The atmosphere was thick with the familiar tension that came with business. The house, a symbol of power and wealth, echoed with the sounds of discussions, not of family joy but of strategies and deals. Everyone gathered around the large, polished table in the grand living room—this was "family time" for the Yaduvanshis.
Yaduvanshi family time—a phrase known to all but foreign to many—was never about light-hearted laughter or lazy afternoons. Instead, it was filled with charts, figures, and negotiations.
Vikrant, the family patriarch, sat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes scanning the papers before him. "Riyansh, the deal with Makwana has been signed," he said, his voice steady, but his expression masked his concerns.
Akhil, ever the skeptic, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "We shouldn’t have dealt with Makwana at all," he muttered, shaking his head as though the mere thought of him left a bad taste in his mouth.
But Riyansh, unbothered by the tension in the room, leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed. "Don't worry, chachu," he said with a dismissive wave, "I'll handle everything."
But his words belied the storm brewing in his mind. The deal is signed, but I have a feeling Makwana will cause some trouble. Riyansh knew people like Makwana didn’t play fair—they never did.
Raj, his father, leaned forward, his tone stern but understanding. "If Makwana creates any trouble, you'll handle it. You're smart enough to figure it out."
Riyansh gave a quick nod, but before he could respond, the door to the living room swung open with a force that matched the anger in Ayansh’s eyes.
"Bhai," Ayansh's voice was urgent, his face a picture of both worry and fury. "Makwana tried to leak our company’s crucial report!" His words sent a ripple of tension through the room, the once-casual air now thick with anxiety.
Riyansh's face darkened at the news. The calm facade he had worn shattered, his jaw tightening with visible anger. His voice was low, but it held a razor-sharp edge. "Makwana will soon face the consequences of his actions," he said through clenched teeth, the words laced with promise and fury.
Without another word, he stood up, his chair scraping sharply against the floor, and stormed out of the room, his anger a tangible presence that lingered in the air even after he was gone. The door slammed behind him, and for a moment, all that remained was the silence, heavy with the weight of the situation.
Everyone sat in stunned silence, each person knowing Riyansh’s anger well. His rage was something they had all seen countless times before, a force of nature that was as inevitable as it was unsettling.
Siya, his mother, let out a quiet sigh, her eyes following the direction in which her son had left. "Now he'll probably skip a meal too, in his rage," she murmured softly, more to herself than anyone else, knowing that her son’s fury often consumed him to the point of forgetting even the basics.
But deep down, no one doubted that Riyansh would handle this—he always did. And when it came to protecting his family and their business, nothing and no one stood a chance.
Ahaan, with his usual chaotic energy, leaned back in his chair, his voice cutting through the tension that had enveloped the room. "Don’t worry, badi maa, abhi vo makhana—mera matlab hai Makwana—ko khane gaye hain." His words were smooth, almost too casual, as if he had just made a light-hearted comment about the weather.
(Makhana — fox nut)
Rishu, sitting across from Ahaan, couldn’t help but chuckle at his brother’s playful remark. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ahaan always had this way of lightening the mood, even if his humor was sometimes a bit dry.
Siya, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally broke the moment of levity. "Chup kar tu," she said, her voice a mix of amusement and slight exasperation, her eyes narrowing as she shot a playful yet reproachful glance at Ahaan. "Aur chalo, sab khana khao."
Ahaan, never one to push his luck with his mother, shrugged slightly, his mischievous grin still in place. "Badi maa, mai... to... bas..." He hesitated for a moment, before throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "Acha, achha, chalo!"
The tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by the warm familiarity of family banter, as they all moved toward the dining table. The world outside might be swirling with business troubles, but for now, this was their moment of respite.
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Meanwhile, Riyansh sat in his sleek, dimly lit cabin, his sharp eyes glued to the screen of his laptop. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, but the words he was searching for seemed to be lost in the chaos of his mind.
A soft knock broke his concentration, and a voice, hesitant yet polite, followed. “May I come in, sir?”
