Manjhale bhaiya = Middle older brother
Bhabhi = Elder brother's wife

The sun stood at its zenith, casting a warm glow over the house as it occasionally peeked through the dark clouds drifting lazily across the sky. The chirping of birds and gentle gusts of wind broke the suffocating silence that had settled within the empty living room. The walls, adorned with family photos, seemed to echo with memories, their smiles frozen in time. The furniture, once filled with laughter and conversation, now stood silent and still.

As the doorbell rang, Anusuiya emerged from one of the rooms, her face etched with regret and grief. Her blue cotton saree rustled softly around her as she moved towards the main door, the gentle jingle of her payal and bangles whispering behind her.

The door creaked open, allowing a cool breeze to slip in like a thief seizing an opportunity. Anusuiya's eyes locked onto the person at the door for a moment before she turned and walked inside, her movements slow and deliberate.

As Anusuiya walked towards the bedroom, her steady steps echoed through the living room. "You returned very soon," she said, her voice dry and detached, her eyes fixed on the floor ahead.

Aanand followed closely, his white kurta swaying gently with each step, his eyes locked onto the back of her head.

Anusuiya pushed open the bedroom door, the creak of the hinges punctuating the silence. She walked towards the bed, where clothes were scattered haphazardly, and began folding them with precise movements, her hands gliding over the fabric. The soft clinking of her bangles created a gentle melody as she worked, her face a mask of calmness.

Aanand sat down on one corner of the bed, his eyes never leaving Anusuiya's face. He leaned back slightly, his weight settling onto his palms, which rested on the bed behind him. "Yeah... Maiyaan insisted on staying a little longer," he said, his voice low and measured.

As Anusuiya folded a crumpled shirt, her fingers smoothed out the wrinkles, her gaze fixed on the fabric.

"She said she'll be living in Prayagraj from now on," Aanand continued, his eyes following Anusuiya's hands as they moved. "Like, I'll be transferring to another city in six-seven months. So, it's good for her to live there... among family."

The scent of fresh laundry and fabric softener wafted up from the folded clothes. Anusuiya's hands paused for a moment, her fingers hovering over a folded saree, before she resumed her task. The silence was broken only by the soft rustle of clothes and the clinking of bangles.

"How is Rudraksh?" Aanand asked, his voice low and gentle, his eyes searching Anusuiya's face for a glimmer of emotion.

Anusuiya's hands slowed, her fingers hesitating before she replied curtly, "Alive."

Aanand's eyes dropped, his fingers absently rubbing the fabric of his kurta above his thigh.

Anusuiya's eyes welled up with tears, her chest tightening as she struggled to contain her emotions. "The doctor said he needs therapy." Her throat bobbed up and down as she swallowed, her fingers curling around the fabric like claws.

"I'm sorry, Anusuiya," Aanand said, his voice barely audible.

Anusuiya chuckled dryly, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Aanand. "Sorry," she repeated, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Do you forgive a culprit after they say this word in the courtroom?" Her voice cracked, and a tear rolled down her cheek.

Her hands moved with furious intensity, folding and refolding the clothes with jerky movements. The fabric rustled and crumpled under her fingers as she worked, the sound echoing through the room like a suppressed scream.

"Three years and nine months." Her gaze locked onto Aanand's, her eyes blazing with accusation. "My Rudraksh was only three years and nine months old." Her voice cracked on the last word.

With a sudden movement, she threw the cloth onto the bed, the fabric spraying widely across the bedsheet like a splash of color. "Because of you!"

The room fell silent, the only sound was the soft rustle of fabric and Anusuiya's ragged breathing. Aanand's face was pale, his eyes fixed on Anusuiya's, his expression a mixture of guilt and sorrow. His hands were folded tightly in his lap, his fingers interlaced as if in a silent prayer. "Anusuiya..."

"What Anusuiya?!" She leaned forward, her arms rigid by her sides, her eyes blazing with anger. Her face was red, the veins on her neck standing out like cords.

