If you reached the end, be a legend—hit that vote, my friend.

Listen to "Chandaniya" while reading this chapter

The moment the four of them stepped inside the room, the air shifted.

It was no longer just a bedroom.

It was a battlefield.

Avanya was trembling on the bed, her small body drenched in sweat, fingers clutching the bedsheet like she was trying to hold onto something invisible. Her face was turned sideways, hair stuck to her forehead, lips quivering as broken cries escaped her.

"Nahi jao... please no... no don't go... chachuu... icecream... Elsa chachu..."

(Don't go... please no... don't go uncle... ice cream... Elsa uncle...)

Her voice cracked between Hindi and English, between memory and fear.

Kabir was already sitting beside her, trying to wake her gently, but his own hands were shaking so badly he could barely steady her shoulders.

Vikram didn't think.

He moved.

He sat on the other side of the bed and gathered her into his arms, pulling her from Kabir carefully but urgently, as if she might slip away if he didn't hold tight enough. His palms were cold. His jaw clenched.

Kabir looked at him, voice breaking. "I- she- we were sleeping and suddenly she - Dad do something, please."

Arnav stepped forward immediately, gripping Kabir's shoulder firmly, grounding him. Kabir stood up slowly, eyes hollow, stepping aside but not stepping away.

Rithvik moved closer, his medical instincts fighting with his brotherly panic. "Dad, we have to calm her asap. Her stitches will open anytime."

He pointed at her knee.

A small bloom of red was spreading through the bandage.

Not much.

But enough.

Tuffy was barking restlessly near the bed, pacing in circles, sensing the storm in the room. His tiny paws scratched against the floor, whining, trying to reach her.

Without another word, Vikram tightened his hold around Avanya. One hand cradled the back of her head. The other began gently thumping her back in a slow rhythm.

And then-

He sang.

Soft at first.

Almost like a whisper.

"चंदनिया छुप जाना रे, क्षण भर को लुक जाना रे
निंदिया आँखों में आए, बिटिया मेरी सो जाए..."

(Moonlight, hide for a moment, just for a little while.
Let sleep enter her eyes, let my daughter fall asleep.)

The room froze.

The man who never hesitated to pull a trigger, who never trembled in front of enemies, whose name alone carried fear-was singing.

Not for the world.

Not for pride.

But for a little girl who was shaking in his arms.

"ले के गोद में सुलाऊँ, गाऊँ रात भर सुनाऊँ...
मैं लोरी-लोरी..."

(I will hold you in my lap, sing to you all night...
I will sing you a lullaby.)

His voice carried weight. It carried cracks. It carried every emotion he never showed anyone.

Avanya was still sobbing, small hands clutching his shirt now.

"Please... come back... dashing chachu please..."

Her voice was fading, but the fear wasn't.

Kabir turned his face away. His jaw was tight. His fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white. Tuffy moved toward him, tugging lightly at his pants as if trying to calm him.

In these few days, the dog had bonded with Kabir like he understood something no one else did.

The door opened.

Dipali stepped inside.

She saw Vikram sitting on the bed, holding a trembling child and singing like his life depended on it.

Her hand flew to her mouth.

Tears spilled before she could stop them.

But Vikram didn't look up.

He didn't acknowledge anyone.

He didn't care.

"करधनिया छुन-छुन बजे, पलकन में सपना सजे
धीमे-धीमे, हौले-हौले पवन बसंती डोले..."

(Let her bangles softly chime, let dreams decorate her eyelids.
Slowly, gently, like the spring breeze sways.)

His palm continued its rhythm on her back.

The door opened again.

This time, everyone entered.

Saksham.

Devansh.

Shipra.

Samarth.

Ivaan.

Yuvaan.

Vayu.

Kiansh.

They stepped inside expecting tension.

They found vulnerability.

Arnav looked at them once.

He didn't say anything.

He didn't need to.

His eyes were enough.

Kabir stood motionless until Shipra came forward and pulled him into her arms. He didn't cry.

He didn't break.

But the emptiness in his eyes was louder than tears.

Rithvik stood near the bed, feeling useless for the first time in his life. A doctor knew how to treat wounds.

But what medicine heals fear?

Samarth placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to steady him, but Rithvik slowly stepped back and leaned against a pillar.

He still remembered every word said downstairs.

And now this.

Arin stood frozen until Arnav gently guided him to the sofa.

Dipali sat and pulled Arin into her lap like he was still a child, but his eyes were only on the little girl on the bed.

"मेरी मुनिया रानी बने, महलों का राजा मिले
देखे खुशियों के मेले, दर्द कभी ना झेले..."

(May my little princess become a queen, may she find a king worthy of her.
May she see fairs of happiness, may she never suffer pain.)

Saksham stared at Vikram.

Shock.

Disbelief.

Pain.

This was his younger brother.

The one who never showed weakness.

And here he was-singing with tears silently slipping down his face.

