Page 2

Raghunath enters with his signature warm smile, and Chitrali’s expression softens as she smiles back at him. He hands her the paper bag gently and lovingly, and without another word, she walks to the kitchen to prepare snacks for everyone, her heart now a little lighter. Meanwhile, Jhankar starts complaining again, dramatically flopping onto the couch.

“Papa… He made fun of me again. He said I’m still a baby who cries all the time and can’t live alone! Tell him I’m not a baby!”

“Vyom!”

He tries to sound stern, but Vyom only laughs, reading the fake scolding.

“I’m just teasing her, Papa,” Vyom says casually. “She cries about everything. Okay, you tell me, has she ever been alone in a room until today? Even if she is, she keeps the door wide open so that someone can always see her. She keeps the lights on high during the day due to her fear of the dark. Now she is delivering lengthy lectures, stating, 'Once I arrive there, I will not call you.' 'I will not disturb you.' However, we both understand that she will likely reach out within the first hour. ‘I won’t bother you.’ But we both know she’ll call within the first hour. ‘Bro, please, I’m very scared. Take leave from your office and come stay with me.’ Hah!”

Jhankar glares at him, pointing an accusing finger.

“Papa… Look at him! He’s bullying me again!”

Raghunath tries hard to suppress his laughter, but he can’t help smiling. As much as he wants to protect his daughter’s pride, he knows Vyom isn’t wrong. These teasing moments are the heartbeat of their household. And despite all the chaos, this house with flying cushions, sibling wars, frustrated signs, teasing dances, and laughter feels like home.

Once again, Jhankar picked up the cushion and began beating her brother, prompting Vyom to dash around the sofa, shielding himself with dramatic flair. Jhankar, full of mischief and energy, leapt over the sofa in hot pursuit, both of them now locked in a lively chase that echoed through the room. Their father, Raghunath, watched them with deep fondness, his heartswelling with joy at the sight of his two children playing like they used to when they were small.

Chitrali walked in with a tray, carrying freshly made snacks, their warm, spicy aroma quickly dominating the room. She began to approach the sofa area, where the siblings were tangled in their war. Vyom immediately noticed the snacks and shot up with both hands raised high in the air, calling out like a referee announcing peace.

“Samosas are piping hot and look dangerously mouthwatering… Time out.”

Jhankar’s eyes instantly locked onto the plate in her mother's hands. She licked her lips like a child caught between a fight and a feast and nodded vigorously in agreement.

“Yes, first fill the stomach, then we can fight properly. But listen, I'm not a coward at all, okay?”

After making a final jab at her brother, she took a dramatic seat next to her father, excitedly rubbing her hands together as she eagerly anticipated her portion of the delectable snack. Vyom, too, walked over slowly and settled down beside Chitrali, smiling as if nothing had happened. His mother gently fed him a bite with her hand, the way she always had since he was a little boy, and then handed the plate to Jhankar. Jhankar grinned with delight and began devouring it like a lover. While chewing, she glanced up at her father and asked expectantly,

“Papa, remember I told you I want a new bike? And you promised that if I got placed in campus interviews, you'd definitely buy me a new scooter!”

“Definitely, my princess,” Raghunath said with a proud smile. “We’ll buy it next month.”

“Yippie…”

She squealed, raising both hands in triumph. But Chitrali, standing silently nearby, looked around at everyone. Raghunath discreetly signaled her to remain quiet for now, sensing her concern. However, she couldn’t hold it in and gently placed the truth on the table.

“Jhankar, now that you're older and asking for things... you know how much we spent on your grandmother’s cancer treatment, right? We’re not financially ready for any major purchases. Even though your brother earns well, there are no savings left. Your father and brother sacrificed all their resources to support your grandmother. We couldn't even save her. Maybe you've forgotten, but we haven't. I’ve been hoping you'd get a job soon so you could lend some support. You know the whole situation, dear.”

“Chitrali…” Raghunath gently intervened. “She’s just a kid. I’ll figure something out.”

Chitrali wasn’t wrong. Everything she said was valid, but Raghunath also knew how sensitive his daughter was. She wasn’t someone who shrugged off harsh words easily. So he looked toward Chitrali and softly explained, trying to balance everyone’s feelings.

“I understand what you mean, Chitrali. But I have some good news. I spoke to my manager about getting an advance, and he approved it. I applied for a loan today and will withdraw the funds tomorrow. Once we have the cash, we’ll go together to buy her a new scooter. A promise is a promise.”

In a middle-class family, every single rupee carries weight. And though both parents understood their responsibilities, Raghunath could never ignore the spark in his children's eyeswhen they dreamed out loud. Hearing this, Chitrali softened. She nodded gently, and as if on cue, Jhankar scooted over to Vyom and wrapped her arms tightly around his arm.

“I want a bike for my brother to. His old second-hand bike doesn’t match his handsome personality anymore. Besides, I need a personal driver who’ll take me shopping when I visit.”

Chitrali and Raghunath exchanged warm smiles. They knew their kids often joked like this but always looked out for each other. Vyom smirked.

“But didn’t you just ask for a scooter?”

“Let’s think practically, bro,” Jhankar replied with a serious expression. “If I crack this second interview tomorrow, I’ll be moving to Delhi for work. That poor Scooty will just rot here missing me. I can’t do that. And let’s be honest, after I become a big shot in some MNC, do you really think I’ll return to town on a scooter? No way. I’ll need a car. A luxury one.”

She paused for dramatic effect, then added playfully.

“And you’ll be my driver. So please decide your salary in advance, Mr. Driver.”

“Driver? … First a biker, now a taxi driver?” Vyom raised an eyebrow mockingly.