Soon, everyone finished their dinner and walked towards the home theater room.

The large, cozy room had plush recliners and warm, dim lighting.

Everyone settled down on their seats, getting comfortable for the movie night.

Kabir leaned forward, looking at Vanya with an almost begging expression on his face.

"Cupcake, please Barbie ya waisa kuch choose mat karna!"
(Cupcake, please don't choose Barbie or something!)

"Mujhe sach mein koi acchi movie dekhni hai."
(I really want to watch a real movie.)

Vanya made an offended look, gasping dramatically at Kabir.

"Un movies mein kya burai hai?"
(What is bad in those movies?)

"Waise, maine unhe choose nahi kiya hai."
(By the way, I didn't choose them.)

"Kyunki mujhe pata hai family movie ka matlab hota hai ki sabko enjoy karna chahiye."
(Because I know family movie means everyone has to enjoy.)

"Toh hum dekh rahe hain..."
(So we are watching...)

"Chhava!"

Arjun smiled, nodding his head in approval.

"Accha, not bad!"
(Okay, not bad!)

They opened Netflix on the giant theater screen and started the movie.

As the historical epic unfolded on the screen, the initial lighthearted mood in the theater slowly shifted into a deep, captivation.

The grand visuals, the emotional weight of brotherhood, and the fierce loyalty shown on screen completely gripped everyone in the room.

Throughout the movie, Kabir and Arjun sat upright, their usual playful bantering completely gone, replaced by deep respect and silence as they watched the unbreakable bonds between true companions.

Rudra and Veeransh watched with intense focus. For men who carried heavy responsibilities and protected their people at all costs, the themes of duty, sacrifice, and protecting one's own resonated deeply in their hearts.

As the story moved toward its intense and heartbreaking climax, showing extreme torture and hardship, the atmosphere in the room turned deathly quiet.

Vanya's soft heart couldn't handle the agonizing visuals on screen.

Tears spilled over her cheeks, and she instinctively buried her face against Vikram's arm, unable to watch.

Vikram immediately wrapped his broad arm around her, shielding her eyes and gently stroking her hair to comfort her, his own jaw clenched tightly in deep emotion as he watched the screen.

Beside them, Aarav sat with his hands clenched into tight fists in his lap, deeply impacted by the unyielding courage on display.

When the film finally reached its conclusion and the screen faded to black, a heavy, emotional silence settled over the theater room-every single Rathore brother deeply moved and united by the story they had just experienced together.

Lifting the Mood

Kabir looked around at everyone's solemn faces, breaking the heavy silence with a warm, playful tone.

"Kya Cupcake, tumne toh iss movie se sabko emotional kar diya!"
(What cupcake, you made everyone emotional through this movie!)

Vanya softly smiled, wiping the tiny remaining tears from her eyes.

Kabir sat up with a grin and announced,

"Ab main ek mood lifting movie lagaunga!"
(Now I will play a mood lifting movie!)

Saying that, he picked up the remote and played the movie "Housefull 4".

Everyone enjoyed the movie while eating popcorn and sipping on their drinks.

The chaotic, laugh-out-loud comedy instantly lifted the heavy atmosphere in the private theater.

During the hilarious reincarnated scenes in Sitamgarh and Harry's memory loss moments, Kabir burst into loud, infectious laughter, pointing at the screen.

Arjun chuckled smoothly beside him, shaking his head at the absolute absurdity and pure comedy of the film.

Even Rudra and Veeransh couldn't hold back their smiles.

Watching the crazy mix-ups and funny dialogues brought a lighthearted sparkle to their usually strict eyes.

Vanya was giggling nonstop, her soft laughter ringing through the room.

She kept looking over at Aarav whenever a funny scene played, and even Aarav had a genuine, bright smile across his face, thoroughly enjoying the silly humor.

Vikram sat back, watching his children laugh together as they passed around bowls of popcorn.

The emotional weight from earlier had completely dissolved, replaced by pure warmth, shared joy, and unstoppable giggles as they watched the movie together late into the night.

