ROOHI AAROHI BIRLA

Chapter 3

Family bonds often serve as an anchor during challenging times, providing support and strength when external circumstances seem overwhelming. In the story so far, we've seen how the Sharma-Birla family holds each other close, even in the face of uncertainty, and how each member draws strength from their relationships. As the family prepares to return to India, these bonds will be tested but will ultimately deepen and solidify their connection.

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Chapter 3: Ties That Bind

The days leading up to the family’s departure for India were filled with quiet moments of reflection and preparation. Yet, amidst the anxiety about the future, there was an unspoken understanding that their strength lay in their unity. It wasn’t just about blood relations; it was about the family they had chosen and built together—one founded on unconditional love, trust, and a shared commitment to protect each other.

A Moment with Parth and Roohi: Father and Daughter

It was late evening when Parth found Roohi in the family garden, sitting on a wooden bench under the vast sky, staring at the stars. He quietly sat beside her, offering his silent presence, knowing she needed time to process everything that was happening.

"You used to bring me here when I had nightmares," Roohi said softly, not taking her eyes off the sky. "You’d sit with me just like this, telling me the stars were watching over me."

Parth smiled gently. "I remember. You never asked for much, but when you did, it was always for comfort, not answers."

Roohi turned to him, her eyes reflecting both her strength and vulnerability. "Do you think the stars will be watching over us in India?"

Parth’s expression grew serious as he met his daughter’s gaze. "Roohi, I don’t know what awaits us there, but I do know this: no matter what happens, I’ll always be by your side. Your mom, your brothers, everyone—we’re in this together."

Roohi exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of her father’s words settle over her like a warm blanket. "I’m scared, Dad. I don’t want to face the people who… hurt me."

Parth’s heart ached for her, but he placed his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "I know. But remember, you’re not that little girl anymore. You’re brave, Roohi. And you won’t face them alone. I’ll never let anyone hurt you again."

Roohi leaned into him, finding comfort in the steady beat of his heart. "I believe you," she whispered. "I always have."

The Siblings: A Promise of Protection

Meanwhile, Ragini, Shivansh, Mahir, and Ansh gathered in the living room, talking about everything and nothing. Their easy banter was a comforting routine, one that helped mask the underlying tension about their trip. But beneath the jokes and lightheartedness was a shared commitment—an unspoken vow to protect each other.

"So, what’s the first thing you guys want to do when we get to India?" Ansh asked, lying on the floor with his hands behind his head. His tone was casual, but everyone knew the real question behind his words: How are we going to face everything that’s waiting for us?

"I vote for eating the street food," Shivansh said with a grin, his way of trying to lighten the mood. "I’ve been dreaming about those spicy samosas."

Mahir rolled his eyes, though there was a smirk on his face. "Only you would think of food at a time like this."

Ragini, sitting cross-legged on the couch, didn’t miss the opportunity to tease them. "Mahir, Shivansh’s priorities are clear. But let’s be honest, we’ll all need comfort food once we get there."

The group chuckled, but then Ragini’s tone softened. "In all seriousness, though, I want you all to know something—whatever happens over there, we stick together, okay? We’ve been through a lot as a family, and I don’t care what or who tries to come between us. We won’t let it."

Ansh sat up, the humor fading from his face. "Of course, Rags. We’ve always got each other’s backs. It doesn’t matter what they throw at us. No one’s going to tear us apart."

Shivansh nodded in agreement, his protective instincts kicking in. "No one messes with our family. We protect our own, no matter what."

Mahir, ever the calm voice of reason, spoke with quiet resolve. "We’re not just going back to face our past. We’re going to prove that we’re stronger because of it. And we’ll do it together."

Ragini smiled at her brothers, her heart swelling with pride. "Exactly. As long as we have each other, we’ll be okay."

Kiara and Krishna: A Mother's Touch

In the kitchen, Kiara and Krishna were preparing a late-night tea, their hands working in sync as they often did during moments of quiet reflection. Krishna’s heart was heavy, knowing the journey ahead would be difficult for the children, but she trusted in the strength they had instilled in them.

"Do you ever feel like we’re sending them into the lion’s den?" Kiara asked quietly, stirring her tea. Her usually calm demeanor was tinged with worry.

Krishna paused, her own thoughts reflecting Kiara’s concerns. "I do," she admitted, "but I also know we’ve raised them to be strong. They’ll be able to handle it. And we’ll be right there with them."

Kiara sighed softly. "I just want to protect them from everything, you know? But I realize we can’t shield them forever. Sometimes, they need to face the past to fully heal."

Krishna nodded, her eyes softening with understanding. "You’re right. But that’s why we’re here—to guide them, to stand beside them when the storms hit. They may have to walk into the lion’s den, but they won’t walk in alone."

Kiara smiled at her sister-in-law, grateful for her wisdom and steady presence. "Together, we can get through anything."

Krishna took a sip of her tea, the warmth spreading through her as she thought about the family they had built. "Yes, we can. Our family—these bonds—they’re unbreakable."

Parth and Abhinav: Leading the Charge

Late that night, Parth and Abhinav found themselves sitting on the porch, sharing a quiet moment as they often did. The weight of the upcoming trip hung heavy between them, but there was no room for fear or doubt. They had a responsibility to their family, and they would face it head-on.

"We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?" Parth mused, staring out into the darkness. "From where we started, to where we are now… it feels like a different lifetime."

Abhinav nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "It does. But everything we’ve been through, it’s made us stronger. We’ve built something real here—something no one can take from us."

Parth sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just hope we’re ready for what’s waiting in India. The past… it’s not easy to face."

Abhinav’s voice was steady as he spoke. "We are ready. We’ve prepared our kids for this, and they’re stronger than we give them credit for. And as long as we stand together, nothing can break us."

Parth glanced at his brother, the words offering comfort he hadn’t realized he needed. "You’re right. We’ll get through this. For them."

Abhinav smiled, his confidence unwavering. "For them."

As they sat in silence, the night wrapping around them like a protective cloak, Parth and Abhinav knew one thing for certain: whatever awaited them in India, they would face it as a united front. And in the end, the bonds of family would always triumph over adversity.

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To Be Continued…

In the next chapter, the family finally arrives in India, where old alliances and rivalries surface. As the past begins to collide with the present, they must navigate the complexities of family loyalties and long-buried secrets. Through it all, their unbreakable bond will be the key to surviving the challenges ahead.