At Vaani's Home
The sun outside had begun to mellow, casting golden streaks through the gauze curtains. Vaani lay sprawled on the living room sofa, lost in thought. Her gaze was fixed on the ceiling, but her mind wandered far from today''s chaos to the plan they were executing today.
She didn't even realize she had zoned out until the doorbell rang.
Ding dong!
She blinked and sat up slowly, brushing her hair off her face before walking toward the door.
She opened it, and there stood Tara, arms crossed, already in her casual hoodie and jeans, ready for business.
"Kahan hai bhaiya?" Tara asked, peeking inside.
(Where is bhaiya?)
"Upar room mein." Vaani replied, casually stepping aside.
(Upstairs in his room.)
"Tu bhi chal na." Tara said, inviting her along with a quick glance.
(You come along too.)
"Phir to darwaza bhi nahi khulega." Vaani smirked.
(Then the door won't even open.)
Tara let out a small exhale, rolled her head with mock irritation, and walked past Vaani with a determined stride. Vaani grinned behind her and returned to the sofa, clearly enjoying Tara's energy.
Upstairs - Ritvik's Room
The room was a small world of its own, a mix of old books, a cricket bat leaning against the wall, and a duffel bag lying half-packed on the bed. Ritvik was busy folding his clothes carefully, sorting them into compartments, his expression thoughtful.
The knock on the door brought him out of his focus.
Tuk tuk tuk.
Before he could respond, Tara entered, her face unreadable.
He looked up, surprised. "Kya hua, Tara? Yahan kaise?"
(What happened, Tara? How come you're here?)
Tara walked in with a raised eyebrow and a slight frown of mock offense.
"Kyun? Main apne bhai ke room mein nahi aa sakti?"
(Why? Can't I come into my own brother's room?)
Ritvik smiled. He set the folded shirt aside and faced her.
"Anytime you want, you can."
(Anytime you want, you can.)
For a brief second, Tara's hard expression softened. She sat on the edge of his bed, glancing around the room that would feel empty without him the next day.
"Today I want you in the evening." she said, her voice lighter now.
Ritvik tilted his head, confused.
"For what?" he asked, leaning against his desk, arms folded.
Tara stood up now, lifting her chin like a detective revealing a clue.
"Vo aaj humne chhoti si party rakhi haii. Aap kal ja rahe hain na, isliye."
(We have a little surprise today. Since you're leaving tomorrow.)
Ritvik gave a knowing half-smile, raising one eyebrow.
"Theek hai. Lekin ummid karta hoon surprise shock na mile."
(Alright. But I hope the surprise isn't a shock.)
Tara smirked and whispered almost to herself.
"Woh to milega hi."
(That you will get.)
Ritvik narrowed his eyes.
"Kya?"
(What?)
Tara quickly covered it up, turning towards the door.
"Kuch nahi. 4 baje ready ho jana. Saath mein chalenge."
(Nothing. Be ready by 4. We'll go together.)
Before he could probe further, she exited with swift steps. Ritvik watched her go with a half-smile, shaking his head slightly.
She's up to something... but let's see. he thought, amused.
Meanwhile...
Back in the living room, Vaani was now sitting upright, drumming her fingers on her knees, thinking about how this plan might actually come together. She was nervous what if someone backed out at the last minute? What if someone's parents found out? But then she remembered Tara's confident face upstairs.
"If she's calm, I can be calm too." she told herself, taking a deep breath.
She glanced at the clock.
3:08 PM.
Time was ticking.
At the Café
The soft clinking of spoons and muffled conversations surrounded the group seated around a long corner table at the café.
All eyes kept darting around the table a heavy silence loomed, unusually thick for this typically loud group. Chairs creaked slightly as everyone fidgeted, some tapping their fingers, some stealing side glances. Ritvik, calm and observant as ever, narrowed his eyes at Vaani, who looked oddly nervous. Her lips were pressed into a straight line, and her eyes wouldn't meet his.
