through thick and thin

Chapter 5

AAIRA'S POV:-

I checked the time, which showed 11:30 pm, and went to my window after ensuring every light in the house was off. I grabbed my canvas and paints and carefully jumped out the window, avoiding injury, as I knew I wouldn't be able to lie if Bhaiya and Aru discovered it.

I didn't want to sneak out I would have told Bhaiya and I also asked aru if we could go out together but he immediately denied as he had to go for some case work and he also told me not to go out as bhaiya seems a bit off after our late night icecream outing but I needed to get out; I felt suffocated.

The current project my company is handling is troublesome. I discovered that employees were planning to betray us, and our presentation was intended for a rival company. So, I took charge and created the presentation myself. The employees who planned to betray us will face the worst consequences once I secure the deal.

I started heading to the place where I knew Prithvi would have parked his car. Taking mine was out of the question, since both Bhaiya and Aru would have found out. That's why I decided that Prithvi would tag along; he, too, had sneaked out, as his brother Ehsaan didn't allow him to go out at night.

'Hey!' Prithvi exclaimed as soon as he spotted me. I replied with a hello before loading my art supplies into the backseat.

As I settled in, my mind wandered to my childhood. I'd loved drawing since then-inspired by my dad's occasional sketches. He'd noticed my interest and started creating more often; his talent had sparked something in me.

Flashback:-

Author's pov:-

Eight years old Aarav and Aaira were going to home from summer camp, and Rudra and a twelve years old Aaryan eagerly awaited their arrival.

The bus stopped near their school, and the twins rushed out with their fellow campers. After teachers took attendance and delivered a brief speech, parents were allowed to collect their children.

Aarav and Aaira exchanged high-fives with Prithvi and sprinted toward Rudra and Aaryan.

After warm, brief hugs, the family settled into the car. Aarav immediately launched into enthusiastic tales of summer camp adventures, recounting lifelong memories made with friends.

Meanwhile, Aaira snuggled into the backseat beside Aaryan, resting her head in his lap. Her eyelids drooped, and a soft smile spread across her face as she drifted off to sleep. Aaryan had anticipated this, knowing his sister's habit of succumbing to the soothing motion of the car.

With a knowing smile, Aaryan had graciously allowed Aarav to claim the passenger seat, ensuring a comfortable spot for Aaira to snooze.

Rudra's gaze flicked to the rearview mirror, his eyes crinkling at the heartwarming scene. The gentle hum of the engine and Aarav's lively stories filled the air as they drove home, wrapped in the warmth of family.

As they stepped into the comforting familiarity of home, Shristi enveloped her children in a warm, lingering hug. The two weeks of anxious waiting dissolved, replaced by overwhelming relief.

"Mumma, you know Aaira got a gift for her beautiful drawings, and I also got a gift in a quiz!" Aarav exclaimed.

Shristi's eyes sparkled. "Oh, is that so? I knew my kids are incredibly talented!"

Rudra's gaze shifted to Aaira. "You enjoy drawing, sweetie?"

Aaira nodded enthusiastically, her face lighting up with a radiant grin.