taunted.

Shreya chuckled.

Abhishek cleared his throat, "Mujhe kuch kaam hai mai jata hoon." He said and left in embarrassment.

Aditya and Arush exchanged a glance and ran behind him.

Shreya looked at Advait with a thoughtful face, "Aapne Abhi se aisa kyun kaha?" She asked.

"Aapko pata hai na iss age me crush hona, physical attraction hona normal hota hai." She said.

He held her hand before inhaling a breath, "I know iss age me ye sab common hota hai but Abhi bohot innocent hai usey nahi pata uske liye sahi galat kya hai aur ye duniya uske jaise logo ke liye bohot bekar hai." He spoke up.

"Mai nahi chahta wo koi galat decision le aur kal ko mere paas aa kar kisi ladki ke liye roye mai apne bacche ka dil toot-ta hua bardaasht nahi kar sakta chahe iske liye mujhe kuch bhi karna pade." He said with a possessiveness glinting in his eyes.

She studied him before saying, "Kab tak protect karenge unhe duniya se, abhi wo chote hain magar kal ko jab wo bade honge unke khud ke opinions honge khud ke decisions honge. Aap unpar apne decisions force to nahi kar sakte." She said trying to make him understand.

"Jab tak mai zinda hoon unse juda hua har ek decision mera hoga mai unko kabhi wo cheez nahi karne dunga jiski wajah se unke aankhon me aansu aaye chahe iske liye mujhe unki nazron me bura hi kyun na banna pade." He stated firmly.

Shreya slightly flinched back by the intensity of his words. She could clearly see through the possessiveness and this possessiveness was going to cause so many conflicts between the brothers as they grew up.

~________________________________________~