He leaned slightly forward and asked, voice firm but teasing:
"Surprise kya hai?"
(What's the surprise?)
Before anyone could reply, Vihaan chuckled and pointed toward their faces.
"Inka chehra dekhkar lag raha hai surprise se bada shock hai."
(Looking at their faces, it seems like it's more of a shock than a surprise.)
The room tensed.
Ekansh leaned back in his chair, arms folded, a skeptic look on his face.
"Sach-sach batao. Hum yaha kyun aaye hain?"
(Tell us the truth. Why are we really here?)
Everyone turned to Ahaan, who was clearly nominated (or pushed) to explain. He straightened up in panic, his voice a mess of hesitation.
"Vo... actually hua hai, nahi hua tha, nahi mera matlab..."
(So... actually it happened, no it didn't, no I mean...)
He stumbled over his words, eyes flitting from one adult to another, clearly unsure of how to break it. All four elders were staring at him like parents catching a kid with half-eaten cake.
Yuvraj jumped in, hoping to save face.
"Main batata hoon. Vo ham na mera matlab ham sab log na..."
(I'll tell you. So we I mean, all of us...)
He too faltered, words evaporating mid-air. Their faces turned pink in embarrassment.
Rudra facepalmed silently.
"Kuch nahi hoga tum logo ka, main batati hoon!" Vaani finally declared, standing up and planting her hands on the table.
(Nothing will happen with you all! I'll explain!)
Everyone looked at her, a bit startled.
"Bata! Tu ismein involve hai?" Ayaan asked, crossing his arms with narrowed eyes.
(Tell me! So you're involved in this?)
"Han." Vaani admitted, not flinching.
(Yes.)
"Phir to pakka shock hai." Ritvik muttered with a sigh.
(Then it's definitely a shock.)
There was a long pause.
Vaani took a deep breath and then rushed through the entire truth in one breath, like ripping off a bandage.
"Aap charo ko hamare sath school chalna hoga. Kal."
(You four have to come with us to school. Tomorrow.)
Ekansh raised an eyebrow.
"Kyu?"
(Why?)
Now Vaani's eyes were serious, shoulders straightened, and voice clearer.
"Vo humne project complete nahi kiya tha aur ham cricket khelne lag gaye the class mein isliye principal sir ne hamare parents ko bulaya hai aur ham unhe lekar ja nahi sakte isliye ham aap charon ko bulaya hai to aap logon ko kal hamare sath chalna padega."
(We didn't finish our project and started playing cricket in class, so Principal Sir called our parents. But we can't take them, so we called you all. Now you four have to come with us tomorrow.)
Silence.
The four older boys stared at her like she had just announced an alien invasion. They blinked... once... twice...
Then Ritvik stood up with his usual calm face, brushing imaginary dust off his jeans.
"Thik hai to hum chalte hain."
(Alright, then we're leaving.)
Everyone panicked.
"Bhaiya please!" Tara blurted out, grabbing his wrist. Her big, pleading eyes were on full display.
"Aap hamari aakhri ummid hai, please." Ahaan said, hands folded together in front of him.
(You are our last hope, please.)
"Please bhaiya." echoed the group in sync, a perfect chorus of regret and desperation.
Ritvik sighed deeply and sat back down. He looked at them all like a disappointed but forgiving elder brother.
"Jab itna sab kuch kar hi diya hai to ummid hai tum logon ne plan bhi banaya liya hoga. Ki aage kya karna hai, batao."
(Now that you've done all this, I hope you've also made a plan for what's next. Tell me.)
"Han, poora ready hai." Rudra nodded quickly, feeling slightly redeemed.
(Yes, it's fully ready.)
"Han to Rudra jayega Ayaan bhaiya ke sath, Yuvraj Vihaan bhaiya ke sath, aur Tara Ritvik bhaiya ke sath, aur main aur Kriti aap ke sath." Ahaan said, pointing directly at Ekansh.