"You, you and your father, both had said, that witch will love my son more than anything, that I shouldn't worry. Your father didn't even let us talk to my son! Why? Because that would help my son to get attached to that gutter's insect!" she spat through gritted teeth, and her jaw clenched. "Did you see how much she cared?!"

Aanand's eyes cast downward, his gaze falling among the scattered clothes on the bed. "Anusuiya... we did what we thought was right at that time," he mumbled. "She was dying, Anusuiya. And giving Rudraksh to her was the only way to save her. You had seen how much she used to love him."

"Then where did her love go when her own miraculous son came into this world? Huh?!" Her voice rose, her words echoing off the walls. "Then my son became a burden to her?" Her voice fell to a whisper, her words laced with pain. "Suddenly, all the love shifted to her son, and nobody saw how she treated my son, whom once she claimed to love more than anything!"

Aanand's face twisted, his eyes still cast downward. "She regrets it now, Anusui-"

Anusuiya took a step closer, her eyes blazing with fury, her voice heavy with accusation. The air was thick with tension, the silence between them palpable. The anger hung in the air, mingling with the faint smell of fabric and dust.

Anusuiya's voice was laced with venom as she spat out the words, "I also regret believing in my child's safety with you and your family!" Her finger jabbed accusingly towards Aanand's bowed head, her arm trembling with rage.

"And why are you taking her side?" Anusuiya's eyes narrowed, her hand curling into a fist as she brought it near her stomach. "She's you elder brother's wife, not yours!"

"What rubbish are you talking about, Anusuiya?!" Aanand snapped, his voice rising. "Watch your words."

Anusuiya's face twisted, her eyes blazing with fury. She took a step closer to Aanand, her movements swift and aggressive. "I watched your and your family's ridiculous actions for years," she hissed, her voice barely above a whisper. "And now I've to watch my words as well?"

Aanand stood up, his hands reaching out to gently grasp Anusuiya's shoulders. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with a deep longing for understanding. "Anusuiya... please understand my condition as well," he said in a soft, soothing voice, his fingers gently squeezing her shoulders.

"Manjhale bhaiya had so much for me." His voice was filled with gratitude. "Because of him, I could study without any tension." His hands moved expressively, as if conjuring up memories. "He used to work in the fields and send money for my expenditures."

Aanand's eyes searched Anusuiya's, pleading for comprehension. "And, did you forget?" he asked, his voice gentle. "He was the only person who supported me when I said I wanted to marry you." His fingers tightened around her shoulders, his grip warm and reassuring. "Otherwise, both my elder brother and your elder sister were against it." His voice fell into a whisper, filled with emotion. "He had done so much for us, Anusuiya."

Anusuiya's expression remained unreadable. Aanand's pleading eyes held hers. "So, when bhaiya and bhabhi were struggling to get a child even after ten years of marriage, I couldn't see their misery." His voice cracked at the end.

Anusuiya's voice trembled as she spoke, "So you decided to return the favor by giving my child." Tears rolled down both her cheeks, her eyes brimming with pain. Her face contorted, her lips quivering as she struggled to contain her emotions.

"And, everybody supported you," she continued, her voice cracking. "You became their great son." Her words dripped with venom, her gaze piercing Aanand's. "And my child... he became... just a thing." Her voice rose, her anger and hurt boiling over. "Nobody supported him when your cruel dear great bhabhi was torturing him."

Aanand's face twisted in regret, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Anu-"

"Go to hell with your disgusting family!" She jerked his arms harshly, her fingers digging into his skin. Her face was twisted in fury, her eyes blazing with hatred.

With a sudden movement, she stormed out of the room, the door slamming shut behind her. The sound echoed through the hallway, leaving Aanand alone to apologize to the empty space. The silence that followed was oppressive, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved emotions.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Ira lay on the bed, her stomach pressed against the mattress, which dipped slightly under her weight. Her elbows were bent, supporting her upper body, as she held a phone in her palms. Her thumbs glided rapidly over the screen, moving back-and-forth, up-and-down, as she played the game "Temple Run". Her eyebrows were furrowed in concentration, her eyes glued to the screen, her face a picture of intense focus.

