Updating, coz TRAVIS HEAD is outð!!!
Don't buy next bonus chapter rn coz I'll update it once we win the match!!!ð
Bonus chapters aren't about NOOR AND REYANSH OR ROHAN AND KIANA!!!
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The classroom buzzed with the kind of energy only ten-year-olds could muster, a symphony of laughter and chatter bouncing off the walls.
Ruhan sat at the edge of his desk, his hair slightly tousled, a wide grin plastered on his face as he and his friends exchanged jokes that made the teacher's voice seem distant and muffled.
"Why did the bicycle fall over?" one of his friends asked, unable to suppress a giggle.
"Because it was two-tired!" Ruhan howled, slapping his knee.
"Classic!" another friend chimed in, and the laughter crescendoed, filling every corner of the room until it was abruptly cut off by a sharp, authoritative knock on the door.
In walked their new English teacher, and the collective gasp from the class could have blown the roof off.
She was strikingly beautiful, with a cascade of dark hair and sparkling eyes that seemed to dance with mischief. Ruhan's mouth fell open, his laughter forgotten as he stared at her, caught in a trance.
"Good morning, class!" she chimed, her voice bright and melodic. "I'm Ms. Shreya Kapoor, your new English teacher. I'm excited to get to know all of you!"
Ruhan blinked, shaking his head as if trying to clear the fog. Just as he was about to muster up a clever remark to impress her, he caught the eye of Tara, his perennial rival. She sat across the room, her arms crossed, an eyebrow raised as if she were scrutinizing him.
"Look who it is," she quipped, rolling her eyes dramatically. "The king of the clowns."
Ruhan grinned, leaning back in his chair. "And look who's the queen of the drama club. What's your next role? A singer with a broken record?"
"Better than a pilot who can't even fly," Tara shot back, smirking.
"Enough, you two!" Ms. Kapoor interjected, her smile unwavering despite the tension. "Let's start with introductions. I want to hear about your dreams."
Ruhan jumped up, puffing out his chest. "I'm Ruhan Malhotra!" he declared with a grin. "And I want to become a pilot! Soaring through the clouds, you know?"
"More like crashing into them!" Tara snickered, earning a few chuckles from the class.
Ms. Kapoor clapped her hands. "That's wonderful, Ruhan! Pilots have such an important job. I'm sure you'll make a fantastic one!"
Ruhan sat down, his chest swelling with pride, but Tara was ready to pounce. "What's next, Ruhan? Cleaning out the cockpit? Because you'd probably need a ladder just to reach the controls!"
"Oh please, Tara," Ruhan retorted, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You'll be too busy singing to even notice me up in the sky!"
"Speaking of which," Ms. Kapoor said, glancing at Tara, "it's your turn!"
With a dramatic flourish, Tara stood. "I'm Tara Rajvansh, and I want to be a singer!" She twirled as if on a stage, and the class erupted in applause.
"Yeah, a singer who can't hit a note!" Ruhan called out, unable to resist.
Tara shot him a glare. "At least I won't be stuck in a metal box all day, pretending to be important!"
"Better than being stuck in a karaoke bar with you!" Ruhan fired back, grinning.
"Children!" Ms. Kapoor raised her hands, trying to restore order. "Let's keep this friendly. We're all here to support each other."
"Sure, if you can survive Ruhan's 'friendly' fire," Tara muttered, crossing her arms defiantly.
Ruhan leaned back in his chair, his playful demeanor shining. "At least my fire is more interesting than your singing. You could put a cat to sleep with those high notes!"
"Maybe I'll just sing a lullaby for you next time," Tara shot back, a smirk playing on her lips. "Might help you relax after all that work pretending to be a pilot!"
"Wow, you really think you're a comedian, huh?" Ruhan chuckled, shaking his head.
"Hey, if I had your jokes, I'd keep them to myself too!" Tara laughed, and the entire class joined in, the tension easing into a light-hearted atmosphere.
