The porch light cast long shadows on the silent street as the three girls chatted together, their sparkling eyes slowly drooping with tiredness.

Nidhi handed Ira a white coconut chocolate container with a warm smile. "Here you go, Ira."

Ira smiled gently. "Thank you, and good night."

"Before you say goodnight, share some chocolates with us, my love~" Navya sang, extending a hand toward Ira, palm up.

Nidhi playfully slapped her shoulder, rolling her eyes.

Ira let out a small laugh and twisted open the pack, the plastic crackling as she extended it toward them.

Nidhi took one piece, her fingers closing around the smooth, white chocolate, while Navya grabbed a handful, the candies spilling into her palm as she chirped, "Thank you, cutie! Now, goodnight! Bye-bye! See you in class!"

The two girls waved goodbye and headed down their lane, their hushed conversation fading into the distance.

Smiling to herself, Ira turned toward the iron door at her house's entrance. The metal groaned softly as she pushed it open, and the scent of blooming flowers from the nearby vines wafted into her lungs as she inhaled the night air.

As she stepped inside, her ears caught the sounds of laughter and bickering. Cocking her head slightly, she scanned the living room before stepping in.

Nakul lounged on the bed, the TV remote held firmly in his left hand. "Come, come, my cute little buffalo! What have you brought for me?" He wiggled his eyebrows.

Ira walked further into the room, her footsteps quiet on the cemented floor. The LED bulbs cast a bright glow, illuminating the pale yellow walls.

As she approached the bed, her gaze landed on a scattering of shopping bags. Setting the chocolate container aside on the bed's edge, she sat down and reached for one bag.

"What are these for?" she asked, glancing at her brother.

Nakul popped a handful of coconut chocolates into his mouth, his cheeks bulging as he chewed. "Jhee...age...nt."

"Huh?" Ira leaned forward, resting her hands on her knees.

Nakul gulped and wiped the corners of his mouth with his thumb. "Jheel Didi's Chheka ceremony."

Furrowing her eyebrows, Ira looked at the bags again. Her fingers rummaged through the contents, uncovering intricate silver anklets, a nose ring, earrings, and fine fabrics. "When did her marriage get fixed?"

"Beta, do you even live around here?" Nakul commented. "Huh? You're always zoned out in your own little world." He grabbed another handful of chocolates and popped them into his mouth one by one.

Ira's expression remained neutral. "This is why Mamu came here? To give the wedding card?"

Nakul nodded, his cheeks full as he chewed.

"Okay. So, when is it?" she asked flatly.

"The day after tomorrow is the Tilak, then two days later it's the Chheka!" Vaidehi burst into the room, her eyes shining with excitement. "And after one month, the marriage!"

A small smile played on Ira's lips as she watched her mother's face swirl with genuine happiness. "What's the difference between the Tilak and Chheka?" she asked softly.

Vaidehi sat down beside Ira, her hands moving swiftly as she unpacked the shopping bags. The soft rustle of fabric and the jingling of bangles filled the air as she spread the contents across the bed.

"So, both ceremonies are pre-wedding rituals," she explained, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "The Tilak ceremony is held at the groom's residence, while the Chheka ceremony is held at the bride's."

Her hands moved deftly as she arranged the gifts on the bed. "In the Tilak ceremony, the bride's family-mainly the men-visit the groom's house. The bride's brother applies a vermilion tilak on the groom's forehead, symbolizing acceptance and consent for the marriage." She held up a beautifully embroidered kurta, the fabric shimmering in the light. "And the groom gets so many gifts - jewelry, clothes, cash, and more."

Ira's eyes widened with interest, her gaze following Vaidehi's movements. "And the Chheka ceremony?"

Vaidehi smiled, moving to the next bag. "In the Chheka ceremony, the groom's family visits the bride's house. The bride gets showered with gifts - jewelry, clothes, dry fruits, fresh fruits, and lots of other things."

Ira's mouth parted in astonishment, her eyes wide with wonder. "Woah..." She closed her mouth before speaking again. "So, when does the ring exchange happen? When do the bride and groom meet?"

Vaidehi's expression turned thoughtful, her brows knitting together. "There's no ring exchange. It's only Tilak and Chheka that initiate the marriage process. The bride and groom meet each other on the day of the wedding itself."

Ira's face reflected her surprise as she processed the information.

Vaidehi held up a stunning white long frock suit with golden embroidery on the top and bottom, paired with a white net dupatta edged with a golden border. The fabric rustled softly as she extended the dress toward Ira. "Ira, beta, try this."

