Abhir, who had just taken a sip of his juice, raised a brow. "MPK...," he muttered under his breath before setting his glass down.
"Meri pooti kismat..."abhira muttered looking at him in shock.
Sanjay stormed closer, his fists clenched. "YOU arrogant brat what are you doing in my house?"
Abhir's smirk widened, his easygoing demeanor turning sharp. "Ohhh, uncle. Didn't recognize you without the coffee stain."
The entire room fell silent. Charu, Krish, and Ruhi's eyes widened in shock. Sanjay's face turned a deeper shade of red.
Sanjay scoffed. "You-!"
Abhir leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Waise I should thank you. Your coffee mishap helped me realize my T-shirt looked way better in black."
Krish stifled a laugh. Armaan cleared his throat, trying to mask his amusement.
Sanjay pointed an accusing finger. "You all think this is funny? And you boy what are you doing at my place and you have the audacity to sit here like you belong?"
Abhir stood up slowly, his jaw clenched as he turned to face the man who had quite literally thrown coffee into his morning.
"Mujhe kya pata tha aap bhi yahan honge?" Abhir drawled, crossing his arms. "Small world! I guess"
Sanjay's face turned red with irritation. "Badtameez ladka! Tumhari aukaat kya hai jo mujhse iss tarah baat kar rahe ho?"
Abhir's fingers twitched, itching to snap back, but before he could let his temper get the best of him, a firm yet familiar hand pressed against his arm.
"Bhai." Abhira stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. She turned to Sanjay with a composed smile. "Phupha sa, aap galat samajh rahe hain. Yeh mera bhai hai-Abhir."
Sanjay's expression shifted in an instant. His eyes widened in disbelief as he processed Abhira's words. "Kya?" he muttered, taken aback. "Yeh tumhara bhai hai?"
The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. The very boy he had just insulted and dismissed as an arrogant brat was none other than Abhira's beloved brother.
For a moment, an uncomfortable silence stretched across the room. Abhir watched as Sanjay's stunned expression flickered between irritation and reluctant restraint.
A part of him wanted to challenge the man further, to throw back every insult he had just received, but the weight of the relationships in the room held him back. This wasn't just about him anymore-this was Abhira's family.
Just then, Kajal stepped in, her voice smooth and gentle. "Sanjay ji, aapko meeting ke liye late ho raha tha na?"
Sanjay exhaled sharply, his fists tightening for a second before he cast a long, heated glare at both Abhir and Abhira. With a sharp nod, he turned on his heel.
"Yeh baat yahin khatam nahi hogi," he muttered under his breath before walking away.
The second he was out of sight, the family collectively exhaled. A beat of silence passed before Krish, unable to hold it in, burst into laughter.
"Bhai, yeh toh kamaal ka twist nikla!" he joked, nudging Abhir. "Ab toh tum officially family mein full entry le chuke ho," he said, waggling his brows. "
Armaan smirked. "Aur Phupha sa ki shakal dekhne layak thi! who would've thought our dear Phupha Sa would meet his match in Abhir?"
The room lightened up as the family cracked jokes about the situation, the tension melting away bit by bit. Abhir, despite everything, found himself smiling at their attempts to cheer him up.
But as he stole a glance toward Charu, he noticed unlike the rest, she wasn't laughing. She was analyzing.
Charu had seen the way both her father and Abhir had reacted to the confrontation. She wasn't blind to the fact that both of them were equally fiery, equally volatile.
It unsettled her in a way she couldn't quite explain.
She sighed, crossing her arms. Yeh toh sirf shuruaat hai ab aage pata nahi kya bawaal hoga... she thought.
If this was how things were starting, she couldn't even imagine what the future held.
--------
The lunch was winding down, and the last of the plates were being cleared away, but Abhir felt as though he was in a daze, completely content.
He had always been a loner, but today, for the first time in years, he felt like he was a part of something bigger-something warm, full of love, and... home.
The spread before him was nothing short of a feast. His favorite dishes, ones he hadn't had in years, were laid out in front of him, each one reminding him of his mother's cooking.
The aroma was so familiar, so comforting, it was as if the years of loneliness melted away with every bite. He could taste the love, the warmth, the essence of family that he had been craving for so long.