Ms. Kapoor tried to suppress a smile, but the laughter was contagious. "Okay, okay! Let's focus on our lesson for today."
As the class settled down, Ruhan couldn't help but catch Tara's eye again. This time, she smirked back at him, a silent acknowledgment of their playful rivalry. They were enemies, sure, but it was all in good fun, and somewhere deep down, Ruhan found himself enjoying the banter.
"Alright, let's open our books," Ms. Kapoor instructed, and the class shuffled, the laughter lingering in the air like the scent of cotton candy.
Ruhan pulled out his textbook, but his mind was still buzzing with the laughter and jabs exchanged with Tara. He couldn't resist sneaking a glance at her. She was scribbling something in her notebook, a slight grin on her face.
"What's so funny?" he whispered, leaning closer.
"Just thinking of how you'll need a parachute when you're flying," she quipped, not even looking up.
"Ha! With your singing, I might need earplugs more than a parachute!" Ruhan shot back, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Tara finally looked at him, a genuine laugh escaping her lips. "Touché, Ruhan. Touché."
As the lesson continued, Ruhan and Tara exchanged glances and whispered jabs, the tension between them morphing into an unexpected camaraderie.
The classroom felt alive, a testament to their playful rivalry, and as the bell rang to signal the end of class, Ruhan realized he looked forward to their battles of wits.
"See you tomorrow, pilot!" Tara called out as they packed their bags, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Ruhan smirked, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. "Only if you promise to warm up those vocal cords, singer!"
As they stepped into the hallway, the sounds of laughter and chatter enveloped them, and in that moment, Ruhan realized that sometimes, even the fiercest enemies could become the best of friends.
The next day, Ruhan entered the classroom with his usual swagger, his backpack bouncing on his shoulder as he made his way to his desk. The laughter and chatter were already buzzing in the room, as his classmates were swapping stories from their evening activities.
Ruhan slid into his seat, ready for the usual banter with Tara. Sure enough, she was already sitting across from him, scribbling away in her notebook. When she looked up and saw him, her lips curled into a sly grin.
"Ready for round two, Ruhan?" she teased, tapping her pen on the desk.
Ruhan leaned back in his chair, putting his hands behind his head. "Always, Tara. Just don't be surprised when I take the lead again. You know, being a pilot and all, I'm used to flying high."
Tara raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm sure. But don't forget, even pilots need to know how to land. Maybe I'll teach you how to hit the right notes while you're at it."
Ruhan couldn't help but chuckle at her challenge. "How about we settle this once and for all? A contest. Pilot versus singer. We'll see who can really soar."
Tara's eyes lit up. "You're on, Malhotra. But here's the twist â we'll make it fun. I'll sing, and you have to give me a standing ovation if I manage to hit the right notes. In return, you can give me a flight simulation. But only if you can actually make it through the turbulence!"
The class around them was starting to notice the growing rivalry, and whispers of excitement began to swirl. Ms. Kapoor, who had entered the room just in time to overhear their exchange, raised an eyebrow but couldn't suppress a smile.
"Alright, alright, children," she said, with a playful gleam in her eye. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm all for a little friendly competition, but we'll keep it for the talent show next week. How about it? You can both show your skills in front of the whole school."
Ruhan and Tara exchanged an intense look, both sizing up the challenge.
"Deal," Ruhan said, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Prepare to be amazed by my flying skills, Tara. Just don't expect a smooth landing when your singing takes off!"
Tara gave him a smug smile. "We'll see who's laughing after I sing 'Fly Me to the Moon.' You might want to sit down for this one, Ruhan."
Ruhan leaned in, lowering his voice. "Only if you promise not to break any windows with your high notes, singer."
The whole class erupted in laughter, and even Ms. Kapoor had to bite her lip to stop herself from joining in. "Alright, alright," she said. "We'll leave the rest for the talent show. For now, let's focus on today's lesson."
