🌸🥀भाई मेरे,

बचपन का तो पूरा किस्सा तुमसे था।

रक्षाबंधन वादा है या धागा है प्यार का,

ओ धागा है प्यार का।🥀🌸

Happy reading ❤️‍🩹

_____________________________

"Alright students. I'm Radhika Sharma, your club co-ordinator. I'll be guiding you through all the house activities this year. Welcome to Nirbhaya House," a graceful voice echoed across the auditorium.

The students burst into applause, excited chatter filling the air around them.

Ms. Radhika smiled warmly, her presence both calm and energetic. "Now, for this month's activity. Since all of you have already submitted your interest forms, I'll be dividing you into groups and also selecting a few of you for solo performances," she announced, eyes scanning the eager faces in front of her.

"Now, first let me ask - is there anyone who wishes to audition for solo singing, other than Avni and Shivansh?" Ms. Radhika asked, her voice echoing a bit in the hall.

A few whispers spread across the room, but no one stepped forward.

She glanced around and sighed softly with a smile.

"So we have students for group singing, but none of you want to do a solo? Then once again, Avni and Shivansh will be representing us."

Saavi immediately wrapped an arm around Avni's shoulders in a proud side hug, her face beaming with energy.

Aria, standing a little behind them, gave Avni a soft smile - genuinely happy for her.

Avni's grin only grew wider when her eyes locked with Shivansh across the crowd. He smiled back at her, calm and confident.

"Now for speech and debate," Ms. Radhika continued, flipping to the next section of her file.

"We already have Saavi listed for debate, but if anyone else would like to try, you're welcome to volunteer." She looked up, waiting for a response. No new hand was raised.

She nodded. "Alright. So Saavi will continue for debate."

Then she asked, "And who would like to take part in the speech category? Anyone interested?"

"And who would like to participate in the speech category?" Ms. Radhika asked, scanning the hall.

A few students exchanged glances but stayed quiet - until a confident voice from the back answered, "I'll take it, ma'am."

Heads turned.

Akshat stepped forward casually, hands in his pockets, like he owned the stage already.

Ms. Radhika smiled approvingly. "Good. So Akshat will take speech, and Saavi will handle debate."

Ms. Radhika glanced at the remaining slots on her list.

"For anchoring or hosting the event, we need someone confident, vocal and able to handle the mic."

Before anyone else could even think, Rohan raised his hand lazily.

"Ma'am, I'll host. Nobody better at handling a mic than me," he said, wearing that smug trademark grin.

The boys in his group laughed and clapped in support. A few girls giggled.

Avni muttered under her breath, loud enough for Saavi to hear, "Yeah right, like this event needed more arrogance on stage."

Rohan smirked at her as if he heard it anyway. "Try not to faint when I start speaking, Miss Perfect."

Avni scoffed, crossing her arms.

Ms. Radhika smiled, amused. "Alright then, Rohan will handle hosting duties. That's settled."

Ms. Radhika finally finished assigning all the remaining categories, ticking off each section in her file. Only dance was left now.

"Alright, so we currently have nine students signed up for dance. One of them will also be selected for the solo performance," she announced.

"All dance participants, please head to the dance room. Shlokha Ma'am will take your audition and choose the soloist."

Aria's fingers tensed immediately. The thought of dancing with others was alright... but alone? A chill shot up her spine. She looked down, quietly rubbing her palms together, anxiety suddenly clawing at her chest.

Saavi and Avni noticed it instantly.

They glanced at each other - then stepped forward.

"Ma'am, can we also go with them?" Saavi asked politely. "We promise we won't cause any disturbance. We'll just sit at the back."

Ms. Radhika raised an eyebrow at the request, clearly surprised that the toppers voluntarily wanted to accompany. But after a moment, she gave a single nod.

"Alright, you may go. But quietly, please."

The dance room echoed with faint music and the sound of shoes sliding on wooden flooring as the students gathered inside.

Shlokha Ma'am stood near the mirrored wall, arms folded, observing them keenly.

Aria quietly slipped to the back corner. Saavi and Avni came and sat near the wall on either side of her - protective, present. Their silent presence gave her a strange sense of courage.

"Alright dancers," Shlokha Ma'am clapped her hands. "We'll begin with basic moves first. Then I'll pick one for the solo."

The auditions started - students showing their steps one by one.