Riyansh barely looked up, his voice distracted as he muttered, “Hmm.”
The girl entered slowly, her steps tentative, as if unsure of how to approach him. She stammered, “S-Sir, someone has sent this envelope for you.”
Riyansh’s gaze flickered to her for a brief moment before he extended his hand. He took the envelope from her, his focus returning to the task at hand, and the girl quickly exited the cabin, leaving him to his thoughts.
He ripped the envelope open without much care, his brow furrowing as he pulled out the contents. Inside, there were copies of the company’s crucial report, the ones they’d worked so hard on—only these had been tampered with. But what truly caught his eye was the note scrawled across the top:
“Marry my daughter if you want to save the report.”
The blood in Riyansh’s veins boiled. He clenched his jaw, fury boiling to the surface. “Marry my foot,” he spat aloud, his voice full of venom.
Ayansh, who had been silently observing his brother, leaned in, his face hardening as he read the letter. “This is all his plan, bhai,” Ayansh muttered darkly.
Riyansh’s hands shook with rage, but he forced himself to stay composed, his mind already racing with possibilities. He gave his younger brother a cryptic smile, one that sent a chill through Ayansh’s spine. “Don’t worry, I know exactly who can help us.”
Ayansh raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Who?”
Riyansh’s eyes gleamed as he leaned back in his chair. “Your other best classmate.”
Ayansh blinked in confusion. “Kon? Abhinav?”
Riyansh nodded with a knowing grin. “Haan. Look, Ayansh, the main report that Makwana leaked was just to blackmail me into marrying his daughter. He probably won’t try anything else now. Since Makwana is Abhinav’s client, Abhinav can help us make sure that report disappears from his end.”
Ayansh’s expression softened as he took in his brother’s plan. “Clever.”
Riyansh’s gaze turned icy, the fire of his anger still burning in his chest. “I’ll handle this my way.”
With a quick motion, Riyansh grabbed his phone, dialing Om’s number. “Fix a meeting with Abhinav Thakur for me within an hour,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.
As he hung up, his eyes narrowed on the report. It was time to play the game, and he was done being anyone’s pawn.
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Niya’s POV•
I couldn’t help but smile as I spent the afternoon catching up with Radhika. It had been a while since we had such a good conversation, and it felt comforting, like slipping into an old, familiar rhythm. As we wrapped up, I pulled out my phone to dial my brother.
"Bhaiya, I’m heading to the office. Let’s grab lunch together?" I said, hoping he'd be free.
There was a pause, then his voice came through, warm but busy, "Okay, you come. I have a meeting; we'll have lunch after that."
“Okay,” I replied, a small smile tugging at my lips. “See you soon.”
I hung up, telling Radhika that I’d catch up with her later. Harsh and I made our way out of the house, the sounds of the bustling streets filling the air as we drove to the office.
When we arrived, the moment I stepped into the building, the receptionist greeted me with a polite, “Good afternoon, Ms. Thakur.”
I nodded and smiled, but I could feel the curious gazes of the employees on me. It was almost like walking into a different world. Some of them were new faces, and the others... well, they hadn’t seen me in quite some time. The silence of their looks made the air feel thick, almost like I was intruding. I shrugged it off, though; this place was still home, no matter how long it had been.
Just then, Shivam bhaiya appeared from the corner, his warm presence a relief amidst the tension I felt. He came up to me with a wide smile. "Niya, long time no see"
Shivam, Abhinav bhaiya’s assistant, wasn’t just an employee; he was a friend. He led us towards the private lift, his easy-going nature instantly making the journey feel lighter.
(Shivam Mehta— abhinav's assistant and friend)
“We’ll wait for Bhaiya to finish his meeting," I said, settling in as Shivam pressed the button for the lift. Harsh was keeping me company, his usual teasing self, and we chatted about our medical studies as the minutes ticked by.
The calmness of the moment didn’t escape me, even though the office hummed with activity around us. The time would soon come when we’d all sit down for lunch, but for now, I could only focus on the present—on the company of my brother and the subtle anticipation in the air.