Abhira watched him closely, her heart swelling with happiness as she saw him savor every bite. She had made sure to get everything he loved.
But the smile that spread across his face with each dish was the most rewarding.
Charu found herself stealing glances at Abhir.
He was different from what she had assumed. From what she had wanted to assume. The angry, defensive rockstar had layers, and today, she had witnessed one she hadn't expected-a man who cherished family, a man who melted at the taste of nostalgia, a man whose smile, when genuine, could make something in her own heart waver.
She didn't like that.
She didn't like that at all.
"Charu, kya soch rahi ho?" Ruhi nudged her lightly, snapping her out of her daze.
"Nothing," Charu replied quickly, picking up a napkin and toying with its edges. "
"You like it bhai?" Abhira asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
Abhir met her eyes and nodded, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. "It's... amazing. Seriously, it tastes just like what maa used to make..," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Abhira grinned, relief flooding her. "I'm so glad you liked it. I wanted to make you feel... welcome."
As if on cue, she placed a small bowl of moong dal ka halwa in front of him. "Here lastly your favourite dessert" she said softly, "Charu made it"
Abhir's gaze shifted to Charu, who had been quietly sitting at the edge of the table.
For the most part, he had avoided looking directly at her.
Charu met his gaze for a brief second, but Abhir quickly looked away, his face flushing slightly.
He had been so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't even noticed the way Charu had been observing him all throughout the meal.
Finally, Abhir took a small spoonful of the halwa and tasted it. The flavors hit him like a wave of nostalgia-rich, sweet, and comforting. It reminded him of his childhood, of his mother's hands lovingly preparing this halwa on festivals, and the deep, abiding love that filled the house whenever they were together.
He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the taste. "This... is perfect," he murmured, looking up at Charu. "Thankyou."
Charu's heart skipped a beat.
The softness in his voice, the gratitude in his eyes-it was nothing like the angry, defensive person he had been the day before.
Her heart fluttered, and for a moment, she was caught off guard, her mind going blank.
Was this really the same person who had lashed out at her so fiercely just yesterday?
Abhir smiled again, more gently this time, and Charu could feel the walls he had put up slowly coming down. It was as if the bitterness had been replaced with a quiet appreciation.
Abhira, who had been watching the exchange with a pleased smile, now leaned over to Armaan, whispering softly, "See? My bhai is so nice naa."
Armaan nodded with a smile and whispered. "Offcourse! Meri jaan just like you"
After lunch, the house had settled into a peaceful lull. The elder family members had retreated to their rooms for rest, while the younger ones lounged around, unwilling to let go of the afternoon's warmth.
Abhir had wanted to leave, but his sisters and the ever-persistent chorus gang had refused to let him go just yet. He had spent so much of his life feeling like an outsider, like he didn't belong anywhere. But here, in this moment-with a family so closely knit-he felt something unfamiliar yet comforting.
For the first time in years, he felt like he belonged.
Seated on the balcony with Ruhi and Daksh, Abhir let his guard down, his emotions spilling over. He wasn't even sure what he felt,an overwhelming mix of joy and longing left him unable to hold back.
The city skyline stretched before him, a beautiful contrast to the storm inside his heart.
Ruhi, trying to lighten the mood, scrolled through her phone and showed Abhir pictures from Daksh's naming ceremony.
Just then, Daksh let out a gleeful squeal from Ruhi's arms, stretching his tiny limbs toward Abhir.
"Aww, mama ke paas jaana hai?" Ruhi cooed, bouncing him lightly.
Abhir's sharp eyes softened as he watched the baby, the usual guardedness in them melting into something gentler. "I love you too, buddy," he murmured, his voice quieter now-softer, affectionate.
Ruhi smiled. "Acha, hold him for a bit, na? I need to get his formula. He must be hungry."
Abhir hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his gaze. "I... I don't know how to hold babies without you around. I mean... I'm not sure..."
"Kuch nahi hoga," Ruhi teased. "You better learn, because this one's family, and he already likes you!"
After a brief pause, Abhir carefully took Daksh into his arms. The baby blinked up at him with wide, curious eyes before breaking into a tiny, toothless grin.
