Chapter 2 - Growing Up Fast

3 years ago

Shweta

@2111_shweta

“Sharon, no more shouting!” Avantika yelled at her.

“Dad please!” Sharon ignored Avantika and looked at Gautam.

“Okay..” Gautam tried to say but was interrupted by Avantika.

“You are not going to promise her anything!” Avantika warned him. “Especially after her behavior yesterday!” She glared at them.

“Maine kuch galath nahi kiya.” Sharon argued.

“Oh God, this girl!” Avantika held her head.

“Sharon, isn’t it your playtime?” Gautam intervened.

“She is not going anywhere. That is her punishment!” Avantika flared her nostrils.

“Meko jaana hi nahi!” Sharon shouted at Avantika and ran to her room.

“Why can’t you go easy on her? She is six!” Gautam shook his head.

“Tum ek kaafi ho usse bigaadne ke liye. Someone needs to be responsible here!” Avantika rolled her eyes at him.

“Khair.. main do din ke liye bahar jaa raha hoon..”

“I know!” She interrupted him.

“Tum please usko kuch mat bolna.” He looked at her sternly.

“Even after what she did?” She scoffed.

“She acted out in that way because of what you told her. Kya jarurat thi uss sab ki?” He sat on the couch and held his head.

“I wanted her to know that this was her last performance as next year se usse hum boarding mein daalne wale hai.” She sat across him.

“I’m not stopping you from walking away, but I can take care of her on my own.” He asserted.

“You can’t look after yourself, uska kya dhyaan rakhoge?” She taunted.

“Then take her with you!”

“I asked her. Usse Rey aur Swayam ko chod ke Delhi nahi aana. Aur dusra koi option nahi hai. Tumhare har week business trips hote hai. She can’t stay here alone!”

“Avantika..”

“Gautam, please. Maine bohot soch samajh ke yeh decision liya hai. Hum roz ek dusre se ladenge toh Sharon pe bura asar hoga. And I don’t want her to suffer because of us. Main khud yeh roz roz ke arguments se thak gayi hoon. This distance will be good for both of us.” She sighed.

“Sharon kahi nahi jaa rahi. Tumhari jab marzi ho divorce papers bhej dena. I’ll file for her custody.” Gautam got up and left.

…

“Swayam, kahan ja rahe ho itni jaldi mein?” Kavya asked him.

“Rey ke ghar. Voh aaj school nahi aaya tha, toh aunty ne aaj ka classwork laane bola hai so he can copy it.” Swayam zipped his bag shut.

“Haan toh itne jaldi mein kyun ho?” She frowned.

“Usne jaldi aane bola hai. Ghar pe akele bore ho raha hai usse.” He chuckled.

“Sharon aa rahi hai?” She asked.

“Pata nahi.” He answered looking away.

“Usne school mein bataya nahi?”

“Nahi.” He shook his head in negation.

“Aaj school toh aayi thi na voh?” She questioned.

“I did not talk to her today.” He confessed.

“Kya kiya isne? Aise sir latkaye kyun khada hai?” Rishi walked into the room.

“Apne best friend se naraaz hai.” Kavya shook her head.

“Kaunse wale?” Rishi chuckled lightly.

“She pushed us yesterday! Main luckily stage pe hi gira warna Rey ki tarah mera bhi leg fracture hojata!” Swayam complained.

“Weren’t you two teasing her for not winning the dance competition?” Rishi asked him.

“Rey was doing that. Maine usse kuch nahi bola tha!” Swayam defended himself.

“Usse haar ke atcha nahi laga aur tum dono Rey ka jitna celebrate kar rahe the, usse bura lagega hi na.” Rishi tried to make him understand.

“Next week competition ke finals hai. She said that she won’t let us win and then pushed us.” Swayam clarified.

“Swayam jhooti kahani mat banao!” Kavya scolded him.

“Mumma main sach bol raha hoon. Voh bol rahi thi ki yeh last competition hai aur hum dono ki wajah se she didn’t get selected for the finals. She was very angry.” Swayam told them.

“Last competition?” Kavya mumbled and looked at Rishi.

“Isn’t Rey waiting for you?” Rishi asked Swayam. He picked his bag and ran out.

“Aapko nahi lagta Sharon aaj kal bohot gusse mein rehti hai? Matlab yeh teeno ek dusre ko humesha chidhate rehte hai, par gusse mein aake Rey ko stage se neeche push karna? I was shocked!” Kavya told Rishi.

“Mujhe bhi thoda ajeeb laga tha voh. Maine Gautam se baat ki iss baare mein, usne kuch bataya nahi.” He shook his head.

“Khair bachche hai, do teen din mein gussa thanda hojaye sab ka.” She smiled.

…

“Kabse wait kar raha hoon main!” Rey complained as soon as Swayam entered. “Aur itni badi bag kyun laya tu?”

“Because bohot saare books laane the.” Swayam replied.

“No!” Rey wailed.

“Fooled you!” Swayam chuckled. “Dusri koi bag nahi mil rahi thi.” He explained.

“Kutte!” Rey scowled.

“Rey!” Juhi entered his room.

“Haan maa?” Rey straightened himself.

“Medicine!” She walked towards him with a glass of water.

Rey gulped it down and made a face.

“Yeh uss Sharon ki wajah se hua hai! School mein kitni baar sorry bola usne?” Rey asked Swayam.

“Sorry? Usne baat bhi nahi ki!” Swayam scoffed.

“Dekha!” Rey looked at Juhi. “Aur aap bol rahi thi that I shouldn’t be mad at her!”

“Abhi yeh jaldi khatam kar. Then you can play for some time in the backyard.” Juhi told them and left.

“How is your leg?” Swayam looked at the cast.

“I can’t even walk! Khade rehne ke liye bhi support lagta hai.” Rey sulked.

“Plaster kitne din rahega?” Swayam asked.

“Maine doctor uncle ko pucha. He said that I cannot dance in the finals!”

“Teko chalne nahi ho raha hai. Dance kaise karne wala tha?” Swayam taunted.

“Mujhe laga next week tak theek hojayega.” Rey pouted.

“Sharon aaj school mein kisise bhi baat nahi kar rahi thi.” Swayam told Rey as he started writing down the classwork.

“Usne teko bhi push kiya tha na?” Rey asked.

“Haan.”

“Atcha hua tu nahi gira. Warna hum dono aise plaster lagake ghar pe baithe hote.”

“Mumma bol rahi thi Sharon ko yahan bulane.” Swayam said.

