Love In Time

he didn't do it

~~Rangreza Rang Mera Tan Mera Man,
Le Le Rangaayi Chaahe Tan
Chaahe Man
Sajra Savera Mere Tan Barse
Kajra Andhera Teri Jalti Lau~~

The same day at night time

The loud slap sound ecos in the room Vaidehi gaps Yukti frich Yukta close her eyes and dadi look away Aahan with teary eye look at Raghav who just slapped him

Aahan's voice trembled as he tried to explain

Aahan "Bhai, maine kuchh nahin kiya..."

Raghav "Tu kal apne dosto ke saath wahi car leke gaya tha na?"

Aahan nodded, his eyes downcast. Aahan "Haan, gaya tha, par bhaiya meine kisi ka accident nahi kiya hai"

Raghav's expression turned fierce. Aahan "Sach bol Aahan!"

Aahan's voice trembled, but he maintained his innocence

Aahan "Sachme bhaiya meine kuch nahi kiya hai "

Raghav's gaze lingered on Aahan's face searching for any sign of deception. But as he looked into his brother's eyes he saw something there that gave him pause.

He know Aahan could be naughty but he wasn't a coward. He wouldn't run away after hitting someone and for the 0.1% chances that Aahan had he would have confesseted yet

Without a word Raghav turned and walked away his footsteps echoing in the silence. The others followed him, their faces somber their eyes avoiding Aahan's

But Vaidehi remained her gaze fixed on Aahan's tear stained face. She could see the pain and hurt in his eyes and her heart went out to him.

Vaidehi gently guided Aahan to the couch and he sat down his body trembling. She sat beside him and he placed his head on her lap He felt like a child again, seeking solace in his mother's embrace

Aahan "Bhabhi maa meine kuchh nahi kiya hai" Aahan sobbed his voice cracking with emotion.

Vaidehi stroked his hair

Vaidehi "I know bachcha," she whispered.

Aahan's body shook with sobs, and Vaidehi let him cry out his pain. She could feel his hurt and frustration, and she knew he needed someone to trust.

After some time

"So gaya?"Yukta's voice was soft as she entered the room

Vaidehi nodded her eyes never leaving Aahan's peaceful face
Yukta walked towards them a blanket in her hand. She gently covered Aahan's body making sure he was comfortable. Then, her hand reached out to touch the spot where Raghav had slapped him

Her touch was gentle Yukta's gaze met Vaidehi's and they shared a moment of understanding.

Yukta's hand lingered on Aahan's cheek, as if trying to soothe the hurt away. Then, she sat down beside Vaidehi, her eyes fixed on Aahan's sleeping form.

Thank you for clarifying that Yukta is Vaidehi's mother-in-law, so Vaidehi addresses her as "Maa"

Vaidehi and yukta sat together their voices barely above a whisper

Vaidehi "I don't understand what's going on Maa. Aahan swears he didn't do it" she said, her brow furrowed with concern.

Yukta's expression was empathetic

Yukta "I know, beta. But Raghav is upset"

Vaidehi nodded
Vaidehi "I know Maa yuvraj is just trying to protect Aahan but sometimes his methods can be a bit harsh."