"Why did you hit her!?" Vaidehi's eyes blazed with anger as she jerked her gaze up from the sewing machine, the needle hovering precariously above the black sleek metal. Her hands gripped the fabric tightly between the needle and the smooth metal.

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

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." Her eyes remained fixed on the threads sewing the clothes, her fingers expertly guiding the fabric.

The rustle of polythene and bags caught their attention, and their heads turned in unison towards the sound. "What happened, children?" Raghav's playful voice floated into the room, as he ambled towards them, and plopped down beside Nakul on the bed, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight.

Vaidehi's face twisted to one side, her lips compressing into a thin line as she refocused on the sewing machine. "This is all happening because of you. What did you used to do-All day just roaming here and there, fun, enjoy. No time for children. Have you taught any manners to them!?" Vaidehi's voice was low and venomous, each word spat out through her gritted teeth.

Raghav's eyebrows shot up, his palms rising in a questioning gesture. His eyes darted between Vaidehi and Nakul, a mixture of amusement and concern etched on his face.

Nakul shrugged, his lips twitching in one corner as he continued to play on his mobile.

"Where is Ira?" Raghav asked, his voice calm and even, a stark contrast to the tension in the room.

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

Raghav's head turned towards Nakul, and he playfully slapped his cheek. "Why do you always hurt my daughter?"

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

Raghav shook his head and stood up, before pulling Nakul's cheek a bit too harshly. As he walked towards the room Ira was in, Nakul's teasing voice followed him. "I will get revenge for this from your daughter!"

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Ira sat in a corner on the bed, a pillow propped behind her back against the wall in a gentle comfort. She clutched the other pillow tightly to her chest, chin dipped in the softness of the cotton. Her eyebrows 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 alien.

Raghav's voice whispered softly into the room, "Ira beti..." He extended a hand towards her cheek, his fingers brushing against the air mere inches from her skin.

Ira jerked her head away harshly to the other side.

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

Ira snuggled her face deeper into the pillow, the soft fabric muffling her ragged breathing. She waved her hand in a sharp, dismissive motion towards 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 with a mischievous grin spreading across his face. Raghav lunged towards him, arm raised in a mock slap, but Nakul dodged with ease, sidestepping with a fluid motion. "Ha! Side, side. Only I know how to make up with my blacky buffalo." Nakul waved his hand dismissively and sauntered towards Ira.

Ira's eyes snapped towards him, her face twisted in a scowl. Nakul snatched the pillow from her grip, making her expression startled before it morphed into a glare. She reached out to reclaim her pillow, but before she could grab it, Nakul snatched the pillow behind her back, leaving her unbalanced. Ira's face contorted in frustration, and she launched a flurry of fists at Nakul's back, pummeling him with surprising force.

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

Ira's fists flew faster, her face red with indignation.

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

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

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

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

Nakul shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Okay." He lightly tapped her on the back.

Ira's eyes widened in response. She 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. Ira's tears were forgotten, replaced by a bright smile as she chased Nakul around the room, their playful battle a testament to their unbreakable bond.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

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 as Antara wrapped her shawl tightly around her shoulders, her hands caressing the fabric for warmth. Her head tilted slightly, long hair cascading down her face like a veil, framing her contemplative expression.

Rudraksh walked beside her, his gray trousers and white hoodie a subtle contrast to the vibrant colors of Antara's attire. His hands were wrapped firmly around his chest, the hoodie cap pulled up to hide his face from view. The soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet accompanied their measured strides.

"So?" Antara's voice broke the silence, her calm tone was laced with a hint of curiosity. "How does it taste?" She turned her head to Rudraksh, her eyes lifting upwards to meet his gaze.

Rudraksh's eyebrows knitted together in confusion, his head tilting slightly as he regarded her skeptical expression. "Huh?" The word barely escaped his lips, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Alcohol." Antara's gaze pierced Rudraksh's face as she nodded slightly. "You must have known it very well till now, didn't you?" The underlying sarcasm seeped into her voice, her lips curling into a faint smile.

Rudraksh's gaze darted away, blinking rapidly as his eyes scanned the road, and his weight shifted from one foot to the other. He bit his lower lip, his teeth sinking into the soft flesh.

Antara's eyes flickered towards him, her gaze lingering on his side profile before returning to the road ahead. "What happened, beta?" Her voice was laced with concern, but the sarcasm grew thicker, like plaster on bricks. "Feeling ashamed?"

Rudraksh's face remained downcast, his eyes fixed on the ground, his shoulders sagging under the weight of her words. "I-I... I'm sorry, di." His words trailed off, lost in the silence between them.

