Hello!!! Kaise ho sab?

This is our little surprise and a thank you for waiting for so long.

We started their journey when the elder ones were 8 years old and the younger ones were 7. There are a few scenes, then a leap, then some more scenes, and another leap. And yes, we've added their school phase again.

We wanted to include so many little moments because last time everything happened in such a rush that we never realised how many beautiful parts were left behind. This time, we just want to give these characters the justice they deserve and ourselves the satisfaction of telling their story the way we always wanted to.

We really hope that you all will love this new journey. And if at any point you feel that something isn't working or we could do better, please let us know. We genuinely want to know what you all think. Just one request, give it a fair chance first.

Let's contineu the journey again 🤍

•~•~ 17 Years Ago •~•

The house was filled with the warmth of summer afternoons that day. The kind where curtains moved softly because of the fan, where distant cartoon sounds came from the TV downstairs, and where children's voices echoed louder than anything else. It had only been one day since school vacations had started. And for Tara, that meant happiness. For Vaani, it meant packing Her small bags were already lying open in the room upstairs, clothes were messily stuffed inside because neither of them really wanted to fold anything properly. Toys were scattered around the bed, half-packed and half-forgotten.

Tara sat cross-legged on the floor, hugging a pillow dramatically while staring at Vaani with betrayal in her eyes. "Vaani, humari kal hi school ki chhutti hui hai aur tum log kal ja rahe ho..." Tara complained sadly.

(Vaani, our vacations just started yesterday and you people are already leaving tomorrow...)

Little Vaani, sitting near her bag while trying to fit crayons inside, pouted too. "Mummy ne kaha ki hum phir aayenge."

(Mom said we'll come again.)

"Kab?" Tara asked immediately.

(When?)

Vaani stopped moving for a second. "Pata nahi."

(Don't know.)

That answer made Tara even more upset. Without another thought, she jumped up dramatically. "Toh tu mere ghar ruk ja! Mai aunty ko bolke aati hu."

(Then stay at my house! I'll go ask aunty.)

And before anyone could stop her, she ran downstairs at full speed. "Mai bhi aa rahi hu, ruk!" Vaani hurried behind her immediately.

(I'm coming too, wait!)

Downstairs, Yukti and Isha were sitting together on the sofa, talking peacefully while having tea. The moment they saw the two girls running toward them with serious expressions, both mothers already knew some "important discussion" was about to happen. "Aunty!" Tara announced loudly while climbing onto the sofa beside Yukti. "Aap jao, Vaani ko mere ghar chhod do. Mumma hum dono ko rakhengi."

(Aunty, you go and leave Vaani at my house. Mom will keep both of us there.)

Sitting nearby with a comic book in his hand, little Ritvik looked up instantly. "Aur mujhe, bacha?" he asked just to tease her.

(And me, kiddo?)

Tara gasped, quickly turning toward him. "Han sorry aunty! Bhaiya ko bhi chhod do, Hum saath mai rahenge."

(Yes sorry aunty! Leave bhaiya too. We'll all stay together.)

Isha laughed softly hearing that. "Lekin yeh dono toh hamesha ladte rehte hai." She pointed towards Ritvik and Vaani.

(But these two are always fighting.)

Little Tara immediately nodded seriously. "Han, Vaani bhaiya se hamesha ladti rehti hai..."

(Yeah, Vaani always fights with bhaiya...)

Vaani's mouth dropped open instantly "Me?!" But Tara continued confidently. "Lekin main usse samjha dungi."

(But I'll explain things to her.)

Ritvik burst out laughing while Vaani glared at Tara with complete offense. Yukti smiled warmly at all three of them before gently shaking her head. "Nahi bacha, hum Vaani aur Ritvik ko apne saath nahi rakh sakte."

(No sweetheart, we can't keep Vaani and Ritvik with us.)

The smiles on both girls' faces fell instantly. "Kyu aunty? Promise main roz ice cream nahi lungi..." Vaani negotiated seriously.

(Why aunty? Promise I won't ask for ice cream every day...)

"Aur Ritvik se jhagda?" Isha teased.

(And fighting with Ritvik?)

Little Vaani crossed her arms stubbornly. "Nahi, voh promise nahi karungi."

(No, I won't promise that.)

Ritvik laughed loudly again while Yukti pulled both girls closer gently. "Nahi Vaani... abhi hume pata nahi hai na ki tum log Mumbai kab tak return aaoge."

(No Vaani... right now we don't know when you all will return to Mumbai.)

Then she softly brushed Tara's hair back. "Aur mumma tum dono ke bina nahi reh payegi... toh mai tumhe yahan nahi rakh sakti."

(And your mom won't be able to stay without both of you... so I can't keep you here.)

That explanation was enough Both girls became quiet immediately there was No arguments this time Only sad little faces. Slowly, they climbed down from the sofa and started walking back upstairs like their entire lives had been ruined. Ritvik watched them go, trying hard not to laugh. After a few minutes, Tara suddenly looked at Vaani again and clapped her hands lightly. "Chal Vaani! Aaj toh teri tuition bhi nahi hai. Hum playground chalte hai."

(Come Vaani! You don't even have tuition today. Let's go to the playground.)

Her excitement returned instantly. "Vaha mere bohot dost hai!"

(I have lots of friends there!)

But Vaani shook her head seriously while sitting near her open bag again. "Nahi... mummy ne kaha ki mai jo saman rakhungi vahi saath jayega..."

(No... mom said whatever things I keep away will go with us...)

Then she pointed suspiciously at the room. "Varna voh sara saman yahi chhod dengi."

(Otherwise she'll leave all my stuff here.)

Tara gasped again so this was serious. "Thik hai... mai ja rahi hu."

(Fine... I'm going then.)

"Bye. Raat ko aana." Vaani waved lazily.

(Bye. Come back at night.)

Tara nodded and left from there as she came downstairs she looked towards Ritvik, who was still lying upside down on the bed reading his comic. "Bye bhaiya!" Ritvik smiled immediately. "Bye bacha, jaldi aana."

(Bye kiddo, come back quickly.)

And just like that, Tara ran outside, her tiny footsteps echoing through the house while Vaani quietly returned to arranging her crayons carefully inside her bag. Neither of them knew then that years later, despite all the fights, all the distance, all the chaos... these people would become each other's home in ways none of them could explain.

On the other hand, The playground was full of evening noise Children running everywhere, cycles lying carelessly near the benches, someone crying because they lost a game, someone laughing too loudly for no reason. The orange sunlight covered the entire ground softly while the trees nearby moved gently with the evening breeze. The moment Tara entered the playground, she immediately spotted Nirma and Kriti sitting near the sand area with buckets and tiny plastic tools scattered around them. "Tara!" Nirma waved excitedly. "Hum castle bana rahe hai, aaja!"

(We're making a castle, come!)

Little Kriti nodded seriously while pressing sand into a tiny mold. "Dekh kitna bada bana hai."

(Look how big it is.)

But Tara's attention had already shifted somewhere else Towards the cricket ground. "Nahi, mujhe cricket khelna hai," Tara announced immediately, her eyes fixed on the match happening nearby.