Devansh tightened his hold on Dipali's shoulder.

He had seen Vikram angry.

Ruthless.

Unforgiving.

But helpless?

Never.

The cousins-Kiansh, Ivaan, Yuvaan, Vayu-watched their elder brothers differently tonight.

They didn't know Avanya.

But they knew one thing.

She mattered.

A lot.

"लोरी-लोरी... लोरी-लोरी..."

The repetition filled the room like a prayer.

Avanya's cries slowly softened into whimpers.

Her hands loosened their grip.

Tears clung to her lashes.

Her knee still bled slightly, a small stain dark against the bandage.

Her breathing began to steady.

Tuffy finally stopped pacing and sat down quietly on the mat, eyes fixed on her.

Rithvik waited.

And when her body went limp in deep sleep, he stepped forward gently.

Carefully.

He began changing her dressing, his hands precise but tender.

Vikram did not stop singing.

Not even once.

His palm continued to thump her head softly.

Like he was afraid if he stopped, the nightmare would return.

The room remained silent except for his voice.

When Rithvik finished, he looked up at his father.

And for a second, something shifted in him.

Pride.

Pain.

Love.

Arnav finally turned toward the family.

His voice was calm.

Controlled.

"Today is enough for all of us. I think you should sleep. We will talk further in the morning."

No one argued.

No one dared.

He turned to Arin. "Come. You will sleep with me."

Then to Rithvik. "You will sleep with Kabir. Don't leave him alone."

But before they could move-

Vikram spoke.

Without looking up.

"Arin will sleep with me."

His tone was quiet.

But final.

"Arnav, you three sleep in the beside room together. No one sleeps alone. Understand?"

No one denied.

No one questioned.

Because his words were not a suggestion.

They were an order born from fear.

One by one, the elders stepped out.

Saksham was the last to leave.

He looked at Vikram once more.

At the man who had just shown a side no one had seen in years.

Then he walked out silently.

The door closed.

Now only five remained in the room.

Vikram sitting on the bed with Avanya in his lap.

Arin standing near him.

Kabir beside the window.

Rithvik near the dresser.

Arnav near the door.

No one spoke.

The storm had quieted.

But the night was far from over.

Vikram's palm still moved gently over her hair.

As if he was reminding himself-

She's here.

She's safe.

She's mine.

And in that room filled with powerful men....

It was a little girl who held the most power.

Vikram laid Avanya down on the bed as if she were made of glass.

Slowly. Carefully. As though even the mattress might hurt her.

Her fingers were still loosely curled in the fabric of his shirt, and for a second, he didn’t move. He just stood there, watching her chest rise and fall. Making sure she was breathing steady. Making sure the nightmare had truly released her.

Only then did he straighten.

He turned toward Arin.

“Go and change your clothes. Come fast.”

His voice was low, controlled, but heavy.

Arin nodded silently and walked out.

Kabir didn’t wait for instructions.

The moment Vikram’s attention shifted back to Avanya, Kabir turned and left the room. He walked down the corridor without looking at anyone, without hearing anyone. His steps were fast. Unsteady.

He entered the gym.

And shut the door.

For a second he stood there, staring at the punching bag hanging in the center. His breathing was uneven. His hands trembled-not from weakness, but from rage.

Then he stepped forward.

The first punch landed hard.

The second, harder.

By the third, the sound of leather cracking against his knuckles echoed in the room.

He didn’t count.

He didn’t pace.

He just hit.

Again.

And again.

And again.

His mind replayed her voice.

Please don’t go....

His jaw clenched tighter.

He punched harder.

The bag swung violently, chains creaking under the force. Sweat formed instantly along his temples. His breathing grew harsh, like an animal cornered.

“Ughhhhh!”

He roared.

And then-

One final punch.

So brutal. So unrestrained.

The punching bag split.

It burst open with a tearing sound, sand spilling everywhere, scattering across the gym floor like ashes.

Kabir stood there, chest heaving.

His fists were red.

His shoulders tense.

He ran both hands roughly through his hair, tugging at the strands in frustration.

He wasn’t angry at anyone.

He wasn’t angry at the world.

He was angry at himself.

Because he was there.

He was beside her.

And still-

He couldn’t stop the nightmare.

That helplessness burned more than anything.

On the other side of the mansion, Rithvik walked into his room silently.

He didn’t turn on the lights.

He didn’t sit.

He walked straight into the bathroom.

He switched on the two-function rainhead shower.

Water poured down heavily.

He stepped inside without removing his shirt.

The cold water soaked through instantly, his white shirt clinging to his skin. His veins stood out sharply against his forearms, tension running through every muscle.

He closed his eyes.

Water streamed down his face, mixing with something he refused to name.

He tilted his head slightly upward, letting the water hit his forehead hard, as if it could wash away the memory of blood on her bandage.

He was a doctor.

He had seen worse injuries.

He had stitched wounds deeper than that.

But this-

This wasn’t just a patient.

