The night had settled over Mumbai, casting a quiet chill in the air, a stark contrast to the usual bustling city life. The streets were quieter than usual, the dim glow of streetlights reflecting off the pavement, giving the city an almost melancholic feel. The cold breeze swept through the roads, making the city feel heavier-as if it, too, carried the weight of emotions that lingered in the air.

Dev drove through the near-empty streets of Mumbai, his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. The dried blood on his shirt felt suffocating, a reminder of how close they had come to losing Charu tonight.

He should feel relieved. She was stable now. The doctor had assured them she would recover.

But the tightness in his chest hadn't eased.

Something about the entire night unsettled him, a feeling he couldn't shake off. Maybe it was the way Charu had stepped back without realizing it, as if completely lost in another world. Maybe it was the horror in Krish and Aaryan's eyes, or the way Kiara had collapsed in tears.

Or maybe it was the way Armaan had thanked him, the way he had hugged him and said that if Dev hadn't been there, Armaan would have drowned in guilt.

He exhaled deeply, loosening his grip on the wheel.

For years, he had distanced himself from emotions, from attachments. But tonight, standing outside the operation theatre, watching everyone fall apart-watching himself fall apart-he realized how deeply entangled he had become in this makeshift family.

He had promised himself he wouldn't let emotions get the best of him.

And yet, here he was, feeling every bit of it.

As he pulled into the driveway of his apartment, he leaned back against the seat, closing his eyes for a moment. He needed to clear his mind, to shake off the exhaustion, to remind himself that Charu was safe now.

But as he stepped out of the car, the weight of the night still clung to him, refusing to let go.

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

Krosh drove throught the quite streets side following the Gps. Inside the car, Abhira sat in the passenger seat beside Krish, wrapped in Armaan's blazer, her hands unconsciously resting on her baby bump. Aaryan and Kiara sat in the back, lost in their own thoughts. The ride home was silent, heavy with exhaustion and lingering fear.

Kiara, usually the most talkative, stared out of the window, her eyes lost in the darkness outside. Aaryan, beside her, sat still, his fingers tightly gripping the edge of his jacket as if grounding himself. He had always been the quiet observer, but tonight, even he felt the weight of emotions threatening to consume him.

Abhira let out a soft sigh, glancing at Krish, who was focusing on the road, his knuckles white against the steering wheel. The hospital's atmosphere still clung to them-the stark white walls, the beeping monitors, the sterile smell of antiseptic. It wasn't just about Charu's accident. It was about everything they had been through, the years of distance, the wounds that had yet to heal.

Abhira broke the silence, her voice low but steady. "She's going to be okay."

Abhira reached out, placing a comforting hand on Krish's arm. "She's a fighter, Krish. She's strong."

His jaw tightened, but he nodded. No one said anything after that, letting the city's quiet hum fill the silence.

As the car pulled up outside Armaan and Abhira's apartment, the cold night air wrapped around them, seeping into their bones. There was exhaustion, worry, and the weight of the night still clung to them. But beneath it all, there was also relief. Charu was stable, and that was all that mattered for now.

Krish, Aaryan, and Kiara hesitated as they stepped out of the car, unsure if they should intrude into Armaan and Abhira's personal space. The bond between them was rekindling, but the scars of the past still lingered.

Sensing their hesitation, Abhira turned to them with a gentle smile. "This is your home too," she said, her voice soft yet firm. "Come on."

The quiet reassurance in her words made something in them loosen, and they followed her to the door.

Abhira stepped forward and rang the doorbell. A moment later, the door opened, revealing Rama Aaji's warm, familiar face. Her gentle smile was a comfort after the long, draining night.

"Abhira, beta," Rama Aaji greeted affectionately, stepping aside to let her in. But as she did, her gaze fell on the three unfamiliar faces behind her-Krish, Aaryan, and Kiara.

For the past year, Rama Aaji had been living with Armaan and Abhira, taking care of them like her own. Apart from Dev, they had barely had any visitors. The sight of three new people intrigued her.

Abhira immediately noticed her curiosity and gently placed a reassuring hand on Aaji's arm. "Aaji, this is Krish, Aaryan, and Kiara. They are..." She paused, glancing back at them before smiling warmly. "They are family, Aaji. Armaan aur meri family."

Krish, Aaryan, and Kiara looked at Abhira, their eyes moist. For so long, they had felt like outsiders, unsure of where they stood in Armaan's life. But hearing Abhira say it-claim them as family-made something inside them shift.

They folded their hands respectfully. "Namaste, Aaji."

Rama Aaji blinked in surprise, glancing between Abhira and the three guests. Family. It had been a long time since Abhira had referred to someone outside of Armaan and Dev as family. But there was a quiet certainty in her eyes that reassured Rama Aaji.