Ira's eyes widened as she took in the elegant design, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns. "Wow, Mummy, this is so beautiful," she exclaimed, turning the dress to examine it from every angle. "Where are its sleeves?"

Vaidehi chuckled softly. "They're inside the dress. I'll attach them tonight. Don't worry."

Ira tilted her head to the side. "But why tonight? We have a whole month before the weding. Chill, Mommy." She winked at Vaidehi, stretching one corner of her lips to the side with a soft "tch" sound.

Vaidehi's hands paused, hovering over the clothes. "Beta, the Chheka is after two days. We'll be leaving for Rajgir by noon tomorrow."

Ira's nose scrunched up. "Maa... what will I even do? I'm not going." She fluttered her hand dismissively in the air.

"Then I won't go either!" Nakul's nonchalant voice chimed in.

Ira's eyes widened as she caught sight of his hands digging into the nearly empty chocolate container. Her face twisted in outrage, and she lunged across the bed, her long strides closing the distance between them.

"What the hell! You almost ate it all! Are you-" Her words caught in her throat as she snatched the container harshly from his grip.

Nakul's eyes narrowed. "Bitch! Give it back!" He lunged at Ira.

Ira's face reddened as she shot back, "Buy your own damn chocolate, you dog!"

"Did you forget all my favors, you ungrateful brat?!"

"Oh, shut up, you lazy sloth! You can't even get a glass of water by yourself!"

The insults escalated rapidly.

"You stinky pig! The whole house stinks when you go to the bathroom!" Nakul shouted.

"What the heck?! My digestive system is all clear!" Ira fired back immediately.

Vaidehi's voice boomed through the room. "Shut up, both of you!"

The room fell silent.

Nakul's mouth twisted as he pointed a finger toward Ira. "I won't go to her groom's house for the Tilak!"

Ira mirrored his stance, her hand firmly on her waist, her expression a perfect match for Nakul's defiance. "Bravo! Because I'm not getting married anyway. Thank you!"

Nakul's fist shot out, landing with a dull thud against Ira's back, sending her stumbling to the side.

Ira's lips curled into a snarl, and she lunged at Nakul, her fingers tangling in his hair and yanking him down.

"Witch! Leave my hair!" Nakul's face contorted in pain as Ira's grip tightened.

"You pig! How dare you punch me?!"

Nakul's hands clamped around her palms like iron, his nails digging in and scratching her skin until blood oozed.

Ira's mouth twisted in a pained grimace as she loosened her grip on his hair. "What kind of boy keeps long nails, you womanish man?!" She rubbed her skin where Nakul's nails had left red marks.

"I do! Do you have a problem?!" he screamed in her face, eyes bulging with anger.

"Why would I?! You're a woman trapped in a man's body!" Ira shot back.

Nakul's hand swung out, his fingers connecting sharply with Ira's left cheek.

Her face jerked to the side, eyes widening in shock.

A heavy silence followed, broken only by their ragged breathing.

Ira's eyes, still wide with hurt and disbelief, locked onto Nakul's face. Her lips quivered, but she said nothing. Then, without a word, she turned and stormed out of the room, the door slamming shut behind her with a resounding crash.

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At the dining table, the family lounged in their seats, the soft clinking of utensils against plates fading as they savored the last bites of dinner.

The warm glow of the fancy LED lights above cast a gentle radiance on their faces, illuminating Aanand's contemplative expression. His hands were clasped together on the table, his eyes fixed intently on Rudraksh - who sat one chair away from him on the right, swaying Swastik's tiny fists, making the little boy giggle and coo.

Anusuiya's eyes swirled with love as she darted her gaze from her husband to her son, and back again. Her smile deepened, and she leaned back in her chair, hands cradling the fabric of her purple saree. Her mind drifted forward to the future, imagining Rudraksh playing with his own son, and a tender smile spread across her face.

When will God bless me with this happiness?

Aanand's commanding tone drew all eyes. "How was the meeting, Rudraksh? I heard you got your leadership position back."

Rudraksh wrapped his hands protectively around Swastik's small body, holding the baby closer to his chest. "Yeah," he replied flatly, his expression neutral.

Aanand's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing slightly behind his spectacles. He closed them momentarily, a hint of frustration flickering across his face. "Then make sure not to disappoint anyone again with your reckless behavior. If you've taken on responsibilities, then fulfill them to the fullest."