After finishing the movie...

Everyone got up from their seats.

They stood around stretching, smiling, and looked at everyone.

Vanya smiled warmly, looking around at her family, and said,

"Good night sabhi ko, aur kal ke breakfast ke liye ready rehna!"
(Good night everyone, & be ready for tomorrow's breakfast!)

Everyone wished a good night to everyone with warm smiles.

They all left for their rooms one by one, feeling at peace after a long, heartwarming evening.

Vanya also walked towards her room.
------

Vanya POV

I walked to my room.

Then I walked toward the balcony and settled on the swing, looking towards the sky.

A thought came to my mind.

"Ab, main yahan novel mien hoon... real world mein log ab modified novel padh rahe hain ya kya?"
(Now, I am in novy here... in the real world are people now reading the changed novel or what?)

"Uff, Lavanya, tum kya soch rahi ho?"
(Ugh, Lavanya, what are you thinking?)

But still...

"Maybe readers ko lag raha hoga ki main apne real world ke parents ko bhool gayi hoon aur yahan khushi se jee rahi hoon."
(Maybe the readers are thinking that I forgot my real world parents and living here happily.)

"Ahh, kya bakwaas soch rahi ho tum!"
(Ahh, what are you thinking, useless!)

Well, to say about my previous parents...

I loved them, but I don't want to be a parent like them.

I loved my mummy, but I don't want to become like her.

I loved my papa, but I don't want a husband like him.

I loved my siblings, but they never included me in any activities.

"To clearly say, pichli life mein main sabke liye convenient thi. Maine logon ka pyaar aur thoda attention paane ke liye sab kuch kiya, par mujhe kabhi nahi mila."
(To clearly say, in previous life, I was convenient to everyone. I did everything to gain people's love and some attention, but I never received.)

"Log tabhi aate the jab unhein zarurat hoti thi, aur zarurat khatam hone ke baad chale jaate the."
(People came when they needed and left after their need.)

"Isliye, main life ka yeh second chance nahi khona chahti... aur iss baar apni marzi se jeena chahti hoon!"
(So, that's why I don't want to lose my second chance to live life, and this time according to me!)

And about Vanya...

"Well, mujhe nahi lagta ki woh mar gayi hai ya aisa kuch."
(Well, I don't think she died or something.)

"Main sirf uske body mein replace hui hoon. Mujhe uski memories aur feelings mili hain."
(I got only replaced in her body, I got her memories, feelings.)

"Through that, maine uske parents ka diya hua pyaar feel kiya hai."
(Through that, I felt the love her parents have given her.)

"Isliye maine unhein itni aasaani se accept kar liya."
(So that's why I accept them also easily.)

"Aur mujhe nahi lagta ki Vanya aur Lavanya alag hain."
(And I don't think Vanya and Lavanya are different.)

"Dono ek hi hain!"
(They both are one only!)

Then

Lavanya said to herself with a soft chuckle,

"Wow Lavanya, kitne filmy dialogues!"
(Wow, Lavanya, what filmy dialogues!)

"Novels padh padh ke tum kitni dramatic ho gayi ho!"
(Reading novels, you became so dramatic!)

"Waise, bina novels ke main iss novel ke andar reborn bhi nahi hoti!"
(Well, without novels, I wouldn't have reborn inside a novel!)

She sighed softly.

"Lavanya, ab tumhe sona chahiye."
(Lavanya, you need to sleep.)

"Agar kisi ne tumhe iss tarah khud se baat karte dekh liya..."
(If anyone see, you talking to yourself like this...)

"...toh woh pakka mental asylum ko call kar denge!"
(...they will definitely call mental asylum!)

Talking to herself, she walked back into the room and lay down on the bed.

Closing her eyes, she whispered softly,

"Good night Lavanya, kal se nayi life ki journey shuru!"
(Good night Lavanya, from tomorrow onwards new life journey!)