(So Rudra will go with Ayaan bhaiya, Yuvraj with Vihaan bhaiya, Tara with Ritvik bhaiya, and Kriti and I will go with you.)
Ritvik raised a brow and turned to Vaani, his tone dry.
"Ek minute. Aap kyun shant hain? Aapka koi plan nahi hai?"
(Wait a minute. Why are you so quiet? Don't you have a plan?)
Vaani, calm but strategic, reached across the table and held Ritvik's hand.
"Hai na bhaiya. Aap ho na. Aapke alawa kaun hai mera. Aap hi to bhai ho mere."
(Of course I do, bhaiya. It's you. Who else do I have except you? You're my brother.)
Her voice softened, and for a second, Ritvik's expression wavered. But he masked it with a sarcastic smirk.
"Oooh, to aapko yaad hai ki hamara ek rishta hai. Mujhe to laga ki main sirf aapke mummy ka beta hoon."
(Oh, so now you remember we have a relationship? I thought I was just your mom's son.)
"Vo to aap ho bhaiya." Vaani replied cheekily.
(That you are, bhaiya.)
Ritvik leaned back and smirked.
"Han to apne liye ek bhai dhoondh le. Main nahi aaraha tere sath."
(Then go find yourself another brother. I'm not coming with you.)
The mood tensed again. But Vaani wasn't done.
She turned up her drama mode like a Bollywood heroine. Her voice became soft and emotional, eyes brimming (almost).
"Bhaiyaaa... pleaseee bhaiyaa..."
Ritvik squinted at her, sighed heavily, and finally cracked.
"Thik hai! Ye drama band kar."
(Alright! Stop this drama.)
The whole group broke into relieved laughter. Tara high-fived Kriti under the table. Ahaan let out a dramatic sigh like he had just dodged death.
After the planning inside the café,They ordered a mix of their favourites.
"Two peri-peri fries, extra crispy." Ahaan declared confidently, nudging Rudra who was scrolling through the menu.
"Chocolate thick shake for me!" Kriti said cheerfully, already imagining the brain freeze.
"Cold coffee," said Tara with a relaxed sigh. "Strong."
"Masala garlic bread?" suggested Vaani, looking at Yuvraj.
"Done," he said, "and a hazelnut frappe."
Vihaan, casually flipping the menu closed, said, "A plate of nachos to share?"
Ekansh,added, "And something filling... let's do one margherita pizza."
Ritvik smiled quietly as the orders went in. He was watching them not as a brother, not as an elder, but as someone who was going to miss these small, chaotic, precious moments.
As they waited for their food, the table buzzed with overlapping chatter.
"So... after Ritvik bhaiya leaves, who's next?" Tara asked suddenly, biting into her straw.
Everyone went quiet for a moment.
"I think Vihaan." ayaan said, looking toward him. "Your college orientation is in two weeks, right?"
Vihaan nodded. "Yeah. Jaipur."
"Next week it'll be me," Ekansh said with a faint smile. "MBBS 1st year will start ."
"And after that..." ayaan added softly, "I will leave but won't be in contact for long."
Even vaani, usually so animated, went quiet. "Everyone's leaving." she mumbled, tapping her glass lightly.
"But not today" Ritvik said, lifting his glass. "Today, we eat. We laugh. We don't think about goodbye."
Everyone raised their glasses milkshakes, coffees, sodas and clinked them together.
"Today" ahaan said, smiling softly.
They all echoed, "To tonight."
The sun had melted into the horizon, and the streets were painted with the soft gold of street lamps. The group strolled together, the energy still light, but more thoughtful now.
Ahaan chuckled but still stayed unusually close to Ritvik almost like a shadow. He didn't say much. Perhaps guilt was still biting at him.
Meanwhile, Tara walked beside Vaani, whispering under her breath, "Pata hai na kal hum bure phas sakte hai?"
(You know right we could get into serious trouble tomorrow?)
Vaani just shrugged, her lips curling into a mischievous grin, "Lekin sab saath mein phasenge."
