The Sibling Saga

12) Past memories

Aryan went to Aadya's room after making Akash take his medicines. He pushed the door open and walked to her bed.

"Aadya, utha jao," he said, gently shaking her shoulder.

"Sone do na, bhaiya," she murmured, pulling the blanket over her head.

"11 baje gaye hai, aur kitna soyegi?" he said shaking her

She sat up straight, her eyes wide.

"11???" she shouted in disbelief.

"Ek second, bhaiya kahan hai? Woh aaj kyun nahi uthane aaye?" she asked, frowning.

Aryan sighed. "Unki tabiyat kharab hai," he replied.

"Kyu? Achaanak kya ho gaya?" Aadya stood up, concern etched on her face.

"Fever aaya hai. Don't worry; he's sleeping now," Aryan explained, casually folding the blanket on her bed.

"Unhone khana khaya?" Aadya asked, stepping closer.

"Haan, soup diya tha," Aryan replied, glancing at her briefly.

"Medicines li?" she pressed.

"Dediya maine!" Aryan answered, slightly exasperated.

"No office today, right?" she questioned again.

"No office, meri maa," Aryan replied with mock patience.

"Ab tabiyat pehle se theek hai?" Aadya asked, her tone softening a little.

"Haan maate, theek hai. Yaar tum log, bhai-behen, kitne sawaal puchte ho!" Aryan complained, throwing his hands in the air dramatically.

Aadya rolled her eyes but smiled. "Aur haan, wo—"

"Bas kar, bhaiya ki princess!" Aryan interrupted, wagging his finger at her playfully.

"Jaldi breakfast karle, phir se soja, warna phirse bak-bak shuru kar degi."

He made a mock crying face, causing Aadya to giggle as she headed out of the room.

After finishing their breakfast, Aadya and Aryan quietly tiptoed toward Aarav's room, where Akash was resting.

As they entered, Aryan gestured for Aadya to stay quiet. Akash was fast asleep, his face pale but peaceful.

Aadya carefully walked over to check his forehead. "Lagta hai fever abhi kam hai," she murmured, relieved.

Aadya's heart sank seeing her usually strong brother looking so vulnerable.

Without saying a word, she climbed onto the bed and laid beside him, resting her head on his arm. Aryan, meanwhile, took a chair next to the bed, facing Akash, his expression upset

Aadya cuddled closer to Akash, seeking comfort in his presence. Her soft movements stirred him, and he opened his eyes slightly, feeling her presence. A faint smile touched his lips as he patted her back gently.

"Khana khaliya?" Akash asked in a low, hoarse voice.

"Ji," Aadya replied softly, her tone subdued.

"Aap abhi kaise ho?" she asked, her face clouded with worry.

"Thik hu, bacha," he reassured her, his voice carrying warmth despite his exhaustion.

As he spoke, his eyes shifted to Aryan, who was unusually silent. He reached out, placing a hand over Aryan’s with a gentle smile

Aryan nodded but remained quiet.

Their moment was interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

The maid stepped in hesitantly. "Sir, koi Karan aya hai aapse milne," she informed Akash.