As the bell rang and everyone shuffled into their seats, Ruhan couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. He'd never been one to back down from a challenge, especially when it came to Tara. Their playful rivalry was more than just back-and-forth jabs; it was an unspoken bond that made every day in class feel like an adventure.
As the lesson progressed, Ruhan found himself glancing over at Tara more than once, unable to resist imagining the upcoming showdown. He could almost hear the crowd cheering, Tara's voice filling the air, and him soaring through the sky in his imagination, performing flawless aerial stunts.
But just as he was daydreaming about his victory, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to find his best friend, Arjun, grinning at him.
"You really think you've got this, huh?" Arjun whispered, trying not to laugh.
Ruhan shot him a cocky grin. "Absolutely. It's going to be a piece of cake. Tara's got some pipes, but she's got nothing on my piloting skills."
Arjun raised an eyebrow. "Just remember, she might surprise you. You've got to watch out for her, man. I'm telling you, she's been practicing her singing for years."
Ruhan waved him off. "Please, Arjun. If I can handle turbulence, I can handle anything. And trust me, nothing is going to shake me when I'm up in the air."
The bell rang for the end of class, and Ruhan stood up, ready to take on the day. He grabbed his backpack and flashed Tara a sly grin.
"Looks like we're going to make this interesting, Tara. The countdown to the talent show begins now."
Tara shot him a challenging look. "Bring it on, pilot. Let's see if you can fly as high as your ego."
As Ruhan and Tara made their way out of the classroom, the hallway buzzed with whispers about their upcoming contest. The entire school seemed to know that something big was coming. Ruhan couldn't wait for the day of the talent show â it was going to be a showdown for the ages.
He just hoped Tara didn't crash the party with her singing.
The afternoon sun was still warm as Ruhan made his way home from school, his mind racing with the upcoming talent show. He could hardly wait for the showdown with Taraâit was going to be epic. But first, he had to face his family. And honestly, he couldn't imagine a better group of people to share his victories and challenges with.
As he opened the door, the familiar buzz of laughter and chatter welcomed him. His younger sister, Kainat, was giggling loudly in the living room, and he could hear his cousin Kunal's squeals echoing from somewhere nearby.
"Ruhan bachha! Is that you?" his mom, Noor, called from the kitchen, her voice as warm and welcoming as always.
"Yeah, it's me!" Ruhan called back, dropping his backpack on the couch. He walked into the kitchen where Noor was busy chopping vegetables, her face lit with a smile.
"How was school today, beta?" she asked, looking up at him with that knowing glint in her eyes.
Ruhan leaned against the kitchen counter, grinning. "Oh, you won't believe it. Tara and I are going to be in the talent show next week. It's going to be Pilot vs. Singer."
Noor raised an eyebrow, her face a mix of amusement and mild concern. "A pilot, huh? That's ambitious. But you know, Ruhan, don't go too high, or you might crash before you even get to the stage."
Ruhan gave a dramatic sigh, smiling as he puffed out his chest. "Don't worry, Mom. Tara may have the voice, but I've got the skills to fly high. You'll see."
Just then, Kainat, his energetic four-year-old sister, burst into the kitchen, her pigtails bouncing as she rushed to him, a crumpled drawing in her hand. "Ruhan! Ruhan!" she squealed. "I made a picture of you flying a plane!" She thrust the paper toward him, her bright eyes full of excitement.
Ruhan looked down at the crayon masterpiece. It was an explosion of color, with stick-figure Ruhan soaring through clouds. He couldn't help but smile. "This is amazing, Kainat!" He picked her up and twirled her around in the air, making an exaggerated flying sound. "Look at me, Mommy! I'm flying!"
"Careful, Ruhan!" Noor called out, shaking her head with a chuckle. "Don't make her dizzy."