This was his little sister.

And he couldn’t prescribe medicine for fear.

He couldn’t inject calmness into a terrified heart.

Water ran down his jawline, over his neck, tracing the lines of his collarbone. His fists tightened by his sides.

What if the stitches had opened?

What if she had fainted?

What if-

He inhaled sharply.

The water couldn’t erase the fear crawling under his skin.

It couldn’t drown the helplessness pressing on his chest.

He opened his eyes slowly.

The mirror in front of him blurred with steam.

He barely recognized the man staring back.

Strong.

Capable.

And yet-

Powerless.

He let the water run a little longer.

Just to stand there.

Just to breathe.

—

Meanwhile, Arin entered his room quietly.

He changed into his night clothes without even noticing what he picked up. His movements were mechanical.

When he finished, he sat down on the edge of his bed.

His eyes fell on the photo frame resting on his side table.

He picked it up gently.

It was a picture of Rashi.

His mother.

Her smile soft. Her eyes warm.

Arin held the frame in both hands, gripping it tighter than he realized.

He wiped the dust from the glass with his thumb, then traced her cheek in the photograph.

“Mom….”

His voice cracked instantly.

“I really miss you.”

He swallowed hard, trying to steady himself.

“I wish you were here with me…. with us.”

His eyes grew glassy, but he didn’t blink.

“Dad says she’s like you.”

A faint, broken smile appeared.

“I never truly knew how you were. I was too young to understand your strength….your kindness….your softness. But if she is even a fragment of you, then I want to spend every second protecting that fragment.”

His grip tightened.

“She isn’t just my sister, Mom…. she feels like you. A piece of you that somehow found its way back to us.”

His voice grew heavier.

“And when I saw her like that…. trembling….calling out in her sleep… I felt like I was losing you all over again.”

A tear slipped down, but he didn’t wipe it immediately.

“Not just you,but you within her.”

He looked up at the ceiling briefly.

“I don’t believe in God.”

His tone turned firm.

“But I believe in you.”

“If you can see me… if you can hear me… then please tell your God something for me.”

His breathing trembled.

“Take her pain away.”

“I swear, I will never complain about anything again. If they want devotion, I will go to temples. I will fold my hands. I will pray.”

His voice lowered into a whisper.

“But please don’t hurt her.”

“She is too small to carry this much fear.”

He wiped his tears harshly now, almost angry at himself.

He placed the photograph back carefully.

Washed his face.

Stared at his reflection.

Then stepped out of the room.

—

Arnav entered his room like a storm held inside a body.

He didn’t switch on the lights either.

He walked straight toward the balcony.

Pulled out a cigarette.

Lit it.

The flame flickered in the darkness.

He brought it close to his lips.

And stopped.

A flash of Avanya’s tear-streaked face crossed his mind.

Her tiny fingers clutching air.

Her voice begging someone not to leave.

His jaw tightened.

Without another second of hesitation, he crushed the cigarette beneath his shoe. Grinding it into the floor until nothing remained but ash.

He stepped forward and made a fist.

His knuckles tightened.

He swung his hand toward the wall-

And stopped inches before impact.

His breathing grew uneven.

This wasn’t rage.

This wasn’t anger.

This was fear.

And fear was unfamiliar territory.

A memory surfaced.

Morning tears in her eyes.

The way she had smiled at him earlier.

Trusting him.

Calling him her “giant uncle.”

His fist slowly loosened.

He leaned forward against the balcony railing.

Closed his eyes.

The night air was cool, but his chest burned.

“Mom”

His voice was barely audible.

“I need you.”

His throat tightened.

“Please come back.”

He wasn’t asking for miracles.

He wasn’t asking for strength.

He was asking for guidance.

Because for the first time in years-

He didn’t know what to do with the fear of losing someone.

He inhaled deeply.

Opened his eyes.

Then walked back inside.

Changed into his nightwear silently.

And stepped out of his room.

Four different rooms.

Four different storms.

Kabir’s rage.

Rithvik’s helplessness.

Arin’s aching grief.

Arnav’s silent fear.

Different emotions.

Same center.

A little girl sleeping in the next room.

And a father sitting beside her, refusing to close his eyes.

The night stretched longer than usual.

And none of them felt strong anymore.

They just felt human.

The door closed softly behind them.

Vikram was still sitting against the headboard, Avanya resting against his chest, her small fingers twisted loosely in his T-shirt even in sleep. The bedside lamp cast a faint golden glow across the room, creating long shadows on the walls.

As the four entered, Vikram looked up.

His eyes were red.

Not from tears.

From exhaustion.

“Arin,” he said quietly, his voice steady but firm, “you sleep here. Beside Avanya.”

Arin froze.

Vikram shifted his gaze toward the inner section of the room where three single beds were arranged neatly.

“And you three,” he continued, looking at Arnav, Kabir, and Rithvik, “sleep there.”

He paused deliberately.

