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After having two or three more bites...
Vanya suddenly stopped eating.

She stared at the samosa.

Then at the pineapple cake.

Then back at the samosa again.
Her eyebrows slowly knitted together in deep concentration.

Seeing her unusually serious expression, Aarav looked at her curiously from his spot on the sofa.

"Kya hua, twinnie? Khana band kyun kiya?"
(What happened, Twinnie? Why did you stop eating?)

Vanya let out a confused sigh, looking down at her plate.

"I am confused..."

"Kis cheez mein confused ho?"
(Confused about what?)

Vanya pointed dramatically at her plate.

"Mujhe samajh hi nahi aa raha... In dono mein se sabse last kisey khaun?"
(I can't understand... which one should I eat last?)

She looked completely troubled, shaking her head.

"Dono hi itne tasty hain! I don't want my last bite to be the wrong one."
(Both are so tasty! I don't want my last bite to be the wrong one.)

For a second... silence filled the living room.

Everyone tried their absolute best not to laugh.

Kabir bit the inside of his cheek to keep a straight face. Veeransh looked away, clearing his throat.

Even Rudra quietly picked up his glass of water to hide the subtle smile threatening to appear on his lips.

Arjun lowered his head, pretending to be deeply interested in his own plate.

Only Vikram finally broke the silence. A faint, soft smile appeared on his face as he looked at Vanya.

"Princess... pehle samosa finish karo. Nahi toh thanda ho jayega. Uske baad cake kha lena."
(Princess... finish the samosa first. Otherwise it'll get cold. After that, eat the cake.)

Vanya blinked.

Then her eyes suddenly lit up.

"Ohhh!"

She nodded seriously, thoroughly convinced by the logic.

"Uncle... you have a point!"

Vanya happily enjoyed her samosa.

After a while, everyone quietly continued enjoying their snacks together.

A few minutes later, Vanya suddenly remembered something. She turned her head toward everyone.

"Avi ke gifts kahan hain?"
( where are the gifts of Avi?)

Before anyone could answer, Kabir dramatically raised his hand from his armchair.

"Maybe... they forgot them. Just like I forgot the samosas."

Vanya looked at Kabir for two full seconds. Then she shook her head slowly.

"Nahi, Kabir bhaiya. Sab log kabir bhaiya nahi hote."
(No, Kabir bhaiya. Not everyone is like kabir bhaiya.)

The entire room went dead silent.
Kabir smiled proudly at first.

"Thank y-"

He stopped midway, his grin freezing as her words registered.

"...Wait."

He narrowed his eyes, pointing at her.

"Did you just insult me?"

Aarav quietly looked away, biting his lip to keep from smiling.

Vanya simply ignored Kabir altogether and looked toward Rudra, Veeransh, and Arjun instead.

"Aap log gifts laaye na?"
(You all brought the gifts, right?)

Arjun immediately nodded with a smile.

"Haan. Maine apna gift room mein rakh diya tha. Main abhi lekar aata hoon."
(Yes. I kept mine in my room. I'll bring it now.)

Saying that, Arjun stood up and walked upstairs toward his room.
Almost at the exact same time, Veeransh also stood up.

"Hamare gifts car mein hain. Main lekar aata hoon."
(Our gifts are still in the car. I'll bring them.)

With that, Veeransh walked out of the mansion toward the driveway.

Meanwhile, Vanya's excitement returned once again. She clasped both her hands together, her eyes shining brighter than ever as she looked at Aarav.

Aarav looked at his overexcited Twinnie and couldn't help but smile softly. He had a feeling... she wasn't completely wrong.

A few minutes later...

The sound of footsteps echoed from different directions.

Arjun walked downstairs carrying two elegant, watch boxes in his hands, the sleek timepieces glowing softly under the hall lights.

Almost at the exact same time...

Veeransh entered through the main door.

One stylish skateboard rested under each of his arms while he carried a branded paper shopping bag in his hand.

