ENTANGLED RELATION

Part 30

As Arjun and Abhimanyu were about to settle into bed, they heard a loud banging on the door. Abhinaya burst into the room, her face flushed with worry.

"Pitashree, Abhimanyu, why are you here? Where is Mata?" she demanded, her voice tinged with panic.

Abhimanyu quickly rose from the bed, stepping towards his sister. "Calm down, Abhinaya. Mata is with Vatsala tonight. Vatsala has been feeling uneasy, and Mata is comforting her."

Abhinaya's expression softened as she heard this, her worry giving way to understanding. "Oh, I see. I didn't know. I'll go check on them."

As she turned to leave, Arjun called out, "Wait, Abhinaya." She paused, looking back at her father. "Why don't you stay here with us tonight? We haven't had much time together lately, and it would be nice to spend some time with my children."

Abhinaya hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Pitashree. I'd like that." She walked back into the room and settled herself between Arjun and Abhimanyu.

Arjun smiled warmly, pulling his daughter close. "That's better. It's not often that we get to spend time like this."

Abhinaya leaned into her father's embrace, feeling the familiar warmth and comfort of his presence. "I missed this, Pitashree."

Arjun began to gently stroke Abhinaya's hair, his touch soothing and reassuring. "I missed it too, my dear. These moments are precious."

Seeing his father's attention focused on Abhinaya, Abhimanyu felt a pang of jealousy. He lay down on the bed and rested his head on Arjun's lap. "Pitashree, do you love Abhinaya more than me?"

Arjun looked down at Abhimanyu, a tender smile on his face. "Of course not, my son. I love you both equally. You are both my pride and joy."

Abhinaya, sensing the underlying emotions in her brother's question, reached out and took his hand. "Abhimanyu, you know Pitashree loves us both. We are his children, and we mean the world to him."

Arjun nodded, his eyes filled with affection. "That's right. But Abhinaya, you will soon be leaving us to marry Charumeedh. I will miss you terribly."

Hearing this, Abhinaya felt a lump form in her throat. She had been so focused on the excitement of her upcoming marriage that she hadn't thought much about leaving her family behind. "I will miss you too, Pitashree. All of you."

Abhimanyu's eyes filled with tears as he listened to his sister and father. He remembered all the moments they had shared, the laughter, the arguments, the bond that had grown stronger over the years. "Abhinaya, I can't imagine this house without you. Who will I tease and fight with?"

Abhinaya chuckled softly, her own eyes glistening with tears. "Don't worry, Abhimanyu. I'll always be your sister, no matter where I am. And you can always visit me."

Arjun pulled them both closer, his heart swelling with love and pride. "My children, no matter where life takes you, remember that this family is always here for you. Our bond is unbreakable."

They lay there, the three of them, wrapped in a warm embrace. Arjun continued to pamper Abhinaya, his gentle touch a reminder of the love and care that had always been a part of their lives. Abhimanyu, feeling a deep sense of connection and comfort, rested his head on his father's chest, soaking in the moment.

"Pitashree," Abhimanyu said softly, "I know Abhinaya will always be our sister, but it's hard to think about her not being here every day."

Arjun nodded, understanding his son's feelings. "I know, my son. Change is always difficult, but it's also a part of life. Abhinaya will start a new chapter, and we must support her in every way we can."