“I’m never talking to her. Tune uss se baat ki toh mein terese bhi baat nahi karunga!” Rey warned Swayam.

“Swayam take on that offer!” Rannvijay entered the room.

“Matlab?” Swayam looked at him.

“Sharon se jaake baat kar lo. Iss shaitaan se humesha ke liye chutkara mil jayega!” Rannvijay chuckled.

“Paa aap humesha uski side lete ho!” Rey complained.

“Main Swayam ki side le raha hoon.” Rannvijay argued.

“Aur main Rey ki side hoon!” Swayam exclaimed immediately.

“Matlab hum sab ek hi side hai!” Rannvijay smiled.

“Par usne aisa kyun kiya?” Swayam thought loudly.

“Usko puchoge nahi toh kaise pata chalega?” Rannvijay wiggled his brows.

“Voh jab tak sorry nahi bolti, main uss se baat nahi karne wala!” Rey huffed.

“And what about you?” Rannvijay looked at Swayam. Swayam contemplated it.

“Rann!” Juhi called for him.

“Aaya!” Rannvijay left.

“Meko bore ho raha hai. Chal neeche jaake khelte hai.” Rey shut the books closed.

“Tu yeh complete kab karega?” Swayam looked at the pile of books.

“Kal school ko chutti hai. So teko yeh books ki jarurat nahi hai. Main baad mein return kar dunga.” Rey explained.

“Theek hai.” Swayam got up and helped Rey out of bed.

“Paa ne new carrom board laya hai. Teko khelne aata hai na carrom?” Rey asked as he limped out of the room with Swayam’s support.

“Haan!” Swayam nodded. “Tu idhar hi ruk. Main uncle ya aunty ko lekar aata hoon. Voh teko neeche utaar denge.” Swayam walked down the stairs.

“No need for that!” Rey grinned at him and slid down the railing. “Weeeee!”

“Rey!” Swayam ran behind him.

“What is going on? Tu neeche kaise aaya?” Juhi walked to the living room on hearing the commotion.

“Slide.” Rey chuckled.

“Tang tooti hai par masti kam nahi ho rahi iski.” Juhi mumbled under her breath. “Abhi kahan ja rahe ho?” She asked them.

“Carrom khelne.” Swayam answered.

“Backyard mein hi rehna tum dono. Main bahar ja rahi hoon. And I don’t want any mischief. Rann hai ghar pe!” Juhi warned them and left.

“Meko laga aunty chillayegi.” Swayam looked at Rey.

“Maa ko aadat hai.” Rey chuckled and they both sat down to play.

…

“Hi Sharon, tu aaj ghar nahi aayi.” Juhi greeted her.

“Mom ne mana kiya. Aur waise bhi Rey thodi khelne wala hai mere saath.” Sharon sulked and went to her room.

“Oh hi Juhi.” Gautam walked into the house with bags of food.

“And then he says I get mad at him for no reason.” Avantika rolled her eyes.

“Sharon ke liye hai, to cheer her up.” He told her.

“She shouldn’t be eating junk.” Avantika sneered. “And neither should you!”

“Okay.” He nodded and went to Sharon’s room.

“It’s been six months Avi. And you guys are still bickering. What is the matter?” Juhi asked Avantika.

“Every week he has his business meetings. Aur jab main kuch puchti hoon toh he acts as if I’m nagging him. It’s getting annoying.” Avantika held her head.

“I understand. But business expand karne ke liye isn’t it necessary? I mean Rann has been travelling places as well.” Juhi explained.

“It’s different for you guys. He doesn’t hide stuff from you.”

“Kya matlab?”

“That’s not the main issue anyway. He has been spoiling Sharon a lot. Uske har nakhre ko aur badhava de raha hai voh. And you saw the result on the day of the competition!”

“You really think usne masti masti mein push kiya dono ko?” Juhi questioned.

“I don’t know! She has been acting out a lot lately.”

“You very well know the reason behind that. You two need to stop fighting, especially in front of her!”

“Yeah don’t worry about that. I’m moving to Delhi!” Avantika informed.

“Avi, you need to figure things out. This is not how a marriage works.”

“I don’t think I’m made for marriage. I’ve honestly tried a lot, but I can’t. I love Gautam with all my heart, but I can’t do this anymore. Which is why after a lot of consideration, we’ve come to a conclusion that we should separate.”

“And what about Sharon?”

“She doesn’t want to come to Delhi. So the only other option is boarding.”

“Divorce and boarding. Don’t do that to her.”

“I’m not getting a divorce. I just want some separation between us. Also, I can’t leave Sharon here with him. Did you not see him? He has no time to even look after himself!” Avantika shook her head.

“Listen to me..”

“Juhi please don’t make me feel bad. I’m not a wife material. I’m surprised that I lasted this long!”

“I’m not asking you to change that decision. Just don’t send Sharon away. Yahan main hoon and even Kavya is there to look after her. You don’t need to worry.” Juhi told her.

“So even you agree that he can’t look after her.”

“I didn’t mean that. Don’t twist my words.”

“Chod yeh sab. Rey kaisa hai?” Avantika shook her head.

“Sharon pe bohot gussa hai.” Juhi let out a chuckle.

“Expected hai. Aur Swayam?”

“He is fine as well.” Juhi smiled.

“Kavya aur Rishi se baat huyi thi?”

“About?”

“About what happened!”

“You can call her and ask, you know that right?” Juhi narrowed her eyes at her.

“She is so proper that sometimes I feel inadequate in front of her. My mom wanted me to be as cultured as her, but I turned out to be a brat.” Avantika sighed. “And I’m turning Sharon into one as well. Do you think Kavya will agree if I leave Sharon with her?”

“Hi!” Sharon walked up to Swayam and Rey during recess.

“Swayam, jungle gym chal raha hai na tu?” Rey looked at him.

“Main bhi chalu?” Sharon asked.

“No!” Rey gave her a stern look and walked away taking support of his crutches.

Sharon teared up seeing Rey give her a cold shoulder and ran off to the empty classroom.

“Swayam?” Rey called for him.

“Haan aaya.” Swayam replied.

Swayam took a few steps and halted to look back at the classroom. He saw Sharon crying in a corner. He went to her and sat next to her.

“Main bohot buri hoon na?” Sharon sniffed.

“Voh nahi pata, par teko gussa bohot aata hai.” Swayam replied.

“Meko voh competition jeetna tha.”

“Meko bhi..”

“Haan par yeh mera last competition tha. Mumma meko boarding bhejne wali hai.” Sharon covered her face and cried more.

