🌸🥀माँ, मेरी माँ, प्यारी माँ, mumma

हो, माँ, मेरी माँ, प्यारी माँ, mumma

हाथों की लकीरें बदल जाएँगी

ग़म की ये ज़ंजीरें पिघल जाएँगी

हो ख़ुदा पे भी असर, तू दुआओं का है घर🥀🌸

Happy reading 💝

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Also this is one of the most emotional chapter I have written. I actually creid while writing it. So pleaseeee vote and comment.

Question- your fav food?

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Aditya's voice trembled as he whispered,

"Tanu... Tanu... th... that girl... she is... UP... 5 saal pehle... UP..."

(Tanu... Tanu... that girl... she is... from UP... five years ago...)

Tanya froze, the color draining from her face. Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she simply stared at him-stunned, unsure if she had heard him right. The weight of his words hung silently between them, too heavy to speak aloud.

"No..." Tanya whispered back, her lips barely moving.

A thick silence lingered before the scene shifted.

---

Back in the living room, conversations resumed as everyone settled into their seats, the earlier tension dissolving but still felt in the air. Aria, confused by Aditya's strange reaction but unsure what it meant, shrugged it off and turned toward Saavi.

"Adi... Tanya ajaye toh dinner kar lete hain," Sonali said with a smile, breaking the silence.

(We'll start dinner once Aditya and Tanya arrive.)

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Aria's eyes wandered to Shivansh, who was playing gently with little Rivaan. The way he cradled the child, the calm smile on his face, and those deep, steady eyes that seemed to reassure without words-it all felt strangely comforting. Aria's lips curved into a small, unspoken smile.

Saavi noticed and smiled knowingly.

"Chal Aria, mera room dikhati hoon," she said, grabbing Aria's hand playfully.

(Come on Aria, I'll show you my room.)

Aria nodded, a soft smile forming on her face, and followed her.

Saavi led Aria down the hallway, her steps quick with excitement while Aria followed, still thoughtful but trying to match her friend's energy. The walls were decorated with photos-family gatherings, school events, candid shots of everyone laughing together.

Aria's eyes moved from one frame to another, a soft smile lingering on her lips.

Saavi led Aria down the hallway, her steps quick with excitement while Aria followed, still thoughtful but trying to match her friend's energy. The walls were decorated with photos-family gatherings, school events, candid shots of everyone laughing together.

Aria's eyes moved from one frame to another, a soft smile lingering on her lips.

Saavi's room was exactly like her-vibrant, playful, and full of personality. The bed sat in the center, layered with cozy cushions and a patterned throw. The cupboard door was decorated with aesthetic small posters-dream quotes, cartoon sketches, and cut-outs of mountains and flowers. The walls were covered with neatly arranged photos and school achievements, each frame telling a story of laughter and friendship.

A wide window let in soft sunlight, its sheer curtains fluttering gently in the breeze. A study table sat by the window, stacked with colorful notebooks, pens in jars, and fairy lights coiled around a corkboard.

Aria's gaze stopped at one particular picture hanging on the wall. Her eyes widened. It was the photo she recognized instantly-herself with Saavi and Avni, taken the day they went out for ice cream. They were grinning wildly, faces covered in chocolate, carefree and happy.

Her fingers gently traced the frame as a wave of warmth passed through her.

"Yeh..." she whispered softly.

Saavi, noticing her expression, smiled. "Haan! Us din kitna maza aaya tha na!"

(Yeah! We had so much fun that day, didn't we!)

Aria nodded, her cheeks flushed with memory. For a brief moment, it felt as if the distance between them had always been smaller-that they'd been friends forever.

"Aria?" Saavi called softly, breaking the quiet. Aria turned toward her.

Saavi sat on the bed and patted the space beside her. "Yahan baith na..."

(Sit here...)

Aria hesitated for a second but then smiled and sat down beside her.

Saavi glanced at her, her eyes curious but gentle. After a brief pause, she asked softly, "Do you like Ansh bhaiya?"

The question hit Aria like a sudden breeze. Her heartbeat quickened, and her eyes widened. She blinked, caught off guard.

