chapter 3

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Athar's POV

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It was a Sunday afternoon and I woke up late. It was getting cold in Delhi, so I grabbed my hoodie and wore it, by the time I exited my room it was 12:30pm. I went straight to the living room, everyone was sitting there.

Dadi and maa were busy in watching some papers, Izhaan was reading a file sitting on the sofa and Hayat had her nose stick to her phone.

I went there and smacked Hayat's head and dropped on the sofa next to Izhaan

"Owwww" Hayat did drama, "Bhai you are very bad. Why do you always trouble me?"

"Liar I never trouble you, and don't you have any manners to behave with your older brother" I threw a cushion towards her, it hit her face, she gasped

"You are so dead" she shouted and pounced on me, she took the cushion and hit my head with it, we both were shouting

"Why don't you both fight somewhere else?" Izhaan said, he looked serious. I pushed Hayat away and motioned her to be quite

"What happened buddy, you look stressed" I asked Izhaan, he heaved a sigh

"I was reading the police statement of my client's wife, something is not sitting right with me. I really can't put my finger on it" he said, then he took out some paper from his bag

"And this is the statement of the son, both of them were present at the crime scene together, but there explanation is different" he put the paper infront of me

I was about to hold the paper when a cushion hit the side of my face, I picked it up

"Hayat" I scolded her

"What?" She stuck her tongue out at me.

"Fauran utho aur jao mere liye coffee bana k lao (get up immediately and make a cup of coffee for me)" I ordered

"Izhaan Bhai aap dekhe na inhe, kitni badtameezi se baat karte hai yeh mujhse. Aap kuch nahi kahenge (Just look at him Izhaan bhai, he speaks so badly with me. Aren't you going to say anything?)" She shook izhaan's shoulder, he looked up at her

"Coffee mere liye bhi banana (make coffee for me also)" Izhaan said making her stomp her food in annoyance, I chuckled

"Aap dono hi bohot bure hai (you both are mean)" she said and left

"Don't add sugar" I shouted, she turned to look at me while walking

"And just a little milk" Izhaan said, she stopped walking and put her hands at her hips

"Khud hi bana lein aap dono (why don't you both make it)" she said in irritation

We both laughed, it is always so much fun to tease her. She made a face and then walked towards the kitchen

"Give me the paper" I extended my hands to take the file from Izhaan, but dadi put some file in my hand

"You forget about that paper and look at this" she said

I opened the file, but closed immediately

"Dadi yaar. Hatao ise (take it away)" I said

"Kyu hatao. Chup chap dekho ise (why take it away, just look at it)" maa scolded me

She threw it on my lap. It was a file filled with pictures of girls.

"Maaa" I whined

"What maa? You are going to get 28 years old soon, don't you want to get married?" Dadi asked

"Izhaan is there, ask him first. He is older to me" I tried shifting the attention on Izhaan

"Older to you? You both are twins" dadi stated the fact

"But he came first. I worry about him" I stood my ground

"You don't worry about me, buddy, just do what dadi and maa are saying" Izhaan said suppressing a laughter, I kicked him

"Mere bacche dekh lo ek baar ye tasweere (just check out these pictures once, my child)" dadi caressed my cheek

I groaned and took the file, I flipped the pages not really paying any attention

"I don't like any of them" I said and dropped the file on the floor, by now Hayat returned with two mugs of coffee in her hand

"Puri Delhi mei koi ek ladki bhi nahi hogi jo inko pasand aaye (There's not even a single girl he'd like in the whole Delhi" Hayat said

"Delhi se naa sahi to kahin bahar se aayegi, koi to ladki aayegi Jo hamare Athar ko bhayegi (if not from Delhi, then from somewhere else, but a girl will come soon and make our Athar fall in love with her" dadi said ruffling my hair, I pouted

"And what have you decided Izhaan? You both came together in this world, I wanted you both to bring your wives together in this house" maa said, izhaan's face hardened

"Hayat coffee do (give us coffee)" I shouted to take maa's attention away from Izhaan. He was already upset enough

Hayat handed us our mugs, I took a sip and immediately spit it out

"Yeh kya hai? (What is this?)" I asked in disgust at the awful taste. Izhaan took a sip and choked on it

"Maa hamari shadi karao na karao ise kuch kaam dhaam sikhao (forget about our marriage, just teach her some household work)" Izhaan said making a disgusted face. Hayat narrowed her eyes at us

"That's so bad, I made it with so much difficulty and you both are criticising it. Dadi inki biwiya lao, unse hi banwayenge yeh dono coffee (dadi get their wives, they will make coffee for these two)" she said angrily, Izhaan and I laughed

"Think about it, then you will have to make four cups" Izhaan said

"Maaa" hayat shouted getting angry

"What is all this shouting happening?" Dada ji came along with papa

"These two are the worst brothers ever, they trouble me so much" hayat said to dada ji. He looked at us in anger

"Izhaan. Athar. What is your problem? Why do you trouble my little baby so much? Have some shame she is ten years younger to both of you. Apologise to her right now, before I slap you both." Dada ji shouted showing extreme anger, which we knew was fake, but it scared Hayat

"Apology is not required, dada ji. I was just kidding, they are the best brothers ever. I was just pulling their legs" Hayat immediately sat next to dada ji and tried to calm him

"Ok beta, now if you are saying to let go, I will let go" he said sweetly then he burst out laughing and all of us joined him. Hayat stuck her bottom lip out.

