It was a bright Sunday morning. The sunlight streamed softly through the sheer curtains of their small bedroom, casting a golden hue on everything it touched. The room was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the ceiling fan and the faint sounds of the Mumbai city waking up outside.

Armaan stirred slightly, but his eyes remained closed. His body was perfectly molded to Abhira's, her back pressed against his front. She lay nestled in his arms, her head resting on his bicep as if it were a pillow. His face was buried in the soft, fragrant waves of her hair, breathing in the comforting scent that always felt like home to him.

Their hands were intertwined, resting protectively over the gentle curve of Abhira's baby bump. The rise and fall of her breathing was steady, calm, and in tune with his own. It was a moment of pure stillness-a shared morning bliss that needed no words.

Armaan's thumb brushed lightly over her hand, and he smiled softly to himself. He could feel the warmth of her body against his, the life they had created together growing between them. In moments like these, everything felt perfect, as if the rest of the world didn't exist, as long as they had each other.

Abhira shifted slightly in her sleep, her body instinctively pressing closer to him. Her lips parted with a soft, contented sigh, and Armaan felt his heart swell. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his face still tucked into her hair.

He didn't want to move. There was something about this quiet, tender closeness that made him want to stay right there, forever. The world outside could wait. This was their time-just the three of them, wrapped in warmth and love.

The sunlight grew brighter, and Abhira began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, as if she were waking from a dream. She didn't move right away, enjoying the feel of Armaan's arms around her, their hands still joined over her belly. She smiled to herself, feeling his steady breaths against her neck, and the soft tickle of his hair brushing her skin.

"Morning," she whispered, her voice still thick with sleep.

Armaan didn't respond right away. He nuzzled deeper into her hair, letting out a soft, contented hum before murmuring, "Morning, love." His voice was low, raspy from sleep, but filled with warmth.

For a moment, neither of them moved. They simply lay there, enjoying the quiet, the soft sounds of the morning, and the feeling of being so close. Their fingers gently squeezed each other's hands, a silent exchange of affection, of gratitude for the life they were building together.

Abhira smiled as she felt a gentle nudge from their baby-a little reminder that their morning bliss wasn't just theirs anymore. She shifted her hand slightly, and Armaan's hand followed, pressing gently against her belly.

"Seems like our little troublemaker is already awake," Abhira whispered, her smile growing wider.

Armaan's lips curved into a lazy grin as he rested his chin on her shoulder, peeking down at her belly where their hands rested. "Our little one's an early bird" he teased softly, his eyes twinkling with affection. He pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder, trailing his lips gently along her skin.

Abhira let out a soft laugh, tilting her head slightly to give him better access. "Just like you," she teased, though they both knew mornings like this were rare for them-when they could wake up slowly, with no worries pulling them out of bed.

Armaan's hand caressed her belly gently, feeling another small flutter from their baby. "Of course, had you been the inspiation, our baby would be a KumbhKaran," he murmured, his voice filled with hint of mischief.

"Khadusmaan tum na," she retorted back.

"Handsome hun! Tumhare Sapno main aata hun! Tumse bhout karta hun!" Armaan stated as a matter of fact, with a proud grin breaking on his face.

"Tum Ek number ke budhu ho" Abhira replied as if trying to break his bubble.

"Aur tum meri ho" Armaan replied casually placing a tender kiss on her temple hugging her closer.

Abhira's heart melted at his words, and she turned her head slightly to catch his gaze. His eyes, still heavy with sleep, were filled with love, and in that moment, she knew that no matter what challenges came their way, they would face them together.

She shifted in his arms, turning to face him, their hands still resting over her bump. "Mujhe na aisa lagta Hai, that very soon our mornings are only going to get more interesting," she whispered, her nose brushing against his.

Armaan chuckled softly, his eyes locking onto hers. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he said, leaning in to capture her lips in a slow, lingering kiss.

When they pulled away, Abhira rested her forehead against his, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his arm. "Let's stay like this a little longer," she whispered, her eyes fluttering closed again.