“Kyun?” Swayam turned to look at her.

“Kyunki voh Delhi ja rahi hai aur yahan koi nahi hai.”

“Uncle?”

“Pata nahi. But dad ne bhi mana nahi kiya. Voh dono meko boarding mein daalna chahte hai kyunki main buri hoon.”

“Tum buri nahi ho!” Swayam removed the hands covering her face. “Yahan hum sab hai na, tum humare saath reh sakti ho. Main mumma ko bolunga aunty se baat karne.”

“Par main kaise rahungi? Rey merese baat bhi nahi kar raha.”

“Tune sorry bola usse?”

“Main kyun sorry bolu? Maine bas usko lightly push kiya tha. Voh nautanki karte karte gir gaya.” Sharon huffed.

“No! Tune zor se dhakka maara tha!” Swayam glared at her.

“Nahi maara tha! Maine bas aise kiya tha.” Sharon pushed him a little and he stumbled back.

“Isse dhakka maarna bolte hai.” Swayam pushed her back.

“Maine itne zor se nahi maara!” Sharon pushed back.

“Haan maara!”

“Nahi!”

“Aah!” Swayam squealed as his elbow hit the desk behind him.

“Sharon, Swayam what is going on here?” The teacher walked in on them.

“Ma’am he pushed me!” Sharon pointed at Swayam.

“She started!” Swayam replied back.

“Both of you, come with me to the Principal’s office. I’m going to have a word with your parents!” She escorted them to the office.

Rishi and Gautam walked in half an hour later into the office. They saw Sharon and Swayam bickering in the corner.

“Hello.” Gautam greeted the Principal and the teacher.

“Please have a seat.” The Principal pointed at the chairs in front of her.

“Is there some problem?” Rishi asked and looked over at Sharon and Swayam who had stopped talking now.

“Mr. Rai Prakash, I’m extremely worried about your daughter. She has been acting physically violent lately. I have gotten a lot of complaints from students. And today I caught her pushing Swayam in the classroom.” The teacher narrated.

“Swayam ne bhi push kiya meko!” Sharon shouted from behind them.

“Sharon, don’t shout.” The Principal looked at her.

“I wanted to have a word with you to maybe figure out why she is behaving this way. Last I heard, Rey fractured his leg because of her.” The teacher looked at Gautam.

“Yes, I’m aware. I’ll talk to her. I promise it won’t happen again.” Gautam smiled lightly.

“Thank you.” She smiled back.

“Sharon.” Gautam called her.

“Dad isne bhi meko dhakka mara tha. Main jhoot nahi bol rahi.” Sharon huffed.

“Kyun jhagad rahe the tum dono?” He asked her.

“Hum jhagad nahi rahe the!” She flared her nostrils.

“Okay fine. But chalo abhi sorry bolo.”

“Kyun?” She furrowed her brows together.

“Gautam.” Rishi signaled him to go easy. “Swayam yahan aao.”

“Jee papa.” Swayam walked towards them.

“Kya hua batao mujhe.” Rishi looked at him.

“Sharon ko mere aur Rey ke saath khelna tha but Rey didn’t want to. Usne mana kiya. She started crying so I told her to say sorry. Then I was explaining to her how she pushed us when ma’am came in.” Swayam narrated.

Sharon looked at him with widened eyes. Swayam winked at her, making her smirk. They both quickly straightened up when they heard the chairs move.

“Seems like you are trying to blame her for no reason.” Rishi stated.

“Mr. Shekhawat, I did walk in on her pushing Swayam and he hit his hand on the table.” The teacher explained.

“I’m not denying that. But I heard what my son had to say. I don’t think this was an act of violence, as you put it.”

“We have heard from a couple of students about Sharon’s ill behavior. This was the first time any of us caught her. We wanted to educate you on it. That’s it.” The Principal looked at Gautam.

“She won’t repeat it henceforth.” Gautam got up.

The bell rang indicating that the day had come to an end.

“Chalo abhi get your bags, we’ll go home.” Rishi told them.

“Aur Sharon, Rey ko bhi saath le aana.” Gautam told her.

“Voh mere saath nahi aayega.” Sharon stated as she walked out of the office behind Swayam.

“Main Rey ko leke aata hoon.” Swayam told her.

“Swayam.” She held his hand to stop him. “Thank you.”

“Teko boarding mein jaane se rokne ke liye kuch toh karna padega hi na.” He chuckled.

“Boarding?” Rey walked in on them. “Aur tu kahan tha. Recess ke baad dikha hi nahi?” Rey asked Swayam.

“Principal ma’am ke office mein. Ma’am ne hum dono ko jhagda karte pakda tha.” Swayam pointed at Sharon.

“Kitni daant padi?” Rey asked tongue-in-cheek.

“Papa aur uncle ko bulaya unhone.” Swayam sulked.

“Maine bola tha na iss se baat mat kar.” Rey scoffed.

“Tu mera sorry deserve hi nahi karta!” Sharon picked up her bag from the classroom and walked out.

“Why do you keep fighting with her? Voh sorry bolne wali thi.” Swayam looked at Rey.

“Bola toh nahi na!” Rey huffed and walked out.

“Bhagwaan ji help karo meri. Sharon ko boarding mein jaane se rokne ke liye, meko Rey ki help lagegi.” Swayam looked up and closed his eyes. He let out a sigh and walked out to the school gate.

…

“Chal na race karte hai.” Sharon coaxed Swayam.

“Meko tera obstacle course nahi karna. Tu khud giregi ya meko girayegi.” Swayam denied.

“Ek baar tu gira tha bas. Abh nahi girega.” She promised him.

“Teko kaise pata?” He asked.

“Main ladki hoon!”

“Toh?”

“Toh meko pata hai. Abhi chal!” She rode to the end of the road. “Swayam!” She yelled when he didn’t follow.

“Aa raha hoon.” He rode his bicycle over to her.

“So as usual?” She looked at him.

“No!” He scowled.

“Toh ek idea hai!” Her eyes sparked up. “Yahan se straight jayenge aur end line pe skid karke stop karenge.”

“Okay.” He agreed half-heartedly.

“Ready. Set. GO!” Sharon took off.

They both rode to the end line. Sharon perfectly skid to a halt. Swayam braked normally just after her.

“Disqualified!” She glared at him.

“Ho gayi race khatam?” Juhi walked out.

“Haan aunty. Isko phir se haraya maine!” Sharon grinned.

“Abhi chalo andar aao. Late ho raha hai.” Juhi pointed at the house.