[ End of vanya's prov]

The soft, golden rays of the early morning sun poured through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of Rathore Mansion, casting a warm light over the quiet corridors.

Vanya got up around 7 AM.

She stretched her arms, yawning cutely as she rubbed the remaining sleep from her eyes.

Remembering the grand plans she had set for today, a sudden burst of excitement rushed through her.

She hopped off her cozy bed and hurried to the bathroom.

She freshened up and got ready, putting on a comfortable pastel outfit that made her look bright and energetic.

With a cheerful bounce in her step, she walked out of her room and made her way down the grand marble staircase, walking towards the dining area.

The fragrant aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm tea was already wafting through the air.

As she walked into the spacious dining room, she noticed that almost everyone was present there for the family breakfast-except Kabir.

Since today was their special family cooking day, the dining table was kept completely empty, waiting for them to make their morning meal together in the kitchen.

Vikram was sitting at the head of the table, casually reading through the morning newspaper with a cup of black coffee in hand.

Rudra and Veeransh were sitting side by side, looking sharp and relaxed, quietly discussing a light work topic.

Arjun was sitting casually with his arms rested on the table, chatting softly with Aarav, who sat neatly in his chair looking fresh and well-rested.

Vanya walked in with a bright expression and greeted them warmly.

"Good morning, everyone!"

Hearing her sweet voice, every head turned toward her instantly.

Smiles touched the lips of the stern Rathore men as they greeted her back in unison.

Vanya pulled out a chair next to Aarav, but before sitting down, she paused.

She glanced around the dining table, counting heads, and realized one key member of their sibling squad was missing.

Glancing around the room once more, she tilted her head with a curious frown.

She asked,

"Biru bhaiya kahan hain?"
(Where is Biru bhaiya?)

Arjun paused his conversation, shaking his head with a soft, amused chuckle.

He looked at Vanya and replied,

"Woh abhi bhi so raha hai, maine aur Aarav ne use uthane ki koshish ki, par woh nahi utha!"
(He is still sleeping, I and Aarav tried to wake him up, but he didn't get up!)

Aarav nodded softly in confirmation, adding a small sigh.

They had both knocked on Kabir's door and even called out his name multiple times, shaked him, but Kabir had simply pulled the blanket over his head and mumbled excuses about sleeping for five more minutes.

The moment Arjun finished his sentence, an evil smile formed on Vanya's face.

Her eyes glinted with pure, mischievous intent. She crossed her arms for a second, a playful smirk spreading across her lips as a brilliant prank idea sparked in her mind.

Without wasting a single moment, she grabbed Aarav's hand firmly.

Aarav looked at her in surprise, blinking at her sudden burst of energy.

Vanya looked at him with a mischievous grin and said,

"Chalo Avi, aaj main tumhe chote bhai banne ka lesson number two sikhati hoon!"
(Let's go Avi, I will teach you lesson number two of becoming a young sibling!)

Saying that, she dragged him towards the stairs without waiting for his response!

Aarav stumbled slightly in surprise but quickly caught his balance, letting his twinnie drag him along toward the grand staircase to execute her secret mission.

Downstairs in the dining area, everyone watched the two youngest siblings rush off, and their expressions were absolute gold.

Vikram set his newspaper down on the table, a gentle, highly amused smile softening his usually stern face.

He rested his chin on his hand, eager to see what kind of chaos his little princess was about to unleash on his middle son.

Arjun burst into a silent, wheezing laugh, leaning back in his chair.

He knew Kabir was about to face absolute disaster, and he couldn't wait to watch it unfold.

"Poor Kabir," Arjun whispered, shaking his head with a wide grin. "He has no idea what's coming for him."

Rudra, who rarely showed the emotion, allowed a subtle, entertaining smirk to play on his lips.

He took a slow sip of his water, his eyes fixed on the staircase. He knew Kabir was always the loudest in the house, so watching him get dragged out of bed by the twins was going to be top-tier entertainment.

Veeransh shook his head softly, a fond, bright smile lighting up his eyes. He picked up his coffee cup, resting his back against his armchair, completely relaxed.