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Author's POV
Riyansh had just arrived at Abhinav's office, and both of them were immediately immersed in the business at hand. The conference room, with its sleek, glass table and walls lined with awards and business deals, was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of papers and the soft tapping of laptop keys.
Riyansh leaned back in his chair, his voice steady but tinged with frustration as he explained everything about Makwana—his manipulative tactics, his threats, and now this ridiculous ultimatum about marriage. Abhinav listened intently, his sharp eyes not missing a single detail.
"Relax now," Abhinav finally said, his tone calm, almost reassuring. "I'll handle it."
Riyansh felt a weight lift off his shoulders. For once, someone else was taking charge of the mess Makwana had created. The tension in his chest loosened, but Abhinav wasn’t done yet.
"Come on," Abhinav continued, standing up and pulling Riyansh from his seat. "Let’s grab lunch. We’re meeting after so long, and I have a surprise for you."
Riyansh, feeling the exhaustion of the day fade slightly at the thought of a break, nodded. "Sure, I could use some food—and a surprise sounds interesting."
Abhinav led the way, and they walked toward the adjacent cabin, where Niya was sleeping peacefully on a plush chair, her head resting against the armrest. Harsh, meanwhile, was lost in his phone, his fingers moving quickly over the screen as he scrolled through messages.
Abhinav, not one to let a peaceful moment last too long, approached Niya and gently shook her awake. Her eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, she looked disoriented before her gaze fixed on the familiar face of her brother’s friend.
Riyansh's eyes softened as he watched her sleep. There was something so serene about the way she looked, as though the world could pause around her and everything would be okay. He found himself lost in the moment for a second, thoughts flooding his mind.'She looks just like Bunny, meri Chashmish'. he thought, a fond smile creeping up on his lips, but he quickly caught himself.
Before he could gather his composure, Harsh, noticing Riyansh’s gaze, grinned mischievously. "Arre, main toh socha tha ki aapko mere handsome face ka deedar karne ke liye special permission leni hogi, par aapne toh free mein dekh liya!"
Riyansh shot him a sharp look, his expression hardening as he muttered under his breath, "Shut up."
Ignoring Harsh’s teasing, he focused on the peaceful sight of Niya. He didn’t want to get distracted. Not now. Not when there was so much at stake.
Niya glanced over at her brother with a look of disbelief. "What is he doing here?" she asked, her voice carrying the usual playful exasperation that only a sibling could muster.
Abhinav, with his usual calm demeanor, turned to her and asked, "Can Riyansh join us for lunch?"
Niya shot him an irritated glance, unable to hide the annoyance creeping into her voice.
"Yeh yahan padhaar hi chuke hai toh what's the point of asking me?"
She quipped, her hands gesturing to Riyansh, who had already settled in beside them, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
As they reached the nearby restaurant, the table felt oddly familiar—more so because of the presence of one particular person who had managed to worm his way into her life, yet again.
The waiter approached, and Riyansh, with a simple command, ordered, “Dal, fried rice, and naan.”
Niya raised an eyebrow, her thoughts drifting back to the many times they had shared meals together, discussing everything and nothing. He still remembers my favorite dishes, she thought, her heart giving a soft, almost imperceptible flutter.
“I’ll also have Matar Paneer,” she said, her voice casual, though there was a slight warmth in it that she tried to hide. “Because I don’t eat daal."
Riyansh, as if anticipating her request, chimed in from behind, his voice low and confident, 'Don't add peanuts to it.' Niya rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to smirk. 'Make it just like Matar Paneer is made, I can eat peanuts too.' she retorted, speaking firmly to the waiter.
“But, Princess, you can't eat Matar Paneer," Abhinav said in a concerned tone, clearly noticing her preference for avoiding the dish in the past.
"I can eat it," Niya shot back, her stubbornness flaring for a moment, but there was a playful edge to her words. She wasn’t about to let Abhinav—or anyone—tell her what she could or couldn’t eat.