(But at least we'll be in trouble together.)
Night - At the Kapoor House
The dining table was warm, as always covered with a familiar spread: soft rotis stacked in a steel container, steaming dal in a ceramic bowl, aloo-matar sabzi glistening with ghee, and cucumber salad. The fan overhead hummed gently, and the faint clatter of cutlery blended with the rustle of the family.
Ritvik, calm and casual, took a bite and said,
"Vaani, jara vo roti pass karna."
(Vaani, please pass that roti.)
Still chewing, Vaani didn't even look up.
"Samne rakhi hai, le le na."
(It's right in front of you, take it yourself.)
Ritvik blinked, hand frozen mid-air. "Kya!?" (What!?)
Realizing what she just said, Vaani's eyes widened. She quickly smiled sweetly, overcompensating.
"Ye lijiye bhaiya."
(Here you go, bhaiya.)
Their mother paused, sensing the odd exchange.
"Vaani, tujhe chot lagi hai kya?"
(Vaani, are you hurt or something?)
Vaani blinked innocently. "Nahi mamma, main to bilkul theek hoon."
(No mom, I'm perfectly fine.)
"To ye kaun hai?" Mom asked with mock suspicion, pointing at Ritvik.
(Then who is this?)
Vaani chuckled nervously. "Aapka be... Nahi mera matlab Ritvik bhaiya hai."
(Your so- I mean, Ritvik bhaiya.)
The table shared a quiet laugh, but something tender hung in the air.
A few bites later, Ritvik smirked and spoke with mock authority:
"Vaani, kitchen se thanda paani lekar aana."
(Vaani, get cold water from the kitchen.)
Vaani gave a grin so tight it was almost painful. "Abhi laayi bhaiya."
(Right away, bhaiya.)
Isha, curious, leaned towards Ritvik.
"Isse kya ho gaya?"
(What's wrong with her?)
Ritvik wiped his hands, chuckling under his breath.
"Kuch nahi mamma, bas use help chahiye."
(Nothing, mom. She just needs help.)
Vaani returned with a steel glass full of water, walking carefully.
"Ye lo bhaiya, paani."
(Here you go, bhaiya, your water.)
Their mom's brows furrowed again.
"Kya hua hai tujhe?"
(What happened to you?)
Vaani's voice turned soft and sincere.
"Kuch nahi... bas socha ki kal ye ja rahe hain to aaj jhagda na karu."
(Nothing... just thought, since he's leaving tomorrow, I won't fight today.)
For a moment, the table fell silent again. Even Ritvik paused mid-bite.
Then, casually, he dropped the next line: "Mamma, kal main school ja raha hoon."
(Mom, tomorrow I'm going to school.)
Vaani's eyes widened. She looked at him in panic, silently mouthing, 'Don't you dare.'
Their mom tilted her head. "Kyu beta?"
(Why, son?)
Ritvik took a bite of roti, smiling like nothing had happened.
"Vo mamma, kal main ja raha hoon na, to socha ki Sir se ek baar mil lu."
(Mom, since I'm leaving tomorrow, I thought I'd meet Sir once.)
Vaani let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding. Saved.
Her mom nodded. "Thik hai, Vaani ke sath chale jana. Meri early morning meeting hai so I will drop you both."
(Alright, go with Vaani. I have an early morning meeting.)
Both of them nodded silently, and dinner continued with its usual warmth.
Vaani stood by the staircase, her slippers quietly scraping the marble.
Ritvik was heading upstairs when he noticed her standing still.
She looked at him, eyes warm, and whispered,
"Thank you, bhaiya."
Before he could respond, she turned around and ran up the stairs, disappearing into the hallway.
Ritvik paused on the third step, blinking slowly.
"...gadhi." he murmured, but a small smile tugged at his lips.
At the Malhotra House - Dining Time
Upstairs, Ekansh was pacing in his room, excitement bubbling inside him. He had waited for a moment like this a perfect revenge for when Ahaan lied about Vaani's accident. A wicked grin appeared as he planned how to drop the truth.
