Threads of Destiny

Chapter 18: Family and Belonging

"Rudra, you are here," Nalini exclaimed joyfully as she spotted him, walking towards the door and enveloping him in a warm hug.

"Khushi!" Nalini's tone grew even happier as she turned her attention to Khushi and embraced her, gently swaying as they hugged.

"How are you, aunty?" Khushi asked with a genuine smile, clearly delighted to see Nalini. The warmth of their reunion filled the room, creating a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere.

"Ma, this is Maitree," Rudra introduced, gently coaxing Maitree, who had been hiding behind Shourya, to step forward and meet Nalini.

Nalini greeted Maitree warmly, pulling her into a hug. "Maitree," Nalini said with a smile, "More than Rudra, Khushi talks about you."

Maitree exchanged a knowing look with Khushi, who responded with a sheepish smile, acknowledging that she might have been the one to talk about Maitree enthusiastically.

"Let me call Anjali. She is really excited to meet you," Nalini said, still holding Maitree's hand and clearly eager to introduce her to the rest of the family.

Varun, taking the initiative, volunteered, "I will call her," and headed inside to call her.

Varun knowingly walked towards the garden and spotted Anjali, heavily pregnant, diligently watering the plants despite her condition. He shook his head, concerned for her well-being, and approached her with a sweet tone in his voice.

"Anjali, I've told you a million times not to spend so much time on your feet," he chided gently, pulling her to the side and urging her to sit down.

Anjali sighed and replied, "I was just watering. I asked Aradhya to do it. But Lord only knows where she is."

Varun nodded, handing a water bottle to Anjali. "She came with me to pick up Rudra from the airport," he informed her.

"What! She didn't tell me she was leaving," Anjali exclaimed, taking the water bottle from Varun's hand.

"That's probably because you yelled at her yesterday. She's still angry," Varun pointed out, opening the bottle cap and giving it to Anjali.

Anjali's frustration was evident as she replied, "I yelled because she lied to me."

"Okay, okay," Varun said soothingly, ensuring that Anjali drank some water to stay hydrated.

Anjali's excitement peaked as she realized Rudra was home. "Wait, hold on! You are here, that means Rudra is home," she exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy. Varun nodded in confirmation.

Anjali wasted no time and hurriedly walked towards the living room, eager to reunite with her brother.

"Anjali, take it slowly," Varun cautioned, following closely behind her to make sure she didn't overexert herself in her excitement.

"Rudra!" Anjali exclaimed with joy as she spread her arms and walked into the living room where Rudra and the rest of the family were seated, sipping tea.

"Di," Rudra responded with the same happiness, spreading his arms wide to embrace her. The siblings shared a heartfelt hug, celebrating their reunion.

"Hi, baby," Rudra said, his voice filled with affection as he reached out to gently place hand on Anjali's pregnant belly.

"Oh my god! She kicked," Rudra exclaimed, surprised and perhaps a bit startled as he felt the movement from Anjali's belly, quickly withdrawing his hand.

Anjali corrected him with a playful tone, placing her hands on her hips, "It's a he."

Varun chimed in, teasingly, "Whatever helps you sleep at night," and playfully wrapped his arm around Anjali's shoulder. Anjali responded by sticking her tongue out at Varun

"Di, stop confusing the baby. I can feel it; the baby is a she," Aradhya chimed in, joining Varun in the discussion.

"Feel ki bachi! Why didn't you inform me that you were going to the airport?" Anjali scolded, grabbing Aradhya's ear playfully.

"Owww, Di, let go!" Aradhya exclaimed, a mixture of discomfort and laughter in her voice.

Anjali released Aradhya's ear with a mischievous grin, clearly enjoying their playful banter. "Next time, don't just disappear without telling me," she warned in a mock-serious tone.

Aradhya, however, wasn't one to let her sister have the last word. She crossed her arms defiantly and retorted, "Well, maybe if someone hadn't yelled at me yesterday, I would have told you!"

Anjali's eyes widened in mock indignation. "I yelled because you lied to me!"

Varun, watching the escalating argument with a bemused smile, decided to intervene, "Come on, you two, let's not ruin this happy moment with a silly argument. Rudra's home lets focus on that"

Anjali, while still smiling, maintained her authoritative tone. "Fine," she said firmly, her eyes locking onto Aradhya's, "don't think you're saved. You're grounded this weekend for yesterday's lying and leaving today without informing me."

Aradhya playfully exaggerated her disappointment, her gaze momentarily shifting towards Varun as if seeking assistance. "come on, Di. You're too strict!"

Anjali chuckled and winked at Varun. "I have to be, or she'll keep getting away with everything."

Varun, sensing Aradhya's silent plea for help, decided to step in. "Hey now, let's not start another argument," he suggested with a grin. "We're all here to celebrate youre godhbarai. How about we save the grounding discussions for later?"

Anjali considered Varun's words for a moment, then sighed and rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. "Fine," she said, relenting. "But we'll talk about this later, young lady."

Aradhya gave Varun a grateful look and a playful salute.

Maitree observed the entire interaction with a huge smile on her face. It was a scene straight out of a feel-good movie, and she couldn't help but feel a warm sense of belonging. Rudra's family appeared to be perfect, just like he was. She could see where he got his balanced and disciplined nature, with two wonderful women in his life, Anjali and his mom, who kept him grounded. And his playful spirit was clearly alive and well, especially when he interacted with his little sister.

Maitree's earlier nervousness had completely melted away, replaced by a comforting sense of belonging and acceptance, all thanks to the warm smile she had received from Rudra's mom. What surprised her even more was that his mom hadn't left her side since she had sat down. Maitree glanced at her right hand, which was now intertwined with Rudra's mom's hand. It was as if his mom had instinctively reached out to her, offering silent support and understanding.

In that moment, Maitree couldn't help but wonder if Rudra's mom had somehow sensed that she was an orphan. It was a topic that Maitree didn't often discuss, but the way his mom had embraced her made her feel like a part of the family, as if she had always belonged.

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Next update on Sunday. Stay tuned and enjoy reading!

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