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"Love is the emblem of eternity; it confounds all notion of time; effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end."

~Madame De Stael

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After I reached home, I got changed into my usual clothes. Soon mumma called me for dinner. I don't actually remember within those 6 months when I peacefully had dinner with my family. They tried a lot to cheer me up nd join them but I was so much into my loneliness nd depression that I let them down.

Of course things were different now. I have learnt how to keep myself happy, even though I had a small argument with Mehak but that doesn't mean I will ditch my family again!

Everyone was settled at their respective places in the dining when I arrived. As usual, dad was on his chair at the end of the table, you know boss chair of dinning !

On his right Samar, beside him my princess Amaya. Mom was settled on the chair opposite to Samar beside dad's nd next to her Soumya. I took my sit in front of dad. Everyone gave me warm smile as I returned the gesture.

"You gonna love today's dinner, its ur favorite Gajar (Carrots) ka halwa !" Soumya said with pleasing smile. "Thanks." I smiled as she served me the food nd my fav Gajar ka halwa in the bowl. I grinned sheepishly seeing that beautifully garnished thing in the bowl. She knows we both brothers are Vegans so she kept that in mind and made it specially for me. I feel glad.

"I think u should first begin with the food in your plate, Sanam" mumma suggested as she chuckled later. "Mummy! How can I concentrate on something else when this delicious halwa is in front of my eyes?"

We all had a good convo carried by the dinner. After finishing the meal I came back in my room nd was lying thoughtlessly on my bed while staring the ceiling. Soon there comes a knock on the door, "Bhabhi.. I told u na you don't need to knock before entering my room!" I said still staring at the roof.

"Ik.. Still.." She let out a soft chuckle as she enters. I sat properly on bed and folded my legs, I saw a glass bowl in her hand, "Vanilla ice cream!" I almost bounced at my place as I gleefully reached at the bowl in her hand nd then started eating my fav vanilla ice cream with choco fills.

"You are the best Bhabhi in the world!" I told her happily as I took another bite. "I know.. But don't tell your brother that I made you eat ice cream or else he will keep on taunting me for spoiling you.." She sighed then we both burst out laughing really hard.

"It's so pleasing, Sanam.. Seeing you laughing all heartily again after so long.." She said as I finished eating. "I'm happy too.." I smiled at her as kept the bowl on side table. "Credit goes to her?" She lift an eyebrow teasingly. "Who?" I shrugged.

"Oh com'on, Sanam.. Aaru!" She poked my arm as I chuckle. "Well.. Can I deny?" I pursed my lips in a thin line, trying not to crack a shy smile as I looked straight resting my back on the headrest nd folding my arms over my chest.

"I'm glad you are finally moving ahead in life, Sanam.. Now I really think Aaru will succeed in her challenge.." I found her smiling genuinely at me.

From Arpita I remember, should I ask Soumya about the photos I saw on the wall of her house? Well it won't hurt asking right?

"Umm.. Soumya?"

"Hmm.." She hummed.

"Today when I went to drop her at her place.. I saw two photo frames hanging on the wall, one was of a lady around 30 to 35 yrs of age nd other was of a man around 50 to 60 yrs of age.. Do you know anything about them?" I asked hesitatingly.

She sighed, " They are her parents.."

I was shocked. I felt as if someone slapped me hard on my face.

They were her parents? That mean they are...

Dammit!

"Didn't she tell you about them?" She asked. I do remember her telling me about her mother but she never mentioned anything about her father.

Now I get it why that lady looked a bit like Bhumi nd Arpita, but Arpita resembles a lot with her dad. Even though the girls are twin yet there are few features that differs in them. Arpita has perfect chocolaty brown eyes nd sharp eyebrows like her mum, but her sharp straight nose nd soft pinkish lips are inherited from her dad. Where as Bhumi has black eyes nd a short lil nose.

