Threads of Destiny

44. Dream

Author's pov

They came back from the orphanage, but Sayi kept teasing Aarav about how jealous he was of a little kid who called her his girlfriend. Aarav, pouting like a child, trailed behind her, refusing to let go of her hand even for a second. Though he tried to avoid her teasing, deep down, he was happy that he spent time with her.

The next morning, Sayi messaged him, Goodmorning Sidhh along with her morning picture. Aarav looked at the message, smiling to himself.

He was about to reply when Arjun called him, and it slipped his mind.

Later, he sat with his family at the dining table for breakfast. Aarav, usually not one for morning conversations, noticed his family glancing at him more than usual. He was always composed, calm, and intimidating, so when his lips curved slightly upward at his phone, it didn’t go unnoticed.

His mother, Janaki, who had long since accepted that Aarav wasn’t the expressive kind, raised her eyebrow at him. She leaned toward Aarav's younger sister, Meera, whispering, "Have you ever seen him smile like that?"

Aadhya smirked, glancing at her brother, "Not unless bhabhi's involved"

Their father, Aakash sat at the head of the table, glancing over his newspaper. He coughed lightly to get Aarav's attention, watching as his son picked up his phone.

Aarav’s entire demeanor changed the moment the phone screen lit up with Sayi’s name. His stoic, serious expression softened, and his family noticed the telltale signs—the twitch of a smile, the way his fingers hovered over the phone, hesitant but eager.

“What’s with the secret smile, son?” his father asked teasingly, though he knew the answer. Aarav didn’t answer, just looked at his phone and quickly answered the call.

Aarav smiled when he saw the caller ID.

“Goooood moooorning!” Sayi greeted him in an exaggerated, playful tone.

Since he hadn’t replied to her message, she worried that he was still upset with her for teasing him non-stop the day before. So, she called him to check.

Listening to her voice was music to his ears, and his lips curved into a small smile.

“Hmm” he hummed, trying to act calm in front of his family, who were already throwing teasing looks his way.

On the other side, Sayi frowned at his response.

“You’re supposed to say, ‘Very good morning, my love, mister’” she sighed, her tone frustrated.

Before Aarav could respond, Adi grabbed the phone and switched it to speaker mode.

Aarav glared at him, but Adi only smiled mischievously, eager to trouble his older brother.

Aarav couldn’t lose his temper, not with Sayi on the call. Adi knew this was a win for him.

“Helloooooo?” Sayi’s confused voice rang out. “Balance khatam ho gaya kya? Sunai nahi de raha hai.”

Everyone at the table stifled their laughter.

“No” Aarav replied.

“Are you still upset with me?” she asked.

“Mmm” he mumbled.

“Why are you giving one-word replies as if someone is listening to our conversation?”

He raised an eyebrow, amused by how perceptive she was.

“Arey baba, I’m really sorry for teasing you! But bachon se kaun jalta hai, tum hi batao!” she teased.