“Rey abhi tak merese baat nahi kar raha. Main nahi aa rahi.” Sharon pouted.

“Main toh aa raha hoon. Aaj Rey ko carrom main harake rahunga!” Swayam went into the house.

“Sharon?” Juhi looked at her.

“Aunty usko bolo na aap.” Sharon pouted.

“Haan, abhi chal andar.” Juhi walked in with her.

“Oye cheater! Striker barabar line pe rakh!” Muskaan shouted at Rey.

“Barabar hi hai!” Rey shouted back.

“Jaldi khelo!” Swayam huffed. “Meko bhi khelna hai.”

“New game start karna hai? Waise bhi tu haar raha hai.” Muskaan smirked at Rey.

“Swayam and I versus you and Sharon?” Rey asked, looking around.

“Hain?” Sharon looked wide-eyed at him.

“Sharon jaldi aa. Yeh dono ko harana hai!” Muskaan grinned at her.

“No ways! Hum jeetenge!” Swayam sat across Rey.

“Isko toh main akele hi hara sakti hoon.” Sharon sat across Muskaan and taunted Rey.

“Hum log white!” Muskaan said as she arranged the coins on the board.

“Kyun?” Swayam asked.

“Ladies first!” Sharon grinned.

“Haan haan start karo, waise bhi kaunse jeetne wale ho tum dono.” Rey taunted.

“Tu abhi back to back hara hai merese!” Muskaan reminded him.

“Mere team mein na Swayam hai, toh tu ready hoja haarne ke liye!” Rey sneered back.

“Chalo abhi start!” Swayam yelled.

Muskaan broke and two coins went into the holes opposite to her at the same time.

“This is how you play!” Muskaan smirked at them as she took another turn.

Rey looked at the break on the board. He had a straight shot ahead and went for it. He missed the black coin and the striker cut a white one pushing it into the hole.

“Thanks Rey!” Sharon teased and took the striker from him as he made faces at her. “Aise jeetne wala hai tu?”

“Khel tu!” Rey rolled his eyes at her.

“I’ll show you how it’s played!” Sharon taunted.

Sharon aimed at a white coin straight ahead and hit it hard. The coin bounced off the board and the striker went in the hole. Rey, Swayam and Muskaan burst out laughing.

“Wow. You really are a professional!” Swayam taunted her.

“At least merese coin toh gaya hole mein.” Rey laughed.

“Bas haan abhi!” Sharon glared at them and kept the fallen coin in the centre of the board.

“Ek aur.” Swayam told her.

“Haan haan rakh rahi hoon.” Sharon huffed.

Swayam took the striker and hit three coins back to back into the hole.

“This is how you play!” Swayam smirked at them.

“Abhi se queen ke peeche pad gaya?” Rannvijay teased Swayam as he saw Swayam try to take the queen.

“Kya?” Swayam looked at Rannvijay as he missed it.

“Muskaan..”

“Haan mamoo voh hi le rahi hoon.” Muskaan stopped him as she hit a coin.

“Good.” Rannvijay smiled as it went into the hole.

“Uncle meri bhi help karo.” Sharon pouted.

“Haan haan sure. Get up.” Rannvijay made Sharon sit on his lap and they continued to play.

“Paa cheating hai yeh.” Rey complained when Rannvijay explained to Sharon how to hit it.

“Haan uncle!” Swayam joined.

“Hum log jeet rahe hai toh cheating hai?” Muskaan taunted.

“Cheating karke jeet rahe ho.” Swayam glared back.

“Uncle nahi khel rahe. It’s not cheating!” Sharon argued.

“Teko full arrange karke de rahe hai!” Swayam argued back.

“Haan! Tu khud se khel rahi hai voh ek bhi shot nahi hit ho raha.” Rey complained.

“Tere toh sab hit ho rahe hai na?” Sharon taunted.

“Okay stop fighting now!” Rannvijay made Sharon get up from his lap as he heard the phone ring. “Meko phone attend karna hai.” He walked away.

“Abh khel ke bata!” Rey smirked at Sharon. Sharon made faces at him.

“Tu boarding kab ja rahi hai?” Muskaan asked Sharon.

“Meko nahi jana hai.” Sharon sulked.

“Atcha hai ja rahi hai.” Rey grinned.

“You’re so mean!” Sharon hit Rey on his arm.

“Dhakka hi maar de na phirse!” Rey gave her the side eye.

“Sorry.” Sharon apologized meekly.

“Kya boli? Kuch suna tune Rey?” Swayam chuckled.

“Tu chup reh na!” Sharon flared her nostrils at Swayam.

“Meko kuch nahi sunayi diya.” Rey shook his head in negation.

“SORRY!” Sharon yelled holding her ears.

“Sorry bol rahi hai ya chilla rahi hai?” Rey scoffed.

“Dekh tu abhi natak mat kar!” Sharon pointed a finger at him making him laugh.

“Abhi hum kuch decide kare?” Swayam gained their attention.

“Kya?” Sharon furrowed her brows at him. He just looked at her with a blank expression. “Oh haan!” Sharon giggled. “Mumma ko manana hai ki voh meko boarding na bheje.” Sharon looked at them.

“Matlab teko akele rehna hai yahan?” Rey asked her.

“Akeli kaha? Dad hai na!” Sharon told him.

“Toh sirf aunty Delhi ja rahi hai?” Swayam asked.

“Haan.” Sharon nodded.

“Uncle aunty ka divorce ho raha hai?” Muskaan asked.

“Divorce matlab?” Sharon looked at her.

“Matlab abh voh ek dusre ke saath nahi rahenge. Aur phir aage jaake tere paas ek nayi mummy ya papa honge.” Muskaan explained.

“Meko nahi chahiye naye mom dad.” Sharon looked horrified.

“Aisa kuch nahi hone wala.” Swayam assured her.

“Pakka na?” Sharon asked.

“Isko kuch nahi pata.” Muskaan disregarded Swayam.

“Teko kuch nahi pata. Tu chup baith!” Sharon raised her voice.

“Kya hua?” Juhi walked over, hearing the commotion.

“Aunty yeh dekho na kya bol rahi hai.” Sharon pointed at Muskaan. “Mom and dad divorce kar rahe hai aur mere new mom dad honge.” She complained.

“Muskaan?” Juhi looked at her.

“Issi ne bataya ki aunty ja rahi hai. Iska matlab wahi hua na?” Muskaan justified.

“Nahi!” Juhi denied. “Kisne kaha yeh?”

