Unkahe Alfaaz ( On Hold)

chapter 1

In a sprawling mansion, a fifteen-year-old boy in his school uniform entered the house, his footsteps echoing through the grand, empty halls. The opulence of the mansion with its high ceilings, marble floors, and ornate chandeliers seemed cold and unwelcoming in the absence of his family.

“Kaka, Baba kaha hai?” Aayansh called out, concern lacing his voice.

Kaka, the loyal family servant, emerged from the kitchen, drying his hands on a towel. “Woh Shaurya Baba toh hospital gaye hai. Unhe phone aaya tha, emergency thi kuch,” Kaka explained gently, his eyes reflecting the weight of the news.

Aayansh’s face fell. "Baba ko pata hai mai akele nahi khana khata phir kyu gaye," he thought to himself, feeling a pang of disappointment and worry. He remembered the comforting presence of his older brother, Shaurya, who always made sure he never felt alone, especially during mealtimes.

Sensing the boy’s distress, Kaka asked, “Baba, aapke liye khana garam karu?”

“Nahi, mujhe nahi khana,” Aayansh muttered as he trudged up to his room, his shoulders slumped in dejection.

Already exhausted from school, Aayansh found himself fighting sleep. Tears welled up in his eyes as he realized his brother wasn’t home. He ran to his room and threw himself onto the bed, burying his face in the pillow. Despite his weariness, he couldn’t fall asleep alone. The room, filled with posters of his favorite soccer players and a shelf full of books, felt strangely empty without Shaurya's presence.

After some time, Shaurya entered the house, his presence a balm to the quiet.

“Kaka, Aayu aa gaya hai kya? Khana khaya usne?” Shaurya asked, his voice filled with concern.

Kaka replied, “Baba, Aayu baba ne khana nahi khaya hai. Aapko nahi dekha na aur sidha apne room mai chale gaye.”

Hearing this, Shaurya immediately went to Aayansh's room. He found Aayansh tossing and turning, struggling to sleep. Shaurya sat on the bed and gently caressed Aayansh's hair. Feeling his brother's familiar touch, Aayansh opened his sleepy eyes.

“Aayu gussa hai aapse,” Aayansh whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

Shaurya spoke softly, his voice tinged with apology, "Sorry, Babu. Baba ko emergency thi isiliye jana pada," as he looked at Aayansh with regret.

Aayansh, his eyes brimming with tears, expressed quietly, "Aapko pata hai mujhe bhook lagi thi aur zo se ninnd bhi aayi thi," his voice wavering with a mix of hunger and sleepiness.

Shaurya, trying to comfort him, suggested gently, "Accha, abhi hum jaldi se lunch karte hai and phir aap so jao ok," his concern evident in his tone.

Aayansh, still feeling sleepy, insisted softly, "Nai, Aayu ko sona hai," his need for rest clear in his voice.

Shaurya, picking him up lovingly, reassured him, "Nahi baby, aapko lunch karna padega. Let's go phir so jao na," his voice tender as he carried Aayansh downstairs.

In the dining room, Shaurya settled with Aayansh on his lap. Aayansh nestled his head against Shaurya's chest, his eyes drooping with exhaustion. Shaurya gently fed him morsels of roti and curry, each bite savored amidst moments of quiet.

The dining room was adorned with elegant furniture, a large wooden table, and chairs with intricate designs. Family portraits hung on the walls, showcasing happy moments from the past. Shaurya's heart ached, knowing how much Aayansh missed their parents.

After a few bites, Aayansh murmured softly, "Baba bas. Zol se ninnu aa rahi hai," his words a sleepy plea.

Understanding, Shaurya nodded in agreement, "Accha ok. Chalo room mai chale," as he lifted Aayansh carefully in his arms.