Everyone stood frozen after hearing those dreaded words:
"Write an apology letter on behalf of your siblings."
Nayan blinked in disbelief.
"Sir... hum kyu likhein letter?"
(Sir... why should we write the letter?)
Principal Sir leaned back, arms folded.
"Because you're their guardians. And writing this letter means you're taking responsibility for not repeating this mistake."
Behind them, the kids tried their hardest not to laugh.
Vaani covered her mouth and whispered to Tara,
"Bach gaye hum, sab toh Unhe karna hai."
(We're saved! They're the ones who have to do it.)
Ahaan, grinning, added in a low voice,
"Haan wahi na. Apne toh maze hai."
(Exactly. We're just chilling.)
Sir raised a brow.
"And as for you all." he turned to the kids now grinning like hyenas,
"Don't just stand here. Go run 20 rounds on the ground with your schoolbags. After that, go to your home and come from tomorrow."
Suddenly, it felt like the entire room dropped into slow motion.
"Go..." the word escaped their mouths slowly, disbelief written on every face.
"20 chakkar... bags ke sath!?" Kriti whispered like she'd heard a death sentence.
("20 rounds ...with bags?")
Meanwhile, the older siblings burst out laughing.
Vihaan smirked. "Kya planning ki thi tum logon ne... ab bhugto."
(So much for that plan... now you all suffer.)
Yuvraj's jaw had dropped, "Bags ke sath? Mere toh shoulder hi toot jayenge!"
("With bags ? My shoulders will be broken")
Ahaan's face was pale, like a ghost. "Sir... main na... weak hearted hoon."
("Sir....I am ....weak hearted")
Principal Sir pretended not to hear.
Trying to play it smart, Nirma stepped forward with a hopeful smile.
"Sir, koi discount mil sakta hai kya? Hum letter likh dete hai. Saare signature bhi kar lenge."
(Sir, can we get a discount? We'll write the letter. Sign it too.)
Sir gave her the most Principal Sir look ever.
"Sure," he said sweetly.
"Now... 22 rounds."
"Sir!!!" Nirma gasped.
Kriti jumped in. "Sir but... but it was 20!"
Principal Sir, calm as ever:
"25 now. And one more word, and you will be suspended for one week."
Dead silence.
All the kids turned toward Kriti like why did you speak???
Ritvik whispered behind a fake cough,
"Shabaash."
("Great")
Ekansh, enjoying every second, added with a smirk,
"Bags mat bhoolna."
("Don't forget the bags")
Just before the younger group leaves the Principal's office...
Tara, who had been quietly standing at the back, suddenly stepped forward.
Her tone was steady, but her eyes darted between the Principal and the floor.
"Sir... Asha Miss ne hume class se bahar nikala tha, tab humne yeh sab kiya," she began carefully.
("Sir... Asha Miss had sent us out of the class, and that's when we did all this.")
The room went still.
She continued, "Miss ko toh pata bhi nahi tha... aur unki koi galti nahi hai, Sir. Please unko blame mat kariye."
("She didn't even know... and it's not her fault, Sir. Please don't blame her.")
One by one, the others nodded like bobbleheads.
"Haan Sir," Kriti added quickly.
("Yes Sir.")
"Haan bilkul," Vaani said.
("Absolutely.")
Principal Sir studied their faces for a moment, his usual unreadable look softening just a touch.
"Fine," he said finally, nodding once.
"Go. Complete your work now."
The younger group gave a collective "Thank you, Sir" before shuffling toward the door some relieved, some already calculating how bad 25 rounds with a schoolbag would really be.
The squad walked toward the ground like soldiers going to war with bags hanging on their backs and regret dragging at their feet.
Their elder siblings watched from a distance, some leaning lazily against the corridor railing above, grinning like moviegoers watching a comedy.
Ayaan muttered under his breath,
"Bag mein brick rakh diya kya in logon ne?"
(Did they put bricks in their bags or what?)