(No, I want to play cricket.)

Not very far away, vihaan was bowling dramatically while ayaan argued over whether the last ball was out or not. And in the middle of all the chaos stood Ekansh, holding the bat proudly like he was playing an international final instead of colony cricket. "Thik hai toh hum bana rahe hai," Kriti said with a shrug before returning to her castle.

(Okay then, we'll keep making this.)

Tara nodded absentmindedly and immediately ran toward the cricket side. "Cheating hai!" Vihaan shouted loudly.

(This is cheating!)

Ayaan pointed toward the imaginary wicket behind Ekansh dramatically. "Out tha tu!"

(You were out!)

"Nahi tha!" Ekansh argued back while gripping the bat protectively.

(I was not!)

"Tha!"

(You were!)

"Nahi!"

(No!)

Before the fight could continue further, little Tara suddenly entered the middle of the ground and stood beside Ekansh. "Bhaiya mujhe bhi khelna hai!" Tara said excitedly, almost bouncing on her feet while staring at the bat in Ekansh's hand.

(Bhaiya, I want to play too!)

Ekansh smiled softly seeing her excitement and immediately handed her the bat. "ye lo."

(Here.)

Then he looked toward Vihaan seriously. "Vihaan, thodi slow ball dalna."

(Vihaan, bowl slowly.)

Vihaan smiled lightly and nodded. But before anyone could continue, another voice interrupted loudly from behind. "Ek minute!"

(Wait a minute!)

Everyone turned Little Ahaan came running toward them at full speed, clearly offended already. His hair was messy from playing, his face sweaty, and the irritation on his face made him look even smaller. "Mai kab se fielding kar raha hu," he complained loudly while pointing at himself. "Mujhe toh batting nahi di..."

(I've been fielding for so long. I didn't get batting...)

Then he glared directly at Tara. "Isse kyu?"

(Then why her?)

Without waiting for an answer, he immediately grabbed the bat from Tara's hands. Tara gasped dramatically. "In sab ko problem nahi hai toh tujhe kya problem hai?" she argued while trying to pull the bat back.

(If nobody else has a problem then why do you?)

"Kyu na ho problem?" Ahaan snapped instantly.

(Why wouldn't I have a problem?)

"Hum kab se fielding kar rahe hai!" he said pointing towards rudra and yuvraj who followed him too. "Tu kaha se aayi bich mai?"

(We've been fielding for so long! Where did you suddenly come from in between?)

Tara pulled the bat harder toward herself and answered proudly, "Ghar se."

(From home.)

For one second everyone went silent then Vihaan burst out laughing loudly. Even Ayaan covered his mouth trying not to laugh. Ahaan stared at her in disbelief. "Yeh funny nahi tha."

(That wasn't funny.)

"Mujhe funny laga," Tara replied confidently.

(I found it funny.)

"Ahaan, shant hoja," Ayaan finally stepped in while walking closer. "Voh bas ek do ball khelegi."

(Ahaan, calm down. She'll only play one or two balls.)

"Han, phir voh chali jayegi," Vihaan added.

(Yeah, then she'll leave.)

But Ahaan was still unconvinced. "Nahi bhaiya!" he complained stubbornly. "Mai, Rudra aur Yuvraj kab se fielding kar rahe hai. Hamari batting toh nahi aayi...Phir iski kyu?"

(No bhaiya! Me, Rudra and Yuvraj have been fielding forever. We still haven't gotten batting...Then why hers?)

Rudra immediately tried calming him. "Chod na Ahaan... Bas ek do ball khelegi phir chali jayegi."

(Let it go Ahaan...She'll just play one or two balls and then leave.)

But Ahaan crossed his arms stubbornly. "Nahi, Maine mehnat ki hai. Aise kaise de du?"

(No. I worked hard. How can I just give it away?)

Ekansh finally walked toward him and placed a hand on his head gently. "Ahaan..." he said patiently. "Maa ne kaha hai na aise ladai nahi karte, tara thodi der khelegi phir chali jayegi."

(Mom said we shouldn't fight like this, tara will play for a bit and then leave.)

Then he pointed toward the field. "Aur tu toh bowling team se hai na toh tujhe abhi rukna hoga."

(And you're on the bowling team so you'll have to wait anyway.)

Ahaan's face immediately fell in betrayal. "Thik hai..." he muttered unwillingly.

(Fine...)

Then suddenly he pointed accusingly at Tara again. "Lekin yeh toh kisi bhi team se nahi hai!"

(But she's not even in any team!)

Everyone paused because Honestly... he had a point. "Han na," rudra nodded seriously.

(Exactly.)

But before anyone could decide further, Ayaan casually wrapped an arm around Ekansh's shoulder and announced, "Yeh meri aur Ekansh ki team mai hai."

(She's in mine and Ekansh's team.)

Yuvraj blinked. "Kab se?"

(Since when?)

"Abhi se," Ekansh answered calmly.

(From now.)

Tara's face lit up instantly. "Thank you bhaiya!" she grinned happily while snatching the bat back from Ahaan proudly.

(Thank you bhaiya!)

While Ahaan stared at everyone like he had been personally betrayed by society.

Tara proudly adjusted the bat in her hands again while standing near the wicket like a professional cricketer. Ekansh stood nearby smiling slightly, while Ayaan folded his arms, already prepared for disaster. "Ready?" Vihaan asked while spinning the ball dramatically. "Han!" Tara nodded confidently.

(Yes!)

Ahaan stood nearby with complete suspicion on his face. Then Vihaan finally bowled slowly toward her. The ball bounced once. Tara swung the bat with full confidence and missed completely. Tak! The wicket fell instantly. For one second there was silence. Then Ahaan burst out laughing so loudly that even the kids nearby turned toward them. "Bhaiya!" he pointed dramatically toward Tara while laughing nonstop.

"'Mai bhi khelungi, mai bhi khelungi...'" he mocked her voice. "Ho gayi na pehli ball par out!"

('I'll play too, I'll play too...' See? Out on the first ball!)

Vihaan sat on the ground sighing while Yuvraj clapped dramatically. Even Rudra couldn't stop smiling. Tara looked completely offended. "Bhaiyaaa..." she immediately turned toward Ekansh with the biggest pout possible. Ekansh tried not to laugh and lightly smacked Ahaan's head. "Ahaan, aise nahi bolte."

(Ahaan, don't say things like that.)

But Ahaan crossed his arms stubbornly. "Jab isse khelne nahi aata toh bich mai kyu aayi?"

(If she doesn't know how to play then why did she come in between?)

Tara gasped dramatically. "Tujhe bada aata hai? Kal dekha tha maine kaise second ball mai out ho gaya tha tu!"

(Oh, like you know so much? I saw how you got out on the second ball yesterday!)

Ahaan immediately stopped laughing. "Han toh?" he defended himself quickly.

(So what?)

"Bas hua tum dono ka," Ayaan interrupted before another fight started.

(Enough, both of you.)

Then he looked at Tara. "Tara, tu ja abhi un logon ke saath khel.Main tujhe last mai batting dunga."