As soon as he reached the living room, Veeransh handed the paper bag to Rudra without saying a word before leaning both skateboards carefully against the side of the sofa.

Vanya's eyes immediately sparkled at the sight.

"They're here!"

she whispered excitedly to Aarav.

Aarav also straightened up slightly on the sofa, unable to hide his curiosity.

The gift-giving was finally about to begin.

Arjun smiled faintly before walking toward the twins. He stopped in front of Aarav first.

Without saying anything dramatic, he simply held out one of the luxury watch boxes to him.

"This is for you."

Aarav looked at the stunning watch in the box for a moment before carefully accepting it with both hands.

"Thank you, Bhaiya."

A small, genuine smile appeared on Arjun's face.

Then... he turned toward Vanya.
She looked at him in complete confusion.

Arjun extended the second watch box toward her.

"Sunshine... yeh tumhare liye hai."
(Sunshine... this is for you.)

Vanya blinked twice. Then she immediately shook her head.

"But Ari Bhaiya... maine toh kuch bhi nahi maanga."
(But Ari Bhaiya... I didn't ask for anything.)

Arjun chuckled softly.

"Tumhe maangne ki zarurat hi nahi hai."
(You don't need to ask.)

He smiled warmly before continuing.

"Main tumhara bhai hoon. Aur bhai apni chhoti behen ko gifts dene ke liye permission nahi maangte. So... take it."
(I am your brother. And brothers don't ask for permission to give gifts to their little sister. So... take it.)

For a brief second... Vanya simply stared at the watch resting in the box.

She slowly looked up at Arjun again.

"But... mujhe iski zarurat nahi hai."
(But... I don't need this.)

She gently pushed the box back toward him.

"I already have a watch. I really don't need another one."

The smile on Arjun's face slowly faded away.

He had expected her to be surprised... maybe even excited. But he hadn't expected her to refuse it so directly.

The living room suddenly became very quiet.

Kabir looked at Rudra. Veeransh looked at Vikram. Even Aarav silently watched Vanya.

None of them misunderstood her.

They knew... she wasn't refusing because she disliked the gift.

She genuinely believed spending money on her unnecessarily wasn't right.

Arjun took a slow, deep breath.

Then, instead of taking the box back...

he gently held it out once again. His voice became softer than before.

"Sunshine... gift zarurat ke liye nahi diye jaate."
(Sunshine... gifts aren't given because of need.)

He offered a warm, comforting smile.

"Woh diye jaate hain... kyunki saamne wala insaan humare liye important hota hai."
(They are given... because the person in front of us is important to us.)

"So... please... isse mana mat karo."
(So... please... don't refuse this.)

For the first time... Vanya fell completely silent.

She looked down at the watch in the box once again. Then at Arjun's hopeful smile.

Then at the rest of the family... who were quietly watching her with soft, patient eyes.

No one forced her.No one rushed her.They simply waited.

Vanya looked down at the elegant watch box resting in Arjun's hands.

Then... she slowly shook her head once again.

"Nahi... mujhe yeh nahi chahiye."
(No... I don't want this.)

Her voice was barely above a whisper, small and uncertain.

The smile on Arjun's face slowly faded away.

The entire living room fell into a heavy, painful silence.

No one tried to convince her this time. No one pushed the box toward her again.

Everyone in that room already understood why she was refusing.

It wasn't because she disliked the gift...

It wasn't because she didn't appreciate Arjun's feelings...

It was because... she still hadn't forgotten the harsh words Rudra and Veeransh had once said to her in the past.

"You are too demanding, you are an attention seeker."

Those painful words had settled deep inside her heart like a quiet shadow.

Even though they had apologized from the bottom of their hearts...

Even though she had forgiven them...

A small, quiet part of her still believed... she didn't have the right to accept expensive things from this family.

She was afraid of becoming a burden again.

Her fingers tightened around the edge of her dress, crumpling the fabric.

Slowly... her eyes began to fill with hot, unspoken tears.