"Should we go up and save him?"

Veeransh asked playfully, looking at Rudra.

"No," Rudra replied smoothly, his tone calm and unbothered.

"Let him learn his lesson. A responsible person shouldn't be late for family cooking anyway."

Up on the second floor, Vanya pulled Aarav along the carpeted hallway until they stopped right outside Kabir's bedroom door.

Aarav looked at Vanya, leaning in close and whispering,

"Twinnie, hum kya karne wale hain?"
(Twinnie, what are we going to do?)

Vanya leaned toward Aarav's ear and whispered her devious plan.

"Bas wahi karo jo main bolungi! Chote bhai-behn ka farz hota hai bade bhai ki neend kharab karna!"
(Just do what I say! It's the duty of younger siblings to ruin elder brother's sleep!)

Aarav blinked, a rare, playful glint appearing in his dark eyes as he slowly nodded in agreement.

The quiet, reserved boy was slowly learning the art of being a chaotic younger sibling under Vanya's expert guidance.

Vanya slowly turned the door handle. Luckily for them, Kabir had forgotten to lock his door last night!

She pushed the door open without making a single sound.

The room was completely dark, with heavy blackout curtains blocking out the morning sunlight.

On the massive king-sized bed in the center of the room, Kabir was completely wrapped in a thick duvet like a giant burrito, snoring softly and peacefully, completely unaware of the storm that had just entered his sanctuary.

Vanya turned to Aarav, holding up three fingers.

She counted down silently with her fingers: 3... 2... 1!

Vanya tiptoed inside, signaling Aarav to follow her right to the edge of the bed.

She pointed towards the heavy curtains, and Aarav quickly understood.

He walked over to the window, grabbed the curtain ropes, and pulled them wide open with one swift motion!

Bright, blinding morning sunlight instantly flooded the dark room, shining right onto Kabir's face!

"Arre... yeh roshni kahan se aayi..."
(Hey... where did this light come from...)

Kabir muttered groggily, turning his face away and pulling the blanket tighter over his head.

"Arjun bhaiya... curtain band karo na..."
(Arjun bhaiya... close the curtain...)

Before Kabir could settle back into his sleep, Vanya grabbed the edge of the heavy blanket with both hands.

"Avi, pakdo aur kheencho!"
(Avi, hold and pull!)

Vanya commanded loudly.

Aarav immediately grabbed the other side of the blanket. Together, with a synchronized, powerful pull, they yanked the entire duvet off the bed and threw it onto the floor!

"Hey!" Kabir gasped, suddenly feeling the cool morning air hit his body.

He groaned, keeping his eyes firmly shut as he reached around blindly on the mattress, trying to feel for his lost blanket.

"Mera blanket kahan gaya..."
(Where did my blanket go...)

Kabir whined in a sleepy, raspy voice.

"Bhaiya... please sone do na... paanch minute aur..."
( Brother... please let me sleep... five more minutes...)

Vanya placed her hands on her hips, taking a deep breath. She leaned right over Kabir's ear and yelled at the top of her lungs!

"BIRU BHAIYA! GHAR MEIN AAG LAG GAYI!"
(BIRU BHAIYA! THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!)

At the exact same time, Aarav grabbed Kabir's arm and started shaking him violently!

"Bhaiya utho! Jaldi utho!"
(Bhaiya wake up! Wake up fast!)

Aarav shouted in mock panic.

The combination of the blinding sunlight, the loss of his blanket, Vanya's loud fire alarm scream, and Aarav shaking him forcefully completely shattered Kabir's peaceful sleep!

"AAG?! KAHAN AAG?!"
(FIRE?! WHERE IS THE FIRE?!)

Kabir screamed in utter terror!

Kabir shot up from his bed like a rocket, his eyes wide with absolute panic, his hair standing up in every possible direction like a bird's nest!

He scrambled out of the bed, tripping over his own feet and almost falling face-first onto the carpet!