Before he could reply, the doorbell rang, and soon after, his cousin Riva appeared in the doorway. Riva, at seven years old, was always full of energy, her big eyes filled with curiosity. "Guess what? Big papa's cooking tonight!" she announced with a proud grin. "And it's spicy!"
Ruhan laughed, ruffling her hair. "Oh, I'm sure it's going to be delicious. But don't be surprised if I'm soaring past the dinner table before the spices get to me."
Riva giggled, clearly entertained by Ruhan's dramatics. "Spices won't stop me," she said, tapping her chest. "I can handle anything."
From behind Riva, Kunal waddled in, clutching a toy truck in his tiny hands, his face smeared with something stickyâprobably ice cream or jelly. He looked up at Ruhan with wide eyes. "Bhai!" he said, reaching up toward him. "I'm flying too! Vroom vroom!" His babyish imitation of an airplane made everyone burst into laughter.
Ruhan, unable to resist, scooped Kunal up and spun him in the air. "Vroom vroom, little buddy!" he said with a playful grin.
As Kunal giggled, Reyansh entered the kitchen, his presence as calming as ever. Ruhan's father, a quiet but strong figure, always had a way of making everyone feel at ease. "Dinner's ready," Reyansh said with a half-smile. "But be warned, it's spicy. We'll see if Ruhan can handle it after all that flying he's been doing."
Ruhan shot his dad a playful look. "I'll handle it just fine, don't worry. Besides, I've got a bigger challenge ahead of me."
"Oh? What's that?" Reyansh asked, his eyebrows raising.
Ruhan leaned in slightly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Tara and I are going head-to-head in the talent show next week. Pilot vs. Singer. It's going to be epic."
Reyansh gave him a knowing look, his lips curling into a smile. "You're still talking about that? Well, if you win, maybe we'll have a family celebration. But if you lose... we might need to talk about your 'flying skills.'"
Ruhan rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, Dad. Tara's good, but not that good."
Just then, there was a knock at the door, and Rohan entered, along with Kiana. Rohan, who was younger than Reyansh, had an easy-going, adventurous spirit that Ruhan always admired. Kiana, his wife and Noor's cousin, was the perfect balanceâalways calm, but quick with a witty remark.
"Hey, everyone!" Rohan greeted with his usual grin. "What's all this talk about flying? Are you going to crash and burn, Ruhan?"
Ruhan immediately shot back, "I might crash, but only if you two crash into me with your cooking. You guys are the real danger around here!"
Kiana laughed, sitting down at the table next to Noor. "Oh, come on. Rohan's cooking isn't that bad. It's just... a little spicy sometimes."
Rohan raised an eyebrow. "Just a little? Maybe I should have you try the chili I'm working on. Let's see how spicy you think it is, Ruhan."
"No thanks, chachu," Ruhan replied with a grin. "I'm already preparing for my big show. You'll have to save your spice for Tara's performance!"
Rohan chuckled. "Talent show, huh? Well, in that case, I'm team Ruhan. Tara may have a good voice, but I think your flying skills will take the cake."
Kiana smiled, a twinkle in her eye. "Just remember, Ruhan, Tara has some serious pipes. You might want to get ready for a high noteâliterally."
Riva leaned over, whispering to Ruhan with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Don't worry, Bhai. If you lose, I can always help Tara out. I'm really good at singing."
Ruhan shot her a teasing look. "You're not even old enough to compete, Riva," he said, rolling his eyes. "But thanks for the backup, I guess."
Dinner was a lively affair, with everyone sharing stories, teasing each other, and laughing at the chaos that only a big family could bring. Reyansh and Rohan exchanged jokes, while Noor and Kiana discussed upcoming family plans. Kunal played with his toy truck, occasionally making airplane sounds, while Riva kept up her enthusiastic commentary on her latest musical interests.
As the meal wound down, Reyansh raised a glass of water. "Here's to Ruhan's big challenge next week. Let's see if the pilot can actually take offâor if he'll fall flat on his face."
