Shubman and Noor packed their bags as the series came to an end. They had secretly hoped the series would drag on a little longer, buying them time to avoid facing Pammi Aunty’s piercing eyes. But, as if time was playing a cruel trick, the days slipped by like the snap of fingers. Now, the moment they dreaded was here.

Shubman closed the zip of his bag, his hands gripping the edges tightly as he hung his head, taking deep, steady breaths. Fear gripped him tightly—he didn’t know how he’d face Pammi Aunty. The confirmation from the men had been clear—it was Lucky, with the same eyes, the same build. Shubman's heart ached at the thought of the pain this truth would bring.

Noor zipped up her bag and walked over to Shubman, wrapping her arms around him from behind and pressing a gentle kiss against his back. "Calm down, love," she whispered soothingly. She rubbed his stomach, trying to reassure him. Throughout the match days, she had done everything she could to distract him from these nagging thoughts, to keep his mind clear and his performance consistent. Still, despite her efforts, the worry lingered at the back of his mind, affecting him in small ways. Luckily, Shubman had managed to maintain his form, and Lucky hadn’t reached out much, aside from sending vague messages of encouragement to keep them on their toes.

Shubman sank into a chair, his energy drained, and hugged Noor tightly, burying his face in her stomach. He murmured, his voice muffled, "I don't have the heart to talk to Pammi Aunty. I really don't." His tears wetting her Patiala suit.

Noor gently stroked his hair as she spoke softly, "We have to. We can’t just hand him over to the authorities. We need to talk to her and try to bring him out of it if possible." Her voice was soothing, trying to console the crying Shubman.

Shubman fiddled with her chunni, his voice trembling, "I just don’t know how to begin. How do we even start this conversation? I’m afraid of what she’ll think, what she’ll say."

Sitting on his lap, Noor wiped Shubman's face gently. She brought his forehead closer to hers, her voice soft but firm. "We’ll handle this together. We have to be honest with her. We owe her that much, and we need to give Lucky a chance to change, if there’s any possibility left."

Shubman looked into Noor’s eyes, brimming with kindness. His gaze then drifted to her lips, and with a tender yet urgent need, he captured them in a kiss. He pulled her closer, hugging her chubby waist, letting the warmth of the embrace soothe his fears. 

He pulled back slightly, their lips still brushing as he murmured, “What would I have done without you, woman?”

Noor smiled through her tears and teased, “Well, you’d probably be lost without me. Who else would put up with your endless fretting?” She gently ran her fingers through his hair,

Shubman chuckled softly as he nuzzled his nose against Noor’s soft cheek, pressing a gentle kiss to it. “You know I wouldn’t want to know what to do without you."

The lighthearted mood helped ease their journey back to Chandigarh, but once they arrived, refreshed and with their luggage put away, standing in front of Pammi Aunty’s house, all their worries came rushing back.

Noor pressed the doorbell, her hand intertwined with Shubman's, both holding on tightly as they waited.

The door creaked open, and Noor's gaze swept across the interior of the house, which was as meticulously clean and perfect as ever. However, Pammi Aunty’s appearance starkly contrasted with the usual order. Her hair was disheveled, and dark circles under her eyes revealed how exhausted and troubled she was.

Pammi Aunty’s gaze softened as her eyes welled up with tears. She stared at Noor and Shubman standing at the door, their hands intertwined. Her mind drifted back to a simpler time.

She saw two small figures, five years old, standing on her doorstep. Little Noor, with her round cheeks and tousled hair, looked up at her with wide, apologetic eyes. Beside her, a young Shubman, cheeks flushed from the running.

"Pammi Aunty,” the little Noor said, her voice a tiny, trembling whisper, “We’re really sorry. We didn’t mean to break the glass. Can we please have our ball back?”

Shubman, too, looked up, holding his hands together in a pleading gesture, his eyes full of remorse.