“I don’t want any excuses.”

There was no anger in his tone.

Just authority.

They all nodded.

No one argued.

No one questioned.

Arnav walked toward one of the beds without a word. Kabir followed silently. Rithvik glanced once at Avanya before moving as well.

Three beds.

Three bodies lying down.

But none of them looked relaxed.

Meanwhile, Arin was still standing near the foot of the main bed.

Hesitating.

His hands were slightly clenched.

Vikram noticed.

He always noticed.

“She trusts you, Arin,” Vikram said gently.

Arin looked up.

“Give it a chance.”

There was something deeper in that sentence.

Not just about lying beside her.

About accepting her.

About allowing himself to feel that bond without fear.

Vikram extended his hand.

Arin stared at it for a second before taking it.

Vikram guided him to the right side of the bed.

Carefully.

Slowly.

As if positioning something precious.

Vikram lay down on the left side, pulling Avanya slightly closer to his chest. He adjusted the blanket around her, making sure her injured knee was supported.

Then he switched off the light.

Darkness filled the room.

Only the dim moonlight filtered through the curtains.

Vikram began gently thumping her back.

A steady rhythm.

Comforting.

Protective.

Arin lay beside her stiffly at first.

He didn’t move.

Didn’t even breathe deeply.

He was afraid that even a slight shift might disturb her.

After a few seconds, Avanya stirred faintly.

Her hand loosened from Vikram’s shirt.

And slowly-

Almost unconsciously-

Her fingers found Arin’s sleeve.

She held it.

Not tightly.

Just enough.

Arin’s throat tightened.

She didn’t wake up.

She didn’t open her eyes.

But she chose him in her sleep.

That was enough to break something inside him again.

He blinked rapidly in the darkness.

Across the room, Arnav lay on his back, staring at the ceiling.

Sleep was nowhere near him.

His mind refused to slow down.

Images kept flashing.

Morning.

Her small face scrunched up in worry.

The way she had cried for him.

Calling Rithvik to bandage his hand.

As if his tiny scratch was a disaster.

As if his pain mattered more than anything.

He swallowed hard.

When it was her turn-

When it was his turn to fight her pain-

He couldn’t do anything.

He couldn’t stop the nightmare.

He couldn’t erase the fear from her voice.

His jaw clenched.

The words from downstairs echoed again.

What if one day you say she is not your sister?

His fists tightened under the blanket.

No.

Never.

The thought itself felt insulting.

She wasn’t just his sister.

She was his angel.

He turned slightly on his side, looking toward the faint silhouette of the main bed.

He could barely see her.

But he knew she was there.

And something inside him made a silent vow.

Even if the world shifts, even if bloodlines question themselves, even if storms come from inside these walls....

I will never let you feel unwanted.

He closed his eyes briefly.

But sleep still refused.

—

Kabir lay on his back, staring at the ceiling.

The patterns carved into it blurred in the dim light.

He wasn’t thinking about downstairs.

He didn’t know the full conversation.

He didn’t care.

All he knew was what happened here.

The way she had clung to him.

The way her fingers dug into his shirt.

The way she had searched for safety even while trembling.

He exhaled slowly.

Her nightmares weren’t just random.

They carried loss.

They carried abandonment.

They carried memories of someone leaving.

And that terrified him more than anything.

What if one day she looked at him the same way-

As someone who might leave?

He shifted uncomfortably.

He hated that thought.

He hated that she had to experience fear at all.

Kabir was used to fighting physical battles.

He could handle enemies.

He could handle threats.

But this?

A little girl shaking in her sleep?

He had no weapon for that.

His eyes burned.

But he didn’t blink.

He just kept staring at the ceiling.

As if the answers were written there.

—

Rithvik lay on his side, facing the wall.

His breathing was controlled.

Measured.

But his mind was in chaos.

He was a doctor.

He had saved lives.

He had stopped bleeding.

He had handled trauma.

He had made decisions in seconds.

But tonight-

He stood helpless while her knee bled.

While her body trembled.

While fear overtook her system.

He replayed every detail.

Her face while eating ice cream earlier.

The happiness.

The laughter.

The black currant stain on her lips.

The way she had proudly declared her tummy was full.

And then-

The contrast.

Tears.

Sweat.

Blood seeping through bandage.

His chest tightened painfully.

Medicine can close wounds.

But what closes emotional scars?

He exhaled slowly.

If he couldn’t heal her pain-

Then what kind of doctor was he?

His identity as a brother clashed with his identity as a professional.

And tonight, both felt insufficient.

He turned slightly, glancing toward the bed.

Vikram was still thumping her gently.

Arin was lying still.

Kabir and Arnav were shadows in the dark.

Four grown men.

Reduced to silence by one child’s tears.

On the main bed, Vikram hadn’t closed his eyes either.

He felt every breath Avanya took.

Every slight twitch of her fingers.

He sensed Arin’s tension beside her.

He sensed the unrest in the room.