"She did tell me about her mother but not her dad.." How could she even? What she would have told me that she don't have both of her parents?

She nodded. "Her dad was suffering from paralysis when I left the college, after that when I met her in the cafe first time after several years she told me that he was no more.." Her voice showed sadness as she looked at her palm after completing her words.

"Oh" I felt tongue tied. It became so difficult to talk. "Anyways.. You must sleep now.. Good night, sanam.." She said as she got up. "Good night"

How can someone be able to hide so much of pain behind a charismatic smile? No wonder why her orbs are so enigmatic!

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"Did you kept everything?" Bhumi asked Harsh as he arranged all their luggages in the hall along with bua's. I was standing at the threshold of my room nd was silently staring them. "Yeah..don't worry.. I kept everything." Harsh replied calmly as he sat on the couch after settling their bags. "And you don't need to ask me!" Kartik said with a smirk as he sat beside his brother.

"Yeah.. After all you are Mr. Perfect!" Bhumi said as she chuckled. Harsh saw me standing with an empty look as he walked towards me. "You should be happy that I am leaving, nd here you look all lifeless?"

I stared at him blankly, just before I tug him in a tight hug. I closed my eyes nd waited for him to hug me back, he must be shocked!

After a few seconds I found him hugging me, one of his hand was caressing my head nd other one on my back, "I'm gonna miss you bro.." I said slowly still hugging him. "I'll miss you too. Just take care of yourself okay.. Nd stop worrying about everything!" He stressed the word everything as we pulled back. I nooded with a short smile.

"Your car is sent for servicing and will come in a day or two.. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Mamu ki bhanji.." (Uncle's niece) he added with a soft chuckle.

"Harshu!" I whined as I punched his stomach playfully.

He knows that I'm a ZaYa lover nd more than that I love this tagline! So he never misses the chance to tease me. I love it.

"Won't you miss me?" Kartik stood beside me with a pouty face. "You live in my heart!" I said cheesily as I left a peck on his cheek as he pulled me into a tight hug.

I can't watch them going! Even when Harshit was leaving for Kota for IIT preparations after 10th, I didn't go to bid him goodbye just because I knew I would get senti in front of him and he couldn't bear that.. I'm still the same!

"And please stay safe! Both of you!" Bua boomed into the hall as she clutched her handbag with a worrying look. "Uffo Bub's.. Chillax.. We are adults!" Bhumi said coolly while wrapping her arms around bua's shoulders. She lightly hit her arm, "You both will always remain kids for me."

I went and gave her a comfy hug assuring that I'll take care of myself and also of the house. She left a peck on my forehead nd cupped my cheeks as a tear rolled down her eye. "Not again!" I rolled my eyes nd wiped off the tiny drop with my thumb. "You have started crying a lot now a days!" I compliant dramatically and got a light slap on my cheek in return by her which made everyone chuckle.

I wish this happiness and laughter of my family stays forever.

It was 5 in the morning when they were leaving for the airport. Arti bua's flight is an hour earlier than Harsh nd Kartik's so they were leaving together to make sure she doesn't have any trouble with the boardings and checking. Me and Bhumi went down to drop them to the cab.

We waved at them saying goodbye and wishing a safe journey. Soon the cab drove away as the car disappeared from our sight.

All of the sudden, I felt sad. I don't know what it was that was making me weak. May be it was because I won't be able to see my brothers for may be next few months or even years, or my mother like bua (aunt) who will come after two weeks.

I miss them already.

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After hopping into the cab, I booked to drop me at place I started thinking about the upcoming days.

I will be all alone at home!

Its not like I'm scared or anything. I'm not among those who are afraid of darkness, I'm not scared of sleeping alone either. In my entire life I had faced many situations that have made me more courageous than I could ever be.

Hard situations makes you strong as they helps you to discover your real strengths.

I have understood it.

Whatever it will be.. I have to be prepared. Common Aru, it's not the end of the world. They will return back and where am I leaving? Nowhere! So just chillax and go with the flow!

