Rudraksh, in grey trousers and white sweater, reclined in a throne of white wicker. His head cradled by the chair's frame, ankles crossed in languid repose. His right hand hovered limply by his side, fingers twitching slightly as if grasping for a phantom thread. 

The pink cast on his wrist had given way to a fresh white one, suspended cautiously against his chest, supported by white straps that looped around his neck and shoulder.

The warm sunlight of early February danced across the stitches on his forehead, visible through the veil of his long black hair that cascaded down to his closed eyes like a waterfall of night, shrouding his forehead and ears in mystery. The soft golden glow of his skin seemed to radiate an inner serenity, illuminated by the sun's gentle touch.

His chest rose and fell with each slow breath. His thin, almond-shaped eyes flickered beneath their lids like candle flames in the breeze. Every so often, his tongue darted out to moisten his bow-shaped red lips, while the sun's rays cast intricate shadows of his diamond-shaped face on his neck.

The solace stretched out, and the sounds of nature grew louder – a symphony of life, with the sweet scent of flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves in the background. The soft chirping of birds wove a calming melody, a gentle counterpoint to the hum of the world beyond the garden's walls.

The warmth of the sun seeped into his skin, and his muscles relaxed further, like a bow unstrung, sinking deeper into the chair's embrace.

"Rudraksh," Antara called out, her medium-pitched voice carrying through the air as she approached him. Her simple green saree rustled softly with each step, accompanying by the gentle clinking of her bangles and anklets. She held a plate piled high with a steaming Masala dosa pieces, white coconut chutney, and sambar.

Rudraksh's eyes flickered open, and he squinted against the warm sunlight that danced across his face. He blinked a few times, his gaze finally landing on Antara's calm face.

A light smile spread over as he straightened his posture, his good arm moving slightly to adjust his position in the chair. The movement caused the white straps supporting his cast to shift slightly, and he winced softly. His face tightened for a moment before relaxing again into a gentle smile.

Antara settled into the empty chair beside him, the chair's legs sinking slightly into the soft grass. She held out the plate to Rudraksh, her eyebrows rising slightly as she gestured to the food. "Here, eat."

Rudraksh's gaze dropped to the plate, his eyes locking onto the steaming Dosas and chutneys. For a moment, his face was expressionless, his eyes betraying no emotion. Then, he looked up at Antara, and his nose wrinkled, lips curled into a faint grimace. "I-I...am full, honestly."

"Shut up." Antara flipped her hair over her shoulder with a fluid motion. The warm sunlight caught her skin, casting a golden glow on her olive complexion. "It's almost been more than a month now. And, you're still stuck in there."

As she spoke, her fingers moved deftly, breaking off a piece of the dosa and dipping it into the vibrant red chutney.

The crunch of the dosa gave way to the creamy texture of the chutney, and the aroma wafted up, enticing Rudraksh.

Antara brought the bite near his lips, her eyes never leaving his face. "C'mon, eat." Her voice was that of an elder sister, firm yet caring, brooking no argument.

Rudraksh's narrowed eyes remained fixed on Antara's furrowed expression, before he slowly parted his lips, allowing her to feed him. The spices and tangy flavors of the chutney danced on his taste buds, and he chewed slowly.

Antara fed him with a gentle, yet firm touch, her movements economical and precise. Her expression was a perfect blend of a caring sister and a nurturing mother.

As Rudraksh finished the last bite, Antara's lips broke into a wide smile, her face lighting up. "Good boy."

Giving him one last smile, she stood up from the chair, her saree rustling softly. She walked towards the house with calm, measured steps, the sound of her bangles and anklets fading into the distance as she disappeared inside.

Rudraksh's gaze followed his sister's retreating figure until she vanished into the house.

The sound of firm footsteps approaching from the front caught his attention. He turned his neck, eyes scanning the area until they landed on the familiar face. A warm, wide smile spread across his face. "Sid! How are you?"

Siddharth's face mirrored Rudraksh's enthusiasm, as he strode towards him with long strides. His formal uniform – black pants paired with white shirt, guarded by unbuttoned court – hinted at his arrival straight from the court.