"Don't worry, Dad," Ruhan said with a grin. "I'll fly higher than Tara's high notes."
Kiana winked at him. "Just make sure you don't really crash, Ruhan. We don't need another emergency landing in this family."
The table erupted in laughter, and Ruhan, despite the playful teasing, felt a warm sense of pride. With a family like his behind him, he was ready for whatever came his wayâwhether it was piloting a plane or facing off with Tara in the talent show.
As the night wound down and everyone began to head to their rooms, Ruhan reflected on his family's unwavering support. No matter how intense the rivalry with Tara became, he knew his family would always have his back. And that was more than enough to keep him flying highâno matter what.
"Good night, Ruhan!" Kainat called out, waving her little hand as she was tucked into bed by Noor.
"Night, Kainat!" Ruhan smiled, heading to his room to prepare for the next day's battlesâboth in the sky and on the stage.
The days leading up to the talent show were filled with excitement, nerves, and a surprising amount of support from everyone around him. Ruhan woke up early on Friday morning, determined to give it his all. As much as he enjoyed joking around with Tara, he was secretly looking forward to showing her that his flying dreams were no joke.
In the kitchen, Noor was busy preparing breakfast, her usual calm demeanor unchanged by the whirlwind of energy Ruhan seemed to radiate every time he thought about the talent show.
"Good morning, bachha," Noor greeted him with a soft smile, flipping the pancake she was making.
"Good morning, Mom!" Ruhan said, practically bouncing on his heels. "I can't wait for the show today. I'm gonna soar to victory, you know?"
Noor raised an eyebrow but couldn't hide her smile. "I hope so, Ruhan. But remember, it's not always about winning. It's about doing your best and having fun."
"I know, I know." He grinned. "But today, I'm definitely flying high."
Noor handed him a plate with pancakes, and he wolfed them down quickly, his mind already running through his performance plan. He was going to bring his A-game. As he finished, his thoughts turned to Tara. They'd been exchanging jokes for days, but he hadn't forgotten that Tara had been practicing her singing non-stop.
With a quick farewell to his mom, Ruhan grabbed his bag and headed to school, his mind preoccupied with his upcoming performance. But as he walked through the front door, he wasn't quite prepared for the sight that awaited him.
Inside the living room, Riva and Kunal were already on the floor, playing with their toys. Rohan and Kiana were sitting on the couch, engaged in a conversation. But it was Reyansh, standing at the window, who caught his attention. His father's calm presence was always steady, but today, there was a certain intensity to his gaze.
Reyansh turned toward Ruhan and gave him a warm smile, his deep voice calm as usual. "You ready for today, Ruhan?" he asked, his words carrying a weight that made Ruhan pause.
"Yeah, I'm ready," Ruhan replied, trying to sound confident. "I've been practicing my speech and all, but I feel like I'm missing something."
"Well, we're all behind you," Reyansh said, walking over to him. He placed a hand on Ruhan's shoulder. "But don't forget, sometimes the most important part is to enjoy the moment. Let your heart guide you. Everything else will follow."
Ruhan smiled, feeling reassured by his father's words. "Thanks, Dad. That actually helps. I'll give it my best."
Rohan, who had been listening to the conversation, gave Ruhan a wink. "Just don't crash and burn, okay? I have enough emergency landing stories from your father to last a lifetime."
"Hey!" Reyansh shot a playful glare at his younger brother. "There's no need to bring that up right now."
The lighthearted exchange lightened Ruhan's mood even more. He glanced at Kunal, who was stacking blocks into a tower and giggling as he knocked them over, and Riva, who was trying to convince Kunal to join her in a "concert" using toy instruments. The entire room radiated warmth, and Ruhan couldn't help but feel a sense of peace as he took it all in.
"I'll make you proud," he muttered under his breath, mostly to himself. He took one last look at the clockâhe had to leave for school.
"See you later!" Ruhan called to his family as he grabbed his bag and headed out the door, ready for the day ahead.