Pammi Aunty’s voice quivered as she looked at the two grown-up figures standing at her door. Tears glistened in her eyes as she remembered them as children. Her voice broke with emotion, “I’m not giving you the ball. You always break my glass!”

Shubman, confused spoke up, “Aunty, we’re here to talk. We didn’t break any glass.”

Pammi Aunty’s eyes flashed with anger. “Don’t lie to me. I know you did,” she snapped, her frustration and old memories mingling in her voice.

Noor sighed, recognizing that something was wrong with Pammi Aunty. She gently shook her, trying to bring her back to the present. “Aunty, please, it’s us—Noor and Shubman. We need to talk about something important.”

Pammi Aunty blinked, her gaze finally focusing on the grown versions of Noor and Shubman. "What do you want to talk about?" she asked, her voice carrying a stern edge.

Noor stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. “Aunty, we need to discuss something important. It’s about Lucky.”

Pammi Aunty’s expression hardened, her eyes narrowing. “Lucky? What about him?”

Shubman took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. “We have reason to believe he’s been involved in something serious. We need to talk to you about it.”

Pammi Aunty nodded and let them in. As both Noor and Shubman walked into the house, their steps were small and cautious, just like when they were children, bracing themselves for the scoldings they used to get after their mischiefs.

Pammi Aunty sat down across from them, her gaze intense as she nervously fiddled with her nails. “What did he do?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Noor took a deep breath before speaking. “We’ve discovered that Lucky has been involved in some troubling activities. He’s been spying on us and causing disruptions. We have reason to believe he’s behind some recent issues we’ve faced.”

Pammi Aunty tried to steady her voice, her eyes brimming with tears. “What troubling activities?"

Shubman held Noor’s hand tightly as she rubbed his biceps for support. He took a deep breath before speaking. “Pammi Aunty, Lucky isn’t just involved in petty issues. He’s gambling, and it’s getting worse.

Pammi Aunty nodded, wiping her tears. Noor, furrowing her eyebrows, asked, “Aren’t you shocked or surprised?”

Pammi Aunty chuckled bitterly, her voice tinged with resignation. “It’s in the blood. His father was an alcoholic, and now Lucky has turned to gambling. It’s a reflection of my failure to raise him right.”

Noor’s eyes softened with sympathy as she saw the pain in Pammi Aunty’s expression. “Aunty, it’s not your fault. You did everything you could. Sometimes, people make their own choices, despite the best efforts of those who care for them.”

Pammi Aunty’s voice trembled as she continued, her tears falling freely. “If it were just Lucky, I could understand. But Tavleen too?” She looked at them with a mix of despair and disbelief. “I never imagined they would both go down this path. It’s breaking my heart.”

Shubman and Noor exchanged concerned glances. Noor gently asked, “Tavleen is involved too? What’s been happening with her?”

Pammi Aunty’s voice was heavy with sorrow as she continued, “Tavleen left me here alone after she became successful. She hasn’t been home in months, and I don’t know where either of them are. They’ve abandoned this house, and I’m left with nothing but memories and an aching heart.”

Pammi Aunty’s composure shattered as she broke into tears, her body shaking with sobs. “I’m so tired,” she cried, her voice cracking with emotion. “After doing everything I could, this is what I get. I tried so hard to give them a better life, and now... this is all I have left.”

Shubman held Pammi Aunty gently in his arms as she cried, his heart aching for her. "His father left them," she sobbed, her voice thick with pain. "I raised them, and now they've left me. Why, Shubman? Why did this have to happen?"

Shubman's voice was soft but firm as he tried to offer comfort. "Pammi Aunty, I can't answer that. I wish I could make it better, but what I can do is promise you that we’ll do everything we can to help fix this. You’ve done so much for them, and now it's our turn to stand by you."

Lucky’s voice cut through the room, his tone dripping with disdain. “You two always have to play the heroes, don’t you?” Cough

Pammi Aunty’s sobs subsided as she looked towards the source of the voice. Shubman and Noor tensed, their protective instincts kicking in. Lucky stood in the doorway, a sneer on his face as he surveyed the scene.