Seeing the tears she was trying so hard to hold back... every Rathore's heart clenched painfully.

No one spoke.

The quietness in the room spoke louder than any words ever could.

Finally... Vikram's gentle, deep voice broke the heavy silence.

"Vanya, baccha..."
(Vanya, child...)

Vanya slowly lifted her teary eyes toward him.

Vikram didn't say anything else. He simply offered a soft, warm smile... and opened his arms wide.

There wasn't a single trace of cold authority on his face.

No terrifying Mafia god.

No powerful Chairman.

Just... a father waiting for his daughter to come home.

For a few long seconds... Vanya remained completely frozen on the sofa.

Then... she slowly stood up.
With hesitant, quiet steps... she walked toward Vikram.

The closer she came, the warmer his smile became.

As soon as she reached him, Vikram gently wrapped one broad arm around her shoulders and guided her to sit right beside him on the sofa.

Without another word... Vanya leaned her head against his chest and quietly hugged him tight.

Vikram's hand naturally came up to pat her head with deep, fatherly affection, resting his chin lightly over her hair.

He didn't rush her.

He didn't ask her why she was crying.

He simply let her stay there in his arms... until she felt safe enough to breathe.

The rest of the family silently watched the heartwarming scene unfold.

Vikram slowly stroked her hair and said softly,

"Baccha... tum abhi bhi Rudra aur Veeransh ki baaton ke baare mein soch rahi ho, haina?"
(Baccha... you are still thinking about Rudra and Veeransh's words, didn't you?)

Vanya's eyes widened in surprise.

She quickly looked over at Arjun, Kabir, and Aarav with a sharp glare.

She had clearly told them before, 'Don't tell about this to Uncle.'

Seeing her reaction, Vikram chuckled softly and said,

"Unhone mujhe kuch nahi bataya. Rudra aur Veeransh ne khud mujhe sab kuch bataya."
(They didn't tell me anything. Rudra and Veeransh themselves told everything to me.)

Hearing this, Vanya felt embarrassed and again hid her face in his chest.

The living room remained wrapped in a deep, heavy silence as Vikram gently stroked Vanya's hair.

His hand moved in a soft, rhythmic motion, giving her a sense of comfort that she had missed her all life.

Vanya rested her head against his chest, hearing the steady, calm rhythm of his heart.

After a few quiet seconds, Vikram broke the silence and said softly,

"Vanya, baccha... tum janti ho na, tum dusron ki baaton ko apni life pe affect nahi karne de sakti?"
(Vanya, child... you know right, you can't let other people's words affect your life?)

Vanya shifted slightly in his arms. She kept her eyes glued to the floor, her fingers lightly clutching the fabric of her dress.

In a low, hesitant voice, she muttered,

"Par woh dusre log nahi hain..."
(But they are not other people...)

Hearing those five quiet words, all the brothers sitting around the room went completely still.

Vikram looked down at her with soft, understanding eyes. He continued gently,

"Tumne classes join karne se bhi issi wajah se mana kiya tha na?"
(You also refused to join classes because of this only, right?)

Vanya immediately shook her head, trying her best to deny it. She didn't want anyone to feel guilty or think she was complaining.

"Nahi, Uncle... maine toh sach mein iss wajah se mana kiya tha ki..."
(No, Uncle... I refused really because of....)

Before she could invent another innocent excuse, Vikram interrupted gently, looking straight into her tear-filled eyes.

"Meri aankhon mein dekh kar yahi baat bolo."
(Say the same thing looking into my eyes.)

Vanya raised her head slightly, but the moment her gaze met Vikram's warm, perceptive eyes, she froze.

She couldn't do it. She looked straight back down at her hands, completely unable to lie to him.

Vikram smoothed her hair back and spoke slowly, his tone filled with fatherly wisdom.

"Tum janti ho na, hamesha log tumhein peeche khinchne ke liye bohot kuch bolenge. Tab bhi tum unki wajah se apne dreams chhod dogi?"
(You know right, always people will say many things to drag you back. Then also you will leave your dreams because of them?)