Antara's eyes darted between Aanand and Rudraksh, unease flickering as the tension escalated. Her bangles jingled softly as she placed her hands on the table, fingers drumming a gentle rhythm. "Don't worry, Papa. I have full faith in my fireball. He's the best!" She flashed Rudraksh a thumbs-up, her smile wide and reassuring.

Vardhaman, seated across from Rudraksh, lunged at him in a side hug, his eyes shining with admiration. "Yes, Dad! You shouldn't doubt Bhaiya. He's the best-my superhero!"

Rudraksh's expression softened slightly at his siblings' support.

Yashoda's wrinkled face creased into a warm smile as she watched her family rally around each other. "See, Bahu? You should be proud of your children," she said, her voice trembling slightly with age.

Anusuiya's lips curled into a contented smile as she smoothed the pleats of her saree before meeting Yashoda's gaze. "You're absolutely right, Maa ji. All three of my children are well-behaved and always stand by each other. I pray they always remain like this."

Aanand pushed his chair back with a scraping sound. "Okay. I will take my leave now." His footsteps halted behind Rudraksh's chair, and he extended a gentle hand, caressing the baby's soft hair.

The baby's peaceful slumber seemed to soften Aanand's stern expression, and a warm smile flickered across his face. "He's asleep already," he murmured, his voice tinged with affection. Nodding, he retracted his hand from the baby's head and gave Rudraksh's shoulder a gentle pat.

Rudraksh's eyes went wide.

Aanand's muffled footsteps faded into the distance, signaling his departure from the dining room. The family's attention lingered on the spot where he had stood, the atmosphere slightly more relaxed in his absence.

"So!" Antara's hands landed on the table with a soft slap, the sound echoing through the room. "C'mon, fireball! It's time for ice cream."

Vardhaman scrunched up his nose, his face twisting in skepticism. "Who eats ice cream in this cold winter?"

Antara mirrored Vardhaman's expression. "Shut up, boy." She cocked her head to one side. "You just take care of my baby. That's your duty." She pointed a finger sassily at him before bringing it near her shoulder.

"Of course, of course. I'm your great servant after all, you b—"

Rudraksh's intense gaze made Vardhaman's words trail off, and he laughed awkwardly. "Beautiful! I was saying, my beautiful Didi."

Antara's grin grew mischievous, and she wagged her finger at Vardhaman.

Vardhaman threw her a warning glance before carefully lifting Swastik from Rudraksh's arms, adjusting the sleeping baby on his shoulder. The sweet scent of Swastik's baby powder made him relax as he made his way upstairs, his footsteps quiet on the marbled stairs.

"Huh. Both mother and son have made my life hell," he muttered, patting the baby's back gently. He whispered into Swastik's ear, "Hey, grow up fast. I've got some business to deal with you."

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"Why did you hit her?!" Vaidehi jerked her gaze up from the sewing machine, the needle hovering precariously above the sleek black metal. Her hands gripped the fabric tightly between the needle and the smooth surface.

Nakul's head snapped up from his mobile, fingers still clutching the device mid-scroll. "Really? And didn't you see how she behaved with me?!" His mouth twisted into a scowl, eyebrows furrowing. "She just showed you a few tears, and you flew into emotions. Wow."

Vaidehi's fingers curled around the handle of the sewing machine, her fist moving in a rapid rhythm as she sewed. "Don't teach me! You started hitting her first."

The rustle of polythene and bags caught their attention.

"What happened, children?" Raghav's playful voice floated into the room as he ambled toward them, plopping down beside Nakul on the bed.

Vaidehi's face twisted to one side as she refocused on the sewing machine. "This is all happening because of you. What do you do all day—just roam here and there, have fun, enjoy yourself? No time for children. Have you taught them any manners?!"

Raghav's eyebrows furrowed, palms curling into a questioning gesture, eyes darting between his wife and son.

Nakul shrugged, lips twitching at one corner, still glued to his mobile.

"Where is Ira?" Raghav asked with a smile.

"Both fought!" Vaidehi announced harshly, her voice rising above the hum of the sewing machine.

Raghav faced Nakul and playfully slapped his cheek. "Why do you always hurt my daughter?"

Nakul laughed, eyes still fixed on the game, and gently removed his father's hand. "Papa, your daughter is a crybaby. She still fights even when she knows she can't win."

Raghav shook his head and stood up, pulling Nakul's cheek a bit too harshly.

As he walked toward the room Ira was in, Nakul's teasing voice followed him. "I'll get revenge on your daughter for this!"

