through thick and thin

chapter 2

Aaryan's pov:-

I trudged downstairs to grab a glass of water, my mind still reeling with concern for Aaira. Her nightmares had been less frequent, but the lingering fear in her eyes still haunted me. As I headed back up, I decided to check in on Aarav, thinking he could offer some comfort to our troubled sister. Nobody understood Aaira better than Aarav, perhaps due to their twin bond.

I pushed open Aarav's door, only to find his room empty. I recalled he had mentioned working late, collecting evidence for a case. The clock on his nightstand glared 2:00 AM. I considered calling him before hearing Aaira's soft voice behind me.

"I already called him about half an hour ago. He said he'd be back in an hour," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I turned to face her. "What are you doing here, Aayu? You should be resting."

Aaira's eyes drooped, her voice laced with desperation. "I won't be able to sleep, Bhaiya. Not tonight."

Her words struck a chord. I knew tonight would be another long, sleepless night for both of us.

"Okay, Aayu, now that you won't be able to sleep, what should we do?" I asked.

"Maybe we should watch some movies?" Aaira suggested, her eyes sparkling.

As soon as the words left her mouth, I glared at her. I was strictly against both my siblings watching screens late at night, but I didn't want to impose my decision on them. I aimed to be liberal, but that didn't mean she could come up with such ideas every week. Last week, she'd had a Netflix and chill night with Ruhani (her closest friend after Prithvi) and Mayra di.

Aaira noticed my disapproving stare and quickly backpedaled. "Okay, let's play some board games instead."
I mentally chuckled, thinking my sister was 24 with the brain of a 4-year-old. She and Aarav had an entire cupboard full of board games and were still collecting more.

"Bring whatever game you want to play," I said, resigned.

She went to her room and came back with a game practically jumping in excitement. She started setting up the game when we heard door open and footsteps approaching.

"Aarav's back home,I guess" she said and went out

The next time she came back to the room she was dragging a professionally dressed Aarav with her.

Aaira darted to her room, returning with a board game clutched tightly in her hands, practically bouncing with excitement. She began setting up the game, her eyes sparkling.

Just as she placed the last piece, we heard the front door open and footsteps approaching.

"Aarav's back home, I guess," she said, and rushed out of the room.

The next time she returned, she was dragging a professionally dressed Aarav behind her, his tie loosened and a hint of fatigue on his face.

Aarav raised an eyebrow, his expression amused. "Really, Aayu? You're dragging me into a game night straight from work?"

Aaira grinned mischievously. "You need to unwind, Aaru. Besides, Bhaiya said we could play."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I didn't exactly say that, but I suppose it's okay this once."

Aarav sighed, shedding his professional demeanor. "Fine, but if I fall asleep mid-game, don't blame me."

As we settled in, Aaira explained the game rules, her enthusiasm infectious
As the night wore on, the game intensified, with Aarav and Aaira engaging in good-natured banter. I watched, smiling, feeling grateful for these moments.