(Tara, go play with them for now. I'll give you batting again at the end.)

Tara's mood immediately improved. "Thik hai bhaiya!" she grinned happily.

(Okay bhaiya!)

Then before leaving, she looked at Ahaan, pulled one eye shut dramatically, stuck her tongue out at him, and ran away. Ahaan stared at her in disbelief. "Badtameez."

(Mannerless.)

Ekansh laughed softly hearing that. Tara quickly ran back toward the sand area where Kriti and Nirma were still sitting with their half-made castles. The moment she sat down beside them, Kriti smirked knowingly. "Ho gaya cricket khel ke?"

(Done playing cricket?)

Tara immediately huffed. "Nahi. Mujhe nahi liya."

(No. They didn't take me.)

Nirma looked at her suspiciously. "Jhuthi. Pehli ball par out ho gayi."

(Liar. You got out on the first ball.)

Tara looked betrayed. "Han toh..." she muttered proudly. "Ayaan bhaiya ne kaha hai voh last mai mujhe batting denge."

(So what... Ayaan bhaiya said he'll give me batting later.)

Nirma nodded seriously. "Ye dekho mera castle ban gaya!" Kriti announced proudly while pointing at her carefully shaped castle with tiny sand towers.

(Look, my castle is done!)

"Mera bhi aadha ho gaya hai," Nirma added while fixing one side carefully.

(Mine is half done too.)

Tara's eyes widened. "Mai bhi banaungi!"

(I'll make one too!)

Without waiting, she immediately sat down beside them and started piling sand randomly. Within minutes, the three girls were fully immersed again. Nirma carefully made tiny windows. Kriti used leaves as decorations. Tara meanwhile destroyed more sand than she actually used. "Arre dheere!" Kriti complained as nirma accidentally ruined one side of her castle.

(Hey slowly!)

"Galti se hua," she defended herself.

(It happened by mistake.)

"Tu jaan bujh ke kar rahi hai," tara accused immediately trying to lighten them.

(You're doing it intentionally.)

"Nahi!" A few seconds later, Tara suddenly threw a handful of sand lightly toward Nirma. Nirma gasped loudly. "TARAAA!"

Kriti burst out laughing. Then Nirma immediately attacked back. Soon all three girls were laughing loudly while throwing little bits of sand at each other, their neat castles getting ruined in the process. "Tum dono pagal ho!" Kriti laughed breathlessly while shielding herself.

(You both are crazy!)

"Tune shuru kiya tha!" Tara pointed at Nirma still giggling.

(She started it!)

"Jhuthi!"

(Liar!)

Their laughter echoed across the playground while the boys nearby occasionally looked toward them and shook their heads.

The next afternoon carried the lazy warmth of summer again. Children were cycling around some People watering plants from balconies. The distant sound of cartoon theme songs were coming from open windows. Vihaan walked toward the playground casually, kicking a small stone on the road while humming something under his breath.

Just then, his eyes landed on the familiar ice cream cart standing near the corner of the street. The same old blue cart, The same tiny bell hanging near it. And the same uncle who had been selling ice cream there since forever. A smile immediately appeared on Vihaan's face and he changed his direction instantly. "Hii uncle!" he greeted cheerfully while stopping near the cart.

(Hi uncle!)

The old vendor looked up and smiled warmly seeing him. "Arey Vihaan beta!"

(Oh Vihaan son!)

Then he opened the freezer dramatically and checked inside. "Aaj strawberry bachi hai bas... aur ek hi chocolate hai."

(Only strawberry is left today... and one chocolate too.)

Vihaan nodded thoughtfully while leaning against the cart. "Mujhe strawberry dedo..."

(Give me strawberry...)

Then suddenly he looked up again. "Aur Ritvik aaya tha kya?"

(And did Ritvik come here?)

The uncle frowned slightly while trying to remember. "Nahi... Ritvik toh jab se tum logon ka exam start hua tha tab se nahi aaya."

(No... Ritvik hasn't come since your exams started.)

Vihaan blinked once. Then realization slowly hit him. "Matlab..." he muttered dramatically. "princess ne tab se ice cream nahi khai hai?"

(That means... princess hasn't eaten ice cream since then?)

The uncle laughed softly. "Mujhe kaise pata hoga? Shayad kahi aur se kha liya hoga."

(How would I know? Maybe she ate somewhere else.)

Vihaan immediately shook his head with full confidence. "Nahi."

(No.)

Then he pointed proudly like he had solved a mystery. "Thik hai, aap mujhe ek strawberry aur ek chocolate dedo. Vaani mili toh usse de dunga."

(Okay, give me one strawberry and one chocolate. If I meet Vaani, I'll give it to her.)

The uncle handed him a suspicious look. "Aur nahi mili toh?"

(And if you don't meet her?)

Without even thinking twice, Vihaan answered honestly, "Mai kha lunga."

(I'll eat it myself.)

The uncle burst out laughing. "Smart ho tum."

(You're smart.)

"Pata hai," Vihaan replied proudly.

(I know.)

A few seconds later, the uncle handed him both ice creams carefully. "Yeh lo tumhari ice cream."

(Here's your ice cream.)

Vihaan immediately took them carefully like they were something important. "Thank you uncle, bye!"

(Thank you uncle, bye!)

"Bye beta."

(Bye son.)

Then Vihaan started walking toward the playground again, holding both ice creams carefully while trying his best not to let the chocolate one melt. And somewhere in his mind he was already planning how to annoy Vaani before giving it to her.

As Vihaan walked toward the playground holding the two ice creams carefully, the warm summer air brushed softly against his face. The chocolate one was already starting to melt slightly from the sides. He sighed But then suddenly, while staring at the chocolate ice cream in his hand a memory flashed through his mind. And instantly, a small smile appeared on his face.

Few months ago

(FLASHBACK)

It was the same ice cream cart and the same tiny bell hanging near the cart The only thing that was different it was school season Little Ritvik stood near the stall holding money carefully in his small hand while Vaani stood beside him, already excited about ice cream. They were waiting for isha as she usually picks them there after school. "Uncle!" Ritvik spoke politely. "Mujhe do vanilla ice cream aur ek chocolate ice cream dena."

(Uncle! Give me two vanilla ice creams and one chocolate ice cream.)

The uncle checked the freezer carefully before his expression changed slightly. "Sorry beta... Chocolate toh bas ek hi bachi hai."

(Only one chocolate is left.)

Then he pointed somewhere behind them. "Voh bhi ek bache ki hai... Vihaan dekho, usko dena hai."

(And that one is for another child... look, it's for Vihaan.)

Ritvik turned around. A small boy stood there holding his bag beside him. Vihaan. He looked sweaty from may be walking, his hair were messy from the wind, but the moment he heard "chocolate ice cream," he immediately became alert. Before Ritvik could say anything, little Vaani spoke stubbornly. "Nhi! Mujhe toh chocolate hi chahiye."

(No!, I want chocolate only.)

Ritvik sighed instantly because he already knew this tone. "Lekin unke paas nahi hai toh koi aur try kar lete hai..." he tried explaining patiently.