Downstairs, dinner was being served.
The clink of cutlery and aroma of warm rajma chawal filled the cozy dining room. Ahaan sat at the table, halfway through his second roti, humming lightly-until he heard it.
"Mummy, mai kal Principal Sir se milne ja raha hoon."
(Mom, I'm going to meet Principal Sir tomorrow.)
Ekansh's calm voice drifted down from the top of the stairs as he entered the dining space, pretending to sound casual but a spark danced in his eyes.
Cough! Cough!
Ahaan immediately choked on his bite, eyes bulging. He thumped his chest, trying to swallow quickly. Their mother quickly handed him a glass of water.
"Arey, dhyan se khao Ahaan."
(Careful while eating, Ahaan.)
She turned toward Ekansh, who was now taking a seat opposite Ahaan.
"Kyu beta, kya hua?"
(Why, son? What happened?)
Ekansh, ready to strike, opened his mouth:
"Vo Ahaan-"
(Ahaan-)
"Han bhaiya, aap mere sath hi chalna."
(Yes bhaiya, you're coming with me.)
Ahaan interrupted quickly, his tone unnaturally cheerful, eyes wide in fake innocence. He was already panicking.
Their mother tilted her head, suspicious now.
"Lekin jana kyu hai?"
(But why do you need to go?)
Ekansh tried again, voice steady, "Wahi to bata raha hoon ki Ahaan ki-"
(I'm trying to say, Ahaan-)
But Ahaan jumped in once more, louder, more desperate:
"Main kya bhaiya? Uth jaunga subah!"
(What about me, bhaiya? I'll wake up early!)
Their mother frowned, raising her voice slightly.
"Ahaan, beech mein bolna band karo. Ekansh ko bolne do."
(Ahaan, stop interrupting. Let Ekansh speak.)
Across the table, Ahaan turned dramatically toward Ekansh, joining his hands under the table, mouthing desperately
"Please kuch mat bolna."
(Please, don't say anything.)
Ekansh couldn't help the small smirk that crept onto his face. He let Ahaan sweat for one more second before saying smoothly
"Vo kal Ritvik ja raha hai, to Principal Sir se ek baar milna chahta hai. To humne socha sab ek sath chalte hai."
(Ritvik is leaving tomorrow, so he wanted to meet Principal Sir once. So we thought we'd all go together.)
Their mother finally exhaled.
"Thik hai, jao."
(Alright, go.)
Ahaan slumped in his chair like a dying hero. He looked up at the ceiling, silently thanking every known god.
The house grew quieter as the night deepened. The sounds of the city had dimmed to the occasional honk in the distance. Upstairs, the soft thud of footsteps echoed on the polished floor.
Ahaan peeked into Ekansh's room. His older brother was arranging a small stack of clothes for the next day, his headphones resting on the table.
"Bhaiya..." Ahaan said softly, lingering in the doorway. "Aapke sath so jau?"
(Bhaiya... can I sleep with you tonight?)
Ekansh didn't turn immediately. He smiled to himself, then looked over his shoulder.
"Tension mat le. Uth jaunga subah... aur chalunga bhi. Jaa soja ab."
(Don't worry. I'll wake up tomorrow... and I'll come with you. Now go sleep.)
Ahaan's shoulders relaxed. He nodded once, grinning like a little kid who just got spared punishment.
"Goodnight, bhaiya."
"Goodnight, Ahaan."
They each went into their own rooms. The lights clicked off, and the hallway fell into a soft darkness.
Next Morning - At School, Principal's Office
The school grounds basked in a soft golden morning hue. Dew still clung to the grassy lawns, and the gulmohar trees rustled lazily with the chirping of early birds. The campus was calm, the kind of peacefulness that only came before a storm.
The sound of quiet footsteps broke that peace. One by one, the "guardians" Ekansh, Ritvik, Vihaan and ayaan walked down the corridor like they were heading into battle.