Armaan smiled, pressing another kiss to her forehead. "Joh humkum rani sahiba," he murmured, holding her close as the morning light continued to bathe them in its warmth.

In that moment, there was no rush to face the day ahead-only the quiet comfort of being wrapped in each other's arms, knowing that worries of the previous day or of whatever came next, they would face it together.

_________

The warm rays of the Sunday morning sun filtered through the ancient, ornate windows of the Poddar Mansion, casting soft light over the now almost-empty home. It was the last day the family would wake up under this roof, and the air carried a weight of inevitability. The mansion, once bustling with life and grandeur, now stood silent, the echo of its glorious past resonating faintly in its hallowed halls.

The once-grand dining table of the Poddar Mansion, which had hosted countless family meals, now felt like a graveyard of unspoken despair. The clatter of utensils was absent, as no one had the appetite for food, let alone conversation. The plates lay in front of each family member, untouched, as they aimlessly pushed bits of food around, avoiding each other's gaze.

The mansion, once teeming with life, was now hollow, its walls echoing with a silence that was heavier than ever. The grand chandelier above the dining room flickered, casting fleeting shadows on the empty cartons piled up in the corners of the room. These boxes contained the bare minimum of the Poddar family's once-vast possessions-their wealth had dwindled to what little they could salvage.

At the head of the table sat Dadi sa, her eyes glazed over as she stared into nothingness. Her once sharp, authoritative presence now seemed like a distant memory. The house that had been her empire, her pride, was now slipping from her hands, and the weight of her choices pressed down on her like a millstone around her neck. Every sound around her-the faint clinks of cutlery, the shifting of chairs-felt like echoes from a past that had betrayed her.

She replayed Armaan's words in her mind, over and over again, like a curse she couldn't escape.

True to his words, her pride, her unyielding ego, had led her here-to the downfall of the family she had sworn to protect. And now, as the walls of the Poddar Mansion closed in, she could feel the world crumbling around her. There was no savior, no miracle that could bring back what was lost. She had chosen the wrong heirs, trusted the wrong people, and now they were all paying the price.

Manoj sat beside her, his jaw clenched as he tried to force down the bile of regret rising within him. He glanced across the table at Manisha, his wife, whose downcast eyes mirrored his own sorrow. They had tried so hard to keep the family together, but even their best efforts had failed.

"How did we let this happen?" Manoj whispered under his breath, a question not meant for anyone, but for himself. He had always been the silent observer, the one who never confronted, never argued, and perhaps that was his greatest mistake.

Manisha's hand rested on his arm, a gesture of solidarity. "We all saw it coming, Manu," she whispered, her voice trembling. "We just didn't want to believe it. We kept hoping things would change... but they never did."

Vidya sat across the table, her eyes red but dry, having shed too many tears to cry anymore. She wasn't eating either, just sitting in silence, wrapping herself in a deep sense of loss. Every corner of this house held memories-memories she had cherished, moments she had thought would last forever. But now, the walls seemed foreign, stripped of warmth, reduced to a house of ghosts.

Madhav sat beside her, his hand placed over hers in quiet reassurance. His mind, however, was racing. He had known this day would come, Armaan had warned them repeatedly. Yet no amount of warnings could dull the sting of the reality now before them.

"Armaan warned us," he thought bitterly. "And yet we let it happen. We didn't listen. We clung to the illusion of family pride while everything fell apart right in front of us."

Madhav looked at the few packed boxes, the only things they could afford to take with them. It was hard to believe that this was all they had left-no grand inheritance, no legacy to pass on, just a handful of belongings and a future riddled with uncertainty.

Rohit, sitting near the end of the table, was perhaps the most frantic of them all. His phone lay in front of him, ringing occasionally with calls he no longer had the heart to answer. He had made desperate attempts to find a way out, to reverse the inevitable, but nothing worked. The calls to contacts, the legal counsel-none of it mattered anymore.

For the first time, he truly felt the weight of his position. He had been the chosen one, the heir. He had inherited a prised possession that he has now transformed into a sinking ship. His confidence, his arrogance, had been shattered along with the very foundation of the Poddar Mansion.