(But they don't have it, so let's try another flavor...)

But Vaani stubbornly shook her head. "Nahi, Mujhe toh chocolate hi chahiye bas."

(No. I want chocolate only.)

The uncle awkwardly looked between both then children. Just then Vihaan reached the cart. "Ye lo Vihaan, tumhari chocolate ice cream."

(Here Vihaan, your chocolate ice cream.)

The moment uncle handed it over, Vaani's eyes followed it like her entire world depended on it. "Mujhe chahiye..." she muttered sadly.

(I want it...)

Then louder this time, "Chahiye!"

(I want it!)

Ritvik immediately looked embarrassed, But before he could continue, Vihaan looked at Vaani properly for the first time. Her Tiny angry face, slightly Puffy cheeks and Almost teary eyes over ice cream. He blinked once then casually held the chocolate ice cream toward her. "Hey, yelo."

(Hey, take it.)

Both Ritvik and Vaani froze at his politeness Ritvik immediately shook his head. "Nahi, it's okay. Tum apni ice cream rakho."

(No, it's okay. You keep your ice cream.)

But Vihaan shrugged casually like it wasn't a big deal. "Ab voh itna zid kar rahi hai toh tum yeh chocolate rakh lo."

(She's insisting so much, so you keep this chocolate.)

Then he pointed toward the freezer. "Mai strawberry le lunga."

(I'll take strawberry.)

Vaani's entire face lit up instantly like someone gifted her treasure. "Sach?"

(Really?)

Vihaan nodded so Without hesitation, Vaani grabbed the chocolate ice cream happily. "Thank you!" she beamed brightly.

(Thank you!)

Then after a tiny pause she added honestly, "Tum bohot ache ho."

(You're very nice.)

Vihaan grinned proudly hearing that. "I know." But little Vaani had already happily started eating her chocolate ice cream like nothing else mattered anymore. Chocolate had already reached near her lips, but she looked entirely satisfied now that she finally had the flavor she wanted. Ritvik, however, still looked upset about it. "Vaani..." he sighed softly. Then he looked at her seriously. "Aisa nahi karte hai."

(You shouldn't do things like this.)

Vaani blinked innocently. "Kya?"

(What?)

Before ritvik could answer, Vihaan casually spoke while leaning near the cart. "Uncle, mujhe ek strawberry dena."

(Uncle, give me one strawberry.)

The uncle nodded and started taking it out. Meanwhile Ritvik looked toward Vihaan properly and spoke politely, "Thank you meri behn ko ice cream dene ke liye."

(Thank you for giving my sister the ice cream.)

Vihaan shrugged casually, Then his eyes shifted toward Vaani again. "Koi baat nahi, tumhari behan bohot cute hai...Princess jaisi."

(It's okay, Your sister is very cute...Like a princess.)

A smile appeared on his face. The second those words left his mouth, Ritvik immediately looked at him sharply. "Voh meri behn hai."

(She's my sister.)

There was no anger in his voice but the possessiveness was obvious even in childhood. Vihaan blinked once, confused by the sudden seriousness. "Han..." he nodded slowly. "Tumne abhi hi bataya."

(Yeah... You just told me that.)

The uncle laughed softly seeing both boys. Meanwhile Vaani continued eating peacefully like none of this concerned her. Ritvik still looked slightly cautious before finally speaking again. "Tum yahan roz aate ho na?"

(You come here daily right?)

Then awkwardly corrected himself. "Mera matlab... maine tumhe bohot baar dekha hai."

(I mean... I've seen you many times.)

Vihaan nodded while taking his strawberry ice cream. "Han. Meri mummy mujhe yahi se pick karti hai."

(Yeah. My mom picks me from here.)

Then he pointed lightly toward Vaani and Ritvik. "Aur tum bhi iske saath yahan aate ho na?"

(And you also come here with her right?)

Ritvik nodded. "Han. Meri mummy aur aunty hume yaha se pick karte hai."

(Yeah. My mom and aunt pick us from here.)

For a few seconds, silence settled comfortably between them.

The kind children share naturally without forcing conversation.

Then suddenly from the road nearby

"Papaaa!" Vihaan shouted excitedly while waving his hand. A man standing near a scooter waved back at him. Vihaan quickly adjusted his cycle. "Bye!" he smiled at Ritvik. Ritvik nodded slightly. "Bye." Then Vihaan looked toward Vaani one last time. "Bye princess."

Then Vihaan rode away towards his father while Ritvik watched carefully until he properly reached him. Only after that did he finally look toward Vaani again. And she was completely unaware of his protective staring, simply held up the chocolate ice cream proudly and grinned. Just then a voice interrupted him. "Bhaiyaaa!" A tiny voice shouted from nearby. All three turned. Little Tara came running toward them wearing her school uniform, her bag hanging carelessly from one shoulder while her water bottle bounced against her side. The moment she reached them, she stopped dramatically to catch her breath. Ritvik immediately smiled softly seeing her. "Bacha..."

(Kiddo...)

Then he handed her the strawberry ice cream he was holding. "Yele teri ice cream."

(Here's your ice cream.)

Tara's tired face instantly brightened. "Thankuu!" she grinned happily before immediately opening it.

(Thank you!)

Then she looked around curiously. "Mumma nahi aayi?"

(Mom hasn't come?)

Ritvik shook his head slightly. "Nahi, tu ice cream kha, mummy aa jayegi."

(Not yet you eat your ice cream, mom will come.)

Tara nodded obediently and finally noticed Vaani smiling to herself nonstop. Her eyebrows narrowed suspiciously. "Tu kyu smile kar rahi hai?" Tara asked while licking her ice cream.

(Why are you smiling?)

Vaani immediately giggled again. "Mujhe bhaiya ne princess kaha!"

(Bhaiya called me princess!)

Tara froze. Then slowly looked toward Ritvik. "Bhaiya..." she pouted dramatically. "Aapne princess?"

(Bhaiya... You called her princess?)

Before Ritvik could even explain, Vaani immediately shook her head. "Nahi nahi!"

(No no!)

"Isne nahi..." she pointed toward Ritvik.

(Not him...)

"Voh..." then she pointed somewhere toward the road where Vihaan had already disappeared long ago. "Teri school ke the, Kyunki tum dono ki uniform same same hai."

(That boy... He was from your school, because both your uniforms were the same.)

Tara immediately became interested. "Kisne?"

(Who?)

But before Vaani could continue proudly, Ritvik instantly interrupted, "Voh dekho mummy aa gayi!"

(Look, mom is here!)

Both the girls immediately turned around. From far away, Yukti and Isha were walking toward them while talking to each other. "Chalo dono." Ritvik quickly said while taking both their bags before either girl could continue the topic.

(Come on both of you.)

But Tara was still suspicious. The next day arrived and the weather was slightly cooler than before. The school day had finally ended, and like every afternoon, the area near the ice cream cart slowly started filling with children in uniforms. Tiny groups of kids laughed loudly while deciding which flavor to buy. Near the cart, Ritvik stood waiting while Vaani had gone to buy the ice creams herself today because apparently she was now "old enough."