He looked around frantically, his heart pounding against his ribs, looking for smoke or flames.

"Kahan hai fire extinguisher?! Rudra bhaiya! Veeransh bhaiya!"
(Where is the fire extinguisher?! Rudra bhaiya! Veeransh bhaiya!)

Kabir yelled in confusion, running toward the door.

Vanya and Aarav stood by the bed, watching Kabir's wildly chaotic reaction.

For two full seconds, the room was silent. Then, Vanya couldn't hold it in anymore.

She burst into loud, unstoppable fits of laughter, holding her stomach as she leaned against the bed post!

Aarav, who usually kept a straight face, couldn't control himself either.

A loud, genuine laugh escaped his lips, his eyes crinkling with pure joy as he watched his elder brother run around like a headless chicken!

Kabir froze in the middle of the room, hearing the loud laughter behind him.

He slowly turned around, his chest heaving, and looked at the two self proclaimed twins.

Vanya was practically wheezing with laughter, pointing at his messy bedhead hair, while Aarav was covering his mouth, trying and failing to stop laughing.

Kabir blinked once. Then twice. Slowly, realization dawned upon his sleep-deprived brain.

There was no fire.

There was no danger.

He had just been pranked in the most brutal, chaotic way possible by his 15-year-old twin siblings!

"CUPCAKE! AARAV!"

Kabir gasped, his eyes widening as he placed a hand over his rapidly beating heart.

"Tum dono ne mujhe dara hi diya!"
( You both scared the life out of me!)

"Aap uth hi nahi rahe the, Biru bhaiya!"
(You were not waking up, Biru bhaiya!)

Vanya giggled, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye.

"Lesson number two of being a younger sibling: agar bada bhai na uthe, toh ghar mein aag laga do... matlab, aag lagne ka natak karo!"
( Lesson number two of being a younger sibling: if elder brother doesn't wake up, set the house on fire... I mean, pretend the house is on fire!)

Kabir looked at Aarav, pointing a dramatic finger at him.

"Aarav! Tum bhi? Tum toh itne shant bacche the! Yeh ladki tumhe bigad rahi hai!"
(Aarav! You too? You were such a quiet kid! This girl is corrupting you!)

Aarav offered a calm, adorable shrug, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Teamwork, bhaiya."

Kabir groaned loudly, throwing his head back in defeat, though a fond, helpless smile began to spread across his face.

Downstairs, hearing the chaotic screams followed by loud, echoing laughter from the upper floor, Vikram, Rudra, Veeransh, and Arjun all exchanged amused glances.

The entire mansion was alive with energy, and for the Rathore family, this hilarious morning was just getting started.

Kabir stood in the middle of his bedroom, rubbing his messy, bedhead hair while his chest heaved from the sudden panic.

He looked at the two mischievous twins standing near his bed with absolute disbelief.

Kabir narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest as he tried to put on a stern, older-brother face.

"Tum dono ne accha nahi kiya!"
(You both didn't do this right!)

Vanya placed her hands on her hips, her eyes sparkling with pure, unyielding mischief. She smirked at him playfully and said,

"Arre, yeh toh kuch bhi nahi hai! Humne toh paani ki baalti daalne ka plan banaya tha!"
(Oh, this is less, we have planned to pour a bucket of water!)

Kabir's jaw dropped in shock as he stared at her.

"Achha, aisa hai?"
(Oh, that is so?)

Aarav, standing right next to Vanya with an unusually bright glint of humor in his eyes, gave a firm, innocent nod and said,

"Haan!"
(Yes!)

That was the absolute last straw for Kabir.

A dramatic, vengeful grin spread across his face as Kabir started walking towards them, cracking his knuckles like a classic movie villain getting ready to strike.

Vanya gasped in mock terror, grabbing Aarav's sleeve tightly!

"Bhaago Avi!"
(Run Avi!)

They started running in the room, darting around the massive bed!

Kabir lunged forward to grab Vanya's arm, but she dodged him effortlessly, her soft giggles echoing off the walls.