Meanwhile, Harsh, who had been quietly observing the back-and-forth, finally let out a frustrated sigh. His stomach growled audibly, making everyone at the table pause. "Yaar, decide quickly. I'm so hungry. Tum log peanuts ki baat kar rahe ho, main to unke chhilke khane ko bhi taiyar hoon!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with exaggeration and hunger.
Niya couldn’t help but smile at Harsh’s dramatic outburst. She caught herself before it could turn into a full-blown laugh, but the corners of her lips curled up in genuine amusement.
And in that fleeting moment, Riyansh’s eyes softened as he watched her. There was something about her smile—so effortless, so real—that caught him off guard. For a moment, he forgot about everything else. He just admired the way her smile lit up the space around her.
But before anyone could say anything more, Harsh’s impatient voice broke the spell. “Are we eating or not?”
Niya’s smile lingered a little longer than she had expected, but she quickly regained her composure, the moment slipping away.
This… this was something different, and Riyansh was finally starting to realize it.
The air around the table had shifted from the light-hearted teasing to a quiet, almost heavy tension. Niya sat with her food in front of her, but there was a visible hesitation in her every move. She was staring at the Matar Paneer, knowing very well what it contained, but pride and defiance won over caution. She wasn’t going to let anyone think they had the upper hand.
Her mind screamed at her to stop, to tell them the truth about her allergy, but she swallowed that urge. I can do this, she told herself.
Riyansh and Abhinav watched her closely, their eyes not leaving her for a second, both waiting for the inevitable. Riyansh’s gaze was almost unreadable, but there was a tightness around his jaw that made Niya pause, if only for a brief moment. Abhinav’s usual calm had been replaced with a quiet anticipation, his focus on her every move.
Niya met their gazes, her eyes flashing with challenge. Without breaking eye contact, she lifted her fork, took a deep breath, and without another thought, she took a big bite of the Matar Paneer.
Abhinav’s hand shot out, and with an authoritative yet gentle motion, he snatched the bowl away from her. “That’s enough,” he said sternly. “Now eat daal chawal.”
But Niya didn’t respond. She didn’t want to show any weakness. She kept her head down, forcing herself to continue eating the daal chawal. She could feel the uncomfortable heat building in her chest, but she kept her composure.
Inside, her body was starting to betray her. She could feel the first signs of the allergy creeping up, but she ignored them, swallowing her food as if everything was fine. Abhinav and Riyansh exchanged looks, but neither said anything. They could see the change in her, but neither of them knew how to stop it.
She was determined to finish the meal, to keep her pride intact. But soon, the symptoms became undeniable. The sweat trickled down her neck, her breath growing shallower, and her throat began to tighten. She could feel the panic rising inside her, but she pushed it down.
And then, it hit her all at once. Her vision blurred, and she felt lightheaded. Before she could even grasp what was happening, everything around her faded into darkness.
Abhinav’s heart raced as he saw her collapse. His hands were instantly on her, pulling her into his arms as if he could somehow shield her from the consequences of her own stubbornness. His fingers gently caressed her cheek, his voice trembling with worry. “Niya, Princess, please... wake up.”
But Riyansh didn’t wait. His voice rang out sharply, cutting through the tension like a blade. “Bring water!” The command was urgent, his words crackling with concern.
The restaurant staff had already turned their attention to the commotion, but Riyansh barely noticed as he rushed to grab a glass of water. He thrust it into Abhinav’s hands, his voice tight with frustration. “Make her drink this. Maybe she’ll feel a little better.”
Abhinav tried to make her drink, but her lips were unresponsive, her eyes still closed. Panic gripped his chest as he realized just how serious this had become.
Harsh, who had been watching with a tight expression, stepped forward, his voice laced with worry. “Bhaiya, let me check. Wait.” His hands were shaking slightly as he checked her pulse, his brow furrowing. “We should take her to the hospital. These allergy symptoms look serious.”