Soon the drive came to a halt. I paid the driver nd went inside the stunning society. I pressed the elevator button, soon the door got open as I got in. My gaze fixed on the floor. I pressed the button to his floor nd rested my head on the steel wall of the lift with closed eyes.

"Woah! What a beautiful incidence!"

I opened my eyes with a jerk as my eyes crawled up to the source of the voice. "Keshu?" I didn't notice him standing in the same lift!

Wow, I entered the lift and I didn't notice him standing just beside me! Where the hell is your brain Arpita? Wake up!!

"Hey!" He chirped.

"Umm.. Hii?" I replied inconveniently.

"You alright?"

"Yup.." I nodded. "Sorry I.. I didn't notice you were here.." I let out a soft chuckle. "I could see that." He laughed too.

Wait! I didn't see him entering the lift. That mean he was already inside? Then why didn't he go?

"Yeah I was going somewhere but when I saw you coming I thought I should give you and Sanam some company for today!" He answered as if reading my mind.

"Oh.." I smiled at him.

Keshav is really a nice guy. Since the day one he have behaved like a gentleman with me. May be he treats every girl like this, with equal respect. Not just him but all of them. I know Mr. Puri didn't behave well with me initially but what could one expect from a heartbroken guy whose most important thing got broken just because of me? He is a man with golden heart no doubt. Situations sometimes makes us lose our temper and do something we might never had in a calm state.

After a beep sound the door opened as we both stepped out. He pressed the doorbell while I was standing calmly beside him, soon Indu aunty opened the door for us giving us her billion dollars smile as we smiled back at her and made our way in.

"Where's my buddy, Aunty?" Keshu asked her as we both made our ways towards the couch.

"He is getting fresh, you both settle down he can come any time soon. Till then... Should I bring something for you to both to have?"

"No Aunty.. I'm fine." I smiled.

"You don't look though, it's OK beta.. You don't have to feel uncomfortable here.. Now even you are a part of our small family.." She told with her genuine smile.

Indu Aunty is really a kindhearted lady, I have been here since past 13 days and she had always tried to make me feel comfortable whenever she was at home. She reminds me of my mumma who too used to force me to eat and take care of myself.

I felt loved!

"I want orange juice aunty! Nd I guess even Aaru will take it.. Hai na?" Keshu said cheerfully grabbing my attention. "Uhh.. Yeah.. Juice.." I nodded shortly with a slight smile. Indu aunty left leaving me nd Mr. Dhanraj, wait... There comes Somu di from her room!

"Hey.. What a pleasant surprise! Today both my cuties are together here?" She beamed as she walked towards us.

"Yeah.. I saw her coming so thought to give her some company and also I wanted to meet my buddy.." He answered cheekily. "That's so sweet of you Keshu.. I guess Sanam in shower.. You both have something till then.." She insisted us.

"Here's orange juice for both of you!" Indu aunty came with juice glasses for us. "Thank you so much mumma.." I bite my tongue as I held the glass in my hand. "I mean.. Aunty.." I said in a low tone. "Its OK beta.." She assured with a kind smile.

I smiled back at her as I sipped in the tasty juice. Aunty sat beside Somu di who had a never-fading smile on her lips. After me and Keshu completed our drinks we kept it on the glass table in front.

"I'm so grateful to you Aaru.. You are really bringing back my son, my old Sanam.. You know.. He joined us for dinner yesterday! He also ate his favorite Gajar Ka Halwa!" Aunty said to me her eyes sparkling with excitement as she told me about her son's progress. A feeling of accomplishment rushed through my heart. I felt as if I'm coming closer to my goal.

"Mumma is right Aaru.. We can't thank you enough for this.. Everything you are doing for our family.. No one could have!" Somu di, who had glassy eyes said.

It always hurts seeing tears in the eyes of your loved ones!