Dinner passed peacefully.

At least...

On the surface.

Everyone gathered around the long dining table, chatting about their day while the servants served the food.

Vanya quietly finished her dinner without creating any trouble.

From time to time...

She caught Rudra's and Veeransh's eyes.

Neither of them spoke.

Their acting continued perfectly in front of everyone.

Even Kalpana secretly smiled, believing everything was going exactly according to her plan.

After dinner...

Everyone wished each other good night.

One after another...

The lights in the mansion slowly began turning off.

The once lively Rathore Mansion became silent.

Only the faint sound of trees leaves outside could be heard.

---

Inside her room...

Vanya locked the door and jumped onto her bed.

She stretched lazily.

"Finally..."

She picked up her phone.

Immediately...

A notification from Mission Mosquito - SA popped up.

She smiled.

The first message was from Rudra.

Rudra: What is the next plan?

A few seconds later...

Veeransh also sent a message.

Veeransh: Yeah. We're wasting time unnecessarily.

Vanya couldn't help laughing.

"These two are more impatient than me."

She quickly typed.

Vanya: Relax, Secret Agents.

I already have a plan.

Both of them immediately became online.

Three dots appeared.

Disappeared.

Appeared again.

Finally...

Vanya sent another message.

Vanya: Both of you come to my room after everyone falls asleep.

There was complete silence in the chat for a few seconds.

Veeransh replied first.

Veeransh: Okay.

Rudra simply reacted with a 👍.

Vanya smiled.

"Still using only one emoji..."

"Typical Rudra bhaiya."

She placed the phone beside her and waited patiently.

---

Almost an hour later...

The mansion had become completely silent.

Every servant had retired to their quarters.

The lights in the corridors were dim.

Only a few decorative lamps illuminated the hallway.

Rudra quietly stepped out of his room.

He looked left.

Then right.

No one.

A few doors away...

Veeransh also came out.

The brothers exchanged a silent glance.

Without saying anything...

Both walked towards Vanya's room.

Their footsteps were almost inaudible on the soft carpet.

When they reached the door...

They knocked very softly.

Knock... Knock...

Within seconds...

The door opened just enough for one person to enter.

Vanya peeked outside.

After making sure the corridor was empty...

She whispered,

"Jaldi andar aaiye."
(Come inside quickly.)

Both brothers entered one after another.

Vanya immediately locked the door again.

None of the three noticed...

That someone had been watching everything from the opposite side of the corridor.

Hidden behind the corner wall...

A pair of curious eyes widened.

Kabir.

He had only stepped out of his room to drink water.

Instead...

He witnessed something completely unexpected.

His little Cupcake...

Secretly inviting Rudra and Veeransh into her room...

Late at night.

Kabir blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Then rubbed his eyes.

"Did I just see that?"

"No..."

"Impossible..."

He peeked once again.

The door had already closed.

His brain immediately started creating hundreds of theories.

"Why are Rudra bhaiya and Veeransh bhaiya inside Cupcake's room?"

"Are they scolding her?"

"Did they make her cry?"

"Or..."

He gasped dramatically.

"Did they threaten her?"

Kabir immediately shook his head.

"No."

"I can't handle this alone."

Without wasting another second...

He took out his phone.

A family group would be too risky.

Instead...

He privately messaged Arjun and Aarav.

Kabir: Emergency.

Kabir: Come outside immediately.

Both replies came surprisingly fast.

Arjun: What happened?

Aarav: Coming.

Within a minute...

Both brothers quietly stepped out of their rooms.

Arjun frowned after seeing Kabir's unusually serious face.

"Kabir?"

"Kya hua?"
(What happened?)

Kabir quickly pulled both of them away from the corridor.

He lowered his voice.

"I just saw something."

Arjun folded his arms.

"What?"

Kabir pointed towards Vanya's room.

"Rudra bhaiya and Veeransh bhaiya secretly went inside Cupcake's room."

Silence.

Arjun stared.

Aarav stared.

For several seconds...

Nobody spoke.

Finally...

Arjun laughed softly.

"Good joke."

Kabir frowned.

"I'm serious!"

"I saw it with my own eyes."

Aarav looked towards the closed door.

His usually calm expression turned thoughtful.

"Are you sure?"

Kabir nodded repeatedly.

"Hundred percent."

"I literally watched them enter."