He continued the soft rhythm on her back.

Protective.

Steady.

He knew they were hurting.

All of them.

But he also knew something else.

This pain-

It wasn’t weakening them.

It was binding them.

Avanya shifted slightly again.

Her forehead pressed lightly against Vikram’s chest.

Her fingers tightened around Arin’s sleeve.

A faint, barely audible whisper escaped her lips.

“Baba….”

Vikram closed his eyes.

Just for a second.

“I’m here,” he whispered back.

Though she was asleep.

Though she couldn’t hear consciously.

He wanted the promise to exist in the air.

—

Minutes passed.

Or maybe hours.

No one checked.

The room remained quiet except for the soft hum of the air conditioner and Avanya’s steady breathing.

Gradually-

Exhaustion began to claim them.

Arin’s grip loosened slightly, though he still held her hand.

Kabir’s eyes finally closed, though his brow remained tense.

Rithvik’s breathing evened out.

Arnav turned onto his side, facing the darkness, and somewhere between anger and resolve, sleep pulled him under.

Vikram was the last.

He looked once at each of them.

Then at his daughter.

His princess.

And finally, even his tired mind surrendered.

Not because the fear disappeared.

Not because the pain was gone.

But because even warriors need rest.

And just like that-

They all slept.

Or maybe they didn’t want to.

But sometimes the body forces what the heart resists.

The mansion, which had witnessed arguments, rage, and tears just hours ago, now held only silence.

Heavy.

Protective.

Fragile.

Five brothers.

(A/n; tuffy is including too)

One father.

One little girl in the center.

Bound not by blood alone.

But by something deeper.

Something chosen.

Something fought for.

And in the darkness of that room, despite the fear, despite the helplessness-

A quiet truth existed.

None of them would ever let her fight alone.

Morning arrived quietly.

No storms.
No arguments.
No heavy silence pressing against the walls.

Just soft golden sunlight slipping through the curtains, touching the edges of the massive room.

Avanya was the first one to wake up.

Her eyelashes fluttered slowly. For a moment, she didn’t remember where she was. Then her vision cleared and she saw him.

Vikram.

Right in front of her.

His arm was still around her protectively.

A small, sleepy smile curved on her lips.

She rubbed her eyes with both fists like a tiny kitten and blinked again just to make sure he was real.

He was.

Then she felt something heavy around her waist.

Her brows scrunched.

She tried to push the hand away gently.

It didn’t move.

She turned her head slowly.

And froze.

Arin’s arm was securely wrapped around her waist, his face relaxed in deep sleep.

Her mouth opened slightly.

How did he come here?

For a second she just stared at him.

Then something shifted.

A spark.

A dangerous spark.

Her lips slowly curved into a mischievous grin.

She turned back toward Vikram.

He had opened his eyes and was watching her silently.

Before he could say anything-

She placed her tiny palm on his mouth.

“Shh.”

Vikram’s brows pulled together in confusion.

What was she planning?

She leaned closer and whispered dramatically, “Baba…. you love me na?”

And there it was.

Her ultimate weapon.

The puppy face.

Wide eyes. Slight pout. Innocence loaded like a sword.

Vikram melted instantly.

He nodded.

Of course he did.

She slowly removed her hand from his mouth and whispered, “Baba, please give me pen.”

Now his brows fully met.

Pen?

At 7 in the morning?

But then he noticed her eyes.

She wasn’t looking at him anymore.

She was looking at Arin.

And that spark?

It was glowing brighter.

Vikram’s confusion disappeared.

Oh.

Oh no.

He almost smiled.

He shook his head lightly but still got up quietly from the bed and walked toward the study table.

Arnav and Rithvik, who were already half awake and observing everything silently, exchanged a look.

They knew that look on her face.

Danger.

Vikram picked up a pen from the stand and handed it to her.

She took it carefully like it was some sacred mission tool.

“Thank you, Baba,” she whispered sweetly.

He stepped back slightly.

And yes.

He started recording.

Because some moments are too precious to miss.

Avanya sat up calmly on the bed.

She looked at Arin.

Still asleep.

Still clueless.

She gently placed the tip of the pen on his nose.

Paused.

No reaction.

She looked at Vikram to confirm.

He gave her a slight nod.

Proceed.

She drew a small triangle on his nose.

Perfect.

Then two straight lines on both cheeks like cat whiskers.

She bit her lip to stop giggling.

Then she drew a random triangle shape on his forehead for extra creativity.

Vikram covered his mouth to hide his laughter.

Rithvik turned his face away.

Kabir suddenly came out of the inner room stretching loudly.

“Suprabhat sunshine”

His voice echoed dramatically.

Avanya gasped.

The pen slipped from her hand.

And dropped directly on Arin’s forehead.

Silence.

All eyes widened.

Arin moved slightly.

He rubbed his eyes lazily.

And blinked.

He saw Avanya sitting way too close to him.

Confusion filled his face.

