YOU NEVER WALK ALONE

50- Painting

*Not translated*
In-line comments would be appreciated:)

AUTHOR'S POV

"Mr. Singh, pleaaase!"

"NO."

"Pleaseee!"

"Noooo."

"Pretty pleaseee?"

"I said no, na?"

"You are so mean! Please?"

"No, Sarakshii."

"Ugh! Cheating karte ho aap! Cheater!"

"Say whatever you want."

"Mr. Singhhhh!"

Wondering what's going on? Well, right now, Sarakshi is clutching Rashvik's shirt from behind, her small fists tightening with determination as he casually paces up and down the corridor in front of their room on the first floor. Three other people in the house-Rajiv, Reyansh, and Rakshit-are watching the spectacle unfold, their expressions a mix of amusement and confusion.

It all started after breakfast. Sarakshi had been in the art room, giving the final touches to her painting for an upcoming exhibition, when Rashvik peeked in and saw it. Now, she was adamant about seeing his painting in return. However, Rashvik, being the stubborn and mischievous man he was, refused-though, in truth, he was thoroughly enjoying teasing her.

He had moved his own painting to his gym, working on it there in his free time since Sarakshi had taken over the art room. Eventually, they were bound to see each other's work, but for some reason, they both liked to keep it a mystery for as long as possible. And now, for the past thirty minutes, Sarakshi had been whining like a child, trying to make him give in.

"Mujhe dekhna haiii!" she whined, her voice dragging in a pleading tone. She clutched his shirt even tighter, attempting to stop him from walking, but instead, she ended up getting dragged along with his long strides.

Rashvik, smirking mischievously, purposely took bigger steps, making her struggle even more.

"Mr. Singh-" she was about to continue her protest when Rajiv, who had been watching from the living room, finally intervened.

"What's going on, beta? Kya kiya Aashu ne?" Rajiv asked, folding his arms across his chest.

"What do you mean 'kya kiya Aashu ne'?! You're already assuming I did something?" Rashvik responded, feigning offense. He halted abruptly, and since Sarakshi wasn't paying attention, she bumped straight into his back.

Her face smushed against him, and she let out a small wince, but instead of letting go, she held onto his shirt tighter.

"Haan, pakka tune hi kuch kiya hai! Meri bachi ne kuch nahi kiya!" Rajiv declared, glaring at Rashvik.

Rashvik turned to him with an utterly betrayed expression. "Mai isi ghar ka hoon na?" he asked in disbelief.

"Unfortunately, yes," Rajiv, Reyansh, Rakshit, and Sarakshi all said in perfect unison.

Rashvik sighed dramatically, shaking his head.

"Papa ji, inhone meri painting dekh liii!" Sarakshi whined, her lips forming an exaggerated pout. Her big eyes shimmered with unshed tears, as if she was about to cry any second.

"And now he won't show me his painting! Papaaa, bolo na dikhane!" she pleaded, her voice filled with frustration.

Rajiv smiled at her fondly. He knew she only called him "Papa" when she wanted something from him, and of course, he always gave in.