At school, the energy was electric. The hallway buzzed with kids talking about their acts, their nerves palpable. When Ruhan spotted Tara, she was surrounded by her friends, laughing and chatting as if the talent show was just another day at school. Ruhan couldn't help but feel a spark of competition in his chest.
"Hey, Tara," he called out, walking over to where she stood.
Tara turned toward him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ready to lose, Ruhan?"
He grinned back. "You wish. I've got this in the bag."
Tara raised an eyebrow. "We'll see about that. I've been practicing non-stop. You'll be too busy flying to hear me hit those high notes."
Ruhan chuckled. "I'll be hearing every note, trust me. You can't escape my skills."
The two exchanged a playful challenge, but Ruhan couldn't help but feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The talent show wasn't just another school eventâit was a battle, and he was determined to win. But at the same time, he realized it wasn't about just beating Tara. It was about showing himself, his family, and his friends that he could accomplish whatever he set his mind to.
As the final bell rang, signaling the start of the talent show, Ruhan made his way to the auditorium with his heart pounding. The lights were dimmed, the stage set with a single spotlight, and the crowd of students and teachers gathered to watch. The energy in the air was like nothing Ruhan had ever felt before.
"Next up is Ruhan Malhotra!" the announcer's voice echoed through the speakers.
Ruhan took a deep breath, stepping onto the stage. The audience was buzzing, and for a moment, everything felt overwhelming. But then he thought of his family, of the encouragement from his parents, his cousins, and the playful banter with Tara. He closed his eyes for a second, letting their voices echo in his mind.
Just enjoy it, he reminded himself.
With a final deep breath, Ruhan launched into his performance, delivering an energetic and fun-filled "flight" speech. He narrated a tale of soaring through the clouds, facing a few humorous "turbulent" moments (which the audience loved), and flying high despite the obstaclesâlike the ever-present "Tara the singer" waiting to challenge him. The room erupted in laughter, and Ruhan could feel the adrenaline build with every word. The crowd loved him, and by the time he finished, the applause was deafening.
Ruhan bowed dramatically, his heart racing with excitement. But as he stepped off the stage, his eyes caught Tara's.
She gave him a thumbs-up, a genuine smile on her face. "Nice one, Ruhan. But now, it's my turn."
"Bring it on, Tara," he replied with a grin. "I'm still soaring high."
The night was far from over, and Ruhan knew the battle wasn't done yetâbut in this moment, with the support of his family and the laughter of his friends in the air, he was already flying higher than he ever expected.
The talent show had come and gone in a blur of laughter, applause, and an unexpected sense of camaraderie between Ruhan and Tara. While Ruhan had given his best performance, Tara had certainly not been far behind. She'd taken the stage with a confidence that made the entire auditorium fall silent, her voice ringing clear and true as she belted out a song that left the audience breathless. The room had erupted in applause, and for a moment, Ruhan had to admitâshe was good. Really good.
As the show concluded and the final applause faded, Ruhan made his way back to the dressing rooms with his heart still pounding in his chest. He had done it. He had given his all, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to feel proud of his performance.
The backstage area was filled with students excitedly chatting about their acts. Ruhan walked past them, spotting Tara in the crowd. She was standing with a few of her friends, her usual confident smile in place. But this time, there was something different about her. There was no teasing glint in her eye, no quick comeback ready on her lips. Instead, she lookedâwell, proud. And happy.
"You did amazing, Tara," Ruhan called out, walking over to her.
Tara turned and grinned at him. "You weren't too bad yourself, Malhotra. I'll admit, I didn't think you had it in you."
Ruhan chuckled. "Yeah, I surprised myself too."
Tara raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. "So, do I have to start calling you 'Captain' now? Or should I stick with 'Pilot'?"
Ruhan threw up his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, you win this time. You were awesome up there."
"I know," Tara said with a wink, "but don't get too comfortable. I'll have my eyes on you next time."