Her gaze softened. There was something about them-the familiarity in their presence, the quiet hesitance, the way they carried themselves. She smiled warmly and stepped aside. "Come inside, children. It's getting cold outside."

The chorus gang hesitated again, but Abhira nudged Kiara lightly and gave her a small, encouraging smile.

Rama Aaji noticed their unease and spoke with gentle understanding. "Bacchon, consider this your home too. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, but you don't have to hold back here."

Krish, Kiara, and Aaryan watched the exchange, sensing the depth of the bond between Rama Aaji and Abhira. Kiara leaned closer to Abhira and whispered, "Aaji knows everything, doesn't she, Bhabhi?"

Abhira nodded with a knowing smile. "Yes, Aaji knows everything."

As they stepped into the apartment, Krish, Kiara, and Aaryan took in their surroundings.

The living room had a warm, inviting charm-earthy-toned cushions rested against the couch, a neatly arranged bookshelf stood in one corner filled with novels and legal files, and framed photographs adorned the walls. Most were of Armaan and Abhira, capturing their journey together, a few with Dev, and one of the Radha-Krishna idol that Abhira had placed in the temple. The soft golden lighting bathed the room in a cozy glow.

For a moment, none of them spoke, simply taking in the space that Armaan and Abhira had built together. It wasn't extravagant, but it was home-filled with love, warmth, and the quiet strength of two people who had started from nothing.

A few minutes later, Rama Aaji returned with a tray of water, placing it on the center table. She turned to Abhira, her expression filled with concern. "And Armaan? Where is he?"

Abhira's smile faltered slightly as she took a seat, resting her hand on her stomach. "He's still at the hospital, Aaji," she said softly. "Charu, Armaan's sister... she met with an accident."

Rama Aaji gasped, placing a hand over her heart. "How is she now? Theek hai na vo?"

"She's stable," Abhira reassured her. "The doctors said she will be unconscious for a few more hours, but she's out of danger."

Rama Aaji let out a relieved sigh and shook her head. "Thank God..." She looked back at Abhira, her eyes filled with worry. "And you, beta? Are you alright?"

Abhira nodded, offering a small smile. "Just a little tired."

Rama Aaji reached out, cupping Abhira's cheek gently. "Tum log fresh ho jao, khana kha ke take some rest."

Abhira let out a soft chuckle. "Aaji, Krish will take some food for Armaan also. Aap please pack kar doge?"

Rama Aaji finally smiled, shaking her head fondly. "Yeh bhi koi puchne wali baat hai? I will make him his favorite khichdi and pack it."

As Rama Aaji moved to the kitchen. Abhira turned turned to Krish, Aaryan, and Kiara, her voice warm. "Now that you're here, I will show you the rooms. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Krish, Aaryan, and Kiara exchanged glances before nodding.

As Rama Aaji moved towards the kitchen and Aaryan and Kiara followed Abhira, Krish stood near the dining table, his fingers gripping the edge of a chair. He watched Rama Aaji silently as she started preparing a box for Armaan, her movements swift yet filled with care.

He wanted to ask-wanted to tell her to pack a meal for him as well so he could have dinner with Armaan at the hospital. But something held him back.

Would it be too much to ask?

He knew he wasn't an outsider anymore, not after Abhira had called them family so openly. Yet, the weight of past hesitations, of years spent apart, made it difficult to voice his request.

Abhira, who had been come back to the hall with a bag packed with a change for Armaan, noticed his internal struggle. She watched as he opened his mouth once, then closed it, his hands tightening into fists before relaxing again.

A small, knowing smile tugged at her lips.

"Krish," she called gently, making him look at her. "Kuch chahiye tha?"

Krish glanced toward Rama Aaji, then back at Abhira. "Wo..Woh... Bha..Bhabhi.. main soch raha tha ki..." He hesitated again before exhaling deeply. "Like if possible Aaji mere liye bhi dinner pack kar dengi?"

Abhira walked to him with a soft, understanding expression. "Armaan ke sath hospital main dinner karna hai?"

Krish nodded hesitantly, his shoulders slightly stiff.

Rama Aaji who had returned with the food smiled, shaking her head fondly. "Puchne ki kya zaroorat thi, beta?" She turned back to the kitchen counter, already preparing an extra plate. "Tum dono bhai saath baith kar araam se khana khao. Hospital ka khana toh waise bhi achha nahi hota."

Krish let out a quiet breath he hadn't realized he was holding. His chest felt lighter, the invisible distance he had once felt between himself and Armaan shrinking bit by bit.

Abhira walked over to him with a soft cotton T-shirt and a pair of joggers and extended them toward Krish. "Here, wear something comfortable for the night."

Krish hesitated for a moment before taking them. "Are these Armaan Bhaiya's?" he asked, examining the clothes.