Like?

What is like? It's all so new... strange... confusing, she thought, staring at Saavi as if trying to decode the question.

She lowered her eyes, cheeks flushed deeper, unsure how to answer.

Saavi smiled knowingly, but didn't press further. She gently squeezed Aria's hand. "It's okay... bas pooch rahi thi..."

(It's okay... I was just asking...)

Aria's lips parted, but no words came. She looked at Saavi again, her eyes wide with innocent curiosity.

"What is like?" she asked softly, almost whispering.

For a brief second, Saavi froze. Her eyes softened, a small smile playing at her lips. There was a quiet pity in her gaze-but she quickly hid it, not wanting Aria to feel uncomfortable.

Like... a crush... a feeling... she thought silently, something she doesn't even know yet. God has already taken so much from her...

"Like... it's a feeling," she said softly, her voice calm and steady, as if reassuring her. "A crush on someone. The person you feel close.... Jisa dekh kar face smile aajaye...Jisa dekh kar unsettle ho jaye or calm bhi same time par.... Jiska sath tum humsa baat krna chao....Uska sath rhana chao... Jo tumhara na hokar bhi tumhara ho." Saavi explained.

(Like... it's a feeling," she said softly, her voice calm and steady, as if reassuring her. "It's when someone feels close... when seeing them makes you smile without reason... when being with them makes you both nervous and peaceful at the same time. Someone whose presence you crave... someone who's yours, even if they don't say it.)

Aria listened intently, as if each word was something new, fragile, and precious. She absorbed them slowly, like they might unlock something inside her.

Okay, listen," Saavi said softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll close my eyes and repeat these words... you do the same. And when we're done, we'll ask ourselves... if this is like, whose is it? Okay?"

Aria hesitated for a moment, her lips trembling, but then she nodded. Slowly, she closed her eyes, mirroring Saavi.

Both girls repeated the words in hushed tones, almost like a prayer:

A feeling that unsettles and soothes at once... someone whose presence you crave... someone who's yours even without saying it...

Their voices wavered but grew steadier with each repetition.

When the last word faded, they opened their eyes almost at the same time.

Without thinking, Saavi whispered, with quiet certainty, "Akshat..."

Aria's eyes flew open. Her breath hitched. For a brief second, her lips parted but words froze-then, barely above a whisper, she confessed, "Shivansh..."

Saavi's eyes widened, startled-not because she was shocked, but because she saw something deeper in Aria's confession: innocence, confusion, and the first stirring of something new.

For a moment, neither spoke. The room seemed to hold its breath.

Then, softly, Saavi smiled-teasing, happy, and full of excitement.

"Yayayaya! My best friend has a crush on my brother!" she giggled.

Aria blinked, a small, shy smile spreading across her face at Saavi's enthusiasm.

"Bhaiii, this is so amazing! I have a crush on Avni's brother, and you have one on mine! Heheh... I'm definitely telling Avni tomorrow!" Saavi bounced on the bed, barely able to contain her excitement.

Aria's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, and she lowered her eyes, flustered.

Before she could say anything, a knock came at the door.

The two girls exchanged a startled glance.

Saavi quickly composed herself, stood up, and opened the door-only to see Shivansh standing there.

"Bhaiya?" Saavi asked, confused but letting him in with a smile.

Aria's eyes met his for a brief second. Crush, a thought flashed through her mind before she looked away, cheeks flushed.

Shivansh smiled gently, unaware of the storm of emotions running through the room, and stepped inside.

"Aaj ka baare mein baat karni thi," he said softly, leaning against the doorframe as Saavi sat on the bed.

(Wanted to talk about today)

Aria looked at him, confused, while Saavi gave him a sheepish smile.

"Bunk? Seriously?" Shivansh asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Heheh... bhaiya, let it be na..." Saavi giggled nervously, trying to diffuse the situation, but fell silent when she saw the deadpan look on his face.

Aria, however, completely ignored the conversation. Her eyes were fixed on Shivansh with a new intensity-curious, unsure... something deeper.

Shivansh's eyes caught her gaze. For a moment, his throat cleared awkwardly, as if the air between them had shifted. Aria blinked, caught off guard, and quickly looked away.