Then, Shlokha Ma'am's voice rang out: "You in the back - blue hair tie. Come forward."

Aria stiffened. Saavi placed a gentle hand on her knee. Avni gave a firm nod of encouragement. Without saying a word, both made it clear: we're right here.

Aria walked forward slowly. Shlokha Ma'am waited.

"Show me whatever you're comfortable with," she instructed.

Aria began to move - hesitant at first... then graceful, controlled. Her expression softened, as though she drifted somewhere far from the room. Her movements were fluid, elegant, like she was telling a story without words. When she finished, she took a small step back, heart pounding.

The room stayed silent for a moment - surprised, impressed.

Even Shlokha Ma'am nodded once, a rare sign of approval.

From the back, Saavi and Avni shared a proud look - eyes filled with quiet pride for her.

As all the girls and boys returned from the dance room back to the main House room, there was a mix of tiredness and excitement in the air. Ms. Radhika looked up from her file as they settled down.

"Alright," she said, adjusting her spectacles. "So who has been chosen for the solo dance performance?"

A small pause. Everyone turned toward Aria.

She hesitated - fingers trembling slightly at her sides - but slowly, she raised her hand.

Ms. Radhika gave a short, pleased nod and wrote her name down without any fuss. "Good. Aria," she confirmed on the register.

Shivansh, who was casually leaning against the desk, looked up. His eyes followed Aria - the way her shoulders looked tense, the way she seemed almost scared to exist in that spotlight.

His expression softened.

_________

After the House room dismissal, students began moving back toward their classes.

Avni and Aria headed to the water point to drink water. Saavi excused herself to the washroom.

Avni leaned down, drinking from the tap. Aria stood beside her quietly.

Just then, a girl nearby cracked a random joke. Avni hadn't even swallowed the water properly yet - and the joke hit her at the worst time.

She burst into laughter halfway - and ended up choking.

Water sprayed out of her mouth in shock...

Straight onto Rohan, who had just turned the corner.

The hallway fell completely silent.

Rohan stood frozen, drops of water dripping from his face and shirt. Avni stared at him in horror, hand over her mouth.

Aria's eyes widened; she didn't know whether to laugh or panic.

For a whole two seconds, no one moved.

Then suddenly - a loud laugh broke the silence.

Akshat and Shivansh, standing a few steps behind, burst out laughing - uncontrollable laughter echoing in the corridor.

Shivansh actually had to hold onto the wall to stop himself from falling. Akshat clapped loudly, tears in his eyes from laughing so hard.

Rohan just stood there - drenched, humiliated, furious - staring at them like he was ready to murder someone.

Avni's face turned red, partly from embarrassment, partly because she wanted to laugh too.

Rohan wiped the water off his face, his jaw tightening.

"Pagal ho gayi hai kya, Avni?!" he snapped, his voice sharp.

(Are you crazy, Avni?!)

Avni was still half choking, half laughing as she cleared her throat, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. "Main kya karoon- tu bina aawaz ke peeche aata hai! Joke sunte hi... pani nikal gaya!"

(What can I do? You walk like a ghost behind me! I heard a joke and water just flew out!)

Rohan looked down at his drenched shirt and scoffed. "Great. Ab poora din wet rahoon main, thanks to you."

(Great. Now I will be wet whole day.)

Avni raised a brow, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. "At least tera ego toh thoda cool ho gaya. Free mein shower mil gaya tujhe."

(At least your ego cooled down. You got a free shower.)

Rohan stepped closer, narrowing his eyes. "Bohot attitude aa raha hai tujhme. ,maar khayegi tu mujhse."

(You're full of attitude. you're asking for a slap.)

Avni crossed her arms. "Try karke dekh." she muttered with a smirk.

(You should try)

Behind them, Shivansh burst into uncontrollable laughter, holding his stomach. Akshat wiped tears of laughter from his eyes.

"Rohan bhai... tujhe Avni ne nilaha diya," Shivansh said between laughs.

(Rohan bro... Avni gave you a bath.)

Akshat patted Rohan's back mockingly. "Full public insult ho gayi teri."

(Full public insult done)

Rohan glared at them, then at Avni who was still suppressing her laugh, her nose scrunching a little.

Aria stood quietly beside them - a small smile flickered on her lips which didn't go unnoticed by Shivansh.

"Tujhe toh main dekh lunga, Avni," Rohan muttered under his breath, still fuming.