"Dada ji, you also? Nobody loves me" she said with a fake cry

"No no beta, I love you the most" dada ji hugged her

"She made this coffee for us, try it" I passed my mug to dada ji, he took a sip and his expression changed into disgust, he looked like he could neither swallow it not spit it, with great difficulty he gulped

"Achhi to hai (it's good)" he lied making a sour

We all laughed

"I will not talk to anyone, you all are mean" Hayat crossed her arms at her chest

Hayat is the youngest in our family. Me and Izhaan never miss a chance to tease, but she is definitely the most loved person in our house.

"Athar. What is the status of Dhanjani's project?" Papa asked, before I could answer, maa spoke

"Please. Today is Sunday, don't talk about business" she said looking between papa and I

"Yes ma'am! Your wish is my command" papa winked at her, she blushed profusely.

"Izhaan, you also shut your files, read your case tomorrow. It's time for lunch" dadi said

My eyes twinkled hearing about lunch, I was so hungry.

"Come on come on let's go" I got up getting excited.

All of us made our way towards the dining room. I noticed Hayat was still sitting on the couch, she was looking upset, I went back to her

"Princess! I'm sorry for troubling you" I said

"Tell Izhaan bhai also, to apologise" she said

"Ok sweety" then I called Izhaan, he immediately came and apologised

We could see a smile ready to break on her face, but she continued her angry look

"Hold ears" she said

Oh really? Hold ears? Izhaan and I gave each other an understanding look, then we both attacked her. We kept on tickling her till she was out of breath.

"Now can we go to eat?" I asked, she extended her arms infront of Izhaan

"Piggy ride" she said, he shook his head, but turned his back at her and she climbed on it. He carried her to the dining table, I smiled looking at them.

I love my family so much.

*******

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Reem's POV

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I was in my room watching television, no matter how many times I watch The vampire diaries, I can never get over it. By now I have learnt all the dialogues by heart.

I was eating shawarma and enjoying coca cola, a knock on the door made me pause the show.

"Yes?" I called

"Beta Reem" the door opened revealing my father. "May i come in?" He asked. Hesitantly I nodded my head, inviting him in.

I sat up straight from my half lying position. He looked around my room, then he settled on the bed next to me.

"Rukhsana told me that you are not feeling well, what happened?" He asked his tone was soft

"I'm fine" I said plainly

"What happened to you? Why did you faint? Even though Avira told me that you are completely fine, but I still think that I should take you to the doctor. Should I tell Avira to book an appointment for you?" He asked referring to his wife, my blood boiled at him taking her name again and again

"Your wife is right, I'm completely fine, I don't need a doctor" I replied

"My wife? Beta she is your mother also. She loves you so much, and she leaves no stone unturned in taking care of you, least you can do is show some respect to her" he said, his tone was soft and pleading

Love me? Yeah right.

I chose to stay silent, when I was quiet for a long time he scooted closer to me

"Reem aap meri jaan hai, mai aapse bohot pyar karta hoon beta (Reem you are my life, I love you so much )" he held my hand. I hung my head low to avoid looking at him

"I know you have grown apart from me, but for me you are still my little Reem, who used to sit on my shoulder and eat ice cream" he chuckled lightly as if recalling a memory, my eyes filled with tears, my heart was hurting

"Your twenty third birthday is in a few months, my heart starts beating faster when I think about it. You know right? You are my whole world" he patted my cheek. I was holding myself and pretending not to be affected by his words. I didn't want to show any sign of weakness to him.

"Are you listening to me? Please say something beta. I miss talking to you. Please talk to your dad. Sometimes it feels like you are giving me some punishment. Beta please say something"

I looked up at him, keeping my face as neutral as possible. My voice had no emotion

"I want to stay alone, if you could go out please" I said

"Beta I was sayi..."

"Please" I insisted

He took a deep sigh, then he got up and left. His short visit stirred me from inside, I just wanted to take my mind off him. I switched on the TV again, and picked up my half eaten shawarma, it did not look appetising anymore, I put it back.

My father's words kept ringing in my ears, I pressed my hands on my ears, trying to stop the voice.

I got off the bed and took out a picture from under the mattress, I sat on the floor and hugged the picture, I pulled it away and stared at it.

It was a beautiful picture, I was with dadu, dadi, dad and mom. We all had a big bright smiles on our faces. I looked so content. I pressed the picture on my chest and crossed my arms around it.

I miss you mom, dadi, dadu. I miss you all so much. I was fourteen years old, I had gone out of station from school. Dad was in office, when he got a call that our house caught fire, and it burnt down to ashes with my dadi, dadu and mom inside it.