Riyansh didn’t hesitate. He reached for Niya, lifting her into his arms with surprising gentleness despite the storm of emotions raging inside him. His heart felt like it was being squeezed in a vise, his breath uneven as he held her tightly, trying to remain composed.
“Please, Bunny,” he whispered under his breath, his words barely audible, but full of raw emotion. “Open your eyes. I can’t see you like this.”
Abhinav, who had already stormed out of the restaurant, started the car with a furious speed. His hands gripped the wheel tightly, and though his face remained calm, his mind was spiraling in anger. Mujhe use voh khane hi nahi dena chaiye tha, he thought bitterly, the guilt eating away at him with every second.
The car sped through the streets, the urgency of the situation hanging heavily in the air. Abhinav’s eyes flickered to the rearview mirror, checking on Niya every few seconds, while Riyansh continued to hold her close, unable to tear his gaze away from her unconscious form.
All he could think about was how badly he wished he had stopped her. How he would’ve done anything to turn back time and keep her from eating that dish. But now, all that mattered was getting her the help she needed.
And no matter what, he wasn’t going to lose her.
The car screeched to a halt outside the hospital, the tires leaving rubber marks on the road as if even the earth itself felt the urgency of the moment. Riyansh didn’t wait for anyone; he was already out of the car, lifting Niya in his arms with a tenderness that belied the panic roiling inside him. His strides were swift, his focus laser-sharp, as he rushed toward the entrance of the hospital.
Abhinav, though his heart was in a knot, followed quickly, his eyes never leaving Niya's pale face. They burst through the doors, their voices calling out for help, the chaos of the moment overtaking all else.
The doctor appeared in an instant, his expression serious yet professional. “Don’t worry,” he reassured them, though his words didn’t bring any comfort. “We’ll take care of her.”
Riyansh and Abhinav exchanged a brief look, their faces etched with raw fear, but neither spoke. They both knew the weight of what was happening. Their worst fears were unfolding, but neither could find the right words to voice the suffocating panic gripping their chests.
The doctor’s hands moved quickly, examining Niya with practiced efficiency. His eyes sharpened, and his voice grew grave. “This is a very serious allergy. We need to treat her immediately.”
Riyansh’s breath caught in his throat, and Abhinav's usual composure faltered. Their eyes met—two strong men, yet in that moment, they were helpless, powerless in the face of something they could not control. Both sets of eyes glistened with unshed tears, the reality of their vulnerability laying heavy upon them.
Harsh stood nearby, his hand gripping the railing of the hospital bed as he tried to stay strong. But the sight of Niya—his vibrant, strong friend—so vulnerable, so fragile in that moment, brought a lump to his throat. His own eyes welled up with tears, unable to hold back the emotion any longer.
Time seemed to stretch, the minutes feeling like hours, as they waited. And then, the faintest stir. Niya’s eyelids fluttered, and she took in a shallow breath. Slowly, as though she were waking from a deep sleep, she came to.
The sterile smell of the hospital and the soft beeping of the machines were the first things she noticed. Her vision blurred for a second before clearing, and she found herself surrounded by the worried faces of the people who meant the most to her—Abhinav, Riyansh, and Harsh. Their eyes were full of concern, tinged with sadness, their presence both comforting and suffocating.
Confusion clouded her thoughts as she blinked, her voice hoarse as she asked, “How did I end up here?”
Abhinav’s breath hitched at the sight of her awake, but the weight of his emotions spilled out in a harsh scolding. “Just shut up. You don’t even care about yourself! We told you, why did you eat that fucking matar paneer with peanuts in it?” His voice cracked with frustration, his anger, mingled with worry, spilling out uncontrollably.
Niya froze, his words hitting her like a cold slap. She hadn’t expected that reaction—especially from Abhinav, who always cared so deeply. Tears welled in her eyes, the reality of her recklessness sinking in. She felt the sting of guilt pierce her heart, but it was the hurt in Abhinav's voice that hit the hardest.