Vanya swallowed softly, her small voice barely audible as she answered,

"Nahi..."
(No...)

Vikram looked at her closely and asked,

"Toh tumne yeh kyun nahi bataya ki tumhein kaunsi class join karni hai? Aur tum cheezein kyun nahi le rahi ho aur har cheez ko mana kar rahi ho? Kya tumne unhein sach mein maaf kar diya hai, ya tum chahti ho ki main unhein punishment doon?"
(Then why did you not tell which class you wanted to join? And why are you not taking anything and refusing things? Did you really forgive them, or do you want me to give them punishment?)

The moment the word 'punishment' left Vikram's mouth, Vanya's eyes widened in sheer panic.

She hurriedly waved her hands in the air, shaking her head fast.

"Nahi, nahi! Maine unhein sach mein maaf kar diya hai!"
(No, no! I have really forgiven them!)

Watching her panic so innocently just to protect her brothers, the heavy tension in the living room instantly dissolved.

Arjun smiled warmly at her adorable reaction. He held up the luxury watch box once again, stepping closer with a playful twinkle in his eyes.

"Toh phir mera gift accept karo, Sunshine!"
(Then accept my gift, Sunshine!)

Vanya looked at the watch box resting in Arjun's hands, then up at his hopeful, smiling face.

She slowly looked around at the rest of her family. Vikram gave her an encouraging nod, Kabir gave her an enthusiastic thumbs-up, and Aarav offered her a soft, comforting smile.

Realizing that accepting love from her family was not a crime, Vanya finally let out a small, shy breath.

She reached out her hands and carefully took the watch box from Arjun.

"Thank you, Ari bhaiya..."

she whispered softly, her cheeks flushing with warmth.

Arjun's face lit up with absolute joy.

"Anything for you, Sunshine!"

Seeing her finally accept the gift, a collective wave of relief washed over everyone in the room.

The cold shadows of past misunderstandings were slowly, surely melting away under the warmth of a real family.

After that emotional moment...

Veeransh stood up from his place.

First, he walked toward Aarav with a calm, steady step and handed him his skateboard.

The high-end board felt sturdy in Aarav's hands, perfectly crafted for smooth turns and tricks.

Aarav looked up at his elder brother, holding the skateboard close to his side.

"Thank you, bhaiya."
(Thank you, brother.)

Veeransh offered a small, rare smile and casually reached out, ruffling Aarav's hair without warning.

Aarav whined softly, fixing his hair with a small frown.

"Bhaiya..."

Veeransh chuckled lightly at his reaction, then turned around and walked toward Vanya.

He held out another sleek, custom-designed skateboard toward her with gentle, open hands.

Vanya accepted the board, running her fingers over the smooth surface.

She looked up into Veeransh's eyes with a sincere expression.

"Thank you, bhaiya."
(Thank you, brother.)

Veeransh looked at her warmly, his tone dropping into a serious, heartfelt promise.

"Main jaanta hoon Sona, maine aur Rudra bhaiya ne tumhein apne shabdon se bohot dukh pahunchaya. Par hum promise karte hain, hum yeh dobara nahi dohraenge, aur na hi kisi aur ko tumhein hurt karne ka chance denge."
(I know Sona, I and Rudra bhaiya hurt you with our words, but we promise we will not repeat that, nor give a chance to others to hurt you.)

Rudra, who was sitting nearby, also nodded in silent, absolute agreement.

His posture was firm, echoing every single word his brother had just said.
Vanya looked at Veeransh for a few seconds.

The heavy shadow of the past was finally lifting from her chest.

"Main ab hurt nahi hoon, Ansh bhaiya."
(I am not hurt anymore, Ansh bhaiya.)

The entire hall fell completely silent for two whole seconds.

Everyone looked at her in surprise.

She gave him a new nickname

Ansh bhaiya!

Veeransh's heart melted instantly. A soft, genuine smile lit up his face.

"Thank you, Sona."