Aarav quickly ducked under Kabir's outstretched arm, his swift agility catching Kabir completely off guard.

With synchronized perfection, Vanya and Aarav opened the door and ran out into the long, carpeted hallway!

Kabir also followed them without missing a single beat, sprinting right behind his younger siblings!

As he chased them down the hall, he shouted at the top of his lungs,

"Tum dono ruk jao, main tumhein nahi chhodunga!"
(Both of you stop, I will not leave you both!)

Vanya turned her head back while running at full speed, sticking her tongue out at him with ultimate playful defiance!
Vanya also shouted back,

"Pehle pakad ke toh dikhao, Mendak bhaiya!"
(First catch us, Mendak bhaiya!)

Aarav laughed out loud at the ridiculous nickname Mendak bhaiya, his clear, joyful voice ringing through the massive corridor as he kept pace with his twin.

Hearing the absurd frog nickname, Kabir gasped dramatically, clutching his heart mid-chase!

"Tum dono self-proclaimed twinnies, main tumhein nahi chhodunga!"
(You both self-proclaimed twinnies, I will not spare you!)

Soon, they started running down the stairs, their quick footsteps thundering down the grand marble staircase!

Down in the dining and living area, the grown men were peacefully sipping their morning drinks when the sudden, loud commotion broke out overhead.

Seeing them running on the stairs at full speed, terror flashed through the hearts of every elder brother and father in the room.

Marble steps were slippery and unforgiving, and seeing the two fifteen-year-olds sprinting down with Kabir hot on their heels was enough to give any protective Rathore a heart attack!

Vikram, Rudra, Veeransh, and Arjun shouted in unison, their authoritative voices booming across the grand hall!

"Sidhiyaan par mat bhaago!"
(Don't run on the stairs!)

"Ruko tum sab!"
(All of you stop!)

"Kabir, dhyan se!"
(Kabir, be careful!)

But they didn't listen!

Driven by pure adrenaline and unstoppable laughter, Vanya and Aarav zoomed down the remaining steps like two energetic little lightning bolts, with Kabir practically leaping down right behind them!

They came down completely unscathed and started running in the living area, weaving around the plush velvet sofas, giant marble pillars, and polished glass coffee tables!

Vikram immediately stood up from the dining table, setting his coffee cup down so fast the liquid sloshed over the rim.

His dark eyes followed the three of them with a mixture of absolute anxiety and profound entertainment.

"Vanya! Aarav! Aaram se!"
(Vanya! Aarav! Carefully !)

Vikram called out, his voice firm yet dripping with paternal worry.

"Gir jaoge tum dono!"
(You both will trip!)

Arjun threw his head back, laughing so hard he had to hold onto the dining chair for support, though his surgeon's instincts made him keep a close eye on their fast movements.

"Look at Kabir! He's actually taking a fifteen-year-old's challenge seriously!"

Rudra stepped out into the hallway, his tall, imposing figure standing like a wall.

He tried to intercept Kabir as he sprinted past the sofa, but Kabir dodged his eldest brother with surprising agility, his eyes locked entirely on revenge against the twin pranksters.

"Kabir, break it up!" Rudra barked, though the subtle smirk on his lips betrayed his strict tone.

While running at full speed across the grand living room, Aarav ducked past Rudra and headed straight toward Vikram.

Aarav shouted,

"Dad, mujhe bachao!"
(Dad, save me!)

Saying that, he hid behind Vikram, grabbing the back of his shirt!

The moment those words left Aarav's mouth, Vikram felt a sudden, overwhelming wave of happiness wash over his heart.

His breath hitched as he stood still, his hand gently resting over Aarav's fingers on his shirt.
He felt like he was seeing again the young Aarav-the sweet, mischievous boy who used to do mischief and hide behind him whenever he got into trouble with his elder brothers and mom.

Years of distance and quiet reserve seemed to vanish in a single second.

Vikram shielded Aarav instantly, putting his broad frame between his son and the approaching storm.

