His Rooh

03 | His gaze

Aruhi

The night enveloped me like a quilt of dreams and memories as I lay in my old yet comforting bed. It felt like I had never left, and I was overwhelmed by the sense of homecoming. My childhood room was a sanctuary of memories, a place where my dreams had taken root, and where I had plotted adventures both grand and small.

The next morning, the first light of dawn kissed my eyelids, coaxing me from my slumber. As I stretched beneath the soft, warm covers, the anticipation of the day ahead coursed through me. 

I couldn't help but smile as I remembered my family's warmth. As I got out of bed and prepared for the day, I thought about the joy of being reunited with those who meant the world to me, my best friends.

Vivaan's cheerful voice filtered through the door. "Bui, utho!" he shouted, his words muffled by the wood. I chuckled as I heard him; his impatience was too endearing to resist.

"Bas thoda sa wait karlo, Vivaan," I called back to him. "Main bas taiyar ho rahi hoon." I could already picture his wide, eager eyes and the infectious smile that would light up his face.

I quickly freshened up, letting the warm water wash away the traces of sleep. As I looked into the mirror, I thought about the day ahead. It was going to be special and exciting, I could feel it.

I chose a simple yet elegant white Anarkali suit with delicate embroidery, I added some jhumkas to go along with it.  I tied my hair into a loose braid, letting a few tendrils frame my face. As I finished getting ready, I felt a sense of purpose and happiness.

When I opened the door, I was greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed chai and the sound of bustling activity.

I made my way downstairs, one step at a time, savouring the nostalgia that flooded my senses. The wooden staircase had aged gracefully, just like our bonds.

"Good morning, bacha," Anirudh bhaiya greeted me as I reached the bottom of the staircase. His voice was warm and familiar, and it instantly made me feel at home. I could see the traces of my father in his eyes and demeanour.

"Good morning, Bhaiya," I replied, and he enveloped me in a hug that conveyed his protective affection.

Siddharth bhaiya was already seated at the dining table, scrolling through his phone. He glanced up, his playful smile widening. "Aru, since you are back, the world suddenly feels brighter."

I rolled my eyes at his dramatic welcome. "I missed you too, bhaiya"

He chuckled and pulled me into a hug. "We missed you so much Aru," he said, and there was a hint of vulnerability in his words that touched my heart.

We gathered at the breakfast table, where papa, mumma, Ria Bhabhi, and my little dynamo, Vivaan, were already seated. The aroma of chai and parathas filled the air, and I couldn't wait to savour the delicious breakfast.

Mumma looked at me with a bright smile. "Good morning, Aruhi. How did you sleep?"

I smiled at her. "Like a baby, Mumma."

Vivaan, couldn't contain his excitement. "Bui!" he exclaimed, his little hands reaching out towards me.

I bent down to scoop him up, his giggles filling the air. "Good morning, my little baby!" I said, planting a kiss on his rosy cheek.

Breakfast was served, and as we enjoyed the delicious meal, Mumma cleared her throat and addressed the family. "Hum soch rahe the aaj hum sab saath mai kahi chalte hai," she announced, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "How about the orphanage?"

I blinked in surprise at this unexpected plan, "The orphanage?" I inquired, curious and eager.

She nodded. "Yes, it's been a while since I have been wanting to go there and now since you are back, let's all go together." She beamed with happiness.