Arjun's smile slowly disappeared.

Now...

Even he looked worried.

"Why would they go there this late?"

Kabir shook his head.

"Exactly!"

"Something is definitely wrong."

The three brothers looked at each other.

None of them could think of a reasonable explanation.

After a few moments...

Kabir took a deep breath.

"Let's check."

Arjun nodded.

Aarav agreed as well.

The three quietly walked towards Vanya's room together.

Meanwhile...

Inside the room...

Vanya had absolutely no idea...

That three curious brothers were standing just outside.

Before anyone inside could say a word...

Knock... Knock...

The sound echoed through the room.

All three froze.

Vanya's eyes widened.

Rudra immediately looked towards the door.

Veeransh whispered,

"At this time?"

Another knock came.

Slightly louder this time.

Knock... Knock...

Outside...

Kabir spoke softly.

"Cupcake?"

"Darwaza kholo."
(Open the door.)

Inside the room...

The three Secret Agents looked at each other.

Their secret meeting...

Had been discovered.

For a brief moment...

No one inside the room moved.

Vanya looked at Rudra and Veeransh.

Then towards the dressing room.

An idea immediately came to her mind.

She whispered hurriedly,

"Rudra bhaiya... Veeransh bhaiya..."

"Quick! Dressing room!"

Without asking any questions...

Both brothers immediately walked towards the dressing room.

Just before entering...

Veeransh looked back.

"Sona..."

Vanya pointed towards the room.

"Go!"

He nodded.

Within seconds...

Both brothers disappeared inside.

Vanya quickly closed the dressing room door.

She took a deep breath.

Calmed herself.

Then purposely rubbed her eyes as if she had just woken up from sleep.

Outside...

Kabir knocked once again.

"Cupcake!"

"Open the door!"

Vanya yawned dramatically.

She slowly unlocked the door.

The moment it opened...

She blinked sleepily.

"Kabir bhaiya?"

Then she noticed Arjun and Aarav standing beside him.

She widened her eyes.

"Ari bhaiya? Avi?"

She looked at all three of them in confusion.

"Aap sab iss waqt?"
(All of you at this time?)

Kabir folded his arms.

He narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

Without waiting for an invitation...

He walked straight inside the room.

Arjun and Aarav exchanged helpless glances before following him.

Vanya quietly sighed.

Then she closed and locked the door behind them.

Kabir looked around the room carefully.

Under the bed.

Near the balcony.

Behind the curtains.

Everywhere.

Vanya watched him with an innocent expression.

Finally...

She asked,

"Kabir bhaiya..."

"Aap kya dhoondh rahe ho?"
(What are you searching for?)

Kabir immediately turned towards her.

His expression became serious.

"Rudra bhaiya aur Veeransh bhaiya kahan hain?"
(Where are Rudra bhaiya and Veeransh bhaiya?)

Vanya tilted her head innocently.

"Unke room mein honge."
(They'll be in their rooms.)

Then she frowned.

"Waise bhi..."

"Woh mere room mein kyun honge?"
(Besides... why would they be in my room?)

She added with a small pout,

"Aur waise bhi..."

"Unhe toh main pasand bhi nahi hoon."
(They don't even like me.)

Kabir immediately pointed a finger at her.

"Don't act, Vanya."

"Maine apni aankhon se dono ko tumhare room mein enter karte hue dekha hai."
(I saw both of them entering your room with my own eyes.)

For a split second...

Vanya almost smiled.

Inside her mind...

"Yay!"

"Kabir bhaiya is actually smarter than I expected."

But outside...

She maintained her innocent face.

She blinked twice.

Then softly said,

"Kabir bhaiya..."

"Shayad aapne sapna dekha hoga."
(Maybe you had a dream.)

Kabir stared at her.

"..."

"..."

Then he spoke in a flat voice.

"Vanya."

Just one word.

Yet it carried enough meaning.

Vanya scratched her cheek awkwardly.

She knew...

Kabir wasn't going to leave without proof.

She dramatically sighed.

"Theek hai..."
(Fine...)

She raised her voice slightly.

"Rudra bhaiya..."

"Veeransh bhaiya..."

"Bahar aa jaiye."
(Come outside.)

The room became silent.

Three younger brothers looked towards the dressing room.

A second later...

The door slowly opened.