Overcome with affection, Veeransh reached out his hand and was going to ruffle her hair just like he did to Aarav.

But before his fingers could touch a single strand, Vanya quickly held his hand mid-air, stopping him in his tracks.

"Mera bal nahi!"
(Not my hairs!)

Everyone sitting in the living room chuckled at her quick, defensive reaction.

Veeransh lowered his hand and playfully said,

"Par tumhare bal toh pehle se hi kharab ho chuke hain, Dad ke stroke karne ki vajah se!"
(But your hairs are already spoiled because of Dad stroking!)

At his witty reply, everyone in the hall burst into laughter! Kabir laughed out loud, Arjun shook his head with a grin, and even Rudra couldn't hold back a soft chuckle.

They were thoroughly enjoying the lighthearted banter.

Vanya, not wanting to lose the battle, puffed out her cheeks stubbornly.

She looked up at Vikram, then turned her eyes back to Veeransh with a proud smile.

"Uncle is an exception!"

Saying that, she turned back and leaned in close, again hugging Vikram with a triumphant grin on her face.

Vikram smiled softly down at her, wrapping his arm around her protectively as the room filled with the warm, beautiful sound of family laughter.

After that, Rudra got up from his place.

His tall, broad frame moved with a quiet dignity as he walked towards Aarav.

Reaching out, he handed him a sleek box containing newly launched premium headphones.

The packaging was top-tier, showcasing the high-tech, noise-canceling gear inside.

Aarav took the gift, his eyes showing a rare, genuine appreciation. He looked up at his elder brother.

"Thank you, bhaiya."
(Thank you, brother.)

Rudra offered a firm, subtle nod and small smile.

He then turned around and walked back towards Vanya, carrying another identical box of newly launched headphones in his hand.

He stopped in front of her and gently handed her the headphones.

Vanya accepted the gift with both hands, holding the sleek box against her chest. She looked up at him with a soft smile.

"Thank you, bhaiya."
(Thank you, brother.)

Instead of simply walking away, Rudra's strict composure softened completely.

He bent down, gently held her by her arms, and made her stand up from her seat.

Before Vanya could process it, Rudra wrapped his broad arms around her and hugged her tightly, pulling her close into a warm, protective embrace.

"Sorry, Angel..."

The deep, heavy sincerity in his voice made Vanya's heart swell.

Without a single second of hesitation, Vanya also hugged him back tightly, resting her head against his chest.

"It's ok, Ruddy bhaiya."

Hearing that brand new nickname-Ruddy bhaiya-Rudra froze for a second in absolute surprise.

The feared, cold CEO of the Rathore empire stood completely stunned by the cute, affectionate twist she had put on his name.

After a few moments, they broke the hug. Rudra looked down at her with soft, gentle eyes, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

Breaking the emotional moment, Kabir suddenly spoke up from his chair.

"Wow Cupcake, main unse pehle tumhara bhai bana, par tumne un sabko nicknames de diye, mujhe nahi!"
(Wow Cupcake, I became your first brother before them, but you gave them nicknames but not me!)

Saying that, Kabir dramatically folded his hands across his chest, turning his head away with a massive pout on his face.

Vanya giggled softly and teased,

"Koi jealous ho raha hai!"
(Someone is jealous!)

Vanya expected him to laugh or make a dramatic joke back like he usually did. But Kabir didn't say anything.

He kept his eyes fixed on the floor, staying completely quiet. He was really sad this time, his sulking face looking genuinely hurt that he was the only one left out without a nickname.

Seeing him like that, Vanya's teasing grin softened into a caring smile. She walked around to the back of his sofa, stepping up right behind him.

She gently put her hands around his neck from behind, resting her chin near his shoulder.

"Oh, my Biru bhaiya, waise aap iss look mein bohot cute lag rahe ho!"
(Oh, my Biru bhaiya, by the way you look cute like this!)

The moment the words

"Biru bhaiya" left her lips, Kabir's sulking expression melted away instantly.