In a daze of excitement, Vanya, who was sprinting right behind Aarav to escape Kabir's playful wrath, did not even stop to think.

She shouted,

"Dad, mujhe bhi bachao!"
(Dad, save me too!)

And she hid behind him as well, clinging tightly to the other side of Vikram's waist!

The moment the word "Dad" echoed through the high-ceilinged room, the entire hall fell silent.

It was an instant, absolute silence. Rudra froze where he stood near the armchair.

Veeransh's hand stopped mid-air as he reached for his coffee cup, and Arjun stared with wide, unblinking eyes.

Kabir also stopped in his tracks, his arms dropping to his sides as the chaotic room suddenly became quiet.

Vikram felt raw emotions surge through his entire chest. His heart beat wildly as he looked down at the fifteen-year-old girl holding onto him so naturally, trusting him to protect her.

Vanya looked around in utter confusion, wondering why everyone had suddenly stopped moving and talking.

Why was the room so dead silent?

Then she realized... what did she just call Vikram?

Her eyes widened in horror as her mind replayed her own frantic, excited words. She had accidentally called him "Dad" in the heat of the moment!

Vanya quickly stepped back, waving her hands nervously with an embarrassed blush flushing her cheeks.

Vanya said,

"Oh, sorry uncle, excitement mein nikal gaya!"
(Oh, sorry uncle, slipped out of excitement!)

Vikram turned around slowly, looking at her with a soft, incredibly warm expression in his eyes.

He lowered his gaze to meet hers, his voice dripping with affection.

Vikram turned around and said,

"Koi baat nahi princess, tum mujhe Dad bula sakti ho."
(It's ok princess, you can call me Dad.)

Vanya shook her head softly, looking down at her hands with a hesitant, quiet expression.

Vanya shook her head and said,

"Nahi, main aapko Dad ya papa nahi bula sakti... main apne real father ko Dad aur papa bulati thi, so main aapko woh nahi bol sakti."
(No, I can't call you Dad or papa... I used to call my real father Dad and papa, so I can't call you that.)

Kabir, standing nearby, tilted his head in confusion and whispered under his breath,

"Lekin tum Dad aur papa dono kaise bula sakti ho..."
( But how can you call both dad and papa... )

Before Kabir could dig any deeper into her confusing slip of the tongue, Veeransh slapped Kabir's head from behind!

"Chup raho, Kabir!"
(Stay silent, kabir!)

Veeransh muttered sharply under his breath, glaring at his younger brother to keep his mouth shut during such a emotional moment.

Of course, Kabir didn't understand her secret struggle.

In her mind, she had called her biological father Papa in her previous life as Lavanya, and in this world, original Vanya had called her late father Dad.

Using either title felt like stepping on memories not right and it's too overwhelming also.

Vikram saw the subtle shadow of hesitation across her face.

Though he didn't know the full story behind her words, he didn't want to force her into using a title that made her feel uncomfortable or guilty.

Vikram said in a sad, understanding voice,

"Koi baat nahi, agar tum nahi chahti toh mat bulao."
(It's ok if you don't want to.)

He offered her a gentle, reassuring smile, trying to hide the tiny sting of disappointment in his chest.

But surprising him completely, Vanya stepped forward, wrapped her arms around his waist, and hugged him tight!

She buried her face against his chest, feeling the deep, solid warmth of a father who truly cared for her protection and happiness.

Looking up at him with bright, affection-filled eyes, Vanya said,

"Par main aapko Baba bula sakti hoon!"
(But I can call you Baba!)

[ •Baba means father ]

Vikram froze for a split second before a grand, luminous smile broke across his face-richer and warmer than any smile his family had seen on him in years.

"Baba..." Vikram repeated softly, the sweet, unique title warming the absolute deepest corners of his soul.

He wrapped his strong arms securely around her, giving her a tight, affectionate hug.