Rudra walked out first.

Veeransh followed behind him.

The expressions on Kabir, Arjun and Aarav's faces...

Were priceless.

All three stood frozen.

Kabir's mouth slowly fell open.

Arjun blinked repeatedly.

Even calm Aarav looked genuinely shocked.

For a few moments...

Nobody spoke.

Kabir looked at Rudra.

Then Veeransh.

Then Vanya.

Again at Rudra.

His brain completely stopped working.

Finally...

He managed to speak.

"Yeh..."

"Sach mein yahin the?"
(They were really here?)

Veeransh awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.

Rudra remained as calm as ever.

Vanya smiled sheepishly.

The silence in the room became even more awkward.

None of the two brothers had expected Kabir's suspicion...

To actually be true.

For several long moments...

Silence filled Vanya's room.

Finally...

Arjun rubbed his forehead.

He looked at Vanya, then at Rudra and Veeransh.

Confusion was clearly written across his face.

"Ab koi mujhe batayega ki yeh sab kya chal raha hai?"
(Now will someone tell me what exactly is going on?)

Vanya looked around.

Everyone was still standing.

She sighed dramatically.

"Sabse pehle... sab log baith jao."
(First of all... everyone sit down.)

"Main itni der khade hokar sab explain nahi kar sakti."
(I can't explain everything while standing like this.)

Kabir muttered under his breath,

"Iss situation mein bhi isse baithna hai..."
(Even in this situation, she wants everyone to sit...)

Arjun chuckled.

Even Rudra's lips twitched slightly.

One by one...

Everyone found a place to sit.

Rudra occupied the chair near the study table.

Veeransh leaned against the wall beside him.

Arjun and Aarav sat on the small sofa.

Kabir sat cross-legged on the carpet right in front of Vanya.

He folded his arms dramatically.

"Ab bolo, Cupcake."
(Now speak, Cupcake.)

"Hum sab sun rahe hain."
(We're all listening.)

Vanya took a deep breath.

Then slowly...

She began narrating everything.

From the very beginning.

She told them how Kalpana had told her about the mansion temple.

How Kalpana pretended to care for her.

How she secretly mixed the manipulating liquid in her water.

How she later mixed it into her snack jar.

She explained how she had changed the water before drinking because it wasn't cold.

Then she told them about Rudra and Veeransh overhearing Kalpana's confession outside her room.

How they apologized sincerely.

How she forgave them.

Then...

She explained the fake arguments.

Mission Mosquito - Secret Agents.

The secret group.

The acting.

The plan to make Kalpana believe everything was going according to her wishes.

By the time Vanya finished...

The room had become completely silent.

Kabir...

Arjun...

And Aarav...

Sat there completely stunned.

They hadn't imagined so much had happened within just a few days.

Kabir was the first to react.

He slowly stood up.

Walked towards Vanya.

His face wasn't angry...

It was hurt.

He quietly asked,

"Cupcake..."

"Tum poora din acting karti rahi..."
(You kept acting the whole day...)

"Aur humein kuch bhi nahi bataya?"
(And you didn't tell us anything?)

Vanya lowered her head.

Kabir continued,

"Kalpana tumhe nuksaan pahunchane ki koshish kar rahi thi..."
(Kalpana was trying to harm you...)

"Aur tumne humein trust bhi nahi kiya?"
(And you didn't even trust us?)

Those words pricked Vanya's heart.

She immediately shook her head.

"Nahi Kabir bhaiya..."
(No, Kabir bhaiya...)

"Aisi baat nahi hai."
(It's not like that.)

She looked at Arjun and Aarav too.

"Main aap sab par trust karti hoon."
(I trust all of you.)

"Mujhe bas laga jitne kam logon ko pata hoga..."

"Utna hi plan successful hoga."
(I just felt the fewer people who knew, the more successful the plan would be.)

She nervously twisted her fingers.

"Sorry..."

Then...

Like a guilty little child...

She held both her ears.

"Sorry..."

"Galti ho gayi."
(I'm sorry... I made a mistake.)

Kabir looked at her for a few seconds.

Then sighed.

He gently pulled her hands down.

"Bas..."
(Enough...)

"Aise mat karo."
(Don't do that.)

Arjun smiled helplessly.

"Hum gussa nahi hain."
(We're not angry.)

Aarav nodded.