Ritvik still didn't trust that logic. Meanwhile from the opposite side of the road, Vihaan arrived while walking and the moment his eyes landed on the familiar trio, a grin appeared on his face instantly. He parked his cycle nearby and walked towards them casually. "Hii Ri..." he started confidently. Then paused. "Ri..." He squinted his eyes trying to read Ritvik's school ID card hanging from his neck. "Riti..." Finally Ritvik sighed and spoke flatly, "Ritvik." Vihaan immediately pointed at him proudly. "Haan wahi!"

(Yeah that!)

Then without wasting another second, he looked around. "Princess kaha hai?"

(Where's princess?)

Ritvik's expression immediately changed. "Uska naam Vaani hai." Then he folded his arms protectively. "Aur tumhe kyu batau?"

(Her name is Vaani. And why should I tell you?)

Vihaan blinked once before laughing. "Arey main toh bas puch raha tha!"

(Hey I was just asking!)

Then he grinned mischievously. "Aur mujhe pata hai uska naam Vaani hai... Lekin vo princess jaisi cute hai."

(And I know her name is Vaani... But she's cute like a princess.)

Ritvik however looked one second away from banning Vihaan from the ice cream cart permanently. Just then vaani arrived there "Heyy, main yahan hu!"

(Heyy, I'm here!)

Both boys turned. Vaani came running toward them carefully holding two ice creams in her tiny hands while trying her best not to drop them. She stopped near Ritvik and proudly handed him one. "Yelo aapki ice cream."

(Here's your ice cream.)

Then finally she looked toward Vihaan. "Hii princess," Vihaan greeted casually with a smile. Vaani's cheeks turned slightly pink instantly. Even ritvik noticed it and Meanwhile he narrowed his eyes suspiciously But Vaani ignored him completely. Then suddenly she spoke excitedly, "Tumhe pata hai meri friend bhi tumhare school mein jaati hai!"

(You know my friend also studies in your school!)

Vihaan looked interested immediately. "Achaa?, Konse standard mai hai vo?"

(Really? Which standard is she in?)

"2nd"

Vihaan nodded thoughtfully.

Just when Vaani was about to proudly tell Vihaan her friend's name, a familiar voice came running toward them. "Bhaiyaaa!" Vihaan and vaani were still talking while ritvik turned and saw little Tara hurrying toward the ice cream cart in her school uniform. Her bag kept slipping from one shoulder while the ribbons in her hair had already loosened after the long school day. Her cheeks looked slightly pink from walking fast under the afternoon sun, and the moment she reached them, she stopped in front of Ritvik while breathing heavily. "Bhaiya..." she repeated again while trying to catch her breath.

The strict expression Ritvik had while talking to Vihaan immediately softened seeing her. Without even asking anything, he handed her the vanilla ice cream he had been holding carefully for her all this time. "Yele teri ice cream," he said with a small smile.

(Here's your ice cream.)

Tara's tired face brightened instantly like someone had handed her treasure. "Thankuuu!" she grinned happily before quickly taking it from his hand. She immediately opened the wrapper excitedly, but before taking the first bite, her eyes suddenly landed on Vihaan standing beside them. "Vihaan bhaiya?" she blinked in surprise. "Aap bhi yaha?"

(Vihaan bhaiya? You're here too?)

Vihaan turned towards her and looked equally surprised seeing her. "Han," he laughed lightly. "Main in dono se roz yahi milta hu."

(Yeah. I meet these two here almost every day.)

The moment Ritvik heard that, he turned toward Tara with genuine confusion written across his face. "Tu isse jaanti hai?"

(You know him?)

Because honestly, he had absolutely no idea that Tara and Vihaan already knew each other. Tara nodded casually while taking her first bite of ice cream. "Han," she answered normally. "Main inke saath ground mai khelti hu."

(Yeah. I play with him at the playground.)

Ritvik nodded understanding it. Then suddenly, Vaani moved closer toward Tara with complete secrecy on her face. She leaned near her ear and whispered while secretly pointing at Vihaan with her eyes. "Yeh wahi hai jo mujhe princess bolte hai..."

(He's the same one who calls me princess...)

Tara's eyes widened instantly. For one second she stared at Vaani in shock. Then both girls looked at each other and started giggling softly. Their tiny cheeks even turned slightly pink because obviously, at that age, being called "princess" felt like the biggest compliment in the world. Meanwhile Ritvik noticed both of them whispering and narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Kya secret baate ho rahi hai?"

(What secret talks are happening?)

"Nothingg," both girls replied together immediately while trying to control their smiles. Vihaan stood there watching them with amusement while eating his strawberry ice cream. For some reason, he found Vaani's reactions extremely funny. Every time he called her princess, she smiled like she had won something important.

Just then, from the opposite side of the road, Vihaan noticed his father arriving near the bike to pick him up. His face immediately brightened. "Bye sabko!" he said quickly while grabbing his cycle. "Mere papa aa gaye."

(Bye everyone! My father is here.)

Vaani immediately waved excitedly at him. "Byeee!" she said with a huge smile. Tara also waved happily. "Shaam ko milte hai bhaiya!"

(See you in the evening bhaiya!)

Vihaan nodded happily, then suddenly pointed toward Ritvik and Vaani too. "Inhe bhi leke aana."

(Bring them too.)

Before Tara could even answer, Ritvik immediately replied, "Nahi."

(No.)

Everyone looked at him. "Vaani aur mera shaam ko tuition hai," he said firmly. "Hum nahi aa sakte."

(Vaani and I have tuition in the evening. We can't come.)

Vihaan made an exaggerated disappointed face. "Oho..." he sighed dramatically. "Theek hai fir."

(Oh... okay then.)

Then he smiled again before leaving. "Bye princess," he said teasingly one last time. Vaani smiled so widely that even Tara started laughing beside her. "Bye!" Vaani waved again. Then Vihaan finally rode away beside his father while waving once more toward them. For a few seconds, the three siblings simply stood there watching him leave. Then slowly, Ritvik looked toward Vaani and Tara. Both girls were still smiling to themselves for absolutely no reason.

And somehow...that worried him a little after sometime yukti and isha arrived and they all went to their respective house. And just like that, days slowly started passing in the same routine. Every afternoon after school, the ice cream cart became their little meeting point. Some days Ritvik and Vaani would already be standing there before Vihaan arrived. Some days Tara would come running late from school with her messy ribbons and tired face. Sometimes Yukti and Isha arrived early and took the kids home before they could even properly talk. And on some days, Vihaan's father used to come earlier than usual, forcing him to leave quickly while all three kids shouted "bye" from behind.

Slowly, without anyone realizing, meeting each other became normal Like a tiny everyday habit. The ice cream uncle had even stopped asking their orders because he already knew who wanted what. Chocolate for Vaani and Tara, strawberry for Vihaan And Ritvik? Ritvik mostly spent his time making sure Vaani or tara didn't spill ice cream on themself or talk "too much" with Vihaan.