Yuvraj groaned dramatically,
"25 rounds... Mummyyyy..."
(25 rounds... Mummyyyy...)
The younger group had barely made it to the starting line, already exhausted mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Vaani glanced around, adjusting her backpack. Her eyes scanned the school building like a thief plotting an escape. She leaned in and whispered,
"Sir hume dekh toh nahi rahe. Thoda khade rehte hain... phir class chalte hai chupke se."
(I don't think Sir is watching. Let's just stand here for a bit... then quietly slip back into class.)
Some looked hopeful. Others... just plain foolish.
And then like divine punishment
A loud voice thundered from above, cold and robotic:
"STUDENTS, 25 ROUNDS IT IS. START. NOW."
Everyone froze.
Necks craned upward like sunflowers.
And there it was.
The CCTV camera.
The hidden mic.
The speaker... still crackling from Sir's voice.
Doom.
They turned to Vaani slowly, betrayal in their eyes.
Tara rolled hers and snapped,
"Agar ek week ke liye suspend nahi hona toh shuru ho ja. Waise bhi abhi bhaiya se daant sunna hai."
(If you don't want to get suspended for a week, start running. Anyway, we still have to face our brothers later.)
Kriti groaned, tightening her shoelaces.
"Next time koi tree dekh ke ulta latak jaungi par aise bunk karke niklne ka nhi sochungi."
(Next time, I'll just hang upside down from a tree instead of trying to bunk like this.)
Rudra started jogging, dragging his feet.
"Waise bhi teacher ke period mein sprint se bhaagna padta tha... ab Principal Sir ke liye kar rahe hai."
(Anyway, we've been sprinting away from teachers for years... now we're doing it for the Principal.)
One by one, the group started running bags bouncing, sweat forming, pride dying.
Above them, their elder siblings waved like proud but evil spectators.
Ritvik cupped his hands and shouted,
"Zyada thak gaye toh paani bol dena... lekin main nahi launga!"
(If you get too tired, just ask for water... but I'm not bringing it!)
Nayan grinned,
"Main video bana raha hoon... yaad rahe tumhare great grandkids tak."
(I'm filming this... so your great-grandkids can witness it.)
Vihaan smirked,
"Ye punishment nahi, character development hai."
(This isn't punishment it's character development.)
And thus began Round One... of 25.
Meanwhile - Inside the Principal's Office
Once the door closed, the older lot exchanged a look.
Ritvik was the first to break the silence.
"Sir... ek pen aur paper mil jaaye?"
("Sir... could we get a pen and paper?")
Principal Sir stared at them for a full three seconds.
The kind of stare that said: You came here to get punished... and now you want office stationery too?
His eyebrow lifted just enough to make Ekansh bite back a laugh.
"Pen... aur paper?" he repeated slowly, as if tasting the absurdity of it.
Yuvraj nodded innocently, "Haan Sir... warna hum letter likhenge kaise?"
("Yes Sir... otherwise how will we write the letter?")
Principal Sir let out the smallest sigh the kind reserved for people who ask if water is wet.
Without a word, he opened a drawer, placed 5 battered blue pen and papers in the middle of the desk...
...then leaned back like a shopkeeper reluctantly handing over goods to customers he doesn't trust.
"Thank you, Sir," they all said in perfect unison, grabbing the supplies and quickly getting to work as if finishing the apology letter faster might somehow erase the embarrassment of asking for free stationery during their own punishment.
Sir leaned back in his chair, tapping the desk twice before pressing the intercom button.
"Peon ko bhejiye," he said into it.
("Send the peon in.")
Within seconds, a middle-aged man with a notepad tucked under his arm appeared in the doorway.
"Yes, Sir?"
Principal Sir gestured calmly.
"Mrs. Rao ko bulaiye zara."
("Call Mrs. Rao, please.")
The peon nodded and left, his shoes squeaking down the corridor.
The elder siblings exchanged puzzled glances all silently wondering if Mrs. Rao was about to witness their punishment... or join it.