"Bas agli baar..."

"Sabse pehle humein batana."
(Just tell us first next time.)

Vanya nodded rapidly.

"Promise!"

Kabir smiled.

He lightly flicked her forehead.

"Good."

The atmosphere immediately became lighter.

Veeransh finally spoke.

"Ab emotional reunion ho gaya ho toh..."
(Now that the emotional reunion is over...)

"Main ek important question poochun?"
(Can I ask one important question?)

Everyone looked at him.

He grinned.

"Agla plan kya hai?"
(What's the next plan?)

Vanya's eyes sparkled.

She folded her arms confidently.

"Yeh hamara last plan hoga."
(This will be our final plan.)

Everyone became attentive.

She continued,

"Main Kalpana aunty par apna aur precious time waste nahi karna chahti."
(I don't want to waste any more of my precious time on Kalpana aunty.)

"Jitni jaldi yeh sab khatam hoga..."

"Utna achha hoga."
(The sooner all this ends, the better.)

Rudra silently nodded.

He completely agreed.

Vanya stood up .

Then looked at all five brothers.

A mischievous smile slowly appeared.

"Is baar..."

She paused dramatically.

"Hum sirf Kalpana aunty ko confuse nahi karenge."
(This time we won't just confuse Kalpana aunty.)

Everyone leaned forward.

"Hum unse unka sach..."

"Unhi ke muh se bulwayenge."
(We'll make her reveal the truth herself.)

Kabir's eyes widened.

Arjun exchanged an impressed glance with Aarav.

Even Rudra looked interested.

Vanya slowly began explaining every detail.

Who would do what.

When they should act.

What Kalpana was expected to do.

And how they would make sure she exposed herself without anyone forcing her.

Nearly half an hour later...

She finally finished.

Silence filled the room once again.

Then Kabir suddenly clapped.

"Cupcake..."

"Tumhara dimaag kabhi kabhi bahut dangerous ideas laata hai."
(Your brain comes up with some very dangerous ideas sometimes.)

Arjun laughed.

"Mujhe lagta hai hum sabse zyada Kalpana ko nahi..."

"Tumse darna chahiye."
(I think instead of Kalpana, we should be afraid of you.)

Vanya proudly placed both hands on her waist.

"Obviously."

"Secret Agent Vanya hoon main."
(I'm Secret Agent Vanya.)

Her dramatic pose made everyone burst into laughter.

That night...

For the first time...

All six siblings sat together.

Not as strangers.

Not as people forced to stay under one roof.

But as one team...

Ready to protect their family.

The next morning...

Golden rays of the sun scattered through the curtains of Vanya's room.

The warm sunlight fell softly across her face.

She slowly opened her eyes.

Stretching her arms above her head, she let out a sleepy yawn.

"Good morning, Mahadev..." she murmured with a small smile.

After sitting on the bed for a few seconds, she got up and walked towards the bathroom.

A few minutes later...

After freshening up and getting ready, Vanya walked downstairs.

The mansion was still peaceful.

Only a few servants were busy preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

As soon as she entered, the head chef smiled warmly.

"Good morning, bitiya."

Vanya smiled back.

"Good morning, Chef Uncle."

Walking towards the counter, she asked politely,

"Chef Uncle, main do cup chai bana loon?"
(Chef Uncle, may I make two cups of tea?)

The chef chuckled.

"Arre bitiya, ismein poochne wali kya baat hai?"
(Oh dear, why are you asking?)

"Jitni chai banani ho bana lijiye."
(Make as much tea as you want.)

"Thank you, Chef Uncle."

She washed her hands and began preparing the tea.

She added water to the pan.

Then fresh ginger.

A few crushed cardamom pods.

Tea leaves.

Milk.

And finally, just the right amount of sugar.

Soon...

The entire kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed ginger-cardamom tea.

The chef inhaled deeply and smiled.

"Waah..."

"Khushboo se hi pata chal raha hai ki chai bahut achhi bani hai."
(Wow... the aroma itself tells me this tea is wonderful.)

Vanya giggled.

"Bas taste bhi achha hona chahiye."
(Now I just hope it tastes as good.)

She carefully poured the tea into two beautiful cups.

Holding the tray carefully, she turned around.

Just then...

Her gaze landed on Kalpana, who had just entered the kitchen.