Ruhan grinned. "I'll be ready."
They stood there for a moment, the playful banter between them settling into an unexpected ease. It was strange. Ruhan had been so focused on the rivalry, so intent on beating Tara, but now that they were on the other side of the show, it felt... different. They'd shared the stage, and in a weird way, they'd shared the experience. It wasn't about winning or losing anymoreâit was about the fun of getting up there and giving it your best shot.
Tara leaned in slightly, her smile softening. "Seriously though, you did great. I didn't expect you to make it so entertaining. You're not just a pilot, you're a storyteller too."
Ruhan's grin widened, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Thanks, Tara. And hey, you're a real singer. I might need a private concert one day."
"Only if you promise to actually listen this time," she teased, poking him in the arm.
As they exchanged a few more lighthearted comments, the buzzer for the end of the event sounded, signaling it was time for everyone to head out. Tara and Ruhan found themselves walking side by side, their rivalry no longer feeling as sharp, but more like a friendly competition between two people who genuinely respected each other's talents.
Back home, the house was bustling with energy. Ruhan could hear the laughter of his younger sister, Kainat, and his cousins Riva and Kunal echoing from the living room. His heart swelled as he walked in, greeted immediately by the chaotic joy that only young children could create.
"Ruh-Ruhan, you're home!" Kainat, his 4-year-old sister, squealed as she ran toward him, her small arms wrapping around his legs.
(Apna naam daalna tha daal diyað)
"Hey, squirt!" Ruhan chuckled, lifting her into his arms. "Did you miss me?"
She giggled and nodded. "I made a tower with Kunal! It's soooo big!" Kainat said, pointing excitedly to the living room.
Ruhan grinned, setting her down and following her into the room. The tower she had made with Kunal, who was now trying to knock it down with a toy car, was definitely a work of artâif you could call it that.
Riva, who was sitting on the floor nearby, turned and gave Ruhan a teasing look. "So, how was the talent show, Mr. Pilot?"
Ruhan rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his grin. "It was great! But I think you're gonna have to make room for me up there with the other stars. Watch out, Riva."
"Oh, I'm shaking," Riva said, her tone dripping with mock fear. "You better watch out, because my singing voice is probably the next big thing."
Ruhan laughed, rolling his eyes. "Don't worry, I'll be in the front row to cheer you onâif I can survive the noise, that is."
Kunal giggled loudly as his toy car crashed into the tower, knocking it down. The children all erupted in giggles as the blocks scattered across the floor.
"Alright, alright," Reyansh said, walking into the room with a smile, "enough teasing. Let's get some dinner on the table. You can all argue about who's the best performer later."
Ruhan chuckled, dropping onto the couch beside his father. "Hey, I'm the pilot, remember? I was up there flying the plane while Tara sang. We've got a good thing going here."
Reyansh laughed softly, a glint of pride in his eyes. "I'm proud of you, Ruhan. You did great today. No matter what happened, you gave it your best, and that's what matters most."
Ruhan grinned, feeling the warmth of his father's words. "Thanks, Dad. I think I'll stick to the skies, but I'm glad you liked my performance."
Meanwhile, Noor walked in from the kitchen, carrying a plate of warm food. She smiled as she took in the sceneâRuhan, surrounded by his cousins, his sister, and his parents. The whole family together, full of love and laughter.
"I'm so proud of you, Ruhan," she said softly, her eyes filled with affection.
Ruhan gave her a playful salute. "Thanks, Mom. I'll try to bring you a trophy next time."
Everyone gathered around the table for dinner, their conversations merging into a symphony of voices, teasing and laughing. Ruhan sat back, taking it all inâhis family, the fun he'd had at the talent show, and the unexpected bond he had forged with Tara. It was a reminder that, while there would always be moments of rivalry, there would also be moments of connection.
For now, he was content. Flying or singing, there was room for everyone to shine in their own way.
And that was the most important thing he'd learned.
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