Antara's eyes bored into his profile, her intense stare making Rudraksh feel so small. "Sorry doesn't always work, Rudraksh." Her low voice was firm but laced with a hint of sadness. She lifted her head, her gaze meeting Rudraksh's for a fleeting moment before drifting away to trace the forgotten footsteps on the sleek road. "You will have to show your apology through your actions." The sound of her sandals clicking on the pavement echoed through the night air.

Antara's footsteps halted in the tracks, making Rudraksh confused before he followed her suit, his gaze still fixed on the ground. His teeth gnawed at his lower lip, the metallic taste of blood twitching his lips upward in distaste. Her cold fingers brushed against his hand, making his body startle. His eyes instinctively lifted, meeting Antara's hopeful gaze.

She wrapped her hand around his, bringing it above her head. Rudraksh's fingers brushed against her smooth hair. "Swear on me, Rudraksh," she commanded, her voice trembling beneath her strong facade. "You will never touch alcohol from now on, never." Her grip on his hand tightened, her eyes pleading in desperation.

Rudraksh hastily pulled back his hand, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. "What nonsense are you saying, di!?" His raised voice echoed through the silent night, attracting the curious glances of a couple of passersby. His eyes flickered towards them, face flushing with embarrassment. He forced a gentle smile, trying to diffuse the tension. "Di, don't behave like a child, please." His voice was laced with a mixture of concern and frustration.

Antara's eyes flashed with anger. "So you won't listen to me?" Her voice was stern, each word clipped and precise. Her hands clenched into fists by her sides.

Rudraksh took a step forward, his lips parting to speak, but Antara cut him off. "Yes or no?"

Rudraksh's eyes darted back and forth, his face scrunched up in frustration. "Di, hear me first-"

Antara's gaze narrowed, her eyebrows shooting up. "Yes or no?" she repeated in a firm tone.

Rudraksh's shoulders slumped, his eyes dropping to the ground, and his lips remained shut.

"Fine." Gritting her teeth in determination, she sat down on the wet ground in a squat, the cold seeping through her clothes. Her hands folded firmly against her chest, the coffee-coloured shawl wrapping tightly around her. She jerked her head to the side, her profile sharp and unyielding.

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

Antara's head cocked upward, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. Her eyes shone with victory, sparkling like diamonds in the dim light. "Promise?" Her forefinger pointed accusingly at Rudraksh. The sound of crickets and rustling leaves filled the air, breaking the stillness of the night.

Rudraksh averted his gaze from the ground, his eyes meeting Antara's hopeful gaze. His lips pressed into a thin line, stretching into a wry smile in one corner. "Promise. But no swearing things." His words tumbled out hastily as he tilted his head, his eyes flashing with feigned anger.

A wide smile spread across Antara's face, her lips curling upward. She stood up, dusting off the back of her clothes, the sound of fabric rustling softly. Her hands extended towards Rudraksh's face, fingers wrapping around his cheeks, pulling them gently. Her nose scrunched up in the process, eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh my baby brother, don't be angry," she cooed at him in a soft, soothing voice.

Rudraksh's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Antara's face, and hands remained firmly placed against his chest. "Unbelievable."

Antara's lips curled up in one corner, her eyes glinting with mischief. She tilted her head, her hair falling in soft waves behind her head. "The type of treatment depends on the type of disease, my fireball." She lightly pressed her fist against Rudraksh's cheek, making his head turn to the side. "And, don't even think about breaking this promise, otherwise forget that you have a sister." Her expression turned stern, her eyes glaring like shards of ice.

Rudraksh glared at her momentarily, his jaw clenching, before he walked ahead with measuring steps. His hands hung limply by his sides, the fingers swaying gently with each step.

Antara followed behind him, her eyes fixed on his back. A content sigh escaped her lips that pressed into a thin line, as she nodded her head once before following him.

Rudraksh lifted his head at the feelings of her fingers brushing in his hair. A small smile flickered on his pressed lips as he turned to face her. His eyes met hers for a fraction of second, before he looked back at the road ahead, his eyelids drooping slightly.

Antara's eyebrows furrowed, and she stopped in her tracks, tilting her head forward. "You're crying, Rudraksh?" Her voice was laced with concern, the words cutting sharply through the air.

Rudraksh shook his head, his hair rustling softly against his forehead. He continued moving forward, his feet scraping against the ground.

Antara's eyes narrowed as she watched his hand reach out to his face, before placing it against his chest. Her hand swiftly extended towards his right hand, fingers curling around his wrist. She pulled him gently, making his legs move backward in a slow motion without resistance.

Rudraksh's face remained expressionless, head hung low, and gaze focusing downwards on the road at some distant point.