"C'mon, c'mon. A little more," Ira mumbled to herself, her lips pursed together. Her thumbs moved faster, her fingers tapping out a rapid rhythm on the screen.

"Ira!" Nakul's voice boomed across the dining area, piercing through the room. The sound echoed off the walls, but Ira didn't flinch, too engrossed in her game.

Nakul screamed her name again. "Ira?!" The volume was louder this time, but Ira's focus remained unwavering. She didn't even blink, her eyes fixed on the screen as she navigated her avatar through the game's obstacles.

"Ira?!" Nakul's voice echoed through the room once more.

Ira's eyes shut as she threw her phone onto the pillow, the device landing with a soft thud. "What?!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with annoyance, as she walked out of the room.

Nakul looked up from his phone, his gaze locking onto Ira's, and a grin spread across his face. "Food," he said, his voice casual, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Ira's face twisted, her hands firmly planted on either side of her waist. She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Don't you have limbs?" she snapped in a whisper.

Nakul's gaze dropped back to his phone, his fingers moving swiftly over the screen as he continued playing his game. "Shut up, and bring the food," he muttered, his tone dismissive.

Ira's anger flared, her face reddening. "I'm not your servant!" she exclaimed, her voice shrill. She turned swiftly on her feet, her hair whipping around her, and walked back towards the room.

The chair scraped against the floor as Nakul stood up, his movements swift. He reached out a hand, his fingers curling around Ira's arm, holding her in place. "First, get food for me, then you can go," he said, his grip firm.

Ira's face contorted, her lips twisting and eyes narrowing as she struggled to release his grip on her arm. "But why should I?!" she demanded. "Why can't you get your own food? Did I ever ask to serve me, or even for a glass of water?!" Her arm jerked in his grasp, her body tense with resistance.

"That's your problem you don't ask." Nakul lifted Ira like a kid, his arms wrapping around her waist as he brought her down at the doorsteps of the kitchen. He smiled widely, his eyes sparkling with amusement, and gestured toward the kitchen. "Food," he said, his voice firm but playful.

Ira sat down on the floor, cross-legged, her hands firmly folded across her chest. She turned her face to the other side, her jaw set in a stubborn expression.

Nakul stood there, his knees bent and hands folded, his eyes fixed on Ira with a challenging glint. "I will also not leave till you serve me food," he said, his voice low and teasing. He lifted his chin, his eyes roaming across the white ceiling, as if savoring the moment.

The jingling of payal and bangles echoed, announcing Vaidehi's arrival.

Ira's head turned with a force, her eyes locking onto her mother's, and she stood up on her feet. She walked towards Vaidehi, her face contorted in frustration.

"Mummy! Tell him to serve his own food," she exclaimed, gesturing toward Nakul with a firm hand. Her face was twisted in a plea, her eyes wide with exasperation.

Nakul watched the scene unfold, a smirk playing on his lips.

Vaidehi sank tiredly into the chair, her fingers massaging her forehead as if trying to ward off a growing headache. "Beta, serve him, can't you? My head is aching," she said, her voice laced with fatigue.

Ira's face twisted as she exchanged glances between her mother and brother. Her hands jerked furiously by her sides, her fingers curling into fists.

Nakul wriggled his eyebrows at Ira, the smirk still in the play.

Ira threw her hands up in the air, her face contorted. "No! You should have taught him to do his own chores, from the start!" she exclaimed, her eyes flashing with anger as she glared at Vaidehi. "This is why he has become so reckless!"

"He will learn with time, beta..." Vaidehi's voice trailed off into a whisper, her words barely audible.

Ira's face contorted. "He's twenty-five! When will he learn, at eighty-five years old?!" Her voice rose, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Nakul's smirk grew wider, his voice dripping with amusement. "Aeyy, drama queen. Your performance has ended. Now, serve the food. C'mon."