A small smile appeared on Vanya's lips.

She picked up one cup and walked towards her.

"Aunty..."

Kalpana looked at her in surprise.

"Haan beta?"
(Yes, dear?)

Vanya extended the cup.

"Aunty, chai."
(Aunty, here's your tea.)

Kalpana blinked in surprise before accepting it.

"Mere liye?"
(For me?)

Vanya nodded with an innocent smile.

"Ji."

Kalpana looked at the steaming cup before asking,

"Par mere liye kyun, beta?"
(But why for me, dear?)

Vanya smiled sweetly.

"Aap meri help kar rahi hain na..."
(You're helping me, aren't you...)

"Rudra bhaiya aur Veeransh bhaiya ke close aane mein."
(Helping me get closer to Rudra bhaiya and Veeransh bhaiya.)

"Isliye meri taraf se yeh ek chhota sa thank you."
(So this is just a small thank-you from my side.)

Kalpana felt pleased hearing those words.

Inside, she thought happily,

"Good... she's following everything I say."

She smiled warmly.

"Thank you, beta."

Vanya returned the smile.

Then she spoke again.

"Aunty..."

"Garden mein chalte hain?"
(Shall we go to the garden?)

"Wahan aaram se chai bhi pee lenge..."
(We'll enjoy our tea peacefully there...)

"Aur aap mujhe kuch aur ideas bhi bata dena."
(And you can tell me a few more ideas.)

Kalpana nodded immediately.

"Theek hai, chalo."
(Alright, let's go.)

Both of them walked towards the garden.

The morning air was cool and refreshing.

They sat on the wooden garden chairs facing each other.

For a few moments...

Neither of them spoke.

Kalpana lifted the cup and took a sip.

Her eyes widened.

She looked at Vanya with genuine surprise.

"Itni achhi chai!"

"Bahut hi achhi bani hai, beta."
(This tea is wonderful, dear.)

She smiled.

"Yeh banana tumne kahan se seekha?"
(Where did you learn to make tea like this?)

Vanya looked at the cup in her hands.

A gentle smile appeared on her face.

"Mummy ne sikhaya tha."
(My mother taught me.)

Her expression softened.

"Mummy aur Papa..."

"Dono ko mere haath ki chai bahut pasand thi."
(Both Mom and Dad loved the tea I made.)

Kalpana slowly nodded.

"Sach mein bahut achhi bani hai."
(It really is very good.)

Vanya smiled politely.

"Thank you, Aunty."

The two of them continued sipping their tea quietly.

One...

Thinking she was successfully manipulating a lonely fifteen-year-old girl.

The other...

Calmly pretending to trust every single word the woman said.

Neither of them revealed what was truly going on in their minds.

Kalpana looked at Vanya with sympathetic eyes.

She gently placed her teacup on the table.

"Beta..."

"Kya tum unhe bahut miss karti ho?"
(Do you miss them very much?)

For a brief moment...

Vanya's heart tightened.

But only for a second.

Inside her mind, she immediately reminded herself.

"Vanya, yeh waqt emotional hone ka nahi hai."
(Vanya, this isn't the time to become emotional.)

"Focus."

She composed herself before looking back at Kalpana.

A small smile appeared on her face.

"Haan, Aunty..."
(Yes, Aunty...)

"Main unhe bahut miss karti hoon."
(I miss them a lot.)

"Lekin Mumma aur Papa hamesha kehte the..."
(But Mom and Dad always used to say...)

"'Chahe hum tumhare saath na ho..."

"'Hum hamesha tumhare dil mein rahenge.'"
(Even if we're not beside you... we'll always remain in your heart.)

"Aur main unki isi baat se khud ko sambhal leti hoon."
(And those words always give me strength.)

Kalpana slowly nodded.

"Bilkul sahi kehte the."
(They were absolutely right.)

She picked up her cup once again.

Taking another sip, she smiled faintly.

Vanya decided not to waste any more time.

She looked at Kalpana expectantly.

"Aunty..."

"Ab batayiye..."
(Now tell me...)

"Mujhe aage kya karna hai?"
(What should I do next?)

Kalpana smiled.

Exactly the question she had been waiting for.

She leaned slightly forward.

"Beta..."

"Bas aisa kuch bhi karo..."