The click of heels echoed softly down the corridor before Mrs. Rao appeared in the doorway, sari pleats crisp, a faint whiff of jasmine following her.
She stepped inside, pausing just short of the desk. Her eyes swept across the elder siblings, and a warm, familiar smile tugged at her lips.
They all straightened instinctively as if they were still ten years old and she had just caught them passing notes in class.
"Good morning, beta," she said gently.
"Good morning, ma'am," they chorused back, smiles breaking on their faces.
Ekansh took a small step forward, speaking politely, "Ma'am... we wanted to apologise on behalf of our siblings for what happened yesterday."
Mrs. Rao shook her head immediately, her smile still kind but firm.
"No, no... don't apologise. It was my mistake. It's okay."
Principal Sir, sitting back with his hands folded, tilted his head slightly.
"Was it really your mistake, ma'am?"
She met his gaze and nodded calmly.
Sir's lips curled into a wry smile. "Then, you should write the apology letter."
He leaned forward just a fraction.
"And... 25 rounds on the ground. With the students."
A collective gasp filled the room from the elder siblings like someone had just announced free board exams for everyone.
But Mrs. Rao didn't flinch. Instead, she glanced upward briefly, as though calculating time in her head, then said softly, "Okay, Sir. I will do it. From where should I start?"
And then, with a touch more insistence, she added,
"But please... leave the students, Sir. They haven't done anything."
Something in Principal Sir's expression softened his shoulders relaxed, the edge in his tone faded.
"Mam," he said after a moment, "I've come to know the whole truth. You should not take the whole responsibility. And..." his voice dropped just slightly, "...I apologise for my behaviour yesterday."
Mrs. Rao's brows lifted in surprise before she smiled warmly.
"It's alright, Sir."
"You can go now, ma'am," he said gently.
The elder siblings, still looking slightly guilty, spoke in unison, "We're sorry, ma'am."
She waved a dismissive hand. "No, no... forget it."
Then, as if nothing had happened, she stepped closer, placing a hand on each of their heads in turn, ruffling their hair with that motherly fondness only a beloved teacher could have.
"All the best for your future," she said, her smile glowing the kind that made you forget the scolding, the punishment, and everything in between before she turned and walked out.
The elder siblings now sat at a desk like students, heads down, pens moving across paper.
Ritvik grumbled softly,
"Ye toh CBSE ke board paper jaisa lag raha hai..."
(Feels like we're writing a CBSE board exam paper...)
After ten minutes, they lined up in front of the Principal's desk and handed in their carefully worded apology letters.
Ekansh stepped forward politely,
"Sir, we're really sorry on their behalf."
Principal Sir glanced over the letters, nodded, and placed them neatly in a file.
"Accepted. You all handled this maturely."
Then, looking up with interest, he asked,
"So... what are you all doing now? Life-wise?"
One by one, they answered.
Ritvik said confidently,
"Sir, I'm leaving today. Flight's at 8 PM. Starting training at IGRUA."
Vihaan nodded,
"I'm going next week, Sir. Returning to college preparing full-time for the UPSC."
Ekansh added with a proud smile,
"Sir, my NEET results are out. I got admission and will be leaving in two weeks."
The Principal's eyes softened.
"All the best to all of you. You've done your part well. Thank you for coming today."
They shook hands, exchanged polite nods, and stepped out shoulders a little straighter, steps a little slower.
The sun hit harder now, the sky wide and too blue for goodbyes.
Ritvik exhaled deeply.
"Inlog ne hum sabke saath dhoka kiya hai. Puri baat batayi hi nahi. Agar pehle pata hota toh aate hi nahi."
(They completely betrayed us. Didn't even tell us the full story. If we had known earlier, we wouldn't have come.)
Vihaan laughed,
"Yeh toh betrayal tha. Galti unki, punishment hamara."
(This was betrayal, honestly. Their mistake, our punishment.)