(I'll deal with you later, Avni.)

Avni flipped her hair with a mocking smile.

"Dekh lena.," she shot back before walking past him with Aria.

(Only if you can even catch me.)

Rohan scoffed loudly but didn't have a comeback - mostly because Shivansh and Akshat had started laughing again behind him.

Shivansh's gaze lingered on Aria for a second longer - that small smile on her face felt... rare. He didn't say anything, but a warm glint flashed in his eyes.

Akshat turned to students who gathered there "back to Classes." He said in his commanding voice.

Rohan muttered a curse under his breath as the group slowly headed back toward class.

_______

Saavi was already seated in class, head bent over her notebook as she scribbled something. She looked up as Aria and Avni entered together.

Avni slumped into the seat beside her.

"Pata hai kya hua abhi? Rohan pe water attack hua," she whispered dramatically.

(Guess what just happened? Rohan got a watee attack.)

Saavi raised her brow, confused. Aria's lips curved again and Avni explained it in gestures - Saavi burst out laughing.

Once the laughter settled, Saavi tapped her pen and grinned.

"Accha listen, kal Raksha Bandhan hai."

(Okay listen... tomorrow is Raksha Bandhan.)

"Ohhh haaan!" Avni suddenly sat up straight. Aria's small smile fell for a second, but she looked away before they could notice.

(Oh yes!)

Saavi's voice dropped a little.

"But... Aditya bhaiya toh UP hai iss baar. Aa nahi paayenge. Sirf Ansh bhaiya hai."

(But... Aditya Bhaiya is in UP this time. He won't be able to come. Only Ansh Bhaiya is here.)

Aria looked a little confused hearing a new name. She glanced at Avni. Avni noticed her expression and leaned closer.

"Aditya bhaiya, Ansh bhaiya aur Saavi ka bada bhai hai. Abhi kaam se UP gaye hain," Avni explained softly, rubbing Saavi's back.

(Aditya Bhaiya is Ansh Bhaiya and Saavi's elder brothers. He just gone to UP for work.)

Aria nodded softly, leaning a little closer.

"But Saavi... your one brother is still here, right? And you can video call the other brother," she said, trying to cheer her up with a gentle tone.

Saavi smiled and nodded, brushing her hair back.

"Yeah, it's Ansh bhaiya's day too. I won't ruin it with my sad face," she said, trying to brighten her own mood and then added jokingly, "Not that I don't look good in sad face."

Aria and Avni both chuckled, the tension easing a little.

Avni leaned in and asked playfully yet curiously.

"Rakhi leli?"

(Have you bought the rakhi?)

"Yesss, kal lekar aayi thi. Tu?" Saavi replied, tapping her nails on the desk.

(Yes, I got it yesterday. You?)

Avni smiled proudly.

"Yup, maine bhi leli Aksh bhai ke liye."

(Yup, I bought one for Aksh bhai too.)

Avni then turned back to Aria with a smile.

"Aur tu? Rakhi leli kise ke liye?"

(And you? Did you buy a rakhi for someone?)

Aria's smile faded just a little. She looked down at her hands, fingers tightening against her skin - nails pressing into the side of her palm.

"Main... main nahi celebrate karti," she said softly.

(I... I don't celebrate it.)

Her voice was low, almost like she didn't want it to be heard. She kept her eyes on her lap, shoulders slightly stiff.

Saavi and Avni exchanged a quick glance - not pity, just concern - and didn't push more.

Aria kept her hand curled tightly in her lap, nails digging in... almost as if she was reminding herself to stay calm.

Avni looked at her for a second and then said softly,

"Agar tu chahe toh... tu Aksh bhai ko rakhi baandh sakti hai. Ya phir... us lal muh wale bandar Rohan ko bhi," she added, trying to lighten the air with a tiny smile.

(If you want to celebrate, you can tie a rakhi to Aksh bhai... or even that red-faced monkey Rohan.)

At that, Aria's fingers pressed harder into her own skin. She shook her head quickly, the smile long gone from her face.

______

Just as the girls were finally smiling again, the door banged open.

Rohan strolled in like he owned the place, still annoyed but with a weird grin on his face.

"Saavi," he called out, walking straight to her bench.

Rohan leaned down over Saavi's desk.

"Ek prank plan karna hai mujhko. Tu meri partner banegi?"

(I have to plan a prank. Will you be my partner?)