"Jisse tum Rudra aur Veeransh ke aur kareeb aa jao."
(Just do anything that helps you get closer to Rudra and Veeransh.)

"Baaki mujhe bhi samajh nahi aa raha."
(Even I don't know what else to suggest.)

Vanya rested her chin on her hand.

Pretending to think seriously.

A few seconds later...

Her eyes suddenly lit up.

"Idea!"

Kalpana looked curious.

"Kya?"
(What?)

Vanya smiled brightly.

"Main breakfast ke liye kuch banaungi."
(I'll prepare something for breakfast.)

"Waise bhi..."

"Log kehte hain na..."

"'Dil ka raasta pet se hokar jaata hai.'"
(People say... the way to someone's heart is through their stomach.)

Kalpana smiled in satisfaction.

"Bilkul."
(Exactly.)

"Yeh bahut achha idea hai."

"Ho sakta hai isse tumhare aur unke beech ki doori kam ho."
(Maybe this will reduce the distance between you and them.)

Vanya nodded obediently.

"Theek hai, Aunty."

"Main abhi kuch banati hoon."
(Alright, Aunty. I'll prepare something right away.)

She stood up with her teacup.

"Chaliye, milte hain breakfast table par."
(See you at the breakfast table.)

Kalpana smiled.

"Theek hai, beta."

Watching Vanya walk away...

A victorious smile slowly spread across Kalpana's lips.

Inside her mind...

"Very good..."

"Everything is happening exactly according to my plan.

She finished the remaining tea.

Completely unaware...

That every suggestion she was giving...

Was actually becoming evidence against herself.

---

Meanwhile...

Vanya entered the kitchen once again.

The Chef looked up and smiled.

"Aa gayi, bitiya?"
(You're back, young miss?)

Vanya smiled.

"Ji, Chef Uncle."

She looked around.

The breakfast for everyone was already ready.

Fresh idlis...

Coconut chutney...

Sambar...

Poha...

Everything had already been arranged.

She looked thoughtfully at the dishes.

Then smiled.

"Breakfast toh ready hai..."
(Breakfast is already ready...)

"Toh main kuch meetha bana deti hoon."
(So I'll make something sweet.)

The Chef nodded happily.

"Bahut achha idea hai."
(That's a wonderful idea.)

Vanya tied an apron around her waist.

She gathered all the ingredients.

Semolina...

Pure ghee...

Sugar...

Milk...

Cashews...

Raisins...

Cardamom powder...

She heated the pan.

Added a generous spoonful of ghee.

As the ghee melted...

She poured in the semolina and began roasting it slowly.

The rich aroma quickly filled the kitchen.

The Chef watched with interest.

"Lagta hai aaj sabko special surprise milne wala hai."
(Looks like everyone is getting a special surprise today.)

Vanya smiled mischievously.

"Bas dekhte jaiye, Chef Uncle."
(Just wait and watch, Chef Uncle.)

Carefully...

She added the warm milk.

Then sugar.

Stirred everything patiently until the mixture became soft and fragrant.

Finally...

She added roasted cashews...

Golden raisins...

And a pinch of cardamom powder.

The sweet aroma of freshly prepared Sheera spread throughout the kitchen.

Vanya looked at it proudly.

A satisfied smile appeared on her face.

"Perfect."

The Chef tasted a tiny spoonful.

His eyes widened.

"Waah, bitiya!"

"Bahut hi swaad bana hai."
(Wonderful! It tastes absolutely delicious.)

Vanya smiled happily.

"Thank you, Chef Uncle."

She carefully transferred the hot Sheera into a beautiful serving bowl.

Her next move...

Was ready.

Soon...

Everyone gathered around the breakfast table.

The dining hall gradually became lively.

Arjun was the first to sit down.

Kabir pulled out his chair with his usual carefree smile.

Aarav quietly took his seat.

Rudra and Veeransh also arrived a few moments later and sat in their usual places.

Kalpana stood nearby, pretending to help the servants while secretly observing everyone.

The Chef and the servants began serving breakfast.

Just then...

Vanya suddenly clapped her hands.

Everyone looked at her.

A bright smile spread across her face.

"Hello, lovely bhaiyas!"

"Aaj maine sabke liye Sheera banaya hai."
(Today I made Sheera for everyone.)

Kabir's eyes immediately sparkled.

"Sach, Cupcake?"
(Really, Cupcake?)