“Toh aunty nahi ja rahi?” Swayam asked hopefully.

“Tum yeh sab baatein chodo aur apne game pe dhyaan do.” Juhi tried to distract them.

“Swayam?” Kavya entered looking for Swayam. “Yahan ho tum? Jaldi ghar aane ka promise kiya tha na?” She scolded him.

“Mumma voh hum sab khel rahe the toh bhool gaya.” Swayam replied sheepishly.

“Chalo abhi. Homework complete karna hai tumhe.” Kavya reminded him.

“Aaj koi homework nahi hai.” Rey told her.

“Haan.” Sharon agreed.

“Rey?” Juhi folded her arms across her chest and looked at him.

“Maa kal chutti hai na. Kal pakka karunga. Abhi khelne do na please.” Rey pouted.

“Haan mumma please.” Swayam pouted at Kavya.

“Theek hai khelo. Par kal homework khatam karne se pehle yahan kisiko aana allowed nahi hai.” Juhi warned them. Muskaan giggled at their faces. “Same applies to you Muskaan.” Juhi looked at her.

“Yes maami.” Muskaan straightened up.

“Papa!” Armaan yelled at Billy.

“Armaan behave yourself!” Billy reprimanded him.

“Aapne promise kiya tha.” Armaan wailed.

“Picnic ke liya haan bola tha. Yeh Agra trip ke liye nahi.” Billy reminded him.

“Papa mere sab friends ja rahe hai. Meko bhi jana hai.” Armaan continued wailing.

“Armaan kyun zidd kar rahe ho?” Ananya tried to pacify him.

“Kyunki yeh humesha ka hai aap dono ka. Pehle haan bolte ho aur phir sab cancel karte ho!” Armaan yelled and went to his room.

“Billy, tum tension mat lo. Main samjhati hoon usse. Voh maan jayega.” Ananya comforted Billy.

“Usne kuch galath nahi kaha hai. I have been failing him.” Billy lowered his head.

“Company aise suddenly loss mein jayegi iska idea kisiko nahi tha. Kyun khudpe blame le rahe ho?” She frowned. “Armaan baccha hai..”

“Itna bhi chota nahi hai. He understands stuff now. Usko hum abhi pehle jaise chup nahi kara sakte. Aur naa hi usko yeh bata sakta hoon ki I am in debt and we might have to sell this house.” He sat on the couch and covered his face.

“Billy relax. Main Rann se baat karti hoon. I’m sure he’ll be able to help us.” She sat beside him.

“I’m sure he will. But let me just try this on my own for this last time. I took your responsibility and Armaan’s and Muskaan’s. I will get us through this.” He looked at her.

“I know you will.” She held his hand.

“Abhi meri ek investor ke saath meeting hai. I hope it goes well.” He squeezed her hand.

“Me too.”

…

“Arre wah, itni khushi ho rahi hai aaj tujhe?” Gautam looked at Sharon who was prancing alongside him.

“Haan, mom ne promise kiya hai ki voh meko boarding nahi bhejegi.” Sharon grinned back at him.

“Par iska matlab tujhe kuch din Swayam ya Rey ke saath rehna pad sakta hai.” He reminded her.

“Haan pata hai. Kavya aunty bol rahi thi ki main kabhi bhi rehne aa sakti hoon unke saath.” She replied.

“Aur Rey ke saath nahi rehna?” He questioned.

“Uske saath bilkul bhi nahi.” She huffed.

“Abh kya kiya tune?” He squinted at her.

“Dad kal voh railing se slide hoke neeche aa raha tha aur jab voh neeche gaya main wahan nahi pahuchi thi toh voh gir gaya. Aur phir meko blame kar raha tha ki main neeche kyun nahi thi!” She flared her nostrils.

“Your mom is right you know, tum dono bohot masti karte ho. Tum Swayam ke saath hi theek ho.” He chuckled.

“Voh darpok kuch masti karta hi nahi.” She complained.

“Tu jo uske behalf pe karti hai.” He shook his head making her giggle.

“Haw yeh dono ne mere bina khelna start kiya?” Sharon sneered as she saw Swayam and Rey outside the house and ran to them.

“Sharon!” Gautam shouted loudly behind her and clutched the left side of his chest. “Aah!” He started sweating profusely and fell on the ground.

“Dad!” Sharon turned around on hearing him and ran to him. “Kya hua?” She panicked seeing him pant.

“Call.. Rann..” He grunted and collapsed.

“Uncle!” Sharon ran back crying to the house. “Uncle!” Her voice grew louder as she approached.

“Kya hua?” Swayam and Rey asked, seeing her in panic.

“Dad.. wahan..” She tried to form a sentence and pointed at the direction. “Uncle.. kahan.. hai..?” She panted.

“Papa!” Swayam ran into the house and called Rishi out.

Within no time, Rishi managed to put Gautam in the back seat of his car and they drove to the nearby hospital. Rishi asked Swayam and Rey to stay back. Sharon kept insisting on coming, so he took her with him. She was continuously crying while Rishi tried to comfort her.

…

“Mom, dad theek hojayenge na?” Sharon looked at Avantika.

“Stop crying.” Avantika consoled her.

Avantika saw the doctor come out and instantly got up.

“How is he?” She asked the doctor.

“Aap?” The doctor looked at her.

“I’m his wife.” Avantika answered.

“Please.” The doctor signaled her to follow him.

“Main rukta hoon Sharon ke saath.” Rishi told her.

“Anything serious doctor?” Avantika asked as they moved away.

“I will say that he was brought in just in time. It’s a severe attack which might be due to a blockage. But we will have to run a few tests to confirm it.” The doctor explained.

“Voh theek toh hoga na?” She asked back.

“Abhi main bas itna keh sakta hoon ki patient ka hosh mein aana bohot jaruri hai.” The doctor told her and left.

“Uncle, dad ko dekhna hai meko.” Sharon sniffed.

“ICU mein andar jaana allowed nahi hai beta. But you don’t worry he’ll be fine.” Rishi comforted her.

“Meko dekhna hai!” Sharon got up, throwing a fit.

“Armaan!” Rishi heard Juhi’s voice and looked up to see Armaan standing in front of them, with Juhi, Rannvijay and Ananya behind him.

“Armaan?” Rishi squinted at Armaan, whose face was completely blank.

“Teko kya hua?” Armaan ignored everyone’s voices and asked Sharon.

“Dad andar hai aur meko koi andar jaane nahi de raha.” Sharon sniffed.

“Chal, I’ll take you.” Armaan held out his hand.