The chorus gang sat at the far end of the table, their usual lively chatter replaced by silence and stares of disbelief. They had always been the comic relief, the background noise of this grand family, but today even they couldn't find anything to joke about. They exchanged glances, all of them thinking the same thing but too afraid to say it out loud.

They had decided big for themselves and were ready to implement their thought and make them a reality but they had a strange feeling in their heart- not fear but slight excitement and nervousness to take the first decision of their lives by themselves.

They missed Armaan and Abhira today, not because they would have faught for them, but beacuse they wanted to the show them that their babies had grown up so much.

Kajal finally spoke, her voice hoarse and filled with regret. "We should've fought harder. We should've stood by Armaan when we had the chance."

Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. The truth they had all been avoiding was now laid bare before them. Each of them, in their own way, had contributed to the downfall of the Poddar Mansion. And now, as they sat around the dining table, tossing food on their plates, they couldn't help but feel the weight of their choices pressing down on them.

The mansion was no longer their sanctuary-it was a tomb.

Krish let out a sharp, sarcastic laugh at Kajal's comment, his voice cutting through the suffocating silence at the table like a blade. The chuckle was bitter, heavy with all the years of frustration and anger he had kept inside. Every eye turned towards him, shocked by the sudden outburst, but no one spoke.

Without warning, Krish stood up, his movement so forceful that his chair clattered to the ground behind him, startling everyone present. The crash echoed in the vast dining room, a sound far louder than it should have been, and it sent a shudder through the already broken family.

"Krish!" Dadi sa shouted, her voice sharp and filled with reprimand. Her authority still lingered in her tone, but it was fraying, threadbare.

Krish turned to her, his eyes blazing with long-held resentment. "Itna sab karke bhi aapka ghuroor nahi toota na, Nani sa?" His voice was a venomous hiss, years of suppressed bitterness finally surfacing.

Kajal immediately moved towards him, trying to hold him back, her hands trembling as they grasped his arm. "Krish, bas karo... chhup raho beta, abhi nahi." Her voice was pleading, desperate, but Krish jerked away from her, his anger far beyond her reach.

"Abhi nahi?" Krish snapped, turning to face her, his face contorted with frustration. "Abhi nahi? 4 saal ho gaye, Ma! 4 saal ho gaye bhaiya ko ghar chode aur pechle 3 saalon se pata bhi nahi hai ki vo kahan hai. Pechle 4 saal se chup raha hoon, ab chup nahi rehne wala!"

Kajal's eyes widened, but she was powerless to stop him now. The dam had broken, and Krish's fury was about to flood the entire room.

"You just said, didn't you, Ma? 'Kash Armaan bhaiya yahan hote.'" Krish mimicked her tone with bitter sarcasm, his demeanor radiating pure annoyance, his words cutting through the fragile tension like a knife. "Why is it that Armaan bhaiya is only remembered when this family is in trouble? Why only when you all need him to fix the mess you've created?"

His gaze swept the room, landing on each member of the Poddar family, but his focus remained on his mother. His words hit with the force of years of built-up resentment. "And you, Ma, after everything your husband did to him, after the way you stood by and watched while Bhabhi and Bhaiya were treated like outsiders-how can you of all people expect him to come back? You think just wishing for him to help is enough after everything that's happened?"

Kajal lowered her head, her guilt clear, but Krish was far from finished. His anger was an unstoppable storm, raging across the dining room, exposing wounds that had long been festering.

He turned sharply towards Dadi sa, his face set in a hard, unforgiving expression. "And you, Nani Sa" he spat, pointing a finger at her. "Your ego, your tyrant attitude to control everyone's lives-it's landed this family exactly where it is today."

Krish was speaking words, but to the family's sitting on the table his words worked like venom. "You couldn't accept Abhira Bhabhi, could you? Because she wasn't what you wanted for Armaan bhai. Your ego couldn't handle it when he chose her over you. And so you did everything in your power to ruin him, to break them apart."

