Chaotic Relations

Chapter 31

Hi Guys!

The target was completed, so here is the new chapter!

Also, chapter 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 are already uploaded on Scrollstack, so if you want, you can check them out. The link is on my profile.

Enjoy Reading!

Ruhanika

"You!" I exclaimed, staring at the familiar face in utter disbelief. The young man with sharp features and intelligent eyes looked equally shocked before a bright smile illuminated his face.

"Ruhanika? Is that really you?" Mahir asked, his voice a mixture of surprise and delight.

Before I could respond, I felt everyone's eyes on us. My father and brothers looked particularly intrigued by our interaction. The older man beside Mahir, whom I assumed was my uncle Adhiraj, raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"You two know each other?" Ansh asked, voicing the question that seemed to be on everyone's mind.

I nodded, still processing this unexpected connection. "Mahir was my mentor at the National Programming Competition in Lucknow last year. He was the reason I got so deep into coding."

Mahir chuckled, stepping forward. "She's being modest. Ruhanika was already brilliant. I just pointed her in the right direction."

The older man beside Mahir cleared his throat, drawing our attention. My father immediately gestured toward him. "Anika, meet your Bade Papa, my elder brother, Adhiraj."

I looked at my uncle - Bade Papa - and was struck by how much he resembled my father, though his features were sharper, more intimidating. His eyes, however, softened remarkably when they landed on me.

"Mia piccola principessa," he said, his voice unexpectedly gentle as he opened his arms to me. "My little princess, at last."

I hesitated for just a moment before stepping into his embrace. His hug was strong yet tender, and I could feel the years of longing in the way he held me.

"You look just like your grandmother when she was young," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. When he pulled back, I was surprised to see his eyes glistening. Then I stepped back and was reminded that I hadn't greeted him yet. I joined my hands and said, "Namaste Bade Papa!" He patted my head softly, blessing me.

I felt great surrounded by them. All my earlier nervousness faded away. However, somewhere in my heart, I knew that my whole family was much more softer with me than they were in reality.

The contrast was startling when a flight attendant accidentally bumped into him moments later. His expression transformed instantly - eyes hardening, jaw clenching. "Watch where you're going," he snapped, his voice now cold as ice. The poor attendant practically ran away, mumbling apologies.

Then, just as quickly, he turned back to me with that same warm smile, as if a switch had been flipped. It was disconcerting to witness how quickly he could change from warm to glacial and back again.

"Let me introduce you to my sons," Bade Papa said, gesturing to the two young men. "You've already met Mahir, my younger son. And this is Ekansh, my firstborn."

Ekansh Bhaiya was taller than Mahir, with a commanding presence that reminded me of Divyank Bhaiya. His gaze was calculating as it swept over me, but then it too softened, much like his father's had.

"La nostra stella luminosa," Ekansh said, taking my hand and kissing it formally. "Our bright star. We've waited many years to meet you, cousin."