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Ira sat in a corner on the bed, a pillow propped behind her back against the wall for gentle comfort. She clutched another pillow tightly to her chest, chin resting in the softness of the cotton. Her eyebrows were furrowed, guarding her narrowed, tear-stained eyes as she stared at a fixed point on the floor. The maroon, fluffy jacket wrapped around her head and body gave her a cute, sulking look, like a small, wounded bear.

Raghav whispered softly as he entered the room, "Ira beti..." He extended a hand toward her cheek—

Ira jerked her head away sharply to the other side.

"Beti..." Raghav's voice trailed off, his eyes clouding with concern.

Ira buried her face deeper into the pillow, the soft fabric muffling her ragged breathing. She waved her hand in a sharp, dismissive motion toward the door.

Raghav's lips compressed into a thin line. His footsteps were muffled as he turned and walked away. "Seems my daughter will not talk to me," he murmured to himself, exaggerating the words as he disappeared from view.

Nakul burst into the room, a grin spreading across his face.

Raghav lunged toward him, arm raised in a mock slap.

Nakul dodged with ease, sidestepping with a fluid motion. "Ha! Side, side. Only I know how to make up with my blacky buffalo."

Ira's eyes snapped toward him, her face twisted in a scowl.

Nakul snatched the pillow from her grip, making her expression shift from startled to glaring.

She reached out to reclaim it, but before she could grab it, Nakul pulled the pillow behind her back, leaving her unbalanced.

Ira's face contorted as she launched a flurry of fists at Nakul's back, pummeling him with surprising force.

Nakul's laughter echoed through the room, eyes misting as he wiped the corners with the back of his hand.

Ira's fists flew faster, her face reddening.

Nakul caught her wrist mid-punch, his fingers curling around it gently but firmly. "Enough." His voice was firm. "I slapped you once, and you punched me ten times. That's more than even."

"Why did you hit me in my face?! I'll hit you too!" Ira's face scrunched up, her raised voice trembling.

Nakul chuckled, shoulders shaking. "So I can hit you anywhere, but not in the face?"

Ira sniffled, her nose wrinkling. "You should not hit anyone in the face! It’s bad manners!"

Nakul shrugged. "Okay." He lightly tapped her on the back.

Ira retaliated with a more forceful tap.

The room filled with the sound of their joyful shouts and snickers, the tension melting away as they teased and comforted each other.

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The porch light cast a warm glow on the quiet road, illuminating the occasional passerby and the siblings' gentle strides. The distant chirping of grasshoppers and the soft rustling of leaves filled the air.

Antara wrapped her shawl tightly around her shoulders, her hands caressing the fabric for warmth. Rudraksh walked beside her, wearing gray trousers and white hoodie. His arms were folded across his chest, the hoodie cap pulled up to hide his face from view.

"So?" Antara's calm voice broke the silence. "How does it taste?" She faced her brother, eyes lifting to meet his gaze.

Rudraksh blinked, turning toward her. "Huh?"

"Alcohol." Antara's gaze pierced his face. "You must know it quite well by now, don't you?"

Rudraksh's gaze darted away, blinking rapidly. He bit his lower lip, teeth sinking into the soft flesh.

Antara's eyes lingered on his side profile before returning to the road ahead. "What happened, beta?" she continued dryly. "Feeling ashamed?"

"I-I... I'm sorry, di."

"Sorry doesn't always work, Rudraksh." Antara stopped in her tracks, making Rudraksh pause. "You'll have to show your apology through your actions."

Rudraksh's eyes lowered as he stood before her.

She wrapped her hand around his, raising it above her head. "Swear on me, Rudraksh," she commanded. "You will never touch alcohol again. Never."

Rudraksh hastily pulled his hand back, his eyes narrowing. "What nonsense are you saying, di?!" His raised voice drew curious glances from passersby.

He glanced at them, face flushing with embarrassment, then forced a gentle smile. "Di, don't behave like a child, please."

"So you won't listen to me?" she asked sternly, each word clipped and precise.

Rudraksh took a step forward, lips parting to speak—

"Yes or no?" Antara cut him off.

Rudraksh's face scrunched up. "Di, hear me first—"

Antara's eyebrows arched sharply. "Yes or no, Rudraksh?" she repeated firmly.

Rudraksh's shoulders slumped, eyes dropping to the ground.

"Fine." Pressing her lips in determination, she squatted down on the wet ground, jerking her head to side. Her arms folded tightly across her chest, the shawl clinging around her.

A frustrated sigh escaped Rudraksh's lips. His nostrils flared, and his lips pushed out in a tiny pout. "Okay, fine!" he exclaimed, voice rising.