He got into the empty chair, and slid an arm around Rudraksh's shoulder, pulling him into a gentle side hug. He tilted his face forward towards Rudraksh, eyes crinkling. "I'm good. How's my buddy doing?"

"I'm good too," Rudraksh replied smoothly, his voice relaxed.

Siddharth nodded, his eyes fixed on Rudraksh's casted wrist, then drifting to the stitches marks on his forehead. His gaze lingered for a moment before they met his eyes.

"Hey, Sid..." Rudraksh began, his voice trailing off slightly.

Siddharth raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"

Rudraksh blinked rapidly. "I heard... someone threatened you?"

Siddharth shrugged, closing his eyes momentarily. "That happens, Rudraksh. You know, some people throw these hollow threats after getting punishment. Ignore them." He patted Rudraksh's shoulder with a gentle touch.

"What to ignore, boys?!" Antara's voice floated into the air making both friends turn their heads towards her in synchronization.

Siddharth's face broke into a warm smile as he greeted her, "Good morning, di!"

"A very good morning to you too, Mr. Perfectionist!" Her hands clapped together, before she settled into the chair across them. "So, how's your practicing going on?" Her gaze flicked between Rudraksh and Siddharth.

"Interesting!" Siddharth's lips stretched into a wide smile. "Actually, very interesting. Some politicians and crimes." He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees as he shared the news.

Rudraksh's husky voice cut through the excitement, his tone serious and concerned. "Whatever it is, just be safe." His eyes locked onto Siddharth's. "And, let me know if you need any help."

Siddharth sighed, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. "My dearest brother, don't worry. I've handled these things before. Nothing will happen to me." He patted Rudraksh's hand and leaned back in his chair.

The warm sunlight cast a glow on his brown complexion, highlighting his relaxed features.

They sat there in silence, the only sound being the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet, melodious singing of a nightingale in the distance. The cold breeze occasionally swept through, whipping their hair into gentle disarray. Leaves from the nearby trees drifted lazily in the air before settling to the ground.

Siddharth's eyes met Antara's, their gazes locking for a noticeable moment.

Antara's eyelids fluttered, and she blinked, breaking the connection. Her gaze darted towards Rudraksh, who was staring intently at the grassy ground with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes seemed to be studying the blades of grass as if they held the solution to some complex puzzle.

"Fireball." Antara's fingers gently caressed Rudraksh's hair, the strands tangling around her fingers.

"Hmm?" 

"Don't you think you should get a haircut?"

Rudraksh's face twisted, and he lifted his head. Wrapping his fingers around Antara's wrist, he removed her hand from his hair. "Di, don't get jealous, okay?"

Antara's eyebrows shot up, her lips parting a little. "Little brother, I've way longer hair than you." She ran her fingers through her long, dark hair. "It's just, you're looking like a girl."

Rudraksh glared at her, rubbing his fingers across his clean-shaven jaw. "I do keep beard... usually."

Siddharth chimed in, his voice low and teasing. "Rudraksh." A grin spread across his face. "You do look beautiful, bro." He nodded, lips pressing together in a failed attempt to stifle a smile.

Rudraksh's face turned red, while Antara burst out laughing, the sound ringing out across the garden.

"Okay, okay," Siddharth said, wrapping an arm around Rudraksh's shoulder, pulling him into a gentle side hug. "Let's go somewhere." His eyebrows wriggled quickly as he gazed at Antara.

Antara's eyebrows shot up, and a wide smile spread across her face. "Where?" Her eyes momentarily flickered towards Rudraksh's sulking face, before focusing on Siddharth's.

"To the salon." Siddharth's eyes locked onto Rudraksh's face, and he chuckled at his friend's childish expression.

"Yes! Rudraksh will get a haircut, then we'll go somewhere to relax on a long drive." Antara's eyes sparkled as she gazed at Rudraksh, who glared at both of them with knitted eyebrows and pouted lips.