“Ar..” Rishi was about to stop him when Juhi signaled him not to.

Armaan picked Sharon up and went to the ICU door. Through the small window they could see Gautam lying on the bed with drips attached to him. Sharon turned away and hugged Armaan and started crying hysterically. Armaan walked back to the chairs and sat with her on his lap. She was continuously crying and he let her. He hugged her tight as his eyes started to well up.

“Tum sab yahan?” Rishi approached Juhi and whispered. He noticed Ananya was crying hysterically and Rannvijay was trying to comfort her.

“Juhi!” Avantika ran to Juhi and hugged her. “Gautam had a heart attack. Doctor says that he seems to be critical.”

“He’ll be fine.” Juhi consoled her.

“Anu please stop. Kyun khud ko blame kar rahi hai tu?” Rannvijay tried to pacify Ananya but his own voice sounded shaken.

“Kya hua hai?” Avantika asked, noticing it.

“Billy ka accident hua and he..” Juhi just shook her head.

“Armaan ko pata hai?” Rishi looked back at Armaan who sat hugging Sharon.

“He is in shock.” Juhi nodded and wiped her tears. “Avi, as much as I want to be here for you, I need to go. Muskaan ko abhi tak kuch bataya nahi hai and..”

“Hey!” Avantika stopped her. “I’ll be fine. Sharon hai yahan mere saath. Dikhti piddi si hai but she is a strong girl.” Avantika smiled lightly.

“I’ll wait here as well.” Rishi told them.

“Sharon?” Avantika ran her hand on her head.

“She’s fine.” Armaan answered for her.

“I know. Thank you.” Avantika kept her hand on his shoulder.

“Main theek hoon.” He immediately shrugged her hand off.

“I’ll be here with Sharon.” She picked her up from his lap.

“I can look after her!” He got up and flared his nostrils.

“Muskaan needs you right now Armaan.” Juhi walked up to him.

“Maami main..” Armaan hugged her and started crying.

“Aap kyun ro rahe ho? Dad ko kuch nahi hone wala hai.” Sharon told him.

“Da..d!” Armaan choked on his own words.

“Chalo mere saath.” Juhi walked away with him.

Rishi sat on the chair and held his head. He felt overwhelmed.

“Rishi aapko yahan rukne ki jarurat nahi hai.” Avantika told him.

“Are you sure?” He asked her.

“Rann and Juhi might need your help more.” She replied.

“Hmm.” He nodded. “Sharon ko lekar jau ghar?”

“Voh maanegi nahi.” Avantika shook her head.

“Main beech beech mein call karta rahunga. Kuch bhi jarurat lagi toh batana.” He looked at her and she nodded back.

…

“Papa, uncle kaise hai? Aur Sharon kahan hai?” Swayam jumped up as soon as Rishi entered the house.

“Muskaan?” Rishi saw her sitting beside Rey.

“Juhi ne call karke mujhe usko uske friend ke ghar se pick karne bola.” Kavya informed.

“Voh aa hi rahi hogi tum dono ko lene.” Rishi looked at Rey and Muskaan.

“Haan par Sharon kahan hai?” Rey asked.

“Aur uncle kaise hai?” Swayam added.

“Voh Avantika ke saath hospital mein hai.” Rishi replied.

“Maa?” Rey saw Juhi walk in.

“Ghar chalo tum dono.” Juhi’s voice had an authoritative tone to it. Both Rey and Muskaan went with her without asking any questions.

“Papa, kya hua hai?” Swayam asked on sensing something abnormal.

“Swayam apne room mein jao please.” Rishi told him.

Swayam followed his instructions. But he was very curious to know the details, so he stood at the door to listen to their conversation.

“Avantika Sharon ke saath akeli ruki hai hospital mein?” Kavya asked Rishi.

“Billy ka accident hua and he is no more.” Rishi informed her with a soft and tired voice.

“Kya?” She was shocked. “Kaise? Aur aapko kab pata chala?”

“Hospital mein Rannvijay, Juhi aur Ananya mile. Tab pata chala. Gautam ki bhi condition almost critical hi hai. Uska jaldi hosh mein aana bohot jaruri hai.” Rishi held his head.

“Aajayenge. Aap tension mat lo.” She removed his hand from his head.

“Ek friend ki help karne dusre friend ko akela chod ke aana pada.”

“Gautam samajh jayenge. Aur Avantika hai wahan. Usse kuch jarurat padi toh main chali jaungi.” She assured him.

“Usse tum ek-ek ghante mein call karti rehna.” He told her.

“Haan.” She nodded.

“Papa paani.” Swayam walked to Rishi with a glass of water.

Rishi squinted and looked at Kavya and then accepted it. From the corner of his eyes he kept looking at Swayam who was staring at him. Swayam leaned forward and wiped the tears that had started to flow down his eyes. Rishi and Kavya then realized that they both were crying. Kavya quickly wiped off the tears and left taking the empty glass with her.

“Main room mein ja raha hoon.” Swayam announced and went into his room.

“What was that?” Rishi wondered.

“Dad, I was so scared!” Sharon yelled at Gautam.

“Sharon hospital hai yeh.” He widened his eyes at her.

“Yeh chup nahi hone wali. Kal se saara gussa trap karke raha hua hai. Abh volcano erupt hone wala hai.” Avantika told him as she adjusted the curtains to his room.

Gautam gained consciousness within a few hours and was declared out of danger by the doctor. He had a block in his artery which led to the attack and the doctor had advised for an angioplasty which was in two days as he had elevated sugar levels in his blood which needed to be stabilized before the surgery. He was shifted into a private room until then.

“Why didn’t you tell me that you were not feeling well?” Sharon yelled again.

“Heart attack doesn’t work that way Sharon.” Gautam shook his head.

“Uth gaya?” Rishi walked into the room with Kavya and Swayam.

“Swayam!” Sharon screeched as soon as she saw him.

“Sharon! Behave yourself!” Avantika reprimanded her.

“She is looking chirpy.” Rishi commented.

“Aaj subah se. Kal toh bas ro hi rahi thi.” Avantika informed.

“Hi uncle, kaise ho aap?” Swayam walked up to him.

“How do I look young man?” Gautam asked, raising his hand which had a drip attached to it.

“You look ill.” Swayam stated.

“Because he is! And you dare not disagree this time around.” Avantika said sternly.

“Main theek hoon yaar!” Gautam squirmed under their gazes.

“Aap road pe chalte chalte gir gaye the. Agar main nahi hoti toh?” Sharon crossed her arms and flared her nostrils.

