The Sibling Saga

13) Comforting

After reaching home, Karan went back to his office. Anjali, busy setting the dining table, called out as she spotted Anvi and Ayu entering the living room.

“Agye bacho? How was your day? Chalo, khana kha lo Khalo mein parosdeti hu”

“Khane mein kya bana hai?” Anvi asked curiously, kicking off her shoes and plopping down on the sofa.

“Rajma chawal,” Anjali replied with a smile.

“Rajma chawal!!!” Anvi’s eyes lit up

But Ayu didn’t share her enthusiasm. “Mujhe bhook nahi hai,” he mumbled, his voice unusually soft.

“Seriously? Rajma chawal toh tumhara favorite haina, Ayu,” Anjali said, looking at him in surprise.

“Nahi, badimummy,” Ayu replied, avoiding eye contact. “Main raat ko khalunga, please.” his voice was low.

Before anyone could say more, Ayu trudged up to his room. He pushed open the door, dropped his school bag by the corner, and sank onto his bed without even changing out of his uniform.

Pulling the blanket over himself, he curled up tightly and let silent tears roll down his cheeks. Tomorrow was his parents anniversary, and he couldn't do anything but miss them desperately.

Moments later, he heard footsteps approaching. Quickly, Ayu wiped his tears and turned his back to the door, pretending to be asleep.

Anvi peeked into the room and frowned. Ayu was never like this, especially not when there was rajma chawal for lunch. His charm, his energy—all of it seemed absent.

Anvi hesitated for a moment, then decided to leave him alone. Instead, she went to Pihu’s room.

“Pihuuu!” she called out and sat on the bed

Pihu, scrolling through her phone, glanced at Anvi. “Bolo, Anuuuu.”

“Something’s wrong with Ayu,” Anvi said, her voice laced with concern.

“Kyu? Kya hua?” Pihu frowned

“Pata nahi,” Anvi replied, sighing. “Aate waqt bhi gaadi mein chup tha, aur ab bina rajma chawal khaye so gaya. Something is off”

Pihu frowned, processing Anvi’s words. “Acha! Lagta hai mood off hoga. Shayad dosto se jhagda ho gaya hoga... ya fir bhaiya ne chilaya hoga. Lets give him some space hmm. Uthne do milke puchege” she replied and anvi nodded

~~

Karan was seated in his cabin at Kapoor Enterprises, reviewing a stack of reports, when his phone buzzed on the desk. Glancing at the screen, he saw a familiar name flash—Ayu’s class teacher, Sushmita ma’am. He had been her favourite student during his school days and often reached out to him whenever there was an issue with Ayu, no matter how minor.

He picked up the call immediately.

"Hello, Sushmita ma’am," Karan greeted politely.

"Hello, Karan," her voice was warm, but there was a hint of concern in her tone.

"Ji, Sushmita ma’am. Is everything okay?" Karan asked, already bracing himself.

"I need to talk to you about Ayaan," she said.

Karan frowned. "Ji, boliye. Kya hua?"

"Aaj Ayu ka maths ka class test tha," she began. "He has done terribly—only 3 marks out of 25. Aur jo formulas diye the, woh toh bilkul ajeeb the, jaise usne khud banaye ho."

Karan’s frown deepened, his frustration evident. Ayu was no genius when it came to academics, especially math, but scoring this low was entirely out of character.