Some bonds are not made of love alone. Some are built from hunger, sacrifice, silence... and unspoken promises. After the death of their mother, everything falls apart for Rudra and his three younger siblings. A broken house. An absent, alcoholic father. Empty kitchens. Sleepless nights. And responsibilities far too heavy for a seventeen-year-old boy. But Rudra doesn't break. He becomes the shield. The provider. The quiet strength holding everything together. Between managing a crying infant, pushing his siblings toward school, fighting poverty, and confronting a father who has long forgotten what it means to be one... Rudra walks a path no child should ever have to. This is not just a story of pain. It is a story of resilience. *Of a brother who scolds like a parent, protects like a warrior, and loves in ways he never learned - only felt.* In a world where everything is falling apart... he chooses to build. One day at a time. "He was too young to become everything... but life didn't ask his age before taking everything away."

It is not a standalone. This is the continuation part two of my book The Malhotras so if you are my new reader please read the first part for the better understanding of the characters, plots and storyline.

"Sshhh... wait a second." He grabbed my face, forcing me to look at him. "What?" I snapped. "Your eyes... when did they become so... beautiful?" he slurred, staring like I'd sprouted stars overnight. "Go home, you drunkard!" I shoved at him, trying to break free. He ignored me, gripping my chin tighter, stepping close. "And your nose... it used to look worse than a clown's. Why does it look... different?" His finger traced the tip. "Veer! Did you even notice? I got plastic surgery this morning!" I forced a fake smile and stomped hard on his foot. He yelped and stumbled back, but before I could walk away, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward him. "Why do your lips... look so good today?" His gaze locked on mine. "Go inside, or I'll shove you off this corridor myself and tell everyone you slipped because you're drunk!" I wrenched my wrist free. "Maybe it's the saree... or maybe I just had a little too much," he said, voice low, eyes still on my lips. "Fuck off!" I snapped, my patience gone. He tilted his head, a smirk creeping onto his face, hair falling over his forehead. "We hate each other... don't we?" "Yes! You asshole!" I yelled, turning to slide the key into my door. "Good! Just wanted to confirm... Oh, and Yams?" His voice followed me as I slammed the door. I froze, keys trembling in my hand. "You'll love the blow I have planned for you tomorrow." My stomach sank. I already knew it wasn't going to be good. Shit. He's definitely up to something wicked. Fucking Veer. *** Veer of Apt 302 and Yamini of Apt 303. Everyone in Sahaja Residency knows this combo. They hate each other. They thrive on getting under each other's skin. Since when? Since the day they met. What do they do? Endless pranks. Relentless revenge. Daily chaos. But what happens when the universe decides to mess with them? They say the line between hate and love is dangerously thin... The question is-where exactly is that line, and who's going to cross it first?

Between shared chai, inside jokes, first relationships, and the unspoken pressure to become "something," they learn that growing up isn't a moment-it's a slow, uncomfortable journey. One where everyone feels a little out of control. _ A coming-of-age story about youth, bonds that shape us, and the space between who we are and who we're expected to be.

Have you ever searched for stories that feel like coming home? Stories that feel a bit too real? A story where the characters feel less like strangers and more like long lost friends? Stories where the drama is tangible, problems are relatable and emotions are felt, not just read? If you have, you are at the right place. If you haven't, perhaps its time you give it a shot? The In-Between is a fictional story that follows the life of a 19 year old girl, Saya, living in Mumbai. Imagine sarcastic mothers, hilarious neighbours, crazy sisters and wild adventures. Here's a sneak peak. "SMACK. These damned mosquitos. Sakshi Di lets out a disappointed sigh as another mosquito escapes her grasp. SMACK. "Ah Ha!" Ankush exclaims. "Ek macchar nahi maara jaara ladki se," he taunts while giving Sakshi Di a side eye. I rest my plate on the table calmly and then- OOMPH. I toss the pillow aside and dust my hands off as Ankush rubs his face. "Ye le maar diya," I taunt him. I continued, "Kaafi mota tha." "Aankhe check karwa le, kharaab ho gayi hai," he says while reaching out to smack my head. I dodge it one, I dodge it twice but the third time he gets me. I retaliate by smacking him in return. "In dono ko koi bathroom mai band karo," Mumma says after watching our drama for a while. Didi snorts at that. "Aunty abh hum bacche nahi hai jo iss dhamki se dar jaayenge," Ankush says while laughing too. "Oh yaad hai tum dono ko ki tum bacche nahi ho?" Shalini Aunty asks sarcastically." This is just the start. It is a crazy girl having crazy adventures in a crazy city. Things are bound to get interesting. So why don't you follow along? Please Note: The stories will have some Hindi dialogues but translations will always be provided. Each and every reader is appreciated here. All the episodes can also be read as standalones.