CAELUM

CHAPTER 31

SEASON: SPRING

CHANYEOL'S POV:

We brothers sit in the garden. It's been 6 months since that incident took place. Some of us keep a check on her and some, unfortunately, don't. *I hope you're doing good Seren *. If the people who said those words are in unbearable pain, then I don't know what she must be feeling. Searing pain? Scarred? "Hot chocolate for everyone". Minseok and Yixing enter the garden with 8 cups of hot chocolate. We all take the mugs and sip the hot chocolate. Jongin hmms in content. "It's really good". Yixing smiles. "You liked it?". He nods his head smiling. Jongin was the most affected when Seren left. He tried his level best to solve fights between the couples, but it took a much worse turn. Thank goodness he had Aryana by his side along with us. I still remember the way Nini controlled himself from crying because of attending a call related to his work but as soon as he entered his room, he burst out in tears and placed his head on Aryn's lap. He did tell us he'll be fine, but somehow, we felt he won't be considering the softie he is. A small smile appears on my face when I hear what she said to calm him down. "You tried to make things better, but are tired of seeing things worsen in the end. But you know what's the best part is... you tried, and things will eventually turn out good hmm. It's okay to be tired of trying." She told what we wanted to tell. Since then, our Nini bear is gathering himself and coming back to his normal adorable, cheerful self which made all of us smile.

After Sehun got to know the actual reason behind Seren doing that, he couldn't help but question himself. Being the conflict solver of our family, he felt burdened when he was the one who caused this nuisance according to him. For that heck of a people, who acted like his friends only for money and power. They were one type of idiots. Thank goodness Sehun left them. He usually chooses really good friends, but as humans mistakes happen and he realised his mistakes. Every night he used to spend hours questioning himself about the same.... The incident and his lacking skills of being a conflict solver. To be honest, he's a really good conflict solver. But situations like these does make one question themselves. He tried shredding his blood, sweat and tears for bringing things back to normal. But not every time we try, we get our desired result. Only then, Zyanya had to go to the states for work thus he talked to her every single time he felt low or she felt low. Things were bad for Zyanya and she vented all that was inside her. Telling that she was tired of explaining. Sehun consoles her. But Zyanya I guess notices his change in voice and she consoled him in the same way he did for her. Cuties these both are. Zyanya then sent a message to all of us to make him believe that he's a good solver. He calmed down only when Kyungsoo and dad told him "I know you tried, and I know you're tired. Tired of explaining how much you tried. And that's fine Sehun, it is". We all hug him and Nini as they are the youngest of our household.

Siofra is strong. Right after a month after the incident happened, Yixing had to go to France for a business trip. Though he initially didn't want to leave Siofra sis in this condition, she denied assuring him that she'll be fine. Hesitantly, he goes but till the time he came back from his trip, he had decided to give siofra a nice lecture about all that she has done. Not eating properly, staying aloof, not crying much. But as soon he saw Siofra, the only thing he thought of is how to bring her to her original self. Initial days, she refused to let her feelings out thinking about how they hurt Seren even if she meant good for them. Though she wanted to fit brains into her sisters and all those who hurt Seren, It's Seren's words that hold her back. Yixing and we were always were beside her. She did tell us how Seren is doing. Finally, one day, the dam in her opened and thank goodness mom and aunt were there for her. Yixing hugged her while moms consoled her. "You tried acting strong enough, but were tired of waiting for someone in front of whom you are free to fall weak". Charlotte Aunt says. Whereas mom soothingly caresses her and Yixing feed her the soup. The following days, Siofra sis came back to her original self and that's when Yixing gave her a nice lecture about neglecting herself. Well, more than a lecture it was a ted talk.

As for Kyungsoo, he's a busy Bee who keeps working throughout the day, month and even the year. Sometimes ends up exhausted as well, but never stops working, assuring that he's fine. That's his way of trying to forget and move on from what happened, but deep inside, he's hurting as well. There were times when our parents told us to tie him to his bed so that he can rest. Though for 2-3 times it didn't work, finally we succeeded in making him sleep and eat. A day never passed if he didn't run his hand softly on the picture of their wedding. He missed her and it was clear, as clear as crystals. He regrets what he did and he's ready to do anything to see Seren. We all haven't recovered from the quarrel that happened 15 years back. Though it doesn't hurt much as it used to in the first few months or years, it does sting. Our minds just can't stop thinking about her. I just hope she's fine.

And talking about couples... Minseok- Sereia and Baekhyun-Naomi, do squabble often. Right from small things like "Where's my tie", "Where are my socks", till the extent they dig up the incident. In order for things to calm down; Minseok sleeps with Baekhyun while Sereia sleeps with Naomi. No matter how much they squabble sometimes like kids and sometimes like wives and husbands, their care for each other never diminished even a little. Once, when Baekhyun caught severe flu, Naomi literally warned him to shut up and rest. If he moves from his bed, consequences won't be good. And Baekhyun well stayed quiet and obeyed everything she told him to do in order to recover. The same goes with Sereia, her stomach was upset and Minseok didn't let her get up from his bed till her stomach came back to its usual self. Little quarrels are a part of their days.

Rhian definitely is not affected by what happened. That's what anyone would think but is actually affected. Sometimes she thinks that the people whom she loves will leave her and puts her guard up. I understand her insecurities and also before tucking her inside the rug, I said this to her. "You tried holding onto people, but are tired of losing them. But rest assured, none of us leave you hmm... now sleep". She held my hand fearing that I would leave her and a gentle smile spread on my face. Who thought, the cowgirl out of all the princess can be this gentle too. Kissing her forehead and humming to her favourite song, I stayed till she slept, with a small smile on her face.

Things have unquestionably been exhausting for all of us. But as they say, difficult times teach us the values of life. And it did. Misunderstandings, differences in opinions, basically differences occur in every relationship that a human forms. In a family as well. But letting that take over one's bond is a loss for us. Sometimes, it's better if time heals it rather than us meddling. Though It doesn't heal us but reduces the pain. What made us partially win is our trust and love for each other. I believe that we will be back together stronger than before as a thread can't be broken in the same place as before cuz it now has the gripping hold of a knot and it's really hard to break. No relationship in this world is a plain thread with no knots or breakage. After all, it's those knots that make a relationship feel like a relationship rather than some platonic thing between people.

We lie on the grass and look up at the starry sky while holding hands 8 of us. Wondering why 8? Cuz Jongdae is here as well. Nothing can separate us from our family. As We are one.

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CHAPTER 31 published. Well, I think the time has been difficult for all of them. Thank goodness, things are falling into their place. This is such a coincidence that there's a chapter of Chanyeol on his bday. Happy loey day my dear readers. Do you agree with Yeol by the way? Do let me know

What do you think will happen in the upcoming chaps? Will their roads meet or will turn into parallel roads? Share your thoughts.

Having said that please do care of yourselves. Stay warm and healthy. Rest well and eat well. As it's Saturday, give yourself some me-time. Have fun, do things you like. Have a good weekend.

Meet you all tomorrow then. I will be publishing the chap well in advance as I've got a get together to attend. Hoping you all enjoyed the chapter and the ff as well.

This is your novice author taking her leave for today.

With love,

Nikki :)))))))))