Ira's eyes blazed with anger as she silently screamed, throwing daggers at Nakul with her glare. "Handicapped dog," she muttered under her breath, her lips curling into a snarl.

The air was thick with tension, the silence between them heavy with unspoken resentment. Vaidehi's eyes darted between her two children, her expression a mixture of concern and frustration.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

In the room, embellished with light yellow and white walls, Karan stood near the dressing table, bathing in the soft glow of the fancy LED bulbs. A row of perfumes lined the bottom of the mirror, accompanied by different watches, men's creams, mobile, scrap book, crayons, and a leather belt. The scent of his cologne wafted through the air, mingling with the faint smell of the cream. His fingers moved deftly as he worked on the buttons of his plain deep brown shirt, the fabric rustling softly.

He extended a hand towards the table, his fingers closing around the leather black belt, the smooth texture fitted comfortably in his palm. He slid the belt through the straps of his black jeans, the metallic buckle clicking into place.

"Bhaiya!"

Karan's head rose, his eyes flickering towards his sister before darting back to the floor, his gaze lingering on the spot where his belt had lain. His movements stopped abruptly, and he blinked multiple times, his eyes narrowing as he lifted his head swiftly. His hands hung limply by his sides, his fingers curled into fists. "What the hell is this, Kanak?!"

Kanak stood there, the georgette floral orange frock till her calf rustling softly as she shifted her weight, the puffed quarter sleeves accentuating her slender arms. The ghonghroo payal on her ankles jingled faintly as she moved, the sound weaving in with her ragged breathing. Her feet, painted with vibrant red aalta, seemed to glow against the muted tones of the room. The artificial golden bracelets on her wrists glinted in the light as she clutched her stomach, her fingers digging into the fabric of her frock.

Her elbow-length black hair, curled at the ends, cascaded down her back and framed her face, the strands dancing with each sob. Her red-painted lips trembled, and her Kajal-laced eyes brimmed with tears, the droplets rolling down her heaved, blushed cheeks like mist on pink rose petals in winter. The sound of her cries filled the room, echoing off the walls as her face contorted.

"Aai..." Her hands rose to the corners of her eyes, the knuckles of her fists roughly wiping away the tears. Her mouth opened wide, and she cried, sniffled, and sobbed uncontrollably, her body shaking with each ragged breath. The sound of her sobs seemed to tear through the air, leaving a palpable sense of distress in its wake.

"Aai! Aai! Come here!" Karan's slightly deep voice boomed across the room, his eyes widening, and eyebrows furrowed in a fierce glare at Kanak's tear-stained features.

Kanak's cries intensified as she wiped her tears with the back of her palms, smudging her makeup and leaving streaks of Kajal, blushes, and lipsticks on her cheeks.

Rukmini's footsteps pounded on the floor as she entered the room, the soft rustle of her pink cotton plain saree following her like a whisper. Her forehead lines deepened and mouth agape as she took in the scene before her. Her hair, tied in a neat bun, framed her face, a few stray strands escaping to frame her worried expression. "What happened?"

Karan's fingers curled around Kanak's trembling arm, his grip firm but gentle as he turned her frame towards their mother. "What is this, Aai?" His jaw was clenched as he pointed a finger towards Kanak's face. "She is just fourteen. And you're buying her these stupid makeup kits."

Rukmini's face contorted, her lips pressing together as she released a soft pop, watching her daughter's miserable crying and her son's reddening face. A deep sigh escaped her lips, and she lifted her eyes, locking onto Karan's fierce gaze. "She was insisting so much..."

"Aai... I will not talk to bhaiya...," Kanak's voice trembled as she extended her arms towards her mother, her fingers grasping for comfort.

Karan's hand closed around her arm, pulling her back in place. "Shut up!"

