What if...??

16: New color

That night was filled with jokes and laughs and teasing. Lots of embarrassing stories came out and refreshed the fondest memories. That night also sang about the bond of friendship and selfless love between them.

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The next morning revealed a new color to the characters.
Priya woke up and decided to make a treat for her gang, as she made her way into the kitchen, and started preparing the dishes, Kunal walked in and asked something that left her gobsmacked, "Bhabhi can I too help you?"
"You know how to cook?" She asked with an astonished face.
"Yes, I do like to cook but I'll like to learn from you." He added a bit shyly. Laughing Priya invited him and together they made wonder in kitchen, slowly as Kunal opened he began showing off his culinary skills. They made prathas, sandwiches, pancake, churros, avocado toast and much more. With an additional pair of hands Priya was even able to pack lunch for all of them. She even shared her special biriyani recipe with him. After finishing up he helped her clean and they did a high-five.

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As everyone sat and started their breakfast a sense of familiarity and alienation hit them. All eyes turned towards Priya who in turn smiled at them and said with smug look, "Praise me from the deliciousness but curse Kunal who cooked the rest with me." All eyes widen hearing her and they began to praise their friend.

As they continued to devour the food Shubham entered by seeing them all together he stood rooted to his place contemplating whether to stay or go back. Ram was the first to notice him, as soon as he saw him he shouted out, "Hey Shubhu! Come join us, we just started our breakfast."
Seeing him yet hesitating Adi said, "Yes Shubham, come on. See Priya made these delicious food." To which Kunal added, "Even I helped Shubham you should try the food I cooked."

Hearing them Shubham went down his memories only to spiral down in his guilt trip, tears made their way, he kept his head down, understanding his behavior Priya stood up and walked towards him and took his hand and said, "It's okay Shubhu, the past doesn't matter but the present do."
Hearing her he broke down into tears and said, "I am sorry, I am so sorry, I am so ashamed for my past behavior, when all of you were nothing but good to me. Especially I am abashed for how I acted with you Adi, I am truly sorry. I am sorry for how I treated you when all you wanted was my happiness. I do remember you where always there with bhai and you both even sacrificed your sleep to complete my school project when I was fast asleep, I also remember all the piggy-rides you have given to Shivi, you never differentiate between us but I also know how I talked to you, how I insulted you even-though you helped me. I am so sorry bhaiya please if possible forgive me."

Listening to him Adi too broke into tears and engulfed him in a bone crushing hug and said, "It's okay Shubhu you don't need to apologize to me, as you just called me bhaiya you don't ever need to apologize to me after all you our my younger brother now please stop crying and join us. I'll feed you myself."

Making his way towards the table, he apologized to Brinda, Kunal and Vikrant. To lighten up the mood Bri joked, "You know Shubham, please don't call me Bri didi or worse Bri bhabhi. Just call me Bri please. It makes me feel younger." Everyone laughed but then Kunal and Vikrant too added fearing even them might become bhaiya's ,"Please even call us Vik and Kunal. Two oldies are enough in our group."

That day love and friendship was really baked in kitchen and it's magic was reflected in the food.

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After finishing up the breakfast Ram asked, "But Shubham why were you here so early?"
"Actually bhaiya I came here with good news. I cracked my first deal, for which I or technically you all worked you're asses off. And I promise you I will now work my butt out and make y'all real proud. And also I closed the deal with Mr. Mehra and I can proudly say I worked day and night for that project." All eyes widen hearing him except Priya it seemed like she kinda knew about this. Everyone was super proud from him.

They all decided to throw a party for him, hearing their plan he added, "And please don't throw and extravagant party I don't want those but I do have a gift for you Ram bhai and bhabhi."

A/N: Hi guys!
How you doing?

I just wanted to let y'all know I am so grateful for all the love you are showing and I hope you all will continue to shower me with the same. Also I wanted to do this redemption arc from Shubham please comment your views on the same.

Please know that you all will go bonkers after knowing the surprise, wait for it and hope for the best.

Until then....