“Par tu thi aur tu humesha rahegi to look after me.” Gautam smiled at her.

“Haan aur next time aapne meko nahi bataya ki you’re not feeling well, toh atcha nahi hoga!” Sharon warned him.

“Yes ma’am.” Gautam agreed with a smile on his face.

“Atcha Swayam idhar aa. Balcony se view dekh kitna mast hai.” Sharon pulled Swayam with her.

“Don’t lean!” Avantika shouted behind them.

“Kaisa hai?” Rishi sat on the chair next to the bed.

“Doctor ne angioplasty karwane bola hai. Apparently, I was eating too unhealthy.” Gautam commented.

“Apparently?” Avantika raised her brow at him.

“Thankfully, kuch jyada serious nahi hua.” Kavya smiled lightly at him.

“Kuch hojata toh isse mujhse jaldi chutkara mil jata.” Gautam joked, pointing at Avantika.

“Yeah that’s what I want.” Avantika gritted her teeth and controlled the tears from spilling out. “Excuse me!” She left the room.

“Main.. aati hoon.” Kavya left behind her.

“Voh kya tha?” Rishi asked patronizingly.

“Tch.” Gautam disregarded it. “Waise meko yeh bata, Rann issi duniya mein hai na? Subah se ek call nahi aaya hai uska. Mujhe laga milne aayega, voh bhi nahi?” He asked.

“Aajayega. Tu kahan bhage ja raha hai?” Rishi replied.

“Haan voh bhi hai.” Gautam agreed.

“Ek tu hi mera best friend hai!” Sharon walked in with Swayam.

“Tu yeh Rey ke saamne bol ke dikha toh main maanu!” Swayam huffed.

“Usko main yeh bolne wali hoon! Main yahan akeli thi toh Armaan bhai aaye milne, tu aaya par voh nahi aaya.” Sharon flared her nostrils.

“Armaan aaya tha?” Gautam looked at Rishi.

“Haan voh..” Rishi hesitated. “Chod na tu kya inn bachchon ki baaton ko seriously lene lag gaya?” Rishi disregarded him.

“Uncle main bachchi nahi hoon. I’m six and a half years old!” Sharon said with hands on her hip.

“Haan par sabse choti yahan tu hi hai.” Swayam teased.

“Rey sabse chota hai.” Sharon sneered at him.

“Maine yahan bola.” Swayam sneered back.

“Okay, we agree that you are not kids. Abh please yahan ladne mat lag jana.” Gautam diffused the argument.

“Visiting hours khatam hone aaye hai. We should leave.” Rishi looked at the time.

“Yeah.” Gautam nodded. “Sharon tu bhi ghar ja.” He told her.

“Par..” Sharon tried to argue back.

“Kal ruki thi na tu. Aaj nahi. Go home.” Gautam said sternly.

“Okay.” Sharon agreed half-heartedly.

“Avantika ko bhi ghar jaane do, she must be tired. I’ll wait here for the night.” Rishi announced.

“Tu hi bolna usse.” Gautam mumbled.

“Mom kahan hai?” Sharon looked around.

“Kya hua Sharon?” Avantika entered in, followed by Kavya.

“Dad bol rahe the ki hum dono ko ghar jana chahiye. Uncle yahan rukne wale hai.” Sharon told her.

“Of course!” Avantika agreed instantly with a blank stare at Gautam.

“Theek hai phir, hum chalte hai. Chalo bachchon, bye bolo.” Kavya told them.

“Hum bachche nahi hai!” Both Sharon and Swayam huffed in unison.

…

“Main Anu se milke hospital aati hoon.” Avantika informed Rishi.

“Theek hai. And there is no rush. Surgery ke liye abhi time hai.” Rishi replied back and disconnected the call.

“Tum theek ho?” Kavya asked her.

“Just a little nervous.” Avantika replied with a short smile.

“Sab theek hoga. Don’t worry.” Kavya squeezed her hand.

“Thanks for looking after Sharon. You’ve no idea how much that has helped me.” Avantika held her hand.

“Meri jagah Juhi hoti toh usse bhi itna thank karti tum?” Kavya asked. Avantika shook her head. “Nahi na? Toh mujhe kyu? I’m happy to look after her and I really don’t mind if she stays with us forever.” Kavya asserted.

Avantika let out a small chuckle.

“Kya hua?” Kavya furrowed her brows.

“It sounded like tum uske liye rishta leke aayi ho.” Avantika shook her head making Kavya laugh as well. “Anyway, I should get going.”

“Take care.” Kavya smiled at her and went up to Swayam’s room to wake the kids up.

“Swayam!” Sharon screamed.

“Kya bol rahi thi tu? Phirse bol!” He glared at her.

“Swayam yeh kya chal raha hai?” Kavya walked in and widened her eyes in horror.

Swayam had locked Sharon on the bed with her hands behind her while he was sitting on her back. Sharon couldn’t move an inch because of his weight on her.

“Mumma voh main..” Swayam loosened his grip on Sharon and got up.

“Aunty dekho na isse.” Sharon cried on hearing Kavya.

“Kya kar rahe the tum?” Kavya shouted at him.

“Abhi aap aane se pehle yeh mere pe baithi thi aur chidha rahi thi ki I couldn’t do what she did. Maine bas usse wrong prove karne ke liye yeh kiya.” Swayam explained.

“Atchi kahani banane lag gaye ho tum. Ro rahi hai voh.” Kavya sat next to Sharon and ran her hand on her head.

“Aap humesha meko hi kyun chillati ho? Chalu usne kiya tha yeh!” Swayam raised his voice.

“Haan par maine itna zor se tera haath nahi pakda tha!” Sharon yelled at him.

“Which is why I could get out of your hold!” Swayam mocked.

“Haan par laga na meko.” Sharon rubbed her wrists.

“Swayam, apologize to her.” Kavya looked at him sternly.

“Sorry.” Swayam muttered and ran out of the room.

“Thank you aunty.” Sharon hugged Kavya. “Mom kahan hai?” She asked further.

“Voh hospital gayi hai.” Kavya informed.

“Meko bhi jana tha.” Sharon wailed.

“School hai aaj.” Kavya reminded her. “So abhi tum naha dhoke neeche aao. Main breakfast ready karti hoon.”

“Chee meko Swayam ke bathroom mein shower nahi lena.” Sharon made a face.

“Theek hai guest room wala use kar lo. But come down soon.” Kavya left.