Ekansh shrugged,
"Apne chhote bhai-behen ko bachane ke alawa koi option bhi nahi tha. Ab jo ho gaya, so ho gaya."
(We had no choice but to protect our younger siblings. What's done is done.)
Nayan added cheerfully,
"Right bhaiya. Ab toh main apni di ko blackmail bhi kar sakta hoon."
(Right, bhaiya. Now I can blackmail my sister a little.)
Everyone turned toward him with a sudden jolt.
"Bhaiya?? Dii? But tum toh humse bade ho na?"
(Brother?? Sister? But you're older than us, aren't you?)
Nayan blinked innocently.
"Arre nahi bhaiya, main toh abhi 10th passout hu. Woh toh di mujhe dhamki deke laayi thi... isliye aaya."
(Oh no, I just passed 10th. My sister basically blackmailed me into coming, that's why I'm here.)
Vihaan raised a brow.
"But we never heard Nirma mention you..."
Nayan shrugged.
"Main States mein rehta hoon. 8 saal baad aaya hoon... maybe she didn't get the chance."
(I live in the States. Came here after 8 years... maybe she didn't get the chance to mention.)
They all looked at each other and nodded, the mystery solved.
Then the silence grew a little heavier.
Vihaan looked down, voice softer now.
"Can't believe it's already time to say goodbye."
Ekansh nodded slowly.
"Feels like we were just complaining about school yesterday... and now everyone's flying off."
Ritvik smiled, eyes thoughtful.
"Life moves too fast once you start packing."
"When's your flight?" Vihaan asked.
"Today. 8 PM. I'll leave by 5 for the airport." Ritvik replied.
There was a brief pause...
And then, in unison:
"Hum aayenge airport pe."
(We'll come to see you off.)
Ritvik gave them a knowing grin and raised an eyebrow.
"Aane wale ho? Ya wahi jaise homework ke time bolte the 'kar lunga'?"
(Oh, really? Coming for sure? Or is this like when you say during homework time 'I'll do it'?)
Everyone burst out laughing, the mood a little lighter, even as the clock ticked down on their time together.
They all laughed, but deep down, they meant it.
After sometimes...
The elder siblings had formed a perfect semicircle near the railing a trap disguised as casual loitering.
"Let's wait," Ayaan said quietly, eyes gleaming. "Unse confront karna hai. Dhoke se laaye gaye hum... thoda maze lete hain."
(Let's wait. We have to confront them. We were tricked into coming here... let's have some fun.)
A few nods, a few chuckles. The plan was unanimous.
Five Minutes Later
A faint sound of dragging footsteps echoed down the exit gate.
Then... they appeared.
Vaani first, hair a mess, shirt collar slightly askew, bag hanging off one shoulder. She looked like she'd just run a marathon in the desert.
Behind her, Tara equally drenched in sweat, strands of hair stuck to her cheek, eyes squinting like the light itself hurt.
Kriti followed, slightly hunched forward, hands clutching her bag straps like they were keeping her alive.
Nirma came last in the front row, somehow still composed, walking like the corridor was her personal runway despite the sweat on her forehead.
Behind them, Ahaan looked like he was already drafting a complaint to the UN. Rudra dragged his feet like each step was betrayal. Yuvraj's bag looked like it had doubled in weight, and he was muttering something under his breath.
The moment they spotted the elder gang waiting, the formation broke and the great hiding ritual began.
Vaani's eyes widened. Without thinking, she stepped right to the front of their little pack, instinctively blocking the others like a goalkeeper.
Tara, catching on, immediately ducked behind Vaani's left shoulder.
Kriti made a quick side-shuffle to squeeze in behind Tara.
Nirma, however, didn't move. She stood there with arms folded, chin up, like she was about to give a TED Talk on "How to Get Away with Mischief."
From behind them, Ahaan had already stopped walking, muttering, "Main toh yahin se wapas mud raha hoon."
(I'm just turning back from here.)
Rudra whispered, "Abhi kuch na bole toh bach gaye, warna khatam."