Saavi noticed the exchange and gave Aria a knowing, teasing glance-but before she could say anything, Shivansh's face grew serious.

"And Saavi... this was your idea really?" he asked, his tone firm but not harsh. "Just think... what would've happened if Principal sir had called home? Don't you ever think before doing something like this?"

Saavi's eyes widened, the teasing smile fading instantly. She bit her lip, guilt spreading across her face.

Aria watched quietly, her heart heavy-she could feel how much this mattered to him.

"Bhaiya, vo... actually..." Saavi started, nervously twisting the edge of her crop top.

But before she could say more, Shivansh cut her off, his eyes sharp yet filled with concern.

"Don't even think of explaining," he said softly but firmly, his tone carrying both disappointment and care.

Saavi's lips trembled for a moment, and she quickly lowered her gaze. Aria's eyes flicked between them, her own heart racing, unsure what to say.

Shivansh's eyes softened the moment he saw the worry and guilt in their faces. He let out a quiet sigh, the tension easing from his shoulders.

Without another word, he stepped forward and gently pulled Saavi into a hug.

"It's okay," he whispered, his voice warm and reassuring. "Just... be careful next time."

Saavi's eyes welled up, but a small smile broke through. Aria watched the scene quietly, something stirring deep within her-a mixture of comfort, admiration, and the aching sweetness of emotions she was only beginning to understand.

Aur Saavi... main kabhi tujhe kuch karne se mana nahi karta," Shivansh said gently, his hand still resting briefly on her shoulder.

("And Saavi... I never stop you from doing anything," Shivansh said gently.)

"But padhai ke time par masti nahi. Theek hai, kabhi-kabhi bunk kar li... par studies ko casually mat lena."

("But during study time, no goofing around. It's okay if you bunk once in a while... but don't take your studies lightly.")

Saavi nodded, her eyes still soft from his words.

"Go, mummy is calling you," Shivansh said, gently pushing her toward the door.

"Aria?" Saavi turned to her one last time before stepping out.

Aria looked up briefly, her cheeks slightly flushed, and replied softly, "Mai shoes pehen leti hoon."

("I'll just put on my shoes.")

She bent down and began wearing her shoes, trying to steady her breath.

Saavi gave her an encouraging smile, nodded, and stepped out.

The door closed softly behind her, leaving Shivansh alone with Aria.

He stayed where he was, his eyes fixed on her, his expression calm yet searching-as if trying to understand the new emotions he saw flickering in her gaze. The room seemed quieter, as if holding its breath between them.

"Ms. UP," he said softly, almost teasing, but with a knowing edge.

Aria's eyes snapped to him, wide and startled at the nickname. Her lips parted slightly, A flush rose to her cheeks, and for a brief second, she forgot to move.

Shivansh's eyes met hers, calm but observant, as if he was waiting to see how much the name affected her. Aria's heartbeat quickened, and she looked away, suddenly self-conscious-her hands tightening slightly on her shoes. The air between them thickened, charged with something unspoken.

"Huh?" Aria asked, finally blushing and hurriedly standing up.

"Stop supporting Saavi in her stupid idea," Shivansh said with a teasing smile.

Aria blinked, narrowing her eyes defensively. "Her idea was not stupid."

Shivansh's eyes widened in mock surprise, and he chuckled softly. "Okay, okay, Ms. UP. As you say," he replied, using the nickname playfully.

He gestured for her to walk ahead. Aria's cheeks flushed deeper, and she blinked at herself-how defensive she sounded. Without replying, she walked out, her heart racing at the new name he'd given her, unsure whether it was a joke or something more.

_______

Rohan stood rigid, his jaw tightening as he stared at Akshat with sharp, piercing eyes. His fists clenched at his sides, but there was no real heat in his tone-just irritation mixed with concern.

"HAR CHIZ KA TIME HOTA HA KUTTA. 8:30 HORA HA YA TIME HA BULANA KA?" His words snapped out like a bark, but his eyes betrayed worry beneath the roughness.