"Haan, princess... tum mujhe Baba bula sakti ho."
(Yes , princess... You can call me Baba)

Behind them, Arjun wiped a fake tear from his eye, nudging Kabir with his elbow.

"Look at that, Kabir. She gave him a title nobody else has."

Kabir rubbed the back of his head where Veeransh had slapped him, but a huge, beaming smile was already plastered across his face.

"Baba... badhiya hai! Perfect hai!"
(Baba... it's great! It's perfect)

Aarav, still standing close to Vikram, looked at Vanya and then at his father, a quiet, peaceful contentment filling his heart.

The grand hall of Rathore Mansion was no longer just a house-it was overflowing with love, healing, and a brand-new beginning.

The heartwarming embrace between Vanya and Vikram held the entire room in a quiet, tender spell.

Vikram was still holding her close, savoring the sound of the word Baba echoing through his heart, while Arjun, Rudra, Veeransh, kabir and Aarav stood around them with affectionate smiles.

Breaking the emotional moment...

Then, right in the middle of this sweet emotional scene...

GRRRRRR...

A loud, unmistakable growl echoed through the silent living room.

Vanya's stomach made a very clear noise, betrayed by her intense morning cardio from chasing Kabir up and down the stairs!

The emotional mood shattered in a split second.

Everyone struggled to hold their laugh, covering their mouths, clearing their throats, and looking away to give the embarrassed fifteen-year-old some dignity.

Arjun bit his lip tightly, trying his absolute best not to snort out loud, while Veeransh shook his head with an amused grin.

But our Kabir couldn't control himself at all!

Kabir laughed loudly, throwing his head back and clutching his stomach as his boisterous laughter filled the entire hall!

Vanya broke the hug immediately, her cheeks turning bright red.

She glared at Kabir with narrowed, dramatic eyes before turning back toward Vikram, putting on her most adorable pouting expression.

She looked at Vikram and said,

"Baba, woh mere upar has raha hai!"
(Baba, he is laughing at me!)

Vikram immediately stepped into his new role as Baba with absolute perfection.

He wrapped a protective arm around Vanya's shoulder and looked over at Kabir with a stern, dangerous glare.

Vikram said in a faked stern voice,

"Kabir, meri princess ka mazak mat banao!"
(Kabir, don't make fun of my princess!)

Kabir put his hands up in mock surrender, though a mischievous, unstoppable grin was plastered across his face.

Kabir said,

"Accha, accha, main jaldi se upar jaakar freshen up ho kar neeche aata hoon, nahi toh aapki princess ke pet ke chuhe bahar aa jayenge!"
(Ok, ok, I will go and freshen up fast and will come downstairs, otherwise, your princess stomach rats will come outside!)

Saying that, he turned on his heels and ran to the stairs before vanya could throw a couch cushion at him!

Vanya stomped her foot lightly, shouting up the staircase after his retreating back with full dramatic force.

Vanya shouted,

"Aap Mendak bhaiya! Yeh sab aapki wajah se hua hai, aapki wajah se hum breakfast ke liye late ho rahe hain!"
(You Mendak bhaiya, this is all because of you, because of you we are late for breakfast!)

Kabir's loud, victorious laughter echoed from the second floor as he sprinted into his bedroom to change, leaving the entire living room buzzing with vibrant energy.

Everyone laughed at the chaotic, adorable exchange between the siblings.

Vikram patted Vanya's head gently, his heart completely full as he looked at all his children standing together, smiling and laughing under one roof.

The quiet, cold atmosphere of Rathore Mansion was officially a thing of the past.

Arjun stretched his arms, looking toward the kitchen doors with a eager smirk.

"Well, Captain Vanya, now that the 'Mendak' is getting ready, should we start inspecting our kitchen battlefield?"

"Yes!" Vanya declared, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she forgot all about her tummy growls.

"Aaj hum sab milkar cooking karenge!"
(Today we all will cook together!)

Rudra and Veeransh chuckled softly,

following behind as Vikram and his kids began walking toward the grand kitchen, ready to kick off their family cooking morning.

To be continued...