Threads of fate

Family gatherings

Hello everyone, hope all of you are doing great this is the next chapter, so please do vote and comment there will be no further update until I see comments on this chapter.

The holiday had finally arrived, and Rysa's excitement bubbled over as she packed her bags for their trip to their relatives' house. She hummed a tune to herself, eagerly anticipating the adventures that awaited her.

The next morning, the Khanna siblings gathered around the car, ready to embark on their journey. Rudra's eyes gleamed with mischief as he eyed the front seat, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"I'm sitting in the front today," Rudra declared, reaching for the car door with determination.

Rysa's heart sank at his words. "No way! It's my turn to sit in the front," she protested, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Aahan watched the siblings' squabble with a furrowed brow, his patience wearing thin. "Rudra, let Rysa sit in the front this time," he suggested, hoping to defuse the tension before it escalated.

But Rudra was adamant, refusing to back down. "I sat in the back last time. It's my turn now," he insisted, crossing his arms stubbornly.

Rysa's frustration mounted as she dug her heels in. "I want to sit in the front! You always get your way," she retorted, feeling unfairly treated.

Aahan sighed, rubbing his temples in exasperation. "That's enough, you two. Rysa, sit in the back," he commanded, his tone firm.

Aahan went back to lock the main gate properly  Meanwhile, Rudra and Rysa continued to bicker, their voices rising in frustration.

"I told you, Rysa. I'm sitting in the front!" Rudra insisted, his voice growing louder.

Rysa's temper flared as she shot back, "No, I'm sitting in the front. It's not fair!"

Aahan emerged from the house, his patience wearing thin. "What's going on here?" he demanded, his voice sharp with annoyance.

Rudra pointed an accusing finger at Rysa. "She won't let me sit in the front!" he complained, his frustration evident.

Aahan's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Rysa, what did I say? Sit in the back," he ordered, his tone brooking no argument.

Rysa's bottom lip quivered as she reluctantly climbed into the back seat, her disappointment palpable. "You always take Rudra's side," she muttered under her breath, feeling unjustly punished.

Aahan shot her a warning glance in the rearview mirror. "Rysa, don't start. We're going to have a good time, understand?" he said sternly.

Rysa nodded sulkily, her mood soured by the scolding. She knew she had to behave, but it wasn't fair that Rudra always seemed to get his way.

As they drove to their relatives' house, an uncomfortable silence settled over the car. Rysa fumed silently in the back seat, feeling unfairly treated and misunderstood.

When they arrived, Aahan pulled Rysa aside for a stern warning. "Remember what I said, Rysa. No trouble, and behave yourself," he cautioned, his tone stern.

Rysa nodded curtly, her mood soured by the scolding. She knew she had to tread carefully during their visit, but a part of her couldn't help but feel a sense of injustice bubbling up inside. After all, it wasn't easy being the one always in trouble.

As they arrived at their relatives' house, Rysa's mood brightened at the sight of her cousins. She greeted each of her aunts and uncles warmly, exchanging hugs and smiles as they caught up on lost time. Even Rudra seemed to be on his best behavior, and for once, the atmosphere felt light and jovial.

They spent the afternoon playing cards and sharing stories, laughter filling the air as they reminisced about old times. Aahan sat nearby, engrossed in his work but occasionally chiming in with a joke or a witty remark.

Rysa was having a great time, her worries forgotten in the warmth of her family's embrace. But as the sun began to set and the evening drew near, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her insides.

Turning to her favorite cousin, who was sitting beside her, Rysa asked eagerly, "Where's Aunt Neelam? I haven't seen her yet."

Her cousin's expression darkened at the mention of Aunt Neelam, and Rysa's heart sank. She knew all too well the tension that simmered beneath the surface whenever Aunt Neelam was around.

"She'll be here later tonight," her cousin replied, his voice strained. "But you know how she is, Rysa. It's best to stay out of her way."

Rysa's heart sank at his words. Aunt Neelam had never been fond of her, and her daughter, Ria, was even worse. Jealousy and resentment colored their interactions, and Rysa knew that she would have to tread carefully to avoid stirring up trouble.

As the evening wore on, Rysa tried to put Aunt Neelam out of her mind, focusing instead on the warmth and camaraderie of her cousins. They laughed and joked, their bond stronger than ever as they shared stories and made plans for the future.

But despite her best efforts, Rysa couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled over her like a dark cloud. She knew that Aunt Neelam's arrival would only bring trouble, and she braced herself for the inevitable confrontation.

Sure enough, as night fell and Aunt Neelam arrived, the tension in the air became palpable. Rysa forced a smile as she greeted her aunt, but the icy glare she received in return sent a shiver down her spine.

"Rysa, I see you're still causing trouble wherever you go," Aunt Neelam remarked, her voice dripping with disdain.

Rysa's cheeks burned with humiliation as she struggled to maintain her composure. "I-I'm sorry, Aunt Neelam. I didn't mean to-" she began, but her words were cut short by a sharp look from Aahan.

"Enough, Rysa," he said sternly, his voice brooking no argument. "We're here to enjoy ourselves, not to cause trouble."

Rysa nodded silently, her heart heavy with guilt. She knew that Aunt Neelam's disapproval would only make things worse, and she resolved to stay out of her way for the rest of the evening.

As the night wore on, Rysa kept her distance from Aunt Neelam and Ria, avoiding any interaction that might lead to conflict. She focused instead on spending time with her cousins, cherishing the moments of laughter and joy that they shared.

But deep down, Rysa knew that the tension between her and Aunt Neelam would always linger, casting a shadow over their family gatherings.