(If we keep quiet, we survive. Otherwise, it's over.)
Meanwhile, Vaani's eyes darted sideways as she realised she'd accidentally taken the most dangerous position. "Har chiz main hi kyu aage aa jaati hoon..." she muttered under her breath, then quickly slipped sideways to hide behind Ahaan practically shoving him forward as a human shield.
Tara blinked, suddenly exposed in front, and hissed, "Main kyu phasun? Main toh Vaani ke saath thi." She rushed behind Vaani, crouching slightly like it would make her invisible.
Kriti, now exposed, squeaked, "Maine kuch nahi kiya!" and darted behind Tara, peeking over her shoulder like a rabbit checking for predators.
Only Nirma remained proudly standing in front, arms crossed, gaze locked on Nayan.
Nayan narrowed his eyes. "Humare saath dhoka."
(You betrayed us.)
Nirma tilted her head, smirking. "Tu muh band rakh. Tera kaam ho gaya na? Aur mujhse aise baat karega?"
(You shut your mouth. You got your work done, right? And you'll talk to me like this?)
Before Nayan could reply, Ayaan stepped forward with calm precision, reached out, and caught Nirma's ear between his fingers. "Ek toh chori, upar se seena zori."
(First you steal, then you act proud about it.)
Nirma didn't even flinch at first instead, she leaned in slightly toward him and, in a low, teasing whisper, said,
"Chhodo... warna kal aapke ghar aake tumhari mummy se kahungi ki tum mujhe chhodte hi nahi."
(Let go... or tomorrow I'll come to your house and tell your mom that you never let me go.)
Ayaan's jaw tightened no blush, no laugh. Just a sharper twist of the ear.
"Aah! Galti ho gayi! Sorry sorry sorry! Chhod do!" she yelped, both hands now clutching his wrist in surrender.
Vihaan stepped forward, voice raised. "Bas. Yeh aise line banake kya khade ho? Sab saamne aao."
(Enough. Why are you standing there making lines? Everyone come forward.)
Reluctantly, one by one, they emerged from behind each other Vaani still looking defiant, Ahaan standing like a statue, Tara with her head slightly down, Kriti avoiding eye contact, Rudra trying not to grin, Yuvraj still panting.
The lineup was complete. The trial... was about to begin.
Now, the tension was still thick in the air as the younger ones stood with their heads down, shuffling their feet.
Tara looked around and spoke cautiously, "Bhaiya... waha dhaba hai na? Waha chal ke baat karte hai. Abhi school khatam hone ka time ho gaya hai... sab bahar aayenge."
(Hey... there's that dhaba, right? Let's go talk there. It's almost time for school to end... everyone will start coming out.)
The elders exchanged glances, then Ayaan gave a small nod. "Theek hai, chalo."
(Alright, let's go.)
They all started walking -elders at the front, younger ones trailing behind like a group of guilty cats being herded somewhere.
At the Dhaba
They grabbed the corner table elders on one side, juniors on the other. The younger siblings sat with heads still down, clearly in we know we're in trouble mode.
Vihaan leaned forward, tapping the table with his finger. "Haan toh... ab muh mein dahi jamai hai kya?"
(So... why are you all sitting here like your mouths are full of curd?)
Rudra, without missing a beat, murmured, "Lekin dahi toh pot mein jamate hain na?"
(But... isn't curd supposed to be set in a pot?)
A couple of suppressed snickers escaped from the younger row.
Ritvik gave Rudra a glare sharp enough to slice bread. "Bakwas band karo. Aur batao kyu kiya yeh sab?"
(Stop talking nonsense. And tell us why did you do all this?)
Vaani glanced sideways at Kriti. "Kriti ne bola ped pe chadte hai."
(Kriti said we should climb the tree.)
Kriti's head shot up. "Baaki sabne 'haan' bhi bola tha!"
(Everyone else also said yes!)