Seeing her distress, Riyansh stepped forward, his usual hardness softened by concern. His voice was quiet, yet firm as he turned to Abhinav. “This is not the right time. Niya needs emotional support right now.”
Abhinav’s shoulders tensed, the anger and fear still swirling inside him. But Riyansh’s calm, steady tone was enough to bring him back to the present. He took a deep breath, the tension in his body slowly unwinding as he moved to Niya’s side. Gently, he took her hand, his touch warm and comforting as he looked down at her, his face etched with worry.
Niya’s eyes met his, filled with regret and sorrow. “I’m sorry, Bhaiya,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’ve troubled all of you more than necessary.”
Her words broke something inside Abhinav, and for a moment, he didn’t know how to respond. His anger faded into a sea of emotions—guilt, fear, concern—until only one thing remained. He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently, as if silently telling her that everything would be okay.
Riyansh, who had stayed silent through it all, stepped back, his gaze softening. In that moment, as the hospital room became quiet except for the soft hum of the machines, the unspoken bond between them all was undeniable. Despite the anger, the fear, and the mistakes, they were there for each other. And that was all that mattered.
The tension in the hospital room was thick, the air heavy with concern and exhaustion. Yet, amid the chaos, Harsh’s voice broke through, light and teasing, trying to lift the mood just a little.
"Oo trouble express," he started, shaking his head in disbelief. "Tune socha bhi tha ki agar tujhe kuch ho jata... Anyway, tujhe kuch samjhana matlab bhainsh ke aage been bajana hai," he added with a grin, his words dripping with playful exasperation.
Niya, still recovering from the ordeal, narrowed her eyes slightly at him, the glint of mischief unmistakable. "Aeyyy, tune mujhe bhainsh kaha!!!" Her voice, though weak, carried that familiar challenge, the kind only Niya could throw out so easily.
Harsh, undeterred, let out a soft chuckle, "Arey, tujhe pata chal gaya?"
"Kutta kahi ka," Niya snapped back, rolling her eyes dramatically. Her words stung, but there was a warmth behind them, a playful familiarity she couldn’t quite hide, even in her state. Her irritation was only skin-deep, and beneath it was a layer of comfort, of a bond too strong to break.
"Acha, tu aaram kar, main yahi hu," Abhinav said gently, his tone shifting to something more soothing as he took a seat beside her. His hand reached for hers, his grip steady and warm, grounding her even in the midst of everything.
Niya, despite the nagging discomfort, felt a sense of peace settle over her as she looked at him. She nodded weakly, too tired to argue, and closed her eyes, allowing herself to trust in his presence. Abhinav, ever the protector, stayed by her side, not saying much, but offering everything she needed in that moment.
The door to the room opened, and soon, Niya's parents, Aashika and Nishant, along with her grandmother, stepped inside. Their expressions were full of worry, their eyes scanning the room, landing on Niya immediately.
Aashika’s voice quivered with concern as she turned to Abhinav. "Kya hua, Abhinav? Kya ho gaya?" Her question was soft, filled with the kind of fear only a mother could know. She had seen her daughter in distress before, but this was different—more serious.
Abhinav looked at them both, his face pale from the fright of the past few hours. He explained everything: how Niya had stubbornly eaten the food that had caused her allergic reaction, how they rushed her here, and how he had been so close to losing her. His words were simple but filled with the weight of the emotions he had barely been able to contain.
Aashika’s face twisted with disbelief and concern. She shook her head in frustration, her voice breaking slightly. "Ye ladki khud doctor banne ja rahi hai aur khud ka dhyan nahi rakh sakti?" Her words, although laced with exasperation, were drenched in love and worry. A mother’s heart couldn’t help but feel a pang every time she saw her child hurt, especially when that hurt was self-inflicted.
Niya, still weak but able to hear her mother’s scolding, opened her eyes slightly, meeting Aashika's gaze. Her lips curled into a faint smile. "Mumma, I’m fine now," she whispered, though the tiredness in her voice made it clear she wasn’t quite as fine as she tried to portray. But she couldn’t bring herself to let her mother worry any more than she already had.