Turning him towards herself, Antara reached out her hands, cupping his face warmly. Her thumbs gently brushed against his cheeks, wiping away the tears. "Rudraksh," she whispered, the name sounding soft and gentle, like clouds swaying in the blue sky.

Rudraksh's red-rimmed eyes lifted, his wet eyelashes framing the sea of emotions that threatened to spill over his thin, almond-shaped eyes. His throat bobbed up and down, the ache restricting his tongue from forming words.

Antara's voice came out in a whisper. "Rudraksh...." Her thumbs reached out, gently wiping away the fresh tears that rolled down his cheeks. "My fireball... What happened?" Her gaze searched his face, her eyes locking onto his with desperation.

Rudraksh vigorously shook his head, and rubbed his fingers together desperately. His gaze casted downward, the tears welling up in his eyes like a stormy sea.

Antara's expression turned stern, her eyebrows furrowing in concern. "Rudraksh, tell me otherwise I won't talk to y-"

"Yeah." Rudraksh's words cut her off, his voice a dry whisper. "Don't talk to me. Everybody leaves me, you do that as well." His words tumbled out in a torrent between his heavy breaths.

Rudraksh's face twisted in anguish as he struggled to hold back his emotions. His eyebrows furrowed, and his lips pressed together in a desperate attempt to restrain himself from breaking down.

"First, mom and dad sold me to their relatives like I'm some kind of business deal at... at the age of four." The words spilled out of him like a dam breaking, each one laced with hurt and betrayal. "Then, those people abandoned me like some trash bag after they had their own child after seven years." His voice cracked, and fresh tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to overflow. He blinked them away, tilting his head to the side in a futile attempt to compose himself.

A bitter smile spread across his face, and a dry, mirthless chuckle escaped his lips. "And, the girl..." His eyes seemed to cloud over, lost in the memories of past pain.

Antara's almond-shaped eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at Rudraksh's pain-stricken face. "No, Rudraksh. Don't say like this." Her voice trembled with emotion, and she extended a hand, her fingers wrapping gently around his arm. "I didn't mean to hurt your emotions, bhai. I just don't want you to become a drunkard." Her touch was warm and soothing as she cupped his cheeks in her palms.

Her smile faltered for a moment before she smiled warmly, fingers tenderly caressed his forehead, pushing the strands of hair from his eyes. "You are no less than Swastik to me, Rudraksh," she said, her voice filled with affection. "I just want you to grow and live a life full of happiness. I will always be by your side, my little brother, always." She tilted her head to the side, her smile brightening as she spoke further, "Promise."

Rudraksh's head turned to the side, his hands pressed tightly against his chest. His lips were compressed, quivering slightly at the corners, and his eyebrows furrowed.

"Rudraksh..." Antara's voice sang out his name, the syllables lilting upwards in a playful cadence. When he didn't respond, a mischievous grin spread across her face. She reached out, her hands framing his face, her thumb on one cheek, fingers on the other. "Fireball..." Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and lips widened into a smile. But his lips remained shut. "So, you won't talk to me?" She began circling around him, her hands clasped together before her chin, fingers drumming in a rhythm against her lips. Her eyes darted to his back, and a sly glint slowly unfurled on her face.

Rudraksh's lips burst open, releasing a deep, rumbling laugh as Antara's fingers danced across his stomach. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and he doubled over, hands grasping at hers. "Stop it, di!" he pleaded, his voice shaking with mirth. His fingers tried to pry hers loose, but she held tight, her touch sending him into further fits of laughter. The air laced with tension a moment ago filled with the sound of their joyous laughter. Antara's hair bounced with each step, her eyes shining with happiness and affection seeing Rudraksh happy, as they made their way towards the ice-cream parlor.

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The little LED bulb above the ice cream parlor's counter cast a pale white light on the man's weathered face, illuminating the deep creases etched on his forehead. His eyes, heavy with exhaustion, scanned the flavors as he leaned in, his head bent in concentration. As he searched for the specific flavor his customers had requested, his fingers trembled, and his breath puffed out in a mist at the steel counter.

The chill night air seemed to seep into his bones, his body shivering slightly beneath his thin dark purple shirt and worn blue pants. But, the thought of his family's hopeful gazes waiting for him at home lit a fire within him, and he stood tall. His eyes locked onto the flavors as he got them out, extending towards the customers before his gaze drifted back at some distant point in the dark surroundings.

"Bhaiya, one strawberry and one chocolate, family-pack please." The vendor's gaze jerked up, his eyes focusing on Antara as he nodded briefly. His weathered face creasing into a map of lines, as he turned back to the task at hand.

Antara turned to Rudraksh, her smile still in place, though her eyes searched his face with a hint of concern. "You okay, fireball?"