She smiled sheepishly.

Too sweet.

Too innocent.

Suspiciously innocent.

He slowly turned his head.

Saw the pen near him.

Then saw black ink marks on her fingers.

He narrowed his eyes.

Before he could react-

“Bhaiyu, mission abort”

She shouted.

Kabir instantly snapped into action mode.

He didn’t even ask what happened.

He scooped her up into his arms and ran.

Arin sat up quickly.

He touched his nose.

Black ink.

He froze.

Then he touched his cheek.

More ink.

His forehead.

More.

“You troublemaker!” he shouted. “I won’t leave you!”

He jumped off the bed and ran behind them.

Vikram lowered his phone slowly.

Arnav shook his head.

Rithvik sighed.

“Here we go again,” Arnav muttered.

They followed them out.

Kabir ran down the stairs like he was escaping a war zone.

Avanya was in his arms, laughing uncontrollably.

“Faster, bhaiyu! Faster!” she giggled.

Kabir smirked. “Your bhaiyu is on mission protection. No one touches my sunshine.”

Behind them, Arin thundered down the stairs.

“Kabir bhai,Put her down!”

“I will not!” Kabir shouted back.

“She attacked me!”

“She expressed her creativity!”

“She vandalized my face!”

“She improved it!”

Avanya laughed louder.

They reached the living room.

Kabir stopped suddenly.

So did Arin.

Avanya frowned.

Why did they stop?

She turned her face forward.

And froze.

There was someone standing in front of them.

A man.

Tall.

Unfamiliar.

Still.

Watching.

Kabir’s playful expression faded.

Arin straightened instantly.

Arnav and Rithvik reached downstairs and also halted.

Vikram walked behind them calmly.

Avanya blinked.

Her smile slowly faded into curiosity.

The laughter hanging in the air.

The chaos paused mid-run.

The pen marks still proudly decorating Arin’s face.

And the entire house frozen in a single second-

Because sometimes mornings don’t just bring sunshine.

Sometimes they bring someone unexpected.

And this time

No one was laughing anymore.

The laughter from a moment ago still lingered faintly in the air, but the mood had shifted.

Avanya’s giggles had died the second her eyes landed on the unfamiliar faces.

From Kabir’s arms, she stared openly.

The tall man standing in front carried a calm authority in the way he held himself. His posture was straight, shoulders firm, expression unreadable. He wasn’t smiling. He wasn’t frowning either. Just observing.

But he wasn’t alone.

Avanya’s eyes slowly shifted to the side.

Two women stood a little behind him.

They were nothing like Shobha Kaki.

These women were young. Elegant. Composed.

One wore a pastel salwar suit, her dupatta neatly pinned, her expression soft but attentive. The other was draped in a graceful saree, the pleats falling perfectly, her eyes sharp yet warm.

Avanya blinked.

New.

Very new.

Then she noticed something else.

Her gaze moved further across the room.

Six unfamiliar men were seated on the sofas.

Six.

All different.

All watching.

Her brows knitted together.

She slowly turned her face back toward Vikram.

Something inside her shifted-not fear, not exactly-but alertness.

Instinctively, she snuggled deeper into Kabir’s arms, pressing her cheek against his chest and hiding her face.

Kabir’s arms tightened around her immediately.

Arin straightened.

Arnav’s jaw hardened.

Rithvik’s eyes sharpened.

For one brief second, the air felt protective. Guarded.

But before anyone could speak-

Before anyone could explain-

Avanya moved again.

She slowly lifted her head from Kabir’s chest.

Turned toward the tall man.

Her expression changed.

Polite.

Calm.

Almost regal.

“Suprabhat, Uncle,” she said clearly.
(Good morning uncle)

Silence fell like a stone dropping in still water.

Every single person in the room blinked.

What just happened?

Kabir looked down at her.

Arin froze mid-breath.

Vikram stared.

Even the man-Saksham Singh Rathore-was taken aback for a fraction of a second.

Avanya tilted her head slightly.

“Are you new here?”

Her voice carried innocent curiosity, not a trace of fear.

Then, without waiting for an answer, she twisted around in Kabir’s hold and looked at Vikram.

“Baba, who is he?” She pointed openly at Saksham.

“And they?” She waved her finger toward the two women.

“And them?” Her small hand gestured toward the six men on the sofa.

Vikram stepped forward.

Without hesitation, Kabir gently handed Avanya to him.

The moment she settled into Vikram’s arms, she relaxed visibly.

He held her securely, her small back against his chest.

“Come,” Vikram said softly. “Let’s sit first. Then I’ll tell you everything.”

She shook her head firmly.

“No.”

Vikram blinked. “Why, princess?”

She looked at him seriously.

Then placed her tiny hand dramatically on her forehead.

“Baba,” she whispered, as if explaining something very important. “He is big. He is standing. And I sit? No, no. Bad manners.”

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Dipali’s lips.

Shipra exchanged a glance with her, clearly amused.