Rukmini's eyes narrowed at her son, her gaze piercing. "Karan, stop scolding her. You are making her cry." She pulled Kanak into her embrace, her arms wrapping tightly around her daughter's shaking body. Kanak's cries pierced the room, the sound echoing off the walls.

Karan's eyes squeezed shut, his lips stretching across his face as he scrunched up his nose in distaste. "Stop crying, Kanak. You'll tear my eardrum."

Kanak's cries only intensified, and Rukmini's eyes shut in frustration. "Stop making her cry, Karan, or I'll kick you both out of my house!" Her voice was firm, her words hanging in the air like a challenge.

Karan's hand closed around the nape of Kanak's neck, holding her in place as he reached for the drawer in the dressing table. The sound of the drawer sliding open was followed by the rustle of packaging as he pulled out a pack of wet tissues. With precision, he pulled out a handful of tissues and began to wipe away the streaks of makeup on Kanak's face. The soft fabric of the tissues glided across her skin, removing the colorful smudges and revealing her tear-stained features beneath.

Karan's stern face broke into a soft smile, his lips curling upward as he gently turned Kanak's head towards the mirror. The glass reflected Kanak's tear-stained features, her puffy eyes and quivered lips. "See, you are already very pretty without those things." His voice was gentle, his words soothing.

Kanak's gaze met her reflection, her eyes welling up with fresh tears. "You ruined my hard work!" She threw her fists to her sides, her arms stiffening in frustration, and lifted her head to glare at Karan.

Karan ran a tongue over his lips, and he exhaled a deep breath. Smiling, he cupped her face in his palms, his thumbs gently brushing her hair off her eyes. "Kanak, my little angel, these are bad things, beta. Your skin will be ruined. These are stupid. Don't ever use them." His mouth twisted in distaste, his nose wrinkling slightly.

Kanak's face scrunched up, her eyebrows furrowing. "But my friends from the tuition said beautiful girls should use makeup!" Her cheeks puffed out in a determined expression.

Karan's expression softened, and he wrapped his arms around his sister, pulling her close. Her head rested on his chest, and he could feel her heartbeat slowing down. "Don't go to that tuition. I'll teach you at home."

As he held her, he raised his eyebrows at Rukmini, who was watching the scene unfold with a mixture of amusement and concern. "By the way, why are you so dressed up? Are you going somewhere?"

Rukmini just shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips.

Kanak nodded against Karan's chest, her head bobbing up and down as she mumbled into his shirt. "I wanted to go with you. To Rudraksh's bhaiya house."

Karan's eyebrows furrowed. "Why?"

Kanak's voice was barely above a whisper. "To meet my friend."

Karan's forehead lines deepened, and he broke the hug, pulling Kanak in front of him, holding her arms gently. "Which friend of yours lives there?" He tilted his head near hers, his narrowed eyes locked onto hers.

"Maan." Kanak's smile was shy, her cheeks flushing pink as she said the name.

Karan's eyebrows furrowed, his mouth agape in surprise. "You are blushing?" His eyes widened in disbelief, his voice rising in amusement. "Aai! She is blushing. What the hell?!"

Kanak's lips quivered again, her eyes welling up with new tears. Karan's expression turned stern, and he pointed a finger towards Kanak. "And his name is Vardhaman, not Maan. Focus on your studies!" His voice was firm, his words echoing through the room.

Karan's hand closed around the brown leather strap watch on the dressing table. He strapped it onto his wrist, the metallic buckle clicking into place. With a final glance at Kanak, he turned and walked out of the room, his stern voice echoing behind. "Control her Aai!" The sound of his footsteps faded into the distance, leaving Kanak and Rukmini alone in the room.

"Aai! He is so heartless..." Kanak's voice trailed off, her words dissolving into a mixture of sniffles and sobs.

Rukmini wrapped her arms around her daughter, pulling her into a warm hug. As she held Kanak close, her lips curved into a soft smile, and she laughed gently, her fingers tenderly caressing Kanak's hair. "Should we continue with your homework, beta?" Her voice was warm and soothing.