Shubman stood up, his expression hardening. “Lucky, this isn’t the time for your games. We’re here to help, and we won’t let you make things worse.”

Lucky’s gaze shifted from Shubman to Pammi Aunty, his eyes cold and unfeeling. “Help? You think you can just waltz in here and fix everything? You don’t understand what’s really going on.” Cough

Pammi Aunty wiped her tears harshly, her expression turning stern as she stood up. "What’s really going on, Lucky?" she asked, her voice firm, though it trembled slightly. "Care to explain?"

Lucky's frustration boiled over as he banged his fist against the wall, stepping further into the room. "Really, Mum? You don't know the problem? It's money! It always has been!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the small house. Cough

Pammi Aunty's eyes flared with a sudden anger, her voice sharp as she shot back, "Money? Care to explain when we ever fell short of it? We had everything we needed, every luxury we could afford! I worked my bones to give you kids a decent life!"

Lucky sneered, shaking his head. "Luxury? Is that what you call it? Maybe to you, it was enough. But I wanted more, Mum. I wanted out of this miserable life!"  Cough

Pammi Aunty's voice rose, her frustration spilling over. "What luxury do you want more, Lucky? What wasn’t enough?" she shouted, her hands trembling.

Lucky balled his fists, his jaw tight with resentment. "What this?" he spat, pointing toward Shubman and Noor, his voice dripping with envy. "They travel wherever they want, spend money like it’s nothing! They have the life we could never dream of!" Cough

Pammi Aunty, holding Noor and Shubman's hands tightly, declared, "These two have worked hard for everything they have, and they’ve achieved it all legally."

Lucky's face contorted with frustration as he glared at Pammi Aunty. "Oh, so they’re the saints now? They’re living the high life while we struggle. It’s not fair!" Cough

Pammi Aunty shook her head, her voice trembling with exhaustion. "It's not about fairness, Lucky. It's about choices. They earned their success with dedication, while you've chosen a path of gambling and deceit."

Lucky's anger reached a boiling point as he moved toward Noor's, his eyes blazing with fury. His hand shot out, grabbing her by the jaw and slamming her against the wall. "Couldn't keep your mouth shut, could you? And that smart brain of yours, well, it’s not doing you any favors now." Cough

Noor's eyes widened in shock, pain flashing across her face. Shubman's heart raced as he stepped forward, his voice a low growl. "Let her go, Lucky. This is between us, not her."

Lucky's grip tightened, his face twisted in fury. "This is exactly why I’m doing what I’m doing! You think you're so much better, don’t you? Always looking down on me!" Cough

Pammi Aunty’s tear-filled eyes darted between the two men, her voice breaking as she pleaded. "Lucky, stop this! You’re only hurting everyone more!"

Lucky's grip remained firm as he glared at Noor, his voice filled with venom. "I’m not leaving her. She needs a lesson. Used me to get him, and now you’re turning me against my own mother? I’m not going anywhere until she understands." Cough

Pammi Aunty, seeing her son’s behavior for what it was, looked at Shubman with a pained expression. She silently mouthed, "Call the authorities."

Shubman, his jaw clenched, closed his eyes briefly as he took a deep breath. Determined to protect Noor and end the confrontation, he yanked Lucky by his collar and landed a fierce punch. Lucky stumbled backward, crashing to the ground in a daze.

Shubman stood over Lucky with a menacing glare, his anger barely contained. "Noor, call the authorities," he ordered, his voice firm and cold.

Noor, her face streaked with tears from the pain, nodded shakily. She picked up her phone, already aware of the plan they had set in motion. The board had been informed to have a team ready to catch Lucky if he refused to back down from his gambling or got out of hand.

Noor shakily spoke into the phone, her voice trembling. “Yes, send them now."