Abhira smirked, tilting her head slightly. "Well, they're definitely not mine, are they?" she teased.

Krish let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "No, but they might be a little too short for me."

Abhira shrugged, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Armaan always found them a little longer than usual, so they might actually fit you," she said, nodding toward the guest room.

Krish took the clothes and turned toward the room, but just as he reached the door, he paused. His grip on the clothes tightened slightly before he turned back to look at Abhira.

She had settled onto the couch, exhaustion evident in the way she leaned back, her hand resting gently over her belly.

For a brief moment, Krish simply stood there, watching her. It had been years-years since he had seen her like this, since he had felt this close to her. She looked different now-stronger, more mature, yet still the same Abhira who had once been his confident, his best friend in every sense of the word.

Slowly, he walked back toward her, his heart growing heavier with emotions he had buried for far too long. As he reached her, he softly called out, "Bhabhi..."

Abhira's head lifted at the sound of his voice, surprise flickering across her face at the way he addressed her.

Before she could say anything, Krish knelt in front of her and, without a second thought, rested his head on her lap.

Abhira froze for a second, caught off guard by the sudden vulnerability in him. Then, as she felt the slight tremble in his shoulders, her heart clenched.

"I missed you both..." His voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried years of longing, regret, and unspoken words. "So many years... we stayed away for so many years... I always wanted to reach out, but I never could. I thought-" His voice cracked as he gripped the fabric of her kurta. "I thought maybe I had lost you both forever."

Tears welled up in Abhira's eyes. She slowly lifted a hand and ran her fingers through his hair, her touch gentle and soothing.

"Krish..." she murmured, her own voice thick with emotion. She bent forward slightly, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. "We missed you too... so much."

Krish squeezed his eyes shut, breathing in the comfort he had long been deprived of. The warmth of her presence, the softness in her voice-it was all so achingly familiar.

"We should have been there," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "For both of you. For Armaan, for you... Back then, may then..."

Abhira's hand stilled for a moment before she gently cupped his cheek, lifting his face so he would look at her. "You're here now," she said softly. "That's what matters."

Krish searched her eyes, looking for any trace of resentment, but there was none. Only warmth, understanding, and the quiet promise of forgiveness.

Slowly, he nodded, exhaling shakily.

Abhira smiled faintly and wiped away the tear that slipped down his cheek. "It's not just you, Krish," she whispered. "We all lost time. But we have now, and I don't want to waste another moment thinking about what we couldn't do. You're family, and that will never change."

Krish swallowed hard, nodding again as he held onto her hand. For the first time in years, he felt like he truly belonged again.

As Krish slowly pulled himself together, Aryan and Kiara emerged from their rooms, now dressed in the comfortable clothes Abhira had fetched for them. The weariness of the long night was evident on their faces, but there was also a quiet sense of warmth in their presence-like a weight had been lifted, even if only slightly.

When they saw Krish standing near the door, ready to leave for the hospital, they immediately walked over to him.

Aryan was the first to react, stepping forward and pulling Krish into a tight hug. "Take care of Charu di and bhaiya, okay?" he murmured, his voice soft but filled with meaning.

Krish let out a small chuckle, patting Aryan's back. "Of course. You think I'd leave him alone?"

Kiara joined them, wrapping her arms around both Krish and Aryan. "And take care of yourself too, idiot," she mumbled against his shoulder.

Krish huffed playfully. "Since when did you two get so emotional?" he teased, though his voice carried the same warmth they had missed for years.

Aryan pulled back, rolling his eyes. "Shut up and go. We'll be here."

Krish nodded, giving both of them a final squeeze before stepping back. He turned toward Abhira, who had been watching their exchange with a soft smile.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. There was an unspoken understanding in the way they looked at each other-one that didn't need words to be conveyed.

Then, taking a step closer, Krish reached out and gently took Abhira's hand in his. "Thank you," he murmured.

Abhira raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"For everything," Krish said simply. "For welcoming us back, for not pushing us away even when you had every reason to. For-" He hesitated, glancing at her stomach before looking back into her eyes. "For making sure Bhaiya has a home that feels like home."

Abhira's heart warmed at his words. She squeezed his hand reassuringly. "You don't have to thank me for that, Krish. This was always your home too."

Krish exhaled softly, nodding as he let go of her hand. He glanced toward the packed food on the table and then back at her. "I'll be back soon," he promised.

Abhira smiled. "Tell Armaan to eat properly. And make sure you eat too."

Krish smirked. "Yes, Bhabhi," he teased, making her shake her head fondly.

As he finally stepped out into the cold night, a sense of belonging settled in his heart-a feeling he had missed for far too long.

Meanwhile Abhira turned to Kaira and Aaryan.
"Dinner?" She asked with a warm smile and they wordlessly followed her to settle on the dining table.

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

Back at the hospital, Armaan