Dadi sa's face twisted with anger, but before she could speak, Krish's voice rose even louder. "You wanted him to leave her, didn't you? You wanted him to crawl back to you, defeated. But even when they rose from the ruins, even when they fought to rebuild their lives, what did you do? You, your precious jamai sa, this-" he pointed an accusatory finger at Rohit-"saga pota of yours, and that witch of a woman, Ruhi Goenka, you snatched away their joy."

The entire table was frozen, the weight of Krish's words hanging in the air like a noose tightening around their throats.

Krish's voice trembled with fury as he continued, the memory of that terrible day burning fresh in his mind. "Do you all remember? Do you remember how you treated Armaan bhaiya and Abhira bhabhi that day, when they were on the verge of losing everything? You made him beg, Nani sa, beg for help. And even then, you didn't lift a finger to save him! You all watched as they crumbled, and now-" his voice cracked with raw emotion-"now you sit here, wishing he was here to save you? Now, when it's you who needs him?"

The silence in the room was deafening. No one dared to meet his eyes. The truth was too painful, too stark to confront.

Krish's chest heaved with every breath, his fists clenched by his sides as he scanned the room, his gaze fierce and unrelenting. "All of you need to take a good, hard look at yourselves. You didn't stand by him when he needed you. You let your pride, your arrogance, and your hatred push him away. And now, after all this, you expect him to come back and save you? Look around. This is the bed you've made, and now you have no choice but to lie in it."

No one spoke. The family, once so sure of themselves, now sat in the wreckage of their choices, forced to face the truth they had long ignored. Krish's words had shown them the mirror they desperately needed but were terrified to see. And now, there was nothing left to say.

Krish took a deep breath, looking at the defeated faces around the table before dropping the final bombshell. "We're leaving," he declared, his voice steady but cold. "Aryaan, Kiara, Charu, and I are moving to Mumbai."

The family looked at him, wide-eyed and speechless, not knowing how to react. Dadi sa's mouth fell open, but before she could speak, Krish continued, his words slicing through the tension like a blade.

"You've all been so consumed in the mess you created-the chaos, the family politics, the power struggles-that you left us, your children, to fend for ourselves," Krish said, his voice filled with bitterness. "While you were busy tearing each other apart, we've been fighting to build our futures."

His gaze moved across the table before he continued. "I've been offered a contract with one of the leading music labels in Mumbai, and they've provided me accommodation. I'm leaving today."

Before anyone could react, Aryaan stood up, his expression calm but determined. "I'm joining IIM Bombay," he announced, glancing at his family. "I've been accepted on a full scholarship that covers both my tuition and hostel accommodation. I'm starting in a month, and until then, I'll be staying with Krish."

The shock was visible on everyone's faces, but none more so than on Dadi sa's. She looked from Aryaan to Krish, her face growing red with anger.

But before she could say anything, Kiara stepped forward. "I've got a job at a fashion house in Mumbai," she added, her voice strong and resolute. "I chose it because Krish and Aryaan will be there. It's a safe place for me to start my career."

Charu then stepped up as well, her hands clasped together but her voice unwavering. "Since the three of them will be there, I decided to look for jobs too. I've already found one with a leading firm in Mumbai, and I have an interview next week."

The room fell into a stunned silence. Dadi sa's eyes widened with disbelief, her lips trembling with fury. "Yeh sab kab se ho raha hai? How could you plan all this without informing me?" she snapped, her voice laced with indignation.

Krish met her furious gaze without flinching. "We've been planning this for a year Nani Sa, ever since the firm started to crumble," he said bluntly. "We decided to stick together, to support each other's dreams, and leave behind the mess this family created. We made our own choices, Nani sa."

Dadi sa's face darkened, and she shot up from her chair. "How dare you all try to outgrow your limits! You belong to this family, and you have no right to-"

But before she could finish, Manisha stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Mummy sa, this family's politics and ruined relationships can no longer hamper the future of our children. They deserve better. Me and Manu are bound to the family but these kids no longer need to be bonded, they have their entire life to build and live and hence this is best for them."