Ahaan, smirking slightly, added, "Ground mein jaana ka idea Vaani ka tha."
(The idea to go to the ground was Vaani's.)
Vaani crossed her arms. "Haan, tum sabne bola tha."
(Yeah, and all of you agreed.)
Rudra jumped in. "Project chupane ka idea Yuvraj ka tha."
(The idea to hide the project was Yuvraj's.)
Yuvraj threw his hands up. "Lekin agree sabne kiya tha!"
(But everyone agreed!)
Then Rudra leaned forward. "Ek minute... project chupane ka idea bhi Vaani ka hi tha."
(Wait a second... even the idea to hide the project was actually Vaani's.)
Vaani immediately deflected. "Tara ne project nahi laya tha."
(Tara didn't even bring the project.)
Tara, now defensive, fired back, "Lecture ke beech game Ahaan, Rudra aur Yuvraj khel rahe the."
(During the lecture, Ahaan, Rudra, and Yuvraj were playing a game.)
Ekansh, who'd been quiet till now, slammed his palm lightly on the table. "Enough, guys! Humne yeh nahi pucha ki kya kiska idea tha. Humse jhoot kyu bola, yeh pucha."
(Enough, guys! We didn't ask whose idea it was we asked why you lied to us.)
Tara looked guilty but firm. "Agar sach batate toh aap log aate hi nahi."
(If we told the truth, you guys wouldn't have come.)
Ritvik turned slowly towards her. "Tara... tumne mujhse jhoot bola? In sab ka toh samajhta bhi hoon... lekin tum kaise maan gayi bunk ke liye?"
(Tara... you lied to me? I can understand these others... but you? How did you agree to bunk?)
Vaani jumped in without hesitation, pointing at Tara. "Usko hi lecture attend nahi karna tha."
(She was the one who didn't want to attend the lecture.)
Ritvik's glare shifted instantly. "Tu toh bol hi mat. Teri kartoot aaj mummy ko bataunga."
(You don't even start. I will tell Mom about your stunt today.)
Vaani froze mid-breath. "Arrey mere mummy ke bete... maaf kar do. Galti ek hi baar hoti hai, dobara nahi hoga."
(Oh my dear mama's boy... please forgive me. Mistakes only happen once, it won't happen again.)
Everyone from the younger side nodded in agreement, muttering soft "Sorry"s like a chorus.
The elders sat still, faces stern, pretending not to melt.
Then Nayan, in his usual calm way, said, "Sorry bolte rahoge... lekin kuch kha lo pehle."
(You can keep saying sorry... but eat something first.)
The entire table burst into laughter tension breaking instantly.
Vihaan leaned back, finally letting a smile show. "Dekho... jo hua so hua. Dubara nahi hona chahiye. Aur jhoot humse nahi bolna. Aur kal mam se sorry bhi bolna sabke saamne. Samjhe?"
(Look... what's done is done. But it shouldn't happen again. And don't lie to us. And tomorrow, you all will apologise to mam in front of everyone. Understood?)
Everyone nodded.
"Bolo... ab kya khaoge?" Vihaan asked, grinning.
And just like that, orders started flying across the table parathas, chai, samosas because no matter the lecture, food always won in the end.
Plates were wiped clean, chai glasses drained to the last sip. The once-tense air was now lighter, filled with the faint smell of fried pakoras and the sound of nearby auto horns.
Ahaan stretched his arms lazily. "Bas, ab ghar chalein? "
(Alright, let's head home now.)
Ayaan glanced at his watch. "Haan, chalo. Aaj ritvik ko bhi Jana hai."
(Yeah, let's go. Ritvik is going today.)
They stood up, pushing the wooden benches back with a scrape. The elders naturally took the lead, walking towards the road, while the younger ones trailed a few steps behind still quieter than usual but now sharing faint smiles.
At the corner where their routes split, they paused.
"Kal school mein milte hain," rudra said, giving a small wave.
(See you at school tomorrow.)