Saavi blinked. "Kis par?"

(On whom?)

Rohan pointed toward the door where Akshat had just walked by.

"Us Akshat ke upar, obviously."

(On that Akshat, obviously.)

Saavi's face went stiff for a second. Her cheeks turned slightly pink but she quickly looked down at her notebook.

Aria and Avni exchanged a secret smile, trying not to laugh.

Avni smirked.

"Best of luck, Rohan. Pakda gaya toh tera kaam function se pehle hi khatam."

(Best of luck, Rohan. If you get caught, you'll be done before the function even begins.)

Rohan rolled his eyes dramatically.

"Saavi, tu meri behen jaisi hai. Help kar na. Please?"

(Saavi, you're like a sister to me. Help me, please?)

Saavi cleared her throat, trying to keep her face still.

"Fine... batao prank kya hai."

(Fine... tell me what the prank is.)

Rohan bent closer and whispered something in her ear. Saavi bit her lip to stop herself from smiling - deeply embarrassed but kind of amused.

Aria smiled softly while watching Saavi panic internally and Avni was trying hard not to laugh out loud.

____

As the next period began, XI Humanities and XII Commerce had a combined Games period. Both classes walked down together toward the school ground.

Some students went off to play football and basketball, others simply sat on the grass enjoying the breeze.

Shivansh, Akshat and Rohan sat with their group of friends under the shade near the benches. Not far from them, Aria, Saavi and Avni sat together in their own spot.

Rohan glanced over at the girls' group and gave Saavi a look - that secret nod to begin the prank.

Saavi got up slowly, trying not to look suspicious, her hand closed around something hidden in her palm.

Avni and Aria exchanged a quick look and stood up as well, walking beside her.

As Saavi stepped closer to the boys' corner, all three of them turned to look at her - confused.

Rohan, acting like he knew nothing, quickly joined Akshat and Shivansh with the most innocent face ever.

"Choti, kya hua?" Shivansh asked, raising a brow.

(Little one, what happened?)

Saavi tried to keep a straight face but her lips kept trembling with suppressed laughter.

"Bhaiya... voh... Aksh se baat karni thi," she muttered, biting her lips to hide her smile.

(Brother... umm... I wanted to talk to Aksh.)

Avni, Aria stood a little behind, happily waiting for the entertainment to unfold.

Akshat folded his arms trying to act lazily despite the tingling in his stomach.

"Haan bolo, Saavi."

(Yes, tell me, Saavi.)

She took a small breath.

"Aksh... umm... kal Raksha Bandhan hai na..."

(Aksh... umm... tomorrow is Raksha Bandhan, right?)

The moment those words left her mouth, Akshat froze. His heart actually skipped a beat - horror written all over his face.

Shivansh looked utterly confused and turned towards Rohan - only to see Rohan nearly dying of laughter behind his hands. That's when he understood: prank.

Saavi's cheeks were turning red from embarrassment - even joking about this with her crush was making her face burn.

"Toh... aapke... main... Rakhi baandh du?" she asked, voice small.

(So... should I tie a rakhi to you?)

"KYA?!" Akshat practically jumped up from his seat.

(WHAT?!!)

Shivansh and Rohan stood up too, shocked for different reasons.

Akshat froze, horrified, clutching his chest like someone had broken it.

"Saavi... yeh... rakhi? Matlab kyu?!"

(Saavi... this... rakhi? I mean why!?)

Saavi hid her embarrassment behind a small smile and took a step closer.

"Aisa hi. Lao haath aage karo."

(Just like that. Hold out your hand.)

Akshat instinctively took a step back, panic written all over his face.

"Nahi Saavi. Aisa nahi hota. Tumne kabhi mera rakhi nahi bandhi na... toh ab kyun... kaisa..."

(No Saavi. This isn't how it works. You never tied a rakhi to me... so why now... how...)

He shivered at the thought - the girl he liked... maybe even lo-... was about to tie a rakhi on him.

Rohan leaned forward, trying to sound convincing.

"Aree ho jata hai. Hain na Ansh?"

(Come on, it's fine. Right, Ansh?)

Shivansh just shrugged, not wanting to ruin the prank, but understanding why Akshat was hesitating.

Rohan rolled his eyes, silently thinking Shivansh was overthinking - he didn't know Akshat liked Saavi.

Akshat almost pleaded, voice trembling.