One afternoon, the weather looked slightly cloudy after school. The road near the cart was quieter than usual, and Vihaan came walking toward the stall like always. But the moment he reached there, his eyes automatically searched around first and No tiny girl standing beside Ritvik of No chocolate ice cream already melting in her hand. Instead, only Ritvik stood alone. Vihaan frowned immediately. "Ritvik..." he started slowly. Then he looked around once more. "Aaj princess nahi aayi?"

(Princess didn't come today?)

Ritvik took his ice cream from the uncle before answering casually, "Nahi. Uski tabiyat thik nahi hai isliye nahi aayi."

(No. She isn't feeling well, so she didn't come.)

The moment Vihaan heard that, his expression changed completely. "Kya hua usse?" he asked instantly.

(What happened to her?)

Ritvik noticed the concern immediately and like always, his protective mode activated first before logic. "Voh meri choti behn hai," he replied carefully. "Tumhe tension lene ki zarurat nahi hai."

(She's my younger sister. You don't need to worry.)

Ritvik had somehow convinced himself that Vihaan "kind of liked" Vaani and as an average overprotective brother he absolutely did not support that idea. Vihaan however looked confused hearing his response. "Nahi..." he said softly. Then very innocently added, "Voh mere liye bhi choti behn jaisi hai."

(No... She's like a younger sister to me too.)

For one second, Ritvik went completely silent. Because suddenly everything he had been assuming felt stupid Vihaan wasn't behaving weirdly. He genuinely just adored Vaani the same way everyone adored cute little kids And honestly? Vaani did look like a tiny princess most of the time. Ritvik's expression finally softened a little and a small awkward smile even appeared on his face. Meanwhile Vihaan quickly opened his school bag and started searching for something. Then after a second, he pulled out a carefully kept chocolate bar from inside. "Yeh lo," he said while handing it toward Ritvik. "Usse dena, Bolna Vihaan bhaiya ne di hai. "Then he smiled lightly.

(Take this. Give it to her and Tell her Vihaan bhaiya gave it.)

Ritvik immediately shook his head. "Nahi, iski zarurat nahi hai."

(No, there's no need for this.)

But Vihaan pushed the chocolate toward him again stubbornly. "Tumhe nahi de raha hu," he said dramatically. "Meri choti behan ke liye hai, Meri princess ke liye hai." Then after a tiny pause he grinned.

(I'm not giving it to you. It's for my younger sister, It's for my princess.)

This time, instead of getting defensive, Ritvik simply sighed helplessly and finally took the chocolate. "Thank you," he muttered. Then he looked toward the road and noticed Isha's car arriving nearby. "Bye, aaj meri mummy aa gayi jaldi."

(Bye, my mom came early today.)

Vihaan nodded, then suddenly looked around again. "Tara..." he asked. "Voh bhi toh tumhare saath jaati hai na?"

(She also goes with you guys, right?)

Ritvik answered while adjusting his bag. "Aaj uska half day tha, Yukti aunty usse pehle hi lekar gayi."

(Today she had half day, Yukti aunty picked her up earlier.)

"Achaa..." Vihaan nodded slowly. Then before leaving, he looked at Ritvik once more. "Kal batana princess kaisi hai."

(Tell me tomorrow how princess is.)

This time Ritvik smiled properly. "Han pakka."

(Yeah, definitely.)

Then both boys waved lightly before heading toward their parents And unknowingly their strange little friendship had quietly started becoming real too. The memory slowly faded from Vihaan's mind as he continued walking toward the playground with the two ice creams in his hands. The sounds of children shouting nearby slowly brought him back to the present. A small smile remained on his lips though. He looked down at the chocolate ice cream in his hand and shook his head lightly. "Princess..." he muttered to himself with a quiet laugh.

Honestly, he himself didn't know why he had started calling her that Maybe because little Vaani genuinely looked like one with her tiny clips, round cheeks, and dramatic expressions over chocolate ice cream. Or maybe because she used to smile at him like he had done something huge by simply giving her ice cream that day. Whatever the reason was he had gotten attached to those two siblings strangely fast.

FLASHBACK ENDED

As he walked further, he suddenly wondered if they were also coming today. As he finally reached their usual playground, he slowed down a little while looking around automatically for familiar faces because Usually by this time, the entire group used to be there already. But today the playground looked quieter His eyes moved around once more before finally stopping near the swings and Only Kriti was there. She was sitting alone on the edge of the slide platform, her small bag was kept beside her while she absentmindedly drew random lines on the sand using her shoe. Her hair ribbons had become slightly loose after school, and the soft evening wind kept moving tiny strands of hair near her face.

The moment she noticed Vihaan entering the playground, her face brightened slightly. "Hey Kriti," Vihaan walked toward her with both ice creams in his hand. "Kya hua, tum akele?"

(Hey Kriti, what happened? Why are you alone?)

Kriti immediately got down from the slide carefully. "Han," she nodded. "Aaj Tara aur Nirma dono hi nahi aaye."

(Yeah because Tara and Nirma both didn't come today.)

Vihaan looked around once more to make sure if they were really not coming. "Matlab aaj playground shant rehne wala hai?"

(So today the playground is actually going to stay peaceful?)

Kriti giggled softly hearing that then Vihaan suddenly remembered the chocolate ice cream still in his hand. He held it toward her casually. "Yeh lo."

(Here.)

Kriti blinked in confusion. "Yeh mere liye hai?"

(This is for me?)

Vihaan nodded simply. "Han, tumhare liye."

(Yeah, for you.)

A small smile slowly spread across Kriti's face. "Thank you," she said quietly before carefully taking the ice cream from him. Vihaan smiled watching her reaction and For some reason, seeing her happy over tiny things always made him feel weirdly happy too. Both of them then quietly sat near the swings eating their ice creams while watching the other children play around the ground.

Kriti ate slowly and neatly unlike Vaani, who usually looked ready to fight people over chocolate ice cream. And Vihaan couldn't help smiling thinking about it. After finishing the last bite they looked at each other wondering what would they do. "Chalo," Vihaan suddenly stood up. "Mai tumhare saath khelta hu."

(Come on. I'll play with you.)

Kriti looked surprised. "Nahi..." she shook her head immediately. "Tum toh ladko ke saath kheloge na."

(No... you'll play with the boys, right?)

Then she pointed toward the cricket side of the ground. "Abhi Ekansh bhaiya aur Ayaan bhaiya aa jayenge."

(Ekansh bhaiya and Ayaan bhaiya will come soon.)

Vihaan frowned hearing her logic. "Ye rule kaha likha hai ki main sirf ladko ke saath khelunga?"

(Where is it written that I'll only play with boys?)

Kriti blinked innocently. "Aur waise bhi..." Vihaan continued. "Jab tak Tara aur Nirma nahi aate ...main tumhare hi saath rahunga."

(And anyway... Until Tara and Nirma come...I'll stay with you only.)

Kriti looked at him quietly for one second. Then suddenly she extended her tiny pinky finger toward him seriously.

"Promise?" Vihaan looked at her pinky finger first, then at her face. And for some reason, his smile softened automatically. "Promise." He hooked his pinky finger with hers carefully. Both of them smiled immediately after that like they had signed some extremely important agreement. And honestly? For them, it probably was important.