(Everything has a time, you fool! It's 8:30 already! Is this the time to call me?)

Akshat leaned against the gate casually, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as though trying to lighten the mood.

"Brooo sun na yrrr."

(Bro, just listen, yaar...)

His tone was soft, coaxing, but his eyes showed guilt, as if he wasn't sure how to confess what he felt.

Rohan's eyes narrowed, brows furrowing deeply.

"Bol."

(Say it.)

His voice was curt, but the muscles in his face tightened, betraying the tension he was holding back.

Akshat's smile faltered for a moment before returning with forced ease. He looked down briefly, as if ashamed, then met Rohan's gaze with hesitant honesty.

"Bhai yrr guilty feel hora ha."

(Bro, I'm feeling guilty.)

His shoulders slumped, his eyes softening with remorse.

Rohan's eyes widened slightly, one eyebrow arching upward in confusion.

"Kis lia?"

(For what?)

Though he kept his tone rough, his eyes searched Akshat's face, trying to understand.

Akshat sighed, running a hand through his hair awkwardly, his smile fading as he struggled to speak the truth.

"Yrrr saavi Shivansh ki bhen ha. Aur mai usa pasand krta hu. This is not right bro."

(Yaar, Saavi is Shivansh's sister... and I like her. This isn't right, bro.)

His voice trembled slightly, his eyes wide with conflict-love battling with loyalty, and guilt consuming his expression.

Rohan's glare softened for a brief second. His eyes, once sharp, dropped to the ground, and his jaw tightened as if he were trying to process the weight of his best friend's confession. The harshness in his face gave way to concern-and something deeper, like protectiveness mixed with understanding.

"Bhai tu pagal ha. You aren't doing anything wrong. Shivansh will understand. He is most mature between us three."

(Bro, you're crazy! You're not doing anything wrong. Shivansh will understand. He's the most mature one among the three of us.)

His voice was gentler now, trying to reassure Akshat, his eyes softening as he placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

Akshat's eyes remained troubled. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say more but didn't know how. He looked up at Rohan, his gaze searching, still clouded with guilt and worry.

"Pata ni bhai. But i feel this is wrong."

(I don't know, bro... but I feel this is wrong.)

He runs a hand in his hairs, his body tensed, betraying his inner turmoil. His eyes darted away, unable to meet Rohan's fully, as if afraid of his own emotions.

For a moment, silence stretched between them-heavy, uncertain, and full of unspoken fears. Neither moved, both caught in the storm of emotions swirling between friendship, loyalty, and love.

____

Aditya and Tanya joined everyone at the dining table. As they took their seats, their eyes flickered-just briefly-toward Aria. Aditya's eyes narrowed for a heartbeat, as if trying to place something, while Tanya's gaze lingered a moment longer before she composed herself.

"Bhaiya bhabhi, Aria na meri aur Avni ki bestfriend ha!"

(Brother, sister-in-law, Aria is the best friend of me and Avni!)

Saavi's eyes sparkled with excitement as she said it, completely unaware of the impact her words had.

Aditya's heart seemed to stop. His eyes widened, frozen on Saavi's face as if trying to decipher whether she knew more than she should. Does Saavi even know who Aria really is? his mind screamed. His gaze immediately shot toward Raniji, silently seeking answers. Raniji, calm and composed, simply shook her head gently in denial.

Forcing a smile, Aditya turned back to Saavi, his lips tightening before he nodded politely.

The room fell into a quiet rhythm. Plates clinked softly, spoons scraped lightly against ceramic, and between each bite, the family exchanged small, subdued glances-but no one spoke much. The silence wasn't uncomfortable, but thoughtful-as if everyone was carefully observing, absorbing.

Aria sat quietly, her eyes wandering without intent. Her gaze settled on Sonali and Saavi, sitting side by side. The sight struck her deeply.

She watched how Sonali's eyes constantly checked on her daughter-encouraging her to eat more, offering seconds without fuss, and filling her plate again and again. She noticed how easily Sonali engaged Saavi in light conversation, how laughter and concern mingled effortlessly between them, how the care in her gestures wasn't forced-it was instinctive.