"Aree Saavi, please! Aisa nahi hota!"

(Please Saavi! This isn't how it works!)

Saavi smiled mischievously and took another step closer.

And in the next heartbeat... Akshat bolted. He ran.

Akshat dashed across the ground like his life depended on it, arms flailing.

"Saavi! Ruk jao! Yeh sab mazak band karo!"

(Saavi! Stop! End this joke!)

Saavi laughed loudly, holding the rakhi in her hand like a weapon, and sprinted after him.

"Ruko naaa! Aaj toh main baandh ke hi chhodungi!"

(Stop! Today I'll tie it no matter what!)

Rohan wasn't going to miss this. He started running behind Saavi, grinning from ear to ear.

"Bhaag Akshat bhai, bhaag! Abhi nahi toh kabhi nahi!"

(Run, Akshat bro, run! Now or never!)

Akshat swerved around the basketball pole, panting, looking like a man possessed.

"Main... main bhai nahi ban sakta! Tum dono pagal ho!"

(I... I can't become your brother! You both are crazy!)

Shivansh was doubled over laughing, unable to control himself.

Aria and Avni were leaning against each other, wiping tears of laughter from their eyes.

Saavi, still chasing him, was practically yelling now.

"Aree ruk jao! Main sach mein nahi baandh rahi... bas thoda mazak kar rahi hoon!"

(Hey, stop! I'm not actually tying it... just having a little fun!)

Akshat STOPPED to a halt as he hear her words, behind a tree, chest heaving, glaring at her with a mix of relief and exasperation.

"Maine socha... yeh ladki... shayad sach mein... rakhi... bandh degi!"

(I thought... this girl... might actually... tie the rakhi!)

Panting and red-faced, Akshat finally stopped next to Shivansh, Avni, and Aria, who were still laughing hysterically.

Rohan and Saavi stood beside him, doubled over with laughter. Akshat's hair was messy, cheeks pink - pure embarrassment.

"Kiska idea tha?" Akshat asked, narrowing his eyes.

(Whose idea was this?)

Saavi, trying to stifle her laughter, pointed directly at Rohan.

Rohan's eyes went wide, guilt and excitement mixed on his face.

"Arre... maine bas thoda suggest kiya tha..."

(Hey... I just suggested a little...)

Shivansh shook his head, smirking, and muttered:

"Pagal log ho tum sab."

(You all are crazy.)

Avni wiped tears from her eyes, still giggling.

"Seriously... Aksh bhai... kya scene tha yaar!"

(Seriously... Aksh bro... what a scene!)

Aria just smiled, covering her mouth, eyes sparkling as she watched the aftermath.

Shivansh looked at her - how carefree and happy she seemed. Her eyes... her smile... so soft. For the first time, he noticed it like this.

Akshat, still flustered, turned sharply toward Rohan, narrowing his eyes.

"Rohan... tumhare idea tha yeh sab?"

(Rohan... this was your idea?)

Rohan's eyes widened, realizing he was in serious trouble.

Before Akshat could take a step closer, he bolted, sprinting to save himself from Akshat's fiery glare.

Akshat lunged after him, shouting:

"Ruk ja tu! Abhi batata hoon! Teri pant mein barf gira dunga!"

(Wait... you wait! I'll put ice in your pants!)

And just like that, the two of them were running around the field, zig-zagging wildly between students, who laughed and cheered at the chaos.

All the other students on the ground turned to watch, some clutching their stomachs from laughter, others cheering them on as the chase continued.

_______

The next day, at the Rawat's house...

"Mumma! Mera earrings nahi mil raha!" Saavi yelled from her room, rifling through her jewelry box in frustration.

(Mumma! I can't find my earrings!)

Sonali Rawat, her mother, appeared at the door and gently tapped her on the head.

"Ye dekh. Kal apni chachi ke room mein chor diya tha."

(See... you left it in your aunt's room yesterday.)

Saavi laughed softly, a little embarrassed, and kissed her mother on the cheek.

"Oh heheh... thank you, Mumma."

Saavi opened her wardrobe and pulled out her white kurti, the fabric soft and light in her hands. She slipped it on, feeling the cool cotton settle comfortably against her skin.

She went to the mirror and carefully braided her hair, tucking the ends neatly. A few stray strands fell across her forehead, and she brushed them back gently, her reflection smiling back at her.