After that, they started playing together around the playground. First, they went towards the seesaw and Kriti sat carefully on one side while Vihaan sat opposite her. Every time the seesaw went slightly higher, Kriti laughed softly while holding the handles tightly. Then they moved toward the swings vihaan pushed her swing slowly at first, but when Kriti started laughing and shouting "higher!", he pushed it a little more carefully while making sure she wouldn't get scared. The golden evening sunlight kept falling on her face every time the swing came forward, making her look almost doll-like.

And Vihaan couldn't stop noticing it Her tiny pink clips her round cheeks. The way she laughed while trying to touch the sky with her feet. The way she looked back at him every few seconds just to make sure he was still there. At eight years old, he obviously didn't understand what those feelings were. He only knew one thing that He liked staying around her A lot. Maybe More than cricket, More than batting or Maybe even more than strawberry ice cream. And without realizing it himself, he kept smiling the entire time they played together.

After swings, they played catch for some time, then sat near the slide talking random childish things while drawing shapes in the sand with sticks. Kriti showed him how she could make tiny flowers from fallen leaves. Vihaan showed her how to spin the merry-go-round faster without falling. Time passed so quickly with them that neither realized how late it had become until the evening sky slowly started turning orange.

From far away, voices of parents calling their children started echoing around the playground. "Kritiii!"

"Mummyyy!"

"Chalo ghar!" Kriti immediately stood up hearing her mother's voice somewhere nearby. "Mujhe jaana hoga," she said while dusting sand from her frock.

(I have to go.)

Vihaan nodded, though for some reason he suddenly didn't want the evening to end yet. "Han..."

(Yeah...)

Then after a tiny pause he added, "Kal aaogi na?"

(You'll come tomorrow, right?)

Kriti smiled softly. "Han."

(Yeah.)

Then before leaving, she looked at him once more and waved happily. "Bye Vihaan." Vihaan immediately waved back. "Bye." And while walking back home with his cycle beside him, one strange thought kept repeating inside his tiny mind over and over again that today had been more fun than cricket.

The next evening, the playground was once again filled with children's voices, cycle bells, laughter, and the sound of cricket balls hitting bats from one corner of the ground. The soft sunlight of evening spread warmly across the park while a cool breeze moved the leaves of the trees nearby. Small groups of children were busy with their own games, and near the garden area, Tara, Kriti, and Nirma sat together on the grass. Usually Tara was the loudest among them.

Either she was fighting with someone, laughing too much, or forcing everyone to play whatever game she wanted but today she looked strangely quiet. She sat with her knees pulled close while absentmindedly drawing random shapes in the mud using a tiny stick. Nirma noticed it first. "Tujhe kya hua Tara?" she asked while tilting her head. "Aise kyu bethi hai tu?"

(What happened to you Tara? Why are you sitting like this?)

Tara shrugged without even looking up."Kuch nahi..."

(Nothing...)

Then after a second she muttered, "Bas mera khelne ka mann nahi hai."

(I just don't feel like playing.)

Kriti and Nirma immediately looked at each other in shock Because Tara not wanting to play was genuinely shocking. But they decided to lift her mood so Kriti excitedly took something out from her tiny pocket. "Ye dekh!" she said proudly.

(Look at this!)

Both girls leaned closer immediately. In Kriti's palm was a shiny little hair clip with tiny pearls attached to it. "Wowww..." Nirma's eyes widened. "Ye toh bohot priti hai!"

(Wow, this is very priti!)

Kriti instantly corrected her like always. "Priti nahi buddhu..." she giggled. "Pretty hota hai."

(Not priti, silly. It's pretty.)

Nirma rolled her eyes dramatically. "Haan haan wahi."

(Yeah yeah same thing.)

Kriti smiled proudly again while carefully fixing the clip in her hair. Just then Kriti's face instantly brightened as she looked toward the entrance of the playground. "Vihaaan!" The other two girls turned too. Vihaan had just entered the ground with his cycle beside him, slightly sweaty while his hair looked messy because of the wind. The moment he heard Kriti calling him, he smiled automatically and walked towards them. "Hey," he greeted casually. But before he could even properly sit or say anything else, Kriti immediately stood up excitedly. "Chalo mere saath seesaw khelne please!" she said while holding his wrist lightly.

(Come play seesaw with me please!)

Vihaan didn't even think before nodding. "Chalo."

(Okay.)

And just like that, both of them left toward the seesaw area together. Meanwhile behind them, Tara and Nirma watched silently. After some time, the playground slowly became noisier as more children started arriving after school. Cricket had already started in one corner, a few younger kids were running behind a football, and near the seesaw area, Kriti's laughter could still be heard every few seconds while Vihaan played with her. Meanwhile Tara and Nirma had completely separated from them.

Tara sat alone on one of the swings, moving very slowly back and forth with her feet dragging lightly against the ground. Usually she loved swinging high enough to scare everyone nearby, but today she just looked lost in her own thoughts. On the other side, Nirma sat on the sand trying to make a castle all alone and clearly she was failing. Every few seconds one side collapsed, and she got annoyed and started fixing it again with a tiny frustrated face.

Just then Ayaan entered the playground carrying a cricket bat on his shoulder. He looked around for everyone first before noticing how unusually quiet both girls were. His eyebrows immediately furrowed He first looked toward Tara on the swing then towards the Nirma sitting alone in the sand and then back toward Tara again. He knew that Something was definitely wrong so he walked toward Nirma first and crouched down beside her. "Tumhe kya hua?" he asked while watching her aggressively attack the sand castle.

(What happened to you?)

Nirma immediately looked up. "Mujhe kya hoga?"

(What would happen to me?)

Then she pointed toward Tara. "Tara ka khelne ka mood nahi hai..."

(Tara doesn't feel like playing...)

"And Kriti Vihaan bhaiya ke saath chali gayi..."

(And Kriti went with Vihaan bhaiya...)

Then she looked sadly at her half-broken castle. "Ab meri help kon karega?"

(Now who will help me?)

Ayaan looked at the messy sand structure seriously like it was some engineering project then after a second he offered, "Mai karu?"

(Should I help?)

Nirma looked at him suspiciously. "Tumhe aata hai?"

(Do you even know how to do it?)

Ayaan immediately answered honestly, "Nahi..."

(No...)

Then he grinned sheepishly. "Lekin try kar sakta hu."

(But I can try.)

Nirma thought for two seconds before finally nodding. "Thik hai."

(Fine.)

Then she pointed beside her bossily. "Toh tum yaha baitho. Mai jo bolungi vo dena."

(Then sit here. Give me whatever I ask for.)

Ayaan immediately obeyed and sat cross-legged beside her. "Thik hai."

(Okay.)

And just like that, both of them started working on the sand castle together. Well... Mostly Nirma worked while Ayaan became her unpaid assistant. "Vo patta do."

(Give that leaf.)

"Ye wala?"

(This one?)

"Nahi dusra!"

(No the other one!)

"Ye?"