Within moments, a team of police officers arrived at the house. They swiftly moved in, taking Lucky into custody. Shubman, still standing over Lucky with a fierce glare, relinquished his hold as the officers secured him.

As the officers held Lucky, he looked desperately at his mother. “Mumma, please ask them to leave. I’m doing this for us!” Cough

Pammi Aunty turned her face away, tears streaming down her cheeks as she couldn’t bear to look at her son, who was now a gambler begging for forgiveness. As the officers led Lucky away, Shubman rushed to Noor’s side, examining her jaw with concern while trying to avoid looking at the painful scene unfolding.

Once the shouts died down, Pammi Aunty wiped her tears and opened a drawer, retrieving a medicine box. She gently held Noor's hand, guiding her to the couch and carefully tending to her wounds. Despite her own sorrow, Pammi Aunty’s hands were steady and kind. Noor looked at the old woman with a mix of pity and gratitude, recognizing her effort despite everything that had happened.

Noor gently pulled Pammi Aunty into a hug, rocking her side to side. “If you don’t have them, you have us. You can consider us your kids. If you need any help—money, health, anything—we’re here for you.”

Pammi Aunty broke down again, burying her face into Noor's neck as she clung to her, sobbing deeply.

Noor rubbed Pammi Aunty’s back gently, her lips pressing a comforting kiss to the side of the older woman’s head. As Pammi Aunty’s emotions poured out, Noor held her close.

Pammi Aunty pulled back, her eyes still teary, and looked into Noor’s blue eyes. She cupped Noor’s face gently and whispered, “Little Noori is all grown up now.” Her voice cracked with emotion.

Pammi Aunty turned to Shubman and Noor, cupping their faces in her hands with a bittersweet smile. “Little Noor and Shubman,” she chuckled softly, her voice trembling. “You used to leave no chance to irritate me—breaking my glass, stealing my cookies, playing pranks on me. And now, here you are, supporting me in my old age, while my own children have left me.”

Her tears fell freely now, and she sobbed quietly. “It’s funny how life works out. I never thought I’d rely on you for support when my own children have abandoned me.”

Shubman kissed Pammi Aunty’s palm gently. “You’ve given so much, Aunty. It’s our turn to be there for you. We’ll make sure you’re well cared for and never alone.”

He wiped the tears from her wrinkled face, his own eyes filled with compassion. “We’ll get through this together. Just lean on us.”

Noor's eyes brightened as an idea struck her. She turned to Pammi Aunty with a hopeful expression. “Aunty, I’ve got an idea. You know how every time you came to my shop for stitching, your ideas were always unique and different? Would you be interested in working at my boutique? Your creativity could really make a difference there.”

Pammi Aunty seemed hesitant, her gaze shifting between Noor and the floor. "I appreciate the offer, Noor, but I don’t know if I’m up to it. I’ve been out of work for so long, and I’m not sure if I can keep up."

Noor placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Aunty, you’ve always had an incredible talent, and we could really use your skills. Plus, it might give you a new purpose and some joy. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable and supported."

Pammi Aunty looked into Noor’s earnest eyes, her resistance softening. After a moment’s pause, she nodded slowly. "Alright, Noor. I’ll give it a try."

Noor clapped her hands and hugged Pammi Aunty excitedly. "Yay! Khadoos Pammi will work for me!"

Pammi Aunty's eyes widened in surprise as she playfully slapped Noor’s arm. "You’re still the same cheeky little brat you were back then."

Noor giggled and hugged Pammi Aunty tightly, her warmth and affection clear. Shubman, not wanting to be left out, wrapped his arms around both of them, pulling them into a big, comforting embrace. Pammi Aunty sighed deeply, feeling a sense of completeness she hadn't felt in years. The children she used to taunt and scold were now her support in her old age. The house, once so lonely, felt a little warmer and less empty now.

“People were right; sometimes, relationships are thicker than blood.”