Manoj joined his wife, his expression resolute. "These kids need a secure future. They deserve to do what they love, to find joy in their own paths. We don't need another Armaan, forced into a life he didn't want just to gain some love, nor another Rohit, ruined by the burden of this family's name. And we certainly don't need another Abhira, whose dreams were crushed because no one respected her."

Dadi sa's eyes flashed with rage, and she turned to Manoj and Manisha. "You both knew all of this. How could you do this? How could you plan all this without my knowledge?"

Manisha crossed her arms over her chest, meeting Dadi sa's eyes without hesitation. "Aryaan and Kiara are our children. As their parents, we have every right to make decisions for them. And Krish and Charu are adults. They can make their own choices."

Manoj nodded in agreement, his expression hardening. "Besides, for Krish and Charu, we signed their documents as guardians because their own parents were too busy either ruining the firm or cleaning up the mess the other had made."

Krish stepped forward again, his voice calm but firm. "We have a flight in three hours. We're leaving for Mumbai, and we're not coming back anytime soon."

Without waiting for a response, the four of them stood up, and the rest of the family watched in shock as they made their way towards the staris.

The chorus gang, feeling the weight of the moment, went to Armaan's room one last time. They stood there, looking around the familiar space, a place that had once been filled with warmth and laughter. As they stood there, they voiced their thoughts aloud, as if they were informing Armaan and Abhira of what they were about to do. "Your little babies are taking on the world on their own terms, Bhaiya and Bhabhi. We are following your footsteps," Krish whispered, a sad smile tugging at his lips.

"Aap Jahan bhi ho, we know you are better off, but hum aapko fir bhi bhout miss karte hai" Aryaan looked around thr room for the last time.

They bid their emotional farewells to Manisha, Manoj, Madhav, and Vidya. The embraces were tight, tears filling their eyes as they hugged the ones who had supported them the most. But as for the others, there were no goodbyes.

Krish had already booked a cab, and it waited for them outside the mansion gates. With their hands clasped together, the four of them walked out of the Poddar Mansion, the place that had once been their home but had become a prison for their dreams.

As they stood by the gate, waiting for the cab, Krish, Aryaan, Kiara, and Charu exchanged glances, their hands still linked. The weight of the past was behind them now, and before them lay the vast possibilities of their future.

"We've got this," Krish said quietly, a determined smile spreading across his face.

The others nodded in agreement, their spirits lifted with hope. And as they climbed into the cab and began their journey towards Mumbai, they silently promised each other to make the most of the life that lay ahead of them-a life they would build on their own terms.

But little did they know, Mumbai would not only embrace their dreams but also them with wide open arms.

___________

After a leisurely brunch filled with soft laughter and gentle teasing, Abhira stepped into the baby nursery they had been painstakingly setting up for the past two weeks. The moment she walked in, her heart swelled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The nursery was a charming blend of colors, designed to be gender-neutral with hues of soft aqua and sandy beige, creating a serene, beach-like atmosphere.

Sea turtles adorned the walls, their playful forms bringing the underwater world to life, and reminding Abhira of the journey she and Armaan had shared-their dreams, hopes, and the love that had led them to this moment. Each turtle represented a milestone, a cherished memory woven into the fabric of their family story.

She smiled to herself, recalling the countless debates they had over how to design the nursery. Each element had been chosen meticulously after careful consideration, from the shell-patterned curtains to the ocean-themed wall decals that added a whimsical touch to the space. The room felt like a sanctuary, a cozy retreat where they could create precious memories with their little one.

Just then, Armaan entered, carrying a small tray with medicine and a glass of organe juice for Abhira, who was trying to sit comfortably on one of the low-lying mattresses in the room. He raised an eyebrow playfully as he noticed her precarious position. "Need some help?" he teased, setting the tray down before her.

Abhira looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Just trying to get settled," she replied, chuckling softly. "But I might need a hand with these meds first."

With a gentle smile, Armaan helped her sit up more comfortably. He took out the medicine and handed it to her, watching with a mix of affection and concern as she took it. "You need to take care of yourself, Wifey. Mana tum hulk ki mameri behan ho but har baar aapna vo roop dikhana is not necessary," he said softly, brushing a stray hair behind her ear.

