Aapke Pyaar Mein [IPKKND AU] - to be continued

Chapter 14

He walked down the corridor and had a look at the suspiciously empty hall. It was past breakfast time and none of the members were around. It seemed so kooky. Everytime he encounters an empty house, a strange tenderness and longing for the family evolves inside him. How much ever bizzare and crazy they might be, he wouldn't want to trade his family with anyone in the world. He's used to them. Besides he feels normal between them.

Stepping further down the stairs he recognized the form sitting in the home temple. There she was, just the person he's been looking for. And now he was glad that nobody was around. He disliked displaying his vulnerable side to anyone, except of his sister who already knows him more than he'd prefer anyone to.

Arnav - Di

She turned her head slightly to see her brother take off his shoes and enter the holy place of worship. He knelt in front of her. She finished preparing the plate of colors to be devoted to Devi Maiyya on the occasion of Holi.

Arnav - Are you talking to me?

He sounded more like an unsure five years old than a ripe man. And she faced him now sternly, still sitting there with her shoulder hung loosely.

Anjali - Shouldn't I be?

She blinked at him in anticipation. He misinterpreted it as a request for clarification.

Arnav - Di, whatever I did and said I-

She leant closer and pressed his hand.

Anjali - I don't need an explanation. There were better and less humiliating ways to put your point forward.

He bowed his head in shame, shame for letting her down and bringing her in a difficult position.

Anjali - I was in a state I didn't ever think I would be. I had to choose between my brother and my husband. Chote, if anytime again I'll have to choose between you and Shyamji, it'll always be you. You are my little brother...but it's difficult to side you if I know you are wrong.

Arnav - Would you have really left me?

And there he was, out of his cocoon. His wobbly voice betrayed him. He could be much of a ruthless, emotionless and stone hearted person in front of the world but when it came down to his sister he was just a mere child with the angst of once again losing his mother.

She cupped his fallen face and shook her head in denial. It was a difficult situation for her. She had without any objection agreed to leave with Shyam because she knew, this was the only way Arnav would apologize. In return she was certain Shyam will forgive him. He wasn't vindictive. She smiled at him assuringly.

Anjali - Neither did I want to leave you, nor will I be able to, I think. Not until you're married happily with a girl who loves you way more than anyone ever will. A girl who'll know you inside out, who'll be able to embrace your flaws and whom Mumma would have wanted to be your wife. A girl I know will always take care of my little papad ka tukda.

Arnav - No Di, not even then.

He acted stubborn as he watched her in anticipation. And how could she refuse him? It was her little brother, her papad ka tukda. She nodded and took him in a hug, caressing his back in a soothing manner. And when they withdrew she grinned wide. He frowned at that.

Anjali - I'm thinking about your kids. If they should call me Bua or Dadi.

And that had the desired effect on him. He responded with a hearty chuckle to her pun. She pinched a bit of the red color from the prepared pooja thaal (plate) and put a light dot on his forehead.

Anjali - Happy Holi, Chote.

She pressed his nose teasingly as she passed her sweetest smile to him. He also took a little amount of color from the plate and applied on her cheek.