"C'mon, it's time to give these innocent greeneries a vacation from your sharp glares." Siddharth reached out, grasping Rudraksh's good arm, and gently pulled him to his feet.

With a playful nudge, he steered Rudraksh towards the iron gate, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the garden. Antara followed closely behind, wrapping a black shawl around her.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

On the rooftop, Ira and Panchhi stood by the railing, their arms wrapped tightly around each other. Their faces contorted, heads shaking in unison as they mouthed the lyrics of the song being played in the speaker:

Baabul ki duwaaye leti ja
May your father's blessings guide you

Ja tujhako sukhi sansaar mile
May your new life be filled with joy and happiness

Ira's narrowed eyes fixed on Panchhi's sombre expression, while Panchhi's gaze swept across Ira's face. As they swayed to the lyrics, their hands caressed each other's backs.

Mayake ki kabhi naa yaad aaye
May memories of your childhood home fade gently

sasuraal me itana pyaar mile
And may love and warmth envelop you in your new home

The sounds of their fake sniffling echoed in the air. Panchhi's hands rose, her fingers gently tracing the contours of Ira's face, her voice quivering with melodramatic flair:

Naajo se tujhe paala maine
I nurtured you with gentle hands

Kaliyo ki tarah phulo ki tarah
Like tender blooms

Ira's lips curled down as she shook her head, her hands suddenly grasping Panchhi's head and pulling it swiftly to her chest. The two of them swayed side by side in a ridiculous, exaggerated motion. Ira mimicked the next verses:

Bachapan me julaaya hain tujhako
I cradled you in childhood's sweet grasp

baaho ne meri julo ki tarah
My arms were your lullaby, your haven, your swing

Panchhi's arms wrapped tightly around Ira's waist, pulling her closer with a playful tug. Ira's feet left the ground as Panchhi swung her into a gentle spin.

Ira's eyes widening, and she patted Panchhi's shoulder, laughing. 

Panchhi finally set her back down and sang more:

Bite tere jivan ki ghadiya
May every step of your life's journey be gentle

Aaram ki thhandi chhanv me
In the soothing shade of peace and comfort

Ira's fingers gently brushed against Panchhi's cheek, wiping away imaginary tears with a tender touch.

Panchhi's eyes sparkled, her face still scrunched up in a melodramatic expression.

Ira sang further in a trembling voice:

Kaanta bhi naa chubhane paaye
May no thorn ever pierce your tender feet

Kabhi meri ladali tere paanv me
My beloved daughter, may your path be free of pain

A splash of haldi water sparkled across their teddy bear-printed white pyjamas, the bright yellow droplets glistening like tiny jewels on the soft fabric.

Jheel, resplendent in a plain yellow saree, stood with her face contorted, her eyes brimming.

"Bua!" Her gaze darted between Vaidehi and Urmila, her eyes pleading for intervention. "Bua, they have been teasing me since morning!" she wailed, her voice cracking.

Ira and Panchhi, caught in the accusing gaze, shifted uncomfortably, their grins faltering.

Vaidehi's hands moved gently, scooping a handful of haldi and sandalwood paste from the bowl. She applied it to Jheel's forearms, scrubbing in soothing circular motions.

"Let them tease," Vaidehi said with a warm smile. "You tease them as well when their times come."

Urmila tenderly wiped away the tears that streamed down Jheel's cheeks. 

Jheel's eyelids fluttered closed as she absorbed the gentle care.

"Yes, let them enjoy today," Urmila added. "Tomorrow they'll cry a sea in your bidai." She bestowed a gentle pat on Jheel's shoulder, before continuing the massage on her feet.

Ira and Panchhi's grins slowly returned as they watched Jheel's face scrunching up. Jheel stuck out her tongue at them.

Ira fanned her face with her palm, turning towards Panchhi with an exaggerated flourish. "The atmosphere is getting emotional, isn't it partner?"

Panchhi's eyes locked with Ira's. "Yes, partner." She winked at Ira. "Let's make it light," she added, her smile infectious.

With a sudden burst of energy, Panchhi turned and shouted over her shoulder, "Next song, please!"