Antara's head tilted upward, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "Promise?" She pointed a finger at him.

Rudraksh's lips pressed into a thin line before stretching into a wry smile. "Promise—but no swearing things," he muttered, glaring at her with feigned anger.

A wide smile spread across Antara's face as she stood, dusting off her clothes. She reached out and pulled his cheek, her nose scrunching playfully. "Oh, my baby brother, don't be angry," she cooed in a soft, soothing voice.

Rudraksh's eyes narrowed, arms folded again. "Unbelievable."

A smirk curved Antara's lips as she tilted her head, her hair falling in soft waves behind her. "The kind of treatment depends on the kind of disease, my fireball." She lightly pressed her fist against Rudraksh's cheek, making his head turn aside. "And don't even think about breaking this promise—otherwise, forget that you have a sister."

Rudraksh glared at her for a moment, jaw clenching, before walking ahead in long strides. His hands hung loosely by his sides, fingers swaying gently with each step.

Antara followed, lips pressed together, eyes fixed on his back.

Rudraksh lifted his head at the feeling of her fingers brushing through his hair. A faint smile flickered on his lips as he turned to face her. Their eyes met for a brief moment before he looked back at the road ahead, eyelids drooping slightly.

Antara's eyebrows furrowed, and she stopped in her tracks, tilting her head. "You're... crying, Rudraksh?"

Rudraksh shook his head, his hair rustling softly against his forehead. He kept walking, his feet scraping against the ground.

Antara's eyes narrowed as she watched his hand move toward his face, then drop back against his chest.

She quickly reached out, fingers curling around his wrist, and gently pulled him backward until he turned toward her.

His face was expressionless, head hung low, gaze fixed somewhere on the road.

Antara cupped his face warmly, brushing his tears away. "Rudraksh..." she whispered.

Rudraksh's red-rimmed eyes lifted, his wet eyelashes framing the sea of emotions threatening to spill over. His throat bobbed, the ache choking his words.

"Rudraksh..." she murmured again, wiping the fresh tears rolling down his cheeks. "My fireball... what happened?" Her eyes searched his face desperately.

Rudraksh shook his head vigorously, bunching up the fabric of his hoodie in his fist.

Antara's expression turned stern. "Rudraksh, tell me—otherwise, I won't talk to y—"

"Yeah." Rudraksh's voice cut her off, a dry whisper. "Don't talk to me. Everybody leaves me... you do that as well." His words came between heavy breaths. "First, Mom and Dad gave me away to their relatives... like I was some kind of business deal... just at the age of four." He paused, swallowing hard. "Then those people abandoned me like a trash bag after they had their own child six years later."

Fresh tears welled in his eyes as he tilted his head, trying in vain to compose himself. "And the girl..." His eyes clouded, lost in the fog of old memories.

Antara's eyes glistened with tears at the sight of her brother's pain-stricken face. "No, Rudraksh. Don't say that." She held his arm gently, cupping his cheeks in her palms. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, my baby. I just don't want you to become a drunkard."

Her smile faltered for a moment before she composed herself. Her fingers tenderly brushed his forehead, pushing stray strands from his eyes. "You're no less than Swastik to me, Rudraksh." She inhaled a shaky breath. "I just want you to grow, to live a life full of happiness. I'll always be by your side, my little brother. Always."

Rudraksh turned his head aside, lips trembling slightly at the corners, eyebrows furrowed.

"Rudraksh~" Antara sang out his name.

When he didn't respond, a mischievous grin spread across her face.

She reached out, framing his face with her hands. "Fireball..." Her eyes sparkled, lips curving into a wide smile.

But his lips remained sealed.

"So, you won't talk to me?" She began circling him, hands under her chin, fingers drumming in rhythm against her lips. Her eyes darted to his back, and a sly glint unfurled across her face.

Rudraksh burst into laughter as Antara's fingers danced across his stomach. He doubled over, clutching her wrists.

"Stop it, di!" he pleaded through laughter. "Di! Stop it!" His fingers tried to pry hers loose, but she held tight, sending him into further fits of giggles.

The air once heavy with tension now filled with the sound of siblings' joyous laughter.

Antara's hair bounced with each step, her eyes shining with happiness and affection as she watched Rudraksh smile again. Together, they made their way toward the ice-cream parlor.

A/N: A cozy family time with a hint of playful bickering.

1. What do you think of Antara, and her relationship with her both brothers?

2. And, how was Nakul-Ira interaction?

Share your thoughts about this part in the comment below.