Disclaimer: This series is a pure work of fiction. It does not intend to hurt the feelings of any individual or community. Any resemblance of the characters to real life people is a mere coincidence. All images shown are courtsey Pexels free photos and their contributors.

“Babe!!! where are you!?” Pravanya’s voice echoed through the house, her concern growing with each unanswered call. She emerged from their room, searching for her husband, Rushikesh. “Babba??….. Yrr where are you… come here na… I really need your help with packing this bag naaa…. We will be late for our flight otherwise..” Silence greeted her, save for the distant sounds of Rushikesh’s contemplation on the balcony. Rushikesh, lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the horizon, seemed oblivious to her calls. Frustration tinged with worry crept into her voice as she approached him. “Rushikesh Saxena…. I will kill you… I have been shouting for half an hour and you couldn’t even bother to reply… huh… Mr. A-t-t-i-tu……”

Startled, Rushikesh turned to face her, his eyes betraying the turmoil within. “Uhhh…. ohh shittt… when did you come here..?” he stammered, attempting to mask his emotions with a forced smile.

“I came just now,” Pravu replied softly, her concern mounting as she looked at Rushikesh’s dismal face. “Rushi what happened? Why are you crying? Is something wrong? Did something happen?”

Rushi’s facade crumbled as he struggled to articulate his feelings. “Nothing Pravu, I was just thinking about everything… Things have changed so much. We have all grown up so much. So much so that now Anshu is getting engaged!! Would you believe it? MY Anshu. The cheeni of my chawal! (The sugar of my sweet rice!) The one who would call me at my college every time she was denied something at home, to complain about mumma and daddy. Who would secretly buy different kinds of chocolates and hide them to have it with me when I go home. Who was so small just a few years ago that she would sit on the backseat of my bicycle. THAT Anshu of mine will soon be married!!!”

Pravu’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Anshu’s upcoming engagement and marriage. She too was very emotional about Anshu getting married soon but she never realized how much more difficult it would be for Rushi. She held his left hand and lay her head on his shoulder. He gave her a peck and rested his chin on her head. Both of them looked at the horizon together now. Rushi’s anxiety was clear and palpable, his thoughts racing a mile a minute. Without hesitation, she reached out to him, offering comfort and understanding. “Babe, nothing will change. Anshu will still be your lil kiddo and both of you will still be crazy together..”. Rushi just nodded, he was clearly not satisfied with those mere words. He just managed a weak smile, but the weight of his emotions lingered.

Realizing that her words were not affecting him much right now, Pravu pulled him by his hand and brought him to the couch nearby. On the way he quickly glanced into Anshu’s room to check if she is still asleep. Once he was satisfied he looked back at Pravu. Pravu sat down on the couch and signalled him to keep his head on her lap. Rushi smiled and laid down on the couch with his head on her lap. She softly caressed his hair and enquired, “What exactly is bothering you so much babba?”. Rushi closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I just can not fathom a life without her being around all the time, Pravu. She has been the star of my eyes since she was a kid. How am I supposed to send her off!?” his voice started to break a little but he managed to control it.

Pravu’s heart ached for him, knowing the depth of their bond she did understand his feelings. “I understand, Rushi. It’s okay to feel this way. Anshu will always be a part of our lives, no matter what.”

Rushi sighed, his gaze distant as he began to reminisce. “As a kid, I always wanted to have sibling. I was never told that I had a sister and since she lived with Nanu and Nani, I rarely saw her. I was 5 years old myself and I would always complain that I don’t have a sibling to play with like my friends. It wasn’t until Anshu’s first birthday celebration at our home when it really sank into me that I actually DO have a sibling!! Riyanshi Saxena was none other than my one year old sister! The realization was like a cool breeze on a summer night.” Rushi smiled as he said that. “Once the birthday celebration was over, Nanu took her with him back to their place. Since mumma and daddy were both working professionals, it was difficult for them to have the one year old stay with us. But I was too young to understand that!” Rushi smirked and wiped his tears which hadn’t even started to flow.

“After that day I became very quiet. I started to think that I was being punished and that is why Anshu does not live with us. I would not eat properly, not talk to anyone much. Soon daddy realized what was going on. It was then decided that Anshu would live with us. Our parents hired a nanny for the 4 hours when they wouldn’t be home, to look after Anshu. I still remember I was happy beyond what words could express when mumma told me that Anshu would now live with us. I would flaunt to all my friends that I had a sister as well and now she would live with me.” Rushi gave a short laugh at this to which Pravu smiled and kissed his forehead on her lap.

“And now when I think that I would have to see off that very same little sister of mine, it pains my soul. I don’t think I am strong enough for that yrr.” Rushi managed to not let his voice break buthis eyes gave off and tears started to roll off his eyes. Pravu listened intently to Rushi recounting their childhood memories, his love for Anshu evident in every word. His fears and uncertainties about her impending marriage weighed heavily on him, casting a shadow over their conversation.

“On top of that now she will live so far from me. She will start her own small family with her husband. I know Srikant is a great guy and he will always keep her happy. But like… you know.. I know and I understand that her priorities will also change, I respect that too, but the selfish brother inside me is not ready for that change. What if in her small world, there isn’t enough space for her dumb old brother? I would never want her to be upset but what if she does not miss me the way she always did before?”, saying this Rushi lost all control and just started silently sobbing. “I don’t know what to do Pravu. I am scared that what if my sweet little sister gets so busy with her family that she forgets me… an-”, before he could finish his sentence suddenly, he was interrupted by Anshu’s tearful voice. “Seriously bhai!???” she exclaimed, her emotions raw as she confronted Rushikesh. “You really think I could ever NOT miss you?? Or that I would forget you?? How could you even say that!!”

Rushi immediately got up from the couch and stood frozen, unable to meet Anshu’s gaze as she approached him. Anshu came in and hugged him tightly and both started crying profusely. Pravu watched as the siblings embraced, their bond unbreakable despite the uncertainty ahead. After a few minutes Pravu interrupted, “Ahem ahem… if the brother and sister don’t mind, I feel a little left out, can I join the family hug pleaseeee??”. Anshu smiled in between her sobbing and said, “Offcourse bhabhi, how can I forget you? Come and get squished” and saying so, Anshu hugged Pravu tightly along with Rushi.

As they held each other close, Pravu could see that Rushi felt a little better. She was relieved to see that.

Suddenly Pravu’s phone started ringing of the alarm. “Holy shit… Babbaaaa!!! We need to finish packing, we only have 5 hours left to leave for the airport!” Pravu exclaimed all anxious. “Ahhh don’t worry baby…. I am here na, I will fix it” Rushi winked to tease her. “Ohh please, you don’t pack THAT well that you always flaunt about it, huhh!” exclaimed Anshu rolling her eyes. “Come bhabhi I will help you pack.” saying this Anshu went in with Pravu. Rushi just smiled and said, “Yeah yeah yeah, some people forget who used to pack their luggage for college. Anyway let’s pack quickly, we gotta leave for the airport soon as well.” sayins so he followed the two ladies smiling.

[To Be Continued…]

Chapter 2 out now…!!!