Aria's throat tightened. Her hands trembled slightly, as though nails were digging into her skin. She knew this bond was real, effortless... natural. There was no act, no pretense-only warmth that seemed woven into their every move.

Her eyes glazed over as her mind slipped into memories of her own mother-half-remembered moments of comfort, tenderness, and affection now painfully distant. The ache in her chest grew heavier as those memories rose like waves, threatening to drown her in longing.

For a moment, the noise of clinking cutlery and low conversation faded into the background. All she could feel was the emptiness of what she never had.

___

After dinner, everyone settled into the living room. The soft glow of the lamps cast a warm, cozy light across the room, making it feel like home. Rivaan, restless as always, wriggled his way into Aria's lap and settled comfortably, his tiny hands clutching at her kurti.

Shivansh sat nearby, but his eyes kept drifting toward Aria. Every few moments, his gaze returned to her face, as if drawn by something only he could sense-curiosity, concern, or something deeper. Aria, unaware of his watchful eyes, stared blankly ahead, lost in thought.

Sonali, as always, sat beside Saavi. Her posture was protective, and the gentle way she leaned toward her daughter revealed the unspoken care everyone in the family had come to expect. They all knew Saavi was the only girl in the family, prone to falling ill, and that made Sonali's attention toward her even more tender.

Saavi, happy and carefree, smiled softly. She rested her head against her mother's shoulder, her fingers idly playing with the fabric of Sonali's kurti. Sonali's hands moved gently over Saavi's hair, smoothing it with motherly affection-an intimate gesture, effortless and filled with quiet love.

Aria's eyes lingered on them. She watched every small movement-the soft smile, the touch, the way they seemed to belong to each other without effort. Her own hands, however, betrayed her. They trembled violently, as though trying to hold back the flood of memories clawing at her mind. Her nails dug into her palms, and she clenched them tight, willing herself to remain present.

But the memories refused to be kept at bay.

Her breath grew shallow. The images from her past rose again-faces, scents, warmth... and the painful absence of it all. She swallowed hard, forcing her gaze elsewhere, yet the ache in her chest throbbed stronger.

The room's laughter and chatter continued around her, but Aria's ears seemed to fade to a distant hum. All she could feel was the tightness in her hands and the weight of longing she could not escape.

Her breathing grew uneven, shallow and fast. Her chest rose painfully with each breath, and her head began to throb as if every memory was knocking against her temples. The warmth of the room seemed too much for her to bear.

Without warning, the tension broke.

Aria's face crumpled as she buried it in her hands. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs, and tears streamed down her cheeks unchecked. Her nails dug into her skin, but she didn't feel the pain. Her head throbbed; her chest heaved, trying desperately to draw in air.

The chatter around her stopped instantly.

Everyone turned toward her at once-startled, shocked, and confused. Sonali's eyes widened in concern. Saavi's playful smile vanished, replaced by worry. Shivansh froze mid-breath, his eyes locked on Aria's trembling form. Even little Rivaan, sensing the shift, clung to her kurti quietly.

Raniji gently rose from her seat and walked toward Aria. Without a word, she knelt beside her and wrapped her arms around the trembling girl. Her hands softly rubbed Aria's back in slow, comforting circles, as if trying to soothe not just her tears but the ache buried deep inside.

But Aria's sobs didn't stop. Today, it was as if years of pent-up grief had burst forth in one overwhelming wave. Her cries were quiet-barely audible-but heartbreakingly raw, each breath hitching with a pain that seemed to have no end. The entire room shifted uneasily, their eyes filled with concern, helplessness, and compassion.

"Mumma... Papa..." Aria choked out between sobs.

The words hung in the air like a blow. Everyone froze.

Saavi's eyes brimmed with tears. Her lips parted but no sound came.

Little Rivaan, sensing the sorrow, scurried to his mother, Anjali, and buried his face in her lap, his small hands clutching at her dress.

Shivansh's eyes filled with unshed tears. Without hesitation, he got up, fetched a glass of water, and placed it silently on the table near Aria. His hands trembled, but he kept his face steady, as if afraid to break the fragile moment.