Aashika, though relieved, still looked at Niya with a mix of concern and affection, her heart only partially easing. "Don’t you ever do something so reckless again, Niya," she said softly, her voice steadier now, but the worry was still evident in her eyes.
In that small moment, amidst the tension, Niya felt a warmth—one that wasn’t just physical but emotional. The love from her family, the comfort from Abhinav’s presence, it was all there, surrounding her like a cocoon. Even in the hospital, even after everything, she knew one thing for certain—she was never truly alone.
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
In the dimly lit aisles of the drug store, the soft clinking of bottles and the faint murmur of customers blended into the background. Riyansh and Harsh, both in a rush, scanned the shelves for the necessary medicines.
Riyansh, unable to shake the thoughts of Niya's condition, broke the silence with a question, his voice almost sounding distant, like he was still processing everything that had happened.
"Are you also in Niya's college?" Riyansh asked, his gaze flickering briefly to Harsh as he picked up a bottle.
Harsh, who had been quietly browsing the shelves, turned to face Riyansh. "Yes," he said, his tone calm, almost casual. "She's my best friend."
Riyansh paused for a moment, clearly surprised by the sudden revelation, but managed a simple response "Oh!"
Harsh, still eyeing the medicine bottles, shot Riyansh a curious look. "How did you know she has a peanut allergy?"
Riyansh, his expression suddenly shifting into something more guarded, hesitated for a moment. Then, with a slight cough to cover up his slip, he said, "Because she's my bunn... I mean, she's my best friend's sister!!" He finished awkwardly, realizing too late the slip of his tongue.
Harsh raised an eyebrow but didn’t push the matter further. "Oh, okay," he said, the corner of his lips twitching slightly, a knowing smile tugging at the edge of his words.
With the medicine finally in hand, they made their way out of the store, Riyansh’s thoughts still lingering on Niya. As they exited, he couldn’t help but notice Niya’s parents, standing near the entrance. Without thinking, he walked over and, out of respect, touched their feet.
Her mother, Aashika, smiled warmly, her voice full of gratitude as she blessed him. "Thank you, son, for taking care of her."
Riyansh stood up, a faint smile playing on his lips as he nodded, acknowledging her words. "It’s nothing, aunty. I’m happy she’s alright now."
With a slight nod to Harsh, they made their way back to Niya’s home. As they entered, they were greeted with the familiar warmth of her parents, but the tension still lingered. Niya had arrived home, but the incident had left a shadow over the house.
In the quiet of Niya’s room, she lay resting, the exhaustion from everything weighing on her. Riyansh, after a moment of hesitation, bid everyone goodbye, his voice quiet but sincere. "I’ll take my leave now. Take care, everyone."
Harsh, too, excused himself, heading off to his room, leaving Niya to rest. But in the stillness of the room, Abhinav remained by her side. He sat beside her, his presence as steady and unwavering as ever.
He reached out and held her hand gently, his voice soft, barely above a whisper. "If you're fine, then I'm fine too," he said, his words laced with an unspoken promise, the kind only a brother could make. Niya, her eyes half-lidded, squeezed his hand tightly in return, the bond between them undeniable and unbreakable.
Abhinav’s smile was tender, the lightest of chuckles escaping him. "I’m always with you, my princess," he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead.
"Ab tum so jao," he said, his tone laced with affection and concern. "Good night, baccha."
"Good night, bhaiya," Niya whispered back, her voice soft but filled with a sense of peace, the lingering worry from earlier fading as she found solace in his words.
Abhinav stood and slowly left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. As he stepped away, he glanced back one last time, ensuring she was resting comfortably, his heart light, knowing that despite the trials of the day, his sister was safe, and that was all that mattered.
.
.
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.
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To be continued
Thank you for reading!!!🌸🫶🏻
Guy's I want to tell you that matar paneer me peanuts bhi daal sakte hai!!😁
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