Vanya nodded proudly.

"Bilkul!"
(Of course!)

She carefully picked up the serving bowl and started filling small bowls one by one.

Soon...

Eight bowls of warm Sheera were ready.

She first walked towards Aarav.

"Avi, yeh tumhare liye."
(Avi, this is for you.)

Aarav smiled faintly.

"Thank you."

Next...

She handed one to Arjun.

"Ari bhaiya..."

"Aapke liye."
(For you.)

Arjun smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Sunshine."

Then she moved towards Kabir.

Kabir accepted it happily.

"Waah!"

"Aaj toh maza aa gaya."
(This is awesome!)

"Cupcake ke haath ka Sheera!"

Vanya giggled.

Finally...

Holding the  two bowls...

She walked towards Rudra and Veeransh.

Both brothers instinctively reached out to take them.

But before they could...

Vanya lightly nudged Rudra's leg with her foot under the table.

A tiny reminder.

Acting.

Both brothers immediately understood.

Rudra slowly withdrew his hand.

He folded his arms and looked away.

In a calm but slightly cold voice, he said,

"Subah subah itna meetha kaun khata hai?"
(Who eats sweets this early in the morning?)

"Mujhe nahi chahiye."
(I don't want it.)

Veeransh also remembered the plan.

He looked at the bowl before speaking in a slightly harsh tone.

"Mujhe bhi nahi chahiye."
(I don't want it either.)

For a second...

The entire dining table became quiet.

Vanya slowly lowered the bowls.

She looked down.

Her smile disappeared.

She softly replied,

"Oh..."

"Theek hai..."
(Alright...)

From the corner of his eye...

Kabir noticed Rudra subtly trying not to look guilty.

He immediately understood what was happening.

A mischievous smile appeared on his face.

"Achha..."

"Toh acting chal rahi hai?"

He decided to enjoy the situation.

Kabir stood up dramatically.

He walked towards Vanya.

"Cupcake..."

"Bura mat maanna."
(Don't feel bad.)

"Agar in dono ko nahi khana..."
(If these two don't want it...)

"Toh main kha leta hoon."
(Then I'll eat it.)

Before anyone could react...

Kabir picked up both bowls that Vanya had prepared for Rudra and Veeransh.

He placed them in front of himself.

Rudra and Veeransh both looked at him.

Their expressions clearly said...

"Seriously?"

Kabir looked back innocently.

Then grinned.

Arjun almost laughed.

Even Aarav hid a small smile behind his glass of juice.

Vanya also struggled to control her laughter.

But she maintained her act.

She looked at the remaining bowl in her hand.

Then smiled gently.

She turned towards the Chef.

"Chef Uncle..."

"Yeh aapke liye."
(This one is for you.)

The Chef looked surprised.

"Mere liye?"
(For me?)

Vanya nodded.

"Ji."

"Aapne hamesha meri help ki hai."
(You've always helped me.)

"Please lijiye."
(Please have it.)

The Chef accepted it with a grateful smile.

"Thank you, bitiya."

Vanya then picked up the final bowl.

She walked towards Kalpana.

With an innocent smile, she extended it.

"Aunty..."

"Yeh aapke liye."
(This is for you.)

Kalpana happily accepted it.

Inside...

She couldn't have been more pleased.

"Perfect..."

"Exactly as I planned."

"Rudra aur Veeransh ne uska banaya hua khana bhi mana kar diya."

She smiled sweetly at Vanya.

Completely unaware...

That Rudra...

Veeransh...

Kabir...

Arjun...

Aarav...

And Vanya...

Were all playing a game that she knew nothing about.

And today's breakfast...

Was only the beginning.

-------------

Author's Note 💜

Hello, my lovely readers! ❤️

First of all, thank you so much for all your love, support.

Now I have a few questions for all of you...

💜 What was your favourite scene from today's chapter?

💜 Who was your favourite character today?

🤍 Vanya

🖤 Rudra

💙 Veeransh

💛 Kabir

❤️ Arjun

💚 Aarav

💓 Vikram

As always, I can't wait to read all your comments and theories. I may not be able to reply to everyone, but I do read every single one of them. ❤️

If you're enjoying the story, please don't forget to:

❤️ Like

💬 Comment

See you all in the next chapter! 💜✨

Lots of love,
~ Author 🌸