Tanya, her own eyes misty, leaned into Aditya and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close, both of them swallowing their emotions.

"M...Mumma...Pa...pa..." Aria sobbed again, the words barely escaping her lips as her body shook with grief.

She pulled away slightly, her hands still trembling as she looked up at her grandmother.

"Dadi... pata hai, mummy na... mujhe bahot pyar karti thi. Bahot zyada. M... matlab, mai hi unki pyarri beti thi. Aur papa... unki toh little bird thi mai. Little bird bolta the vo mujhe," she said between sobs, her voice breaking and shrinking into that of a small, vulnerable child.

(Grandma... you know, Mom loved me... so much. Really a lot. I... I mean, I was her beloved daughter. And Dad... I was his little bird. He used to call me 'little bird.)

Everyone in the room listened silently, their hearts tightening. The softness in her words, the innocence and longing in her tone, painted the picture of a little girl who had once been so deeply loved-and had lost it.

"Mummy na... daily meri pasand ka khana banati thi. Daily. Mujhe na, aloo ka paratha bahot pasand tha. Week mei 3 bar banati thi. Business woman thi, fir bhi... mujhe kabhi kitchen mei ni aane deti thi. Bolti thi, 'meri beti... abhi koi kaam ni karegi,'" she said, her voice shaking as she turned to look at everyone.

(Mom... she used to make my favorite food every day. Every day. I really liked aloo paratha. She used to make it three times a week. Even though she was a businesswoman... she never let me come into the kitchen. She used to say, 'My daughter... you won't do any work right now.)

A small, bittersweet smile played on her lips as she pulled her knees close to her chest on the sofa. No one could believe this was the same calm, collected Aria they knew. In that moment, she was raw, vulnerable, a little girl lost in her memories. Tears streamed freely, and her voice trembled through sobs.

"Aur pata hai papa... papa ka sapna tha mai dancer banu... aur isiliye... kyunki mujhe dance pasand tha. Papa humsa busy rehta tha. Pata hai... sab unhe rude bolta tha. But vo... vo dam teddy bear tha. Ghar aake... sabse pehle mujhe hug karta tha."

(And you know, Dad... Dad's dream was that I become a dancer... and that's why... because I loved dancing. Dad was always busy. You know... everyone used to call him rude. But he... he was like a teddy bear. Coming home... the first thing he would do was hug me.)

Her words hung in the room, heavy with longing and love. Everyone's hearts ached, seeing the fragments of a childhood full of affection and warmth, yet shadowed by absence.

"Au... aur ek din... sab katm ho gaya. Mai school se aayi thi. Ghar mei sab relatives the. Sab ko dekh ke... na, I was happy. But sab sad the. Toh mai confuse ho gayi. Mena dekha... mummy papa zameen par lete the. Mena unhe uthaya, but vo utha nahi... Mena bhot uthaya..."

(An... and one day... everything ended. I had come home from school. All the relatives were at home. Seeing everyone... I was happy. But everyone was sad. So I got confused. I saw... Mom and Dad lying on the floor. I tried to lift them, but they didn't get up... I tried so many times...)

Her voice cracked, small sobs breaking through. She pressed her face into her knees again, hands trembling, as if reliving each moment.

"Vo... ni utha... they left me..." she whispered, her words barely audible between gasps of grief. Sonali and Anjali immediately wrapped her in tight, protective hugs, holding her as if trying to shield her from the world.

Her sobs grew more heart-wrenching, each one tearing at the silence of the room.

"Mumma... papa..." she cried, her voice breaking, echoing the emptiness that had haunted her for years.

Raniji's arms tightened around her, gently rubbing her back, murmuring soft reassurances. Saavi crouched beside her, holding her hand, while Rivaan nestled against her, sensing the pain and wanting to offer comfort in his small way. Shivansh stood a little away, his jaw tight, eyes glistening with unshed tears, silently watching, his own heart aching at the sight.

The room was quiet, filled only with the sounds of her cries and the soft whispers of love trying to reach her. Every heartbeat in that space seemed to pulse with understanding: that some pain was too deep for words, but could still be shared, held, and acknowledged.