"How can someone be this beautiful... Muahhhhhh." Saavi said, giggling at her own reflection.

She dashed down the stairs and plopped onto the sofa, sitting between her father and Dadu.

"Papa, how am I looking?" she asked, grinning ear to ear.

"Hayee! Itni pyari lag rahi hai meri bachhi." her father said, pinching her cheek, making her grin even wider.

(Hayee... my little girl looks so cute!)

"Dadu... aap bhi batao." she said, turning to Raja ji.

"Ek kaam, choti si chidiya ki tarah lag rahi ho." her Dadu said, chuckling.

(Looking like a little bird.)

"Hehe, thank you." Saavi said, her cheeks warming with happiness.

Just then, her chachu, Raghav Rawat, entered the room carrying little Rivaan in his arms.

He smiled warmly at his niece.

"Looking very pretty, Saavi." he said, as Rivaan wiggled in his arms.

Before anyone could stop him, Rivaan jumped from his chachu's hands and ran straight to Saavi, plopping into her lap.

"Thank you, chachu." Saavi said, laughing as Rivaan immediately started playing with her earrings, tugging gently and giggling.

Saavi's laughter mingled with the little boy's, filling the room with warmth and happiness.

Shivansh entered the room in a cream-colored kurta, the fabric soft and slightly shimmering in the morning light.

Even in traditional attire, Shivansh exuded that effortless charm - confident, calm, and a little teasing sparkle in his eyes as he glanced at his little sister.

"Saavi, ya kya pehna hai tumne?" Shivansh said, making a dramatic face. Everyone turned to look at him.

(Saavi, what are you wearing?)

"Kyu bhaiya, achha nahi hai?" Saavi said, crossing her arms.

(Why, brother? Isn't it good?)

"Nope," he said teasingly, smirking.

"Papaaaaaaaa!" she whined, turning to her father.

"Oye, chup! Jo hoga Ansh." Rajveer ji said, half stern, half playfully.

(Oye, shut up Ansh!)

Shivansh chuckled and sat down, watching the little commotion with amusement.

Just then, Sonali and Anjali entered, carrying a tray with rakhis and sweets.

"Chalo, rakhi bandh do, Saavi." Anjali said, sitting beside her husband Raghav, who winked at her.

(Come on, tie the rakhi now, Saavi.)

Saavi's eyes sparkled with excitement as she stood, placing Rivaan carefully on the sofa. She picked up the plate, applied a small tika on his forehead, and then tied a Shinchan rakhi on his tiny wrist.

"Shinchan!" Rivaan said, touching his rakhi and making everyone chuckle.

Saavi giggled and fed him a sweet, her eyes soft with affection.

Raghav, Rivaan's father, handed her some cash and a small gift from his son.

"Thanku chachu! Thanku, Rivaan!" she said, making Rivaan grin widely, showing off his little rabbit teeth.

Saavi picked up a bright red rakhi from the tray and turned toward Shivansh, her smile soft but teasing.

"Bhaiya... ab aapki bari hai," she said, holding out the rakhi.

(Brother... now it's your turn.)

Shivansh raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

"Haan haan... chhoti, aao zara."

(Yes yes... come on, little one.)

Saavi stepped closer, her fingers brushing lightly against his wrist as she tied the rakhi. Shivansh leaned slightly forward, watching her carefully, a faint teasing glint still in his eyes.

"Bhaiya, promise karoge? Hamesha mera khayal rakhoge?" she asked, her voice playful but warm.

(Brother, promise me? You'll always take care of me?)

Shivansh chuckled softly, placing a hand gently over hers.

"Hamesha... meri choti."

(Always... my little sister.)

Saavi grinned, stepping back to admire her work, while Shivansh ruffled her braid lightly, the bond between them glowing in the quiet moment.

"Chalo, ab tum dono Rohan ke ghar chalo. Saavi ko rakhi bhi karni hai na uski." Sonali ji said, neatly packing the remaining rakhis and sweets into a bag.

(Come on, now go to Rohan's house. Saavi has to tie a rakhi to him too.)

"Yeppp" Saavi and Shivansh left for Rohan house.

____

Shivansh and Saavi reached Rohan's house, and the door opened to reveal a beautiful woman with a kind smile - Aarohi Singh, Rohan's mother.

"Hello, bachho," she greeted warmly.

"Hi aunty. Happy Rakhi!" they both chimed in.