When I returned from the trip, I was devastated to find out what happened to my family and my house, I was completely broken down. My father bought a new house, we lived there for a few year.

My dadu's friend's family took care of me, they visited me regularly, and I also used to go to meet them quite often, after a while I grew close to them.

Dad bought a bigger house, he thought I needed a mother, so he remarried, but his wife can never be my mother. In all these years him and I drifted apart.

I kissed the picture, it was the only thing I have left about them, it could only be saved because I took it with me to my trip, or else it would have burnt like everything else.

One accident, and I lost everything.

I didn't realise for how long I was sitting on the floor and thinking about my loss, I only came to my senses when I heard my phone ringing, I wiped my tears quickly and searched my phone. I got a little alarmed, when I looked at the caller

"Hello" I answered

"Reem"

"Is everything ok?"

"No! Come as soon as possible"

"Ok. I am coming" I said and hung up the call.

I quickly changed my clothes and ran out of the house, I sat in my car, and drove as fast as I could. I reached my destination and parked my car.

I got inside the building, I found Sheena aunty, worry could be seen on her face even from miles ago, I ran to her, she was there with a small crowd

"How is he?" I asked holding her shoulders

"Reem! Thank god you are here" relief washed over her face, "he has locked himself in the store room. I have been calling him, but he is not opening the door" she said panicking

"Don't worry! I will talk to him. Please take everyone outside"

She immediately took everyone away from there, I turned towards the door, and lightly knocked on it

"Zuhan!" I called but there was no response. I leaned a little on the door, and knocked again, this time a little harder

"Zuhan! Please open the door, baby. I'm here for you. Won't you talk to me? I have come here only for you. I know you can hear me, please let me in" I said. There was a silence for a few seconds, then the door unlocked, he didn't come out though

I waited for him to come out, but he didn't, then I opened the door and went inside closing it behind me. He was sitting in a corner hugging himself, my eyes watered looking at a four years old boy, sitting in a corner hugging himself.

I wiped my tears before he could see me crying, and sat next to him.

"Hey! What happened? Why do you look so scared?" I put my hand on his knee, he looked at me, then he got up and hugged me tightly. I rubbed his back, he was crying

"It's ok. Don't cry kiddo" I said

I just kept hugging him, rocking our bodies back and forth. I didn't pressure him in answering my questions, I waited patiently for him to open up. After a long while, he pulled back a little and asked

"Have you really come for me?" I nodded vigorously

"Yes! Only for you"

"Di! Do you love me?" He asked. My heart melted at the innocence on his face.

"Of course I love you zuhi. Why are you even asking?" I kissed his head

"I don't want to go to school. Sheena aunty wakes me up in the morning and sends me to school."

"Why you don't want to go to the school?" I asked hoping nobody is bullying him there, because if that is the case, I will not leave the bully.

"Because it's boring. I have to study so much at school" he said sweetly,  his sweetness brought a smile on my lips

"Is that the only reason?"

"And what if you come to visit, when I'm not around?" Tears poured in his eyes again

"I would never do that"

"But I miss you so much, and I want to talk to you, but Sheena aunty says that I can only talk to you when you visit, but what if you come when I'm in school"

"Hmm" I made a gesture of thinking and tapped my finger on my chin, "idea" I snapped my fingers

"Let's do one thing, I will bring a phone specially for my little zuhan and I will leave it with Sheena aunty. I will tell her to let you call me, whenever you want, anytime. Is that ok with you?" I asked, he quickly wiped his tears

"Really? You'd do that?" He asked

"On one condition"

"What?"

"You will go to school happily, with a biiiig smile on your face, and you will study hard"

"I promise I will" he stuck his pinky finger out at me, I smiled and joined our little fingers

"Now shall we go out? You got everyone so worried"

"Sorry di" he held his ears, I smiled

I got up with him in my arms and we walked towards the sleeping room. All the children shouted my name and ran towards me, zuhan held me tightly

"Di" prerana said

"I was missing you" dhruv spoke

And one by one they told me that they were missing me.

"Ok ok everyone let di go now, she will come tomorrow" Sheena aunty said

But they all surrounded me, hugging my legs

"No" they said in a chorus, I chuckled.

"It's ok! I will sit here for a while, then I will come to your room, I want to talk" I said to  Sheena aunty

"Ok" she nodded and left

After she left I tucked all the children to bed and read them a couple of bedtime stories, soon they all fell asleep. I dimmed the light and carefully went outside.

I met Sheena aunty and told her about mine and zuhan's conversation.

"You didn't have to do it. I already felt so embarrassed about calling you so late, you already do so much for our kids" she said looking down

"They are like my family now, you don't have to feel embarrassed. I love them so much, and you should never hesitate in calling me, I will come whenever they need me"

She smiled and patted my cheek lightly

"You are so kind. People like you are a gift for earth. Our kids are very lucky to have someone like you" she smiled, "god bless you my child"

After talking a little bit more, she left to sleep and I sat on my car to return to home.

This place has always felt like a second home, this orphanage, all the people here are really close to my heart. These are the beautiful people who fill up the emptiness of my heart.

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