Avanya continued firmly, “I don’t sit until he sit.”

For a moment, the room simply stared at her.

Kabir’s chest swelled slightly.

Arin folded his arms, pride flickering in his eyes.

Arnav looked like he wanted to applaud.

Rithvik tried to hide his smile but failed.

Vikram.... Vikram just stared at her.

Something about her composure.

Her values.

Her words.

It felt so familiar.

Too familiar.

A memory flashed across his mind.

Rashi.

Devansh.

He blinked slowly, almost shaken.

Why is she like them?

Meanwhile, Samarth’s gaze rested on her face, though he could only see her profile from Vikram’s side. Her expression was steady, thoughtful, observant.

Ivaan leaned slightly forward.

Kiansh crossed his arms.

Yuvaan and Vayu exchanged subtle looks.

They weren’t mocking.

They weren’t judging.

They were simply.... watching.

As if trying to understand.

Vikram cleared his throat softly.

“Okay, princess. First let him sit. Then you will sit?”

She nodded once, satisfied.

Then turned again toward the tall man.

For her, he was still a stranger.

Vikram looked toward him respectfully.

“Take a seat, Bhaisa.”

Saksham gave a small nod and finally sat down.

Only after he settled into the sofa did Vikram lower himself into a armchair, adjusting Avanya comfortably in his lap.

One by one, everyone else took their seats.

The atmosphere was no longer chaotic.

It was careful.

Measured.

Even Tuffy, who had been running around excitedly a few minutes ago, padded into the room and quietly lay down near Vikram’s feet, glancing up occasionally at Avanya.

Vikram cleared his throat again.

“Princess.”

She looked up at him.

“Do you know you have brothers?”

She shook her head immediately.

Before Vikram could continue-

Kabir shot up from his seat.

“What the hell?”

The words slipped out before he could stop himself.

Every head turned toward him.

Avanya blinked at Kabir.

Arnav coughed lightly.

Rithvik rubbed his forehead.

Vikram glared sharply at Kabir.

Kabir slowly sat back down.

“Sorry,” he muttered, though his jaw remained tight.

Vikram looked back at Avanya.

“But princess,” he continued calmly, “you call Kabir your bhaiyu, right?”

She nodded.

“Then why did you shake your head when I asked if you have brothers?”

She stared at him thoughtfully.

Silence stretched for a moment.

Then she answered.

“Baba,he is my bhaiyu. Not brother.”

A few people exchanged confused looks.

She continued, completely serious.

“When I have no brother, how can I say I have brother?”

For a split second-

Silence.

Then a soft chuckle escaped from one corner.

Vayu.

All faces turned to him.

Arin’s eyes narrowed instantly.

The glare he gave could have frozen fire.

How dare he laugh?

She was genious.

She wasn’t joking.

Only he had the right to laugh at her logic.

Vayu noticed the stare and raised his hands slightly in surrender.

“Relax,” he muttered under his breath, though a faint smile still lingered.

He rolled his eyes lightly and leaned back against the sofa, but he didn’t speak again.

Avanya noticed.

She royally ignored him.

Very deliberately.

She even attempted a tiny eye roll of her own, though it looked more like a dramatic blink.

Then she turned her full attention back to Vikram.

Serious again.

Focused.

Waiting.

The room remained still.

Saksham watched silently.

Dipali’s eyes softened.

Shipra observed with thoughtful interest.

The six young men studied her as though she were something rare.

Not because she had said something extraordinary.

But because of the way she said it.

No hesitation.

No confusion.

Just clarity.

Kabir leaned slightly forward again, unable to stay silent for long.

“So, what exactly is happening here?” he asked, looking directly at Vikram.

Rithvik nodded. “Let dad speak.”

Avanya shifted slightly in Vikram’s lap.

Her fingers curled into his shirt.

She wasn’t scared.

But she was listening carefully.

Vikram placed a reassuring hand over hers.

“Princess,” he said softly, “sometimes,family is bigger than we think.”

She frowned slightly.

“Bigger how?”

He inhaled slowly.

Before he could answer-

Her eyes wandered again toward the strangers.

Toward Saksham.

Toward the women.

Toward the six young men.

They were still watching her.

Not threatening.

Not cold.

Just....waiting.

She lifted her chin slightly.

Composed again.

Almost regal in the way she sat in Vikram’s lap.

No nervous fidgeting.

No childish panic.

Just quiet strength.

And in that moment-

Everyone in the room realized something.

She wasn’t hiding anymore.

She was observing.

Understanding.

Measuring.

Tuffy shifted on the floor and rested his head on Vikram’s foot.

Kabir leaned back slowly.

Arin’s glare softened.

Vayu avoided eye contact this time.

Ivan whispered something to Kiansh under his breath.

Yuvaan’s expression remained thoughtful.

Samarth’s gaze stayed steady.

Saksham finally leaned slightly forward.