Hearing his unique, cute nickname, Kabir's face lit up with absolute joy!

He turned his head around with a huge, radiant grin, completely forgetting his drama as the entire living room filled with warm, happy chuckles.

Soon, everyone settled back into their respective places in the grand living room, the happy, comfortable atmosphere surrounding the entire family.

Vikram sat on the main sofa with Vanya leaning comfortably against his side.

To their right, Kabir was still grinning from ear to ear, clearly thrilled with his new nickname Biru bhaiya.

Rudra sat with his broad shoulders relaxed, and Veeransh leaned back in his armchair with a faint, peaceful smile.

Arjun sat nearby, watching the family with deep satisfaction, while Aarav sat neatly with his new gifts resting beside him.

Arjun adjusted his position on the couch and looked over at Vanya with a warm, curious smile.

"So, tumne kal ke family time ke liye plans bana liye?"
(So, you did plan for tomorrow family time?)

The moment the words left Arjun's mouth, everyone's attention immediately turned toward Aarav and Vanya.

Vikram adjusted his posture to listen closely.

Rudra set his glass down on the table, and Kabir stopped looking at his phone to sit up straight.

Even Aarav turned his head slightly, waiting to hear the schedule his twin was about to announce.

Vanya sat up straight on the plush sofa, pulling herself away from Vikram's side just enough to command the room.

She cleared her throat with an important, commander-like expression on her cute face.

"Pehle hum aaj raat movie dekhenge."
(First we will watch movie tonight.)

"Aur kal chef uncle leave par rahenge."
(Next, tomorrow chef uncle will be on leave.)

Hearing that the head chef of the mansion was going to be given a day off, Kabir tilted his head in complete confusion.

"Aisa kyun?"
(Why so?)

Vanya puffed out her chest proudly, crossing her arms over her chest as she explained her master plan with absolute authority.

"Kyunki kal hum sab milkar cooking karenge, family cooking!"
(Because tomorrow we all will cook together, family cooking!)

"Breakfast karne ke baad..."
(After having breakfast...)

"Waise, uske baad ka maine abhi kuch decide nahi kiya hai."
(Well, after that I have not decided anything for now.)

"Par main breakfast ke baad sabko bataungi!"
(But I will tell everyone after breakfast!)

As soon as her words registered, a wave of lighthearted chaos filled the room.

Kabir's jaw dropped slightly. He looked over at Rudra, then at Veeransh, and finally back at Vanya.

"Family cooking?"
(Family cooking?)

"Cupcake, tumhe pata bhi hai tum kisse baat kar rahi ho?"
(Cupcake, do you even know who you are talking to?)

"Rudra bhaiya ko toh yeh bhi nahi pata ki kitchen mein chini kahan rakhi hai!"
(Rudra bhaiya doesn't even know where the sugar is kept in the kitchen!)

"Aur last time Veeransh bhaiya ne jab coffee banane ki koshish ki thi, aisa lag raha tha jaise woh coffee machine ke saath case discussion kar rahe hain!"
(And the last time Veeransh bhaiya tried to make coffee, he looked like he was conducting a case discussion with the coffee machine!)

Veeransh warned dryly, though the corner of his lips twitched upward.

"Mujhe coffee banana aata hai."
(I know how to make coffee.)

Kabir countered dramatically, holding his hands up in the air.

"Haan, bina chini ki black coffee!"
(Yeah, black coffee without sugar!)

"Woh cooking nahi hoti, bhaiya!"
(That's not cooking, brother!)

Vanya narrowed her eyes at Kabir, pointing an authoritative finger at him.

"Kabir bhaiya! Koi excuses nahi!"
(Kabir bhaiya! No excuses!)

"Cooking ek team effort hai."
(Cooking is a team effort.)

"Avi aur maine Mysore bonda aur chutney banayi thi na ."
(Avi and I made Mysore bonda and chutney right.)