And just like that, something in Abhir's heart clenched.
"You like me already, huh?" he murmured, brushing a gentle finger over Daksh's tiny fist.
The baby cooed in response, wrapping his fingers tightly around Abhir's.
As Ruhi walked away, someone else stepped onto the balcony, pausing at the sight before her.
Charu.
Her gaze softened as she watched Abhir sway Daksh in his arms, the baby squealing excitedly, bouncing in his grip.
"Dhyaan se!" she called out, alarmed. In a flash, she rushed forward, reaching for Daksh.
Abhir turned, startled by her sudden panic. "I... I was holding him tight," he stuttered, trying to explain.
Charu, realizing she had overreacted, sighed. "I know. I didn't mean to startle you. He's just a jumpy kid-it's safer to hold him while sitting. Let's take him to the swing."
Abhir nodded, following her.
Once they settled on the swing, Charu placed a small box on the coffee table before them.
Charu kept a box on the coffee table infront of them and told him " Woh Abhira bhabhi packed it for you , you liked it a lot naa..."
"Kya?"
"Halwa."
A small smirk tugged at Abhir's lips. "Haan. Unexpectedly accha tha."
Charu arched a brow. "Unexpectedly?"
Abhir shrugged, his gaze drifting back to the view. "Mujhe laga tumhari cooking bhi utni hi disastrous hogi jitni tumhari assumptions hoti hain."
Charu gasped, feigning offense. "Excuse me?! Tumhe mere se kya problem hai?"
Abhir finally looked at her, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Bas, tumne pehli mulaqat mein hi decide kar liya tha ki main kharab insaan hoon. Mujhe bhi haq banta hai tumhari cooking ke baare mein assumptions banane ka."
Charu huffed, but there was no real anger in her expression.
"Aur aaj jo hua... Papa aur tumhare beech hua it proves how nice you are.. tum aur papa dono ek jaise ho" She taunted
Abhir let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. " Woh sirf ek stupid argument tha and credit goes to your dad. Tumhare father aur main-hum dono ek jaise nahi hain, par ek cheez common hai-hum dono ladai se backout nahi karte."
Charu swallowed, knowing deep down that he was right.
"Lekin tumhe bhi samajhna padega, Abhir," she said after a pause. " Relationships complex hote hain. Har ladayi jeetni zaroori nahi hoti. Kabhi kabhi sirf saamne wale ko samajhna bhi hota hai."
Before Abhir could respond, Daksh suddenly let out a loud, delighted squeal, waving his tiny arms between them.
Both of them instinctively turned toward him, their hands brushing against each other's as they steadied the baby.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Abhir gently bounced Daksh, murmuring softly, "Acha baba, itni excitement?"
Charu, just as instinctively, cooed at him. "Aww, mera baby itna happy kyun hai aaj?"
Their voices blended, their hands still touching, their gazes meeting over Daksh's tiny form.
The moment stretched, unspoken things lingering in the air between them.
There was no teasing, no sarcasm-just a quiet pause, as if something unfamiliar yet strangely natural was settling between them.
Then, just as quickly, Charu pulled back, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Abhir cleared his throat, adjusting his grip on Daksh.
"Toh tum iss waqt tum mujhe samjhane ki koshish kar rahi ho ya khud ko?" he asked.
Charu stiffened slightly at his absurd question.
A silence stretched between them, filled with the weight of unspoken thoughts. Then, just when Charu thought the conversation was over, Abhir surprised her.
"Anyways halwa waise sach mein accha tha,bilkul maa ke haathon jaisa bana hai."" he murmured. "Thanks."
Charu blinked, startled at the direct praise. She hadn't been expecting that. "Uh... O..kay" she muttered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
" Waise tum unexpected tareef bhi kar sakte ho? Mujhe laga sarcasm tumhari default setting hai." Charu said teasing him.
Abhir chuckled, shaking his head. "Kya karein, kabhi kabhi dil se baat nikal hi jaati hai."
And for the first time, there was no hostility between them. No sharp words, no cutting remarks. Just a quiet understanding, hanging in the air like an unspoken promise.
Maybe, just maybe, they weren't as different as they had thought.