But before he could say anything-

Avanya spoke again.

Soft.

Clear.

“Baba,are they staying?”

The question was simple.

But it carried weight.

Vikram looked at her carefully.

“Yes,” he answered.

“For some time.”

She processed that quietly.

No dramatic reaction.

No protest.

Just a small nod.

She turned to Vikram again, her brows slightly drawn together, curiosity shining in her eyes.

“But Baba… who are they? And why are they staying here?”

The room stilled.

Vikram gently held her small hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as if grounding himself first.

“Princess,” he began softly.

He pointed toward Saksham.

“He is my brother, just like you have Kabir bhaiyu.”

Then he gestured toward Devansh.

“And he is my other brother.”

Avanya’s eyes moved carefully from one face to another.

Vikram continued, pointing toward Shipra.

“She is your sister-in-law. That means she is his wife.” He nodded toward Saksham.

“And she-”he looked at Dipali“-is his wife.” This time indicating Devansh.

Shipra smiled gently. “Hello.”

Dipali gave a warm nod. “Hi, sweetheart.”

Avanya looked at them for a full minute.

Not shy.

Not scared.

Just… observing.

Then she turned back to Vikram.

“Baba… down.”

Vikram immediately shook his head. “Princess, your feet-”

She shook her head too.

“Please.”

And that was it.

Without thinking further, Vikram carefully held her hands and lowered her to the ground.

But the moment her feet touched the floor-

A soft gasp escaped her lips.

Every head snapped toward her.

Concern flashed across the room.

Most of all on Vikram’s face.

Kabir was already half-risen.

Arin straightened.

Rithvik leaned forward.

Arnav’s jaw tightened.

Even the others showed a flicker of worry.

Vikram instantly picked her up again.

“I told you, Princess,” he said, a little stern this time. “You don’t listen to me.”

Before she could respond, Kabir knelt down in front of her.

“Sunshine,” he murmured softly, brushing her hair back. “See? Now you’re feeling pain. Why don’t you listen, hmm?”

Arin rolled his eyes dramatically.

“She never listens to anybody, Dad. You should give her punishment.”

And that was it.

Avanya’s patience snapped.

She turned toward Arin with full attention, eyes blazing in the most adorable way possible.

“Baba,” she said firmly, “I think first start with Monster Uncle.”

She pointed at Arin.

“He spill my ice cream. And he don’t say sorry.”

She huffed.

A chuckle slipped from Vayu.

But before Arin could defend himself, Avanya whipped her head toward Vayu.

“Don’t laugh on my Monster Uncle,” she warned seriously. “Otherwise I tell Tooth Fairy to take all your teeths.”

This time, it was Arin’s turn to laugh.

And did anyone really think he would miss this golden opportunity?

Of course not.

Meanwhile, Avanya turned back to Vikram, completely ignoring the chaos she had just created.

“Baba… I want to touch their feet. But now how can I touch their feet?”

Silence.

Shock spread across every face in the room.

Vikram gently lifted her chin with his fingers.

“Princess,” he said softly, “daughters don’t touch feet. And you won’t either.”

She immediately shook her head.

“But Baba… I learned guests are like God. And we always bend in front of God. He gives us happy powers.”

A slow smile spread across Devansh’s face.

Shipra and Dipali looked at each other, warmth filling their eyes.

Arnav gave a smug nudge toward Vayu.

Rithvik mirrored the gesture toward Kiansh.

Kabir looked around proudly.

Yuvaan and Ivaan exchanged a silent glance that clearly said-why is she so intelligent and cute?

And Samarth...

Samarth’s gaze rested quietly on Arnav.

On the man who stood there watching her like she was his entire world.

Like she was his angel.

And in that moment-

Everyone realized something unspoken.

She wasn’t just innocent.

She was pure heart.

---------------
Anuvae's Note 🤍

Hey my loves 🥺

I already published the chapter at 12:38, but I don’t know why it’s not showing for you all. I seriously thought I’d wake up to a flood of your comments, but I think this app has some personal grudges against me at this point 😭

And for those who are thinking, “Where’s the movie vibe? It’s not hitting the same…” - my little sweethearts, have some patience. Evening mein next chapter aa raha hai and guess what?

You’re going to be WHIPPED. Completely. No mercy. 😌

Also, I want to clear a few things. I already mentioned this before - Avanya will NEVER be the rift. So if you’re thinking she’s melting or doing something just so they can accept her then nope. That’s not happening.

She is the bridge.

And remember -they are the ones making efforts to be in her list. She rules. She ignores. Not them.

So yes, spoiler de diya maine 👀

And I’m really sorry about last night. I didn’t know there was a glitch. If you can see this chapter now, please let me know in the conversation section once, okay?

Next chapter will carry that previous vibe, but in a completely different way. So be ready.

Muahhh 💋
I love you, my golgappes 🤍

Good night - I’m going back to sleep again.
If anything happens, text me.

Byeee 🫶✨

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