"Toh agar hum kar sakte hain, toh aap sabhi bade, powerful Rathores zaroor sabziyaan kaat sakte hain!"
(So if we can do it, all of you big, powerful Rathores can definitely chop some vegetables!)

Aarav, sitting quietly beside her, gave a slow, calm nod of agreement.

"Woh sahi bol rahi hai."
(She's right.)

"Yeh itna mushkil nahi hai."
(It's not that hard.)

Arjun let out a smooth laugh, shaking his head.

"Main ek doctor hoon, toh sabziyaan kaat te waqt mere haath ka balance bohot accha rahega."
(Well, I'm a doctor, so my hand stability during vegetable chopping is going to be top-tier.)

"Tumhein meri chinta karne ki zarurat nahi hai, Sunshine."
(You don't have to worry about me, Sunshine.)

Kabir snorted playfully.

"Arre re, Arjun bhaiya!"
(Oh please, Arjun bhaiya!)

"Aap toh pyaz par bhi surgical operation karne ki koshish karenge!"
*L(You'll probably try to perform a surgical operation on an onion!)

Arjun replied smoothly, winking right at Vanya.

"Kam se kam main tumhari tarah toast toh nahi jalaunga!"
(At least I won't burn the toast like you did!)

Vikram sat back, quietly listening to his sons banter back and forth over something as simple as standing together in a kitchen.

A deep sense of peace filled his heart.

For years, this house had been cold, quiet, and strictly professional.

Now, because of a sweet girl with bright eyes and an unyielding spirit, his sons were actually arguing over who was going to chop vegetables tomorrow morning.

Veeransh looked at Vanya's determined, waiting face.

The legal advisor of Rathore Enterprises, who dealt with massive business contracts every day, did not hesitate for even a single second.

He offered a dramatic, respectful nod toward Vanya, placing his hand over his heart.

"Theek hai mam."
(Ok mam.)

Vanya giggled happily at his unexpected compliance, her eyes sparkling brightly.

"Dekkha? Ansh bhaiya meri side hain!"
(See? Ansh bhaiya is on my side!)

Veeransh smiled warmly at hearing his new nickname used so comfortably.

"Hamesha, Sona."
(Always, Sona.)

Kabir asked, leaning forward with renewed energy.

"Aaj raat ki movie ka kya?"
(What about the movie tonight?)

"Hum kya dekh rahe hain?"
(What are we watching?)

Vanya announced, jumping up slightly from her seat.

"Main decide karungi!"
(I will decide!)

"Avi aur main movie pick karenge!"
(Avi and I will pick the movie!)

Rudra spoke up, his deep voice calm and affectionate.

"Theek hai."
(Fair enough.)

"Tum jo bhi movie select karogi, hum wahi dekhenge."
(Whatever movie you select, we will watch it.)

"Main abhi staff ko home theater room prepare karne ke liye bolta hoon."
(I'll have the staff prepare the home theater room right now.)

Vanya clapped her hands together joyfully.

"Yay! Ruddy bhaiya sabse acche hain!"
(Yay! Ruddy bhaiya is the best!)

Rudra's stern face softened instantly as he pulled out his phone to order the servants to prepare popcorn, drinks, and extra cushions for their private movie screening.

Vanya turned back to Kabir with a triumphant smirk.

"Dekha? Sab log kitne cooperative hain!"
(See? Everyone is being so cooperative!)

"Sirf aap hi drame kar rahe ho, Biru bhaiya!"
(Only you are making a drama, Biru bhaiya!)

Kabir clutched his chest dramatically.

"Fine! Fine!"
(Fine! Fine!)

"Main cooking bhi karunga aur movie bhi dekhunga!"
(I will do cooking as well as watch the movie!)

"Happy, Cupcake?"

Vanya beamed, leaning her head comfortably against Vikram's shoulder once again.

"Bohot happy!"
(Very happy!)

As the family stood up together to head toward the movie room, the grand hall of Rathore Mansion echoed with shared laughter and true warmth. They were finally, truly, a complete family.

To be continued...