Once she finished, they turned their attention to the task at hand: assembling the baby cot.

Abhira carefully cleaned each of the separated parts with a cloth and antiseptic, her movements methodical and focused. Armaan joined the pieces together, his hands moving deftly as he followed the instructions.

"Remember when we debated over which crib to choose?" Abhira said, glancing at him with a grin. "I think we almost drove each other crazy!"

Armaan chuckled, recalling their countless discussions, often lasting late into the night. "Yeah, but it was worth it," he replied, his gaze filled with admiration as he tightened the last screw. "I love how it all came together."

As they completed the crib, they stood back for a moment, hands intertwined, admiring their handiwork. The nursery felt alive, radiating warmth and love, a safe haven for their baby.

Abhira's heart swelled as she took in the scene: the crib, the turtles, the gentle hues that enveloped the room. "We did this," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "We created a space filled with love for pur baby."

Armaan turned to her, his expression serious yet tender. "And we'll fill it with laughter and memories," he replied, pulling her close. "Just like we've filled our lives with each other."

In that intimate moment, they embraced, feeling the weight of the world lift off their shoulders. All the worries and challenges faded away, leaving only the two of them, their dreams, and the promise of the future they were building together.

As they stood in the nursery, wrapped in each other's arms, they knew that this was just the beginning of their beautiful journey as parents, and they were ready to face whatever came next, hand in hand.

Armaan held Abhira close, a surreal sense of calm washed over him, enveloping them in a cocoon of love. The worries that had been swirling in his mind, the uncertainty of their situation, and the fears of becoming a parent took a backseat, allowing the moment to breathe. He felt as if time had paused, granting him this precious interval to fully embrace the reality of their life together.

With a tender smile, he pressed a soft kiss to Abhira's forehead, feeling her warmth radiate against him. She leaned into him, her eyes closing as she savored the gesture, anchoring them both in this sweet space they had created.

After a brief moment, he lowered his gaze to her baby bump, his heart swelling with a love he had never known before. "Papa loves you, baby," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He gently placed his lips against her belly, feeling the connection between them intensify. "I promise to be the best father I can be. I'll protect you, I'll guide you, and I'll always be there for you."

As he spoke, he envisioned all the promises he wished to fulfill-teaching the little one to ride a bike, reading bedtime stories, and sharing laughter during family game nights. Each promise flowed from his heart like a gentle tide, filling the space between them with hope and dreams for the future.

Abhira watched him, her heart brimming with love and admiration. She could see the raw sincerity in Armaan's eyes as he poured out his feelings, and it filled her with warmth. In that moment, surrounded by the soft glow of their nursery, they both knew they were embarking on the greatest adventure of their lives, one that would be filled with both challenges and immeasurable joy.

Armaan lingered at her belly a moment longer, letting the silence envelop them, feeling the weight of his words settle into the air. It was a promise not just to their child, but to Abhira too-a promise that they would face everything together, side by side, no matter what life threw at them.

With another soft kiss on her belly, he stood up, pulling Abhira into his embrace once more. "We'll make this work," he said, his voice steady. "Together."

Abhira nodded, her heart racing with love and excitement, ready to embrace whatever the future held for them. Together, they were unstoppable, and nothing could dim the light of their dreams.

Unknown to them a part of past was waiting to knock doors of their present.

*..*..*..*..*..*..*

Excited for Chorus Gang and Abhimaan meet ???

Hey People !!
Missed Me ??

Well I did miss being here. I had been diagnosed with dengue about two weeks ago and had a terribly low platelet count hence was advised complete rest.

Staying away from this place was actually very difficult but now that I am back, regular updates shall follow.

I have plenty of reading to do which I would do over the week end 🙃😅.

Also it did come to my notice that there have been floating suggestions for OS on many chapter and keeping a record is difficult. So incase there are any suggestions u want me to write on pls drop them as an inline comment here and I shall work on all of them.

Also Taking a moment to thank all those who took updates of my health regularly and to all of you for sticking around.

~TheLostSoul