Rudraksh nodded, his eyes still red-rimmed from the earlier emotional storm. His voice was a little hoarse as he replied, "I'm fine."

Antara's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she nodded and turned away, her movements fluid and calm.

"One vanilla and one butterscotch!"

Rudraksh's eyebrows furrowed deeply, visible lines etched on his forehead, as he snapped his head towards the familiar voice that sounded very distant now. The hood of his white hoodie framed his face, partially shadowing his features, from the pair of eyes once he desperately wanted to be on him only. The muscles in his jaw twitched, his fists clenched tightly by his sides, his body tense with restrained anger as he glared at her with fire burning in his eyes. His chest heaved with each ragged breath as he struggled to control his growing fury. With firm, purposeful steps, he strode towards the counter, his palms slamming down on it with a sudden, jarring impact, leaving Antara's eyes widening in confusion. "How much?" The words burst forth harshly, echoing through the silent night air.

The mesmerizing voice, one she no longer had claim to, made her heart skip a beat, and she swiftly turned to face him. "Rudraksh..." The name sounded like a tender secret escaping her rosy lips. Her eyes roamed over his back profile, her gaze as desperate as a thirsty person's search for water, craving just one last glimpse of that captivating face. Her fingers clenched the fabric of her sweater, her knuckles whitening with desperation. As she lifted a foot to take a step forward, a hand curled around her wrist, pulling her away from the watching crowd, the touch sending a shiver through her.

"Where are you going!?" The raspy whisper scraped against her ears, sending a shiver coursing down her spine.

Exhaling shakily, she raised her head, her gaze locking onto his furious face, his eyes blazing with anger. "Leave, Kabir. I need to talk to him." The whispered tone betrayed the lurking fear beneath her firm tone.

Kabir's face twisted, his jaw clenched, the muscles in his neck corded with tension, as his fingers tightened around her wrist. "Have some shame, Sanam. You are pregnant with my child. We are going to get married in a few months, and you have the audacity to see your ex-boyfriend right in front of me?" he whispered back through his gritted teeth, his eyes narrowing into slits as he glared at her.

Sanam's face flared with indignation, her lips compressing into a thin line before she spat out, "I made a mistake by trusting you!" Her eyes flashed with anger, her gaze clashing with Kabir's as she jerked her wrist free from his grasp. "If I'd had even the slightest idea about your true nature, I'd have never given myself to you!" Her mouth contorted in a silent snarl, her chest heaving with each ragged breath.

Kabir's lips curled up in a smirk, revealing a hint of amusement in his eyes as his gaze lingered on Sanam. "The damage has been done, baby. You should have thought this before cheating on your baby boyfriend." He lifted his hand, bringing it closer to her face, caressing the corner of her lips. "Now you are... mine. Only mine." His expression was a perfect blend of confidence and subtle menace. "Understand?"

Sanam's jaw clenched, her eyes blazing like a volcano on the brink of eruption, as she glared at him. "I should have left Karan beating the hell out of you." The words slithered out like a venomous hiss, each syllable spat through her tightly clenched teeth.

A low, menacing chuckle rumbled in Kabir's chest, spilling out of his mouth like a dark laugh. "You don't fear me, don't you?" His fingers closed around her cheeks with a gentle yet firm pressure, molding her face to his will, her lips bunching out in a comically exaggerated pout that only seemed to amuse him further. "Behave like a good girl, and I will treat you like my queen."

His head cocked to one side, the movement almost animalistic, as his eyes never left hers. "But, if you dare to play those dirty tricks on me that you played on your little boyfriends, then be ready to face the consequences... my to be wife." With a sudden, sharp movement, he yanked her face to the side, his fingers digging into her skin as her head snapped in response to his forceful grip. "I will not leave you, I will destroy you."

He pointed a ginger finger at her face, the tip of his index finger jabbing the air mere inches from her nose, as if emphasizing each word with a threatening gesture. "Get this inside your head."

"Rudraksh! Wait for me, bro!"

Antara's booming voice cracked through the air, snapping the couple's heads towards her. A solitary tear rolled down her cheek, her gaze remained fixed on Rudraksh's retreating figure, the distance between them growing with each passing moment.

Sanam squeezed her eyes shut, her face crumpled, her lips trembling before her body began to shudder with each ragged breath. What have I done with my life? The sound of her sobs and sniffles filled the air, her hair cascading around her like a dark, tangled veil, shielding her from the world as she buried her face in the crook of her neck.

A/N: Hello, everyone!

What do you think of this update?

1. What are opinions about Sanam and Kabir's relationship so far?

2. And, what do you think about Sanam's actions and thoughts towards Rudraksh?

3. What is your opinion about Ira's behavior: Is she childish, immature, innocent, or something else?