(This?)

"Ha.."

(Yeah.)

Ayaan couldn't stop smiling watching how serious she looked while making the castle. Her tiny brows stayed furrowed the entire time like she was building an actual palace. After a few minutes, Nirma's hands became completely covered in wet sand. At the same time, loose strands of hair kept falling over her face because of the evening breeze. Annoyed, she tried pushing them away with the back of her hand. Ayaan immediately stopped her. "Ruko!"

(Wait!)

Nirma blinked. "Kya?"

(What?)

"Tumhare face pe mitti lag jayegi," Ayaan explained while pointing at her muddy hands.

(You'll get mud on your face.)

Nirma looked at her hands and made a tiny "oh" expression. "Lekin ye baal baar baar aage aa rahe hai..." she complained.

(But these hairs keep coming forward...)

For one second Ayaan simply looked at her and then quietly he moved a little closer and carefully gathered the loose strands of hair behind her head so they wouldn't fall again. "Main inhe pakad leta hu," he said softly.

(I'll hold them.)

"Tum banao."

(You continue.)

Nirma's eyes widened slightly then she smiled brightly. "Haan ye sahi hai."

(Yeah, this is good.)

Ayaan nodded seriously like this was the most important responsibility in the world. And while Nirma happily continued shaping the castle in front of her, Ayaan sat quietly behind her holding her hair carefully so it wouldn't bother her again and Not even once did he complain and not even once did he leave.

Meanwhile from far away, Tara noticed them and smiled faintly for the first time that evening. Because somehow everyone around her already had their own person beside them. After some more time, Ekansh and Ahaan also entered the playground together. Ahaan walked beside ekansh while kicking tiny stones on the road absentmindedly. The moment they entered the ground, the familiar chaos of the evening surrounded them instantly almost Everything felt normal But only until Ahaan's eyes landed on Tara.

She still sat alone on the swing near the corner of the playground, moving very slowly while staring at the ground quietly. The swing barely moved because she wasn't even trying properly and That alone looked wrong actually Very wrong. Because Tara being quiet was rare enough. Tara sitting alone while everyone else played? This was impossible. Before Ahaan could think further, "Ahaaan! Yaha!" Rudra's loud voice echoed from the cricket side of the ground. Ahaan turned and saw Rudra and Yuvraj waving at him from near the pitch. "Aaya!" Ahaan shouted back immediately.

(Coming!)

Then he quickly ran toward them while Ekansh nodded and started looking for ayaan and vihaan. The moment Ahaan reached the cricket side, Rudra threw a ball toward him casually But instead of catching it immediately, Ahaan's eyes once again drifted towards Tara sitting alone and His brows furrowed slightly. "Yeh Tara ko kya hua?" he finally asked while pointing toward her.

(What happened to Tara? Why does she look sad?)

Rudra and Yuvraj both looked toward her together. Then both shrugged almost identically. "Pata nahi," Yuvraj answered first. "Hum aaye the tab bhi aise hi bethi thi."

(Don't know. She was sitting like that even when we arrived.)

Rudra suddenly gasped dramatically. "Shayad chot lagi hogi!"

(Maybe she got hurt!)

Ahaan immediately looked alarmed. "Kaha?"

(Where?)

Rudra blinked once. "Pata nahi."

(Don't know.)

Yuvraj rolled his eyes instantly But Ahaan barely listened after that his eyes once again drifted toward Tara. She still looked completely lost in her own thoughts. Every few seconds she lightly moved the swing with her feet, then stopped again. Even from far away, she didn't look normal today. Ahaan frowned slightly without understanding why he suddenly felt bothered seeing her like that. Usually he used to annoy her nonstop and she Fought with him, Mocked him or Complained about cricket. But this quiet version of Tara felt... strange or to be honest Wrong somehow. "Ball daal na!" Rudra shouted suddenly.

(Bowl already!)

Ahaan snapped out of his thoughts immediately. "Han!"

(Yeah!)

And soon the boys got busy playing cricket again. On the other side of the playground, Ekansh stood quietly for a moment observing everyone around him. Vihaan and Kriti were near the seesaw laughing over something while Ayaan sat beside Nirma helping her with the sand castle while she bossed him around completely. Ahaan, Rudra, and Yuvraj had already started shouting during cricket and then there was Tara sitting alone on the swing. Ekansh frowned slightly seeing her sitting there so quietly.

Usually by now she would have already fought with at least three people, But today she looked genuinely upset. Without wasting another second, he walked toward her slowly. The swing moved lazily as Tara stared down at the ground with a small pout on her face. The soft breeze kept moving little strands of hair near her cheeks, but she didn't even bother fixing them. Ekansh stopped beside her. "Kya hua Tara?" he asked softly. "Tum akele kyu bethi ho?"

(What happened Tara? Why are you sitting alone?)

Tara looked up at him immediately. The moment she saw Ekansh, her pout deepened even more. "Bhaiya..." she huffed sadly. "Meri dost delhi chali gayi."

(My friend went to Delhi.)

Ekansh blinked once in confusion. "Kaha? Kriti aur Nirma toh yahi hai." Then he looked around the playground.

(What? Kriti and Nirma are right here.)

Tara shook her head immediately. "Yeh dono nahi..." she muttered sadly.

(Not these two...)

Then after a tiny pause she added quietly, "Joh mere ghar ke paas rehti thi..."

(The one who lived near my house...)

"Vaani." The moment she said the name, her expression fell even more and now Ekansh finally understood. "Ohhh..." he nodded slowly. He had heard about Vaani before, maybe or maybe not. "koi baat nhi voh wapas aajayegi," he tried comforting her softly.

(So don't worry na she'll come back.)

But Tara shook her head again. "Nahi... Mumma ne kaha kisi ko nahi pata vo kab aayegi."

(No... Mom said nobody knows when she'll return.)

Her voice became smaller toward the end and For a child, "not knowing when someone will come back" felt almost permanent. Ekansh looked at her quietly for a second before gently patting her head. "Toh kya hua?" he smiled lightly. "Hum hai na tere saath."

(So what happened? We are here with you.)

Then suddenly an idea came to him. "Aur tum ghar jaake usse call kar lena."

(And when you go home, you can call her.)

Tara's eyes immediately widened. "Han! Good idea!" she said excitedly. Ekansh smiled seeing her mood improving already. "Han na," he nodded.

(Obviously.)

Then he lightly held the swing from behind. "Aur ab tum baitho... Main tumhe jhulata hu."

(And now sit properly...I'll push your swing.)

Tara immediately sat properly and held the chains tightly.

Ekansh slowly pushed the swing first. But after a few seconds, "Or fast bhaiya!" Tara shouted loudly. Ekansh laughed softly hearing her excitement finally returning. "Yelo!"

(Okay then!)

This time he pushed harder. The swing flew higher instantly, and Tara's laughter echoed loudly across the entire playground. For the first time that evening, she looked happy again.

And slowly, under the orange evening sky, her sadness over Vaani leaving started fading little by little while Ekansh continued pushing the swing and listening to her nonstop chatter again.

________________________________________________

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