Ritvik's lips curved into the tiniest smirk. "Bas kal properly sorry bolna, sabke saamne."
(Just make sure you say it properly tomorrow, in front of everyone.)
Vihaan ruffled Yuvraj's hair on the way. "Chal, ja. Ab seedha ghar."
(C'mon, go. Straight home now.)
They reached the spot where their paths parted one lane going left, another right.
They exchanged nods. No big speeches. Just one final glance.
And then, they parted toward homes, toward memories, and toward the next chapter in their lives.
Kapoor House - Afternoon
The clock read at 12:45 PM when Ritvik and vaani entered the home.As soon as he stepped in, the comforting aroma of freshly cooked food greeted him ghee, haldi, and a pinch of love. Vaani went upstairs in her room.
In the living room, his mom was folding clothes on the couch. She looked up immediately.
"Aa gaya tu? Sab thik raha na school mein?"
(You're back? Everything went okay at school?)
Ritvik nodded with a small smile.
"Haan mummy, sab theek."
("Yes mummy, everything is fine")
She kept the folded kurti aside and walked over to him, already eyeing him head to toe like he was a soldier going to war.
"Bag theek se pack kiya na? Woh file dali ya bhool gaya? Aur vo green wala sweater, wahi jo baar baar bol rahi thi le jaana wo bhi dala?"
(Have you packed your suitcase properly? Did you keep that file or forgot? And the green sweater the one I kept reminding you about?)
Ritvik chuckled, already knowing this was coming.
"Mummy... file bhi daali hai, sweater bhi. Medicines bhi le liye."
("Mom... I've packed the file, the sweater too. And I've taken the medicines as well.")
But she wasn't done.
"Wahan kisi pe zyada bharosa mat karna, samjha? Har kisi se dosti mat kar lena, sab achhe nahi hote. Aur khana time pe khana. Aise mat karna ki padhai mein busy ho aur khaana miss kar diya."
("Don't trust anyone too much there, okay? Don't make friends with everyone not everyone is good. And eat your meals on time. Don't skip food just because you're busy studying.")
He smiled, "Mummy, main bacha nahi hoon. Aur main har kisi se dosti nahi karta, you know na, don't worry."
("Mom, I'm not a kid. And I don't befriend just anyone you know that, don't worry.")
"Haan haan, sab kehte hain. Safai ka dhyan rakhna."
("Yes, yes, everyone says. Take care of cleanliness.")
Ritvik raised a hand, mock-saluting.
"Yes, Captain. Room clean, food on time, no shady friends."
And then he folded his arms but was already melting.
"Aaj aap gaye nahi? Kaam tha na aapko?"
("You didn't go today? You had work, right?")
She exhaled deeply, softening.
"Haan thi... lekin agar mera beta jaa raha hai toh kya main apne bache ka dhyan na rakhun? Waise bhi tum dono ko main time kahan de pati hoon?"
("Yes, I did... but if my son is leaving, should I not take care of my child? Anyway, I hardly get time for you two.")
Ritvik stepped forward, voice low and genuine.
"Aisa nahi hai mummy. Aap jitna karte ho, wahi kaafi hai. Hum dono jaante hain aap hamesha humare liye ho."
("It's not like that, Mom. Whatever you do is more than enough. We both know you're always there for us.")
That made her pause. Her eyes welled up for just a second, but she blinked it away with a sniff and a nod.
"Theek hai theek hai... zyada emotional mat kar. Ab ja, rest kar le. "
("Okay okay... Don't get more emotional. Now go and get some rest.")
He nodded with a smile, kissed her on the forehead, and walked up the stairs toward his room, bag in one hand, memories in the other.
The house fell into a soft silence again except the rhythmic tick of the clock, counting down the hours to his departure.
While the house remained calm, upstairs in his room, Ritvik stood by the window, watching the sky his forever companion. Airplanes passed overhead, leaving behind trails of white against a pale blue canvas. He smiled.
He had always looked up literally and metaphorically.
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