Her fourteen-year-old brother, sitting in the corner, looked up from his mobile. His fingers, which had been dancing across the screen, paused mid-game. A thumbs-up gesture accompanied his brief smile before he returned to his game, his fingers resuming their rapid movements.

Ira and Panchhi exchanged a knowing glance, their playful dynamic already shifting into the next gear, ready to take on the next moment with humor and lightheartedness.

Oh jiji!
Oh sister!

Panchhi's hands landed on Ira's shoulders with a gentle squeeze, her wide smile spreading across her face.

Oh jiji...
Oh sister...

Kya kah ke unko bulaogi?
What will you call him?

Dulha ban ke jo aayenge
who will come as the groom

Her head bobbed playfully from side to side on Ira's shoulder.

Oh jiji, bolo toh...
Oh sister, please tell me...

Ira's smile spread across her face as she took Panchhi's palms in her hands, pulling her in front in a slow motion.

A-ji, o-ji hum na kahenge
A-ji, o-ji I will not say

Hum toh ishaaron mein baatein krenge
I will talk in signs

As she sang, Ira flipped her armpit-length hair over her shoulder, walking forward with an exaggerated swagger. One hand rested on her waist, and the other danced in the air, punctuating every word of the lyrics.

Sab jaise apne unko bulate hain
as everyone calls their husbands

Vaise hum na bulaenge
Well I won't call like that

As she finished the lyrics, Ira cradled Panchhi's chin with her forefinger, a wide smile lingering on her face.

Oh chhoti...
oh little one

Panchhi glided across the floor in slow motion, her body moving in a fluid circle around Ira.

Shaadi hai Delhi ka laddu, laddu ye har man mein futte
Marriage is the laddu of Delhi, these laddus burst in every mind

Iska lage har dana bhala
Every grain of it is good

Ira's face contorted in mock seriousness, her nose scrunching up and lips curling down as she joined in.

Jo khaye pachhtaye, jo na khaye wo pachhtaye
Whoever eats regrets, whoever doesn't eat regrets

Toh khakar hi pachhtana bhala
So it's better to regret after eating

They both burst into laughter, their giggles intertwining as they wrapped their arms around each other's shoulders. The warmth of their bodies and the sound of their laughter filled the air.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

The car's tires screeched in protest as it came to an abrupt halt, throwing everyone forward.

Rudraksh's body jerked violently, his right hand instinctively gripping his thigh as his casted hand fluttered across his chest. The sudden stop seemed to jolt him out of his earlier drowsiness.

Siddharth's eyes, fixed on the road just moments before, flickered towards Rudraksh before darting outside the car. His gaze scanned the surroundings with a mixture of concern and caution. His one hand remained firmly grasping the steering wheel.

In the back seat, Antara's wide gaze darted between Rudraksh and Siddharth. She followed Siddharth's gaze, her eyes locking onto whatever had caught his attention outside the car.

Rudraksh, still shaking off the remnants of his nap, stretched his mouth wide in a long, jaw-cracking yawn. He tapped the back of his right palm against his mouth, his eyes shutting tight as he let out a low, rumbling groan.

As he opened his eyes, he caught Antara's and Siddharth's gazes, both of their faces etched with concern. Without a word, he, too, followed theirs gaze to the scene unfolding outside the car.

Rudraksh's voice was laced with uncertainty as he spoke, "Dr. Tanvi Bajaj, a senior C-PTSD therapist." He turned to face Siddharth, eyebrows furrowing, voice dropping to a lower pitch. "What happened, Sid? Are you alright?" His eyes scanned his friend's expression, noting the tension in his jaw, the furrowed eyebrows.

Antara's voice was barely above a whisper, "Fireball..." Her voice trailed off, and she swallowed hard. She took a deep breath, the air filling her lungs, before releasing it slowly. Her fingers curled around the edge of her black shawl.

"Just one session," she said hesitantly.

Rudraksh's face darkened, eyebrows deepening, eyes narrowing into slits. His fingers began to curl into a fist above his thigh. "What do you mean?" 