“Mumma aaj bhi Rey nahi aa raha school?” Swayam asked Kavya as she came down.

“Nahi.” Kavya nodded and served him breakfast.

“Billy uncle ki wajah se?” He asked further.

“Kya kahan?” Kavya was surprised at his question.

“Maine papa ko bolte suna ki Billy uncle is no more? Uska kya matlab hai?” He probed.

“Tumne yeh kab suna?” She looked at him aghast.

“Uss din maine aap dono ki baatein sunn li thi.” He confessed.

“I’ll explain it to you later. Abhi kisise iss baare mein baat mat karna.”

“Theek hai.” He quietly ate his breakfast.

…

“Meko Rey se milne jana hai.” Sharon told Swayam as they played outside.

“Mumma ne mana kiya hai. Billy uncle ki death hui hai na.” Swayam reminded her.

“Par..” She huffed and looked at Rey’s house.

“Meko bhi ajeeb lag raha hai. Par mana kiya hai toh kya kar sakte hai?” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Tch!” She sat on the curbside.

“Kya hua?” He sat next to her.

“Meko koi kidhar bhi jaane nahi de raha.” She huffed. “Hospital jana tha toh mom ne mana kiya. Abhi Rey se milna hai toh aunty mana kar rahi hai. Meko nahi atcha lag raha.” She huffed.

“Mumma ko puchunga toh phir se voh same reason degi.” He frowned.

“Iska matlab hum Billy uncle se kabhi mil nahi payenge?” She asked after a while.

“Haan.” He nodded. “Voh abhi sky mein ek star banke rahenge.” He looked up. 

“Meko bhi star banna hai.” She looked up.

“Voh kya hai?” He pointed at the sky.

“Moon hai na?” She asked to confirm.

“But moon raat ko aata hai na. Itne jaldi kaise aagaya?” He squinted.

“Meko kya pata?”

“Tum dono yahan kya kar rahe ho?” Rishi walked to them.

“Papa voh moon hai?” Swayam pointed.

“Haan.” Rishi answered.

“Moon toh raat ko aata hai na uncle?” Sharon asked Rishi.

“Abhi raat hone hi wali hai.” He told them.

“Haan.” They both nodded and got up to head in.

“Arre meri cycle main wahin chod aayi.” Sharon slapped her head.

“Main lekar aata hoon.” Rishi told her.

“Uncle aap chala nahi paayenge.” Sharon said tongue-in-cheek.

“Theek hai jao leke aao.” He smiled at her as he headed inside the gate with Swayam.

Sharon ran towards her cycle which was parked a few feet away. As she moved closer, she remembered the events from few days ago when Gautam suffered a heart attack. Her feet went numb and she kept staring at the empty road where he had fallen the other day. Unknowingly, tears brimmed in her eyes as those memories resurfaced and she sat down on the curbside. She was badly missing Gautam at that instant and wanted to meet him. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Armaan, standing in front of her.

“Kya hua?” Armaan looked at her.

“Papa ki yaad aarahi hai.” She sniffed.

“Meko bhi.” He sat next to her.

“Meko milna hai.”

“Meko bhi milna tha. Ek last time ke liye. Milke sorry bolna tha jhagadne ke liye.” He muttered.

“Meko sab school jaane bol rahe hai, khelne bol rahe hai but dad ke paas koi nahi leke ja raha.” She pouted.

“Aur mere se koi normally baat hi nahi kar raha. Aise behave kar rahe hai ki meko death ka meaning hi nahi pata.” He huffed.

“Kya hota hai meaning?” She looked at him.

“Iska matlab yeh hai ki main papa se kabhi nahi mil paunga. Na kabhi baat kar paunga.” He explained in simple terms.

“But uncle toh wahan hai. Toh aap mil sakte ho.” She pointed at the sky. “Main toh voh bhi nahi kar sakti.”

“Only for few days! Uske baad toh tu milegi hi na. Main kabhi nahi mil paunga.” He got his legs closer to his chest and held them tightly.

“Aap uncle ko miss karoge tab meko milna aajana.” She chirped immediately bringing a smile on his face for the first time in four days.

“Pakka?”

“Pakka promise!” She hugged him.

“Sharon..” He called her after some time.

“Haan?” She broke the hug and looked at him.

“Teko uncle se milna hai toh zidd kar aur milne ja. Aise yahan aake rote mat baith.” He advised.

“Main cycle lene aayi thi aur phir meko voh sab yaad aaya.” She wiped her face clean. “Meko toh dad ko bohot daantna hai! He was not feeling well aur meko bataya bhi nahi unhone!” She huffed.

“Don’t fight with him.” He shook his head in negation.

“Par..”

“Don’t!”

“Aap bhi abhi mana karo!” She pouted.

“Bhai?” Rey called for Armaan.

“Sharon?” Swayam came out looking for Sharon.

“Maa aapko bula rahi hai.” Rey told Armaan when he saw him.

The four of them stood across each other in silence. Even with their little understanding of what was going on, they seemed to have grasped the severity of it. No one uttered a word but somehow in unison they shared a group hug. They all needed it and felt calmness wash over after separating.

“Dinner ke liye bula rahi hai maami?” Armaan asked.

“Haan.” Rey nodded.

“Muskaan ne khaya?” Armaan questioned softly.

“Mere saath khaya usne.” Rey informed.

“Rey tu kal aa raha hai school?” Swayam asked him.

“Maa ko puchna padega.” Rey answered.

“Please aa na. Teko bohot miss kar rahe hai hum.” Sharon told him.

“Meko bhi aana hai. Par maa bol rahi thi ki meko Muskaan ke saath rehna chahiye thode din.”

“Tu aunty ko bol na ki teko school bhi jana hai.” Swayam looked at Rey.

“Haan.” Rey nodded.

“Chale?” Armaan said.

“Ek minute.” Sharon stopped them and pulled Armaan down and kissed his forehead. “Main jab roti hoon toh mumma aise kissie deti hai. Phir main rona band kar deti hoon. Aap abhi ro rahe the aur main dena bhool gayi.” She said sheepishly.

“It worked!” Armaan smiled at her and they all went into their respective homes.

Hello peeps
Updating after six months; now that seems like a me thing to do🤭
I've written this update over a course of two, maybe three months🤔 Not because it was a huge deal to write, it was because I was busy adulting! Yeh likhte waqt realise hua ki bachpan hi theek tha. Adult life sucks!😅

Please support this story as well. Comment and let me know your thoughts about it. I need feedback!

Question of the update:

What was your favorite childhood game?

: @taarey1025

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