A gentle knock.
"Can I come in, Sir?" Ekansh asked, peeking into the office then looked at the principal Sir up and immediately smiled.
"Oh, Ekansh! Please come."
"Can I also come in, Sir?" Ritvik stepped in next, his posture firm.
"You too, come," Sir said, a bit puzzled but still calm.
Then Vihaan showed up at the door.
"Sir, I also want to come."
"Yes, come. And if anyone else is remaining, call them too."
"Okay, Sir." Vihaan said and dashed off to get the rest.
Within minutes, the office was packed. The chairs were all occupied, a few were standing. The Principal looked around part amused, part curious. Then his eyes fell on them Vaani's gang.
His smile faded.
"What are you all doing here? I told you to come with your parents only. Where are your parents?"
"Sir, we came here as their guardians." Ritvik said, keeping his voice steady.
Principal Sir raised a brow. "Will you explain?"
They exchanged nervous glances. Then Ritvik spoke up, "Sir, Yuvraj is Vihaan's younger brother, and Rudra is Ayaan's younger brother."
Sir narrowed his eyes. "But aren't your surnames different?"
Ekansh stepped in quickly, tone serious too serious.
"Yes sir... Actually they have a relationship like mama ke chacha ke bhatije ke bua ke sasur ke bete ke-"
"Okay, okay!" Sir raised both hands. "I understood."
The room chuckled quietly.
Principal Sir turned toward another group. "Okay... and you three?"
"Sir, I am Nirma's brother." Nayan said confidently, standing straight.
Sir blinked. "But I never saw you here before?"
"Because I stay in hostel... abroad. I came here on my holidays." Nayan answered politely.
Sir squinted. "So what are you doing right now?"
Nayan smiled faintly. "Standing in front of you, Sir."
A ripple of laughter spread across the room, quiet but undeniable. Nirma shot a glare at her brother and subtly kicked his foot.
"Sir, he's in his second year of business and management degree." Nirma quickly added, trying to save face.
Sir gave a slight nod.
Before another question could pop, Ekansh interjected smoothly.
"Sir, you know... Ahaan is my brother. And Kriti is also my sister."
"And Ritvik is Tara's brother." Vihaan added.
Sir now turned to Vaani. His voice slowed.
"Then Vaani, you came with whom?"
There was a beat of silence. All eyes shifted.
Vaani looked up, slightly hesitant.
"Vaani came with me. I am her brother." Ritvik answered calmly.
Sir's gaze hardened.
"You guys know what your siblings did?"
Ekansh stepped forward, speaking with sincerity.
"Yes sir. They told us. We are very sorry. They said to us this will never happen again."
Principal Sir leaned back in his chair, clearly still stunned.
"I can't believe you all are their brothers. I mean you're punctual, focused, and responsible. And they?"
He looked pointedly at the younger ones.
"Bunking classes?"
"Whaaat!?"
All the older brothers shouted in perfect sync, turning toward their siblings like they had just been hit with a betrayal arrow.
Ritvik's jaw dropped. Ekansh had a finger pointed mid-air. Vihaan's mouth opened like a cartoon.
"And as if that wasn't enough..." Sir leaned forward now, voice laced with disappointment.
"How could they risk their lives? If they don't even know how to come down from a tree, why would they climb one in the first place?"
"WHAAT!!"
This time louder, jaws dropping wider. All heads swiveled to their siblings.
The expressions on the younger ones' faces? Guilty. Caught. Not-this-story-we-told-you guilty.
The brothers exchanged horrified glances this was not in the script.
Tara took a deep breath and stepped ahead.
"We are really sorry, Sir. And we promise this is never going to happen again."
"Sorry, Sir," the rest followed, heads lowered.
Principal Sir paused. Let the silence linger. He stared at all of them. Then finally sighed.
"Okay then. Write an apology letter on behalf of your siblings."
"Whaaatttt!!"
This time in absolute unison echoing off the office walls like a dramatic climax scene from a comedy film.
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