Siddharth extended a hand, wrapping Rudraksh's right arm in a calming touch. "Rudraksh..." He nodded once, his eyes locking onto Rudraksh's face. "It's for your good future, buddy."

Rudraksh jerked his arm free from Siddharth's grip, his eyebrows furrowing deeply as his face contorted. His chest rose and fell rapidly, like a wild animal trapped and struggling to break free. "Stop talking nonsense!" he screamed in a trembling voice.

His mouth agape, eyes darting desperately between Siddharth and Antara. His fingers dug deep into the cushion of the seat. "You people think I'm insane?!" he shouted, his voice cracking. "I'm mentally retarded?!"

Antara's eyes welled up, as she shook her head frantically, her hands reaching out to envelop her younger brother in a comforting embrace. "No, no, Fireball. Not at all."

Siddharth wrapped his arms around Rudraksh, pulling him into a warm hug. His hands caressed Rudraksh's back in a slow, soothing motion, as if calming a wild storm. "You're perfectly fine, bro," he murmured. "You're perfectly fine."

He cradled Rudraksh's face in his palms, cupping his cheeks. "It's just your mind that needs someone to hear it out," he said softly. "Hmm?"

"NO!" Rudraksh's voice exploded in the confined space, his body lurching away from Siddharth's grasp. He pushed his friend off. His hands frantically worked on the door handle with shaking fingers. His eyes darted wildly around the mechanism with a twisted face.

Siddharth and Antara tried to calm him down, their voices a gentle murmur. But, Rudraksh's panic was beyond reason. The door creaked open, and he tumbled out onto the pavement, the sound of the door's opening echoed through the atmosphere.

"I'm perfectly fine!" he bellowed, his voice carrying across the parking lot. He spun on his heel with anger and hurt in his heart. His long strides ate up the distance, leaving Siddharth and Antara staring after him in concern.

The sound of his footsteps faded into the distance, replaced by the hum of traffic and the distant chatter of passersby. The scent of exhaust fumes and hot asphalt hung in the air.

Siddharth and Antara exchanged a worried glance, before Siddharth took off after Rudraksh, his long strides measuring up the distance between them.

Antara hide her face in her palms, her tears soaking into her skin, body shaking with silent sobs. Her hair cascaded forward, a dark veil that shielded her from the world.

Minutes ticked by, the only sound were the distant hum of traffic and her own ragged breathing.

"Leave me, Siddharth! I'll sue you for kidnapping me!"

Rudraksh's words were a defiant shout, his body thrashing in Siddharth's arms. He kicked his legs like a child, his feet flailing wildly as Siddharth struggled to hold him.

"Leave me! I'm perfectly fine! Leave me!" His voice rose to a scream, words echoing off the cars parked nearby. His face reddened, as he struggled against Siddharth's grip.

With pressed lios and clenched jaw, Siddharth tightened his grip around Rudraksh's waist and calves, walking forward with firm footsteps.

Rudraksh's flailing body and shouting voice drew attention from passersby.

Antara got out of the car with a swift motion, face streaked with tears, and eyes widening as she watched her brother's outburst.

Siddharth's eyes shut tight as he carefully set Rudraksh down near the car's door, caging him between his arms.

Rudraksh's temper flared up, and he pushed Siddharth's chest with his good hand, struggling to break free from his muscular grip. "Leave me!"

Siddharth's face hardened, his eyes snapping open to bore into Rudraksh's. "SHUT UP!" He clamped a hand down over Rudraksh's mouth with a firm pressure. "One more word, and I'll break friendship with you!" His voice low and deadly serious.

Antara stood frozen, her eyes wide as she watched the scene unfold. The sunlight cast long shadows across the pavement, highlighting the sharp angles of Siddharth's face as he glared at Rudraksh.

Rudraksh's glared back with his narrowed eyes, but remained silent, nevertheless.

A/N: I don't own any of the songs used in this book, they belong to their rightful owner.

1. Is Siddharth being too hard on Rudraksh?