Aarohi led them inside, where they met Rohan's father, Ruhaan Singh.

"Arre, aagaye tum dono! Baitho." Ruhaan ji said, gesturing them to the sofa. They sat down as the cozy living room filled with warmth.

(ahh..here you both are. Come sit.)

Rohan entered soon after, wearing his usual bright smile.

"Happy Rakhi, Saavi!" he said, hugging her tightly and giving Shivansh a playful fist bump.

"Chalo bhaiya, baitho. Rakhi karni hai," Saavi said, tugging him beside her and performing the same rituals she had done with Shivansh earlier.

(Sit brother. Rakhi time.)

"Yeh lo, tera gift," Rohan said, handing her a small gift box.

(Here, your gift)

"Thank you, bhaiya," Saavi said, carefully placing the gift in Shivansh's hand, who was already holding a few bags from their shopping on the way.

As Saavi chatted happily with Rohan, Ruhaan and Aarohi exchanged quiet, emotional smiles. Rohan had always wished for a sister, and somehow, Saavi had filled that space perfectly - effortlessly.

No one understood why - except Saavi and Shivansh. Years ago, when they were only eight, Shivansh had found Rohan quietly crying the day before Rakhi. Tiny shoulders shaking, tears streaking his face, he had clung to Shivansh, seeking comfort in a world that felt too big and lonely. Shivansh had held him close, promising silently that someone would always be there for him.

And from that moment on, Rohan had never cried on Rakhi again.

_______

Singhania's house

The atmosphere in Avni and Akshat's house was completely different from Saavi and Shivansh's - lively, teasing, and full of little quirks.

"Papaa, dekho! Yeh kutta abhi tak nahi aaya!" Avni exclaimed dramatically, flopping onto the sofa. Her blue kurti shimmered slightly, shoulder-length hair framing her face, and the tiny earrings added a cute charm to her look.

(Papa, see! This dog hasn't come yet!)

"Ohh meri pyari princess... abhi aayega," Ashmit, their father, said, trying to calm her down.

(Ohh my little princess... he'll come soon.)

Before he could finish, Kritika - Avni and Akshat's mother - appeared in the doorway, dragging Akshat into the living room by his ears.

Akshat was clad in a baby pink kurta, his hair messy, exuding a mix of charm and rebellion.

"Aahh... mummy! Chhodo na, agaya na!" he protested, wriggling as if trying to escape, but his mother held him firmly.

(Aahh... mummy! Let me go, I've arrived already!)

Avni clapped her hands in excitement, while the adults chuckled at the little chaos that made their Raksha Bandhan morning even more lively.

Kritika ji gently guided Akshat to sit on the sofa. No sooner had he settled than Avni pounced, tugging lightly at his hair.

"Ahhhh! Kya hai! Hat, hat!" Akshat cried, wriggling to free himself.

(Ahhh! What is this! Let go!)

"Nahi! Chup baitho. Aaj bhi janwaron ki tarah soye hue ho, time se utha nahi jata," Avni scolded, wagging her finger at him.

(No! Sit quietly. Even today you slept like an animal, not getting up on time.)

Asmit ji and Kritika ji exchanged a look - part exhausted, part amused - smiling at the sibling banter.

"Aree sorry yaar... chhod de," Akshat finally said, surrendering with a playful pout, and Avni let go.

(Let me go)

Finally, Avni happily tied the rakhi on Akshat's wrist. He sat calmly, yet there was a quiet excitement in his eyes, letting his little sister do her work without a fuss.

"Ye lo, gift. Aur mat mangiyo," he said with a playful grin, handing her the small present.

(Here, take this gift. And don't ask for more.)

"Haan ja... thank you! Mai papa-mummy se loot kungi," Avni replied teasingly, giving him a little nudge.

(Okay... thanks! I'll snatch more from papa and mummy later.)

Avni applied the tika carefully, and then Akshat pulled her into a hug.

"I know you don't need protection. Others need protection from you," he said softly, holding her close. "But always remember - even if the whole world is against you, you'll always find your elder brother beside you. I promise."

Avni smiled, pressing her head against his chest, letting herself feel the warmth and safety in that moment.

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Hey pyraa logz.🫵

I know a long chapter. Maybe boring. But i wanted to show thier sibling bond.

I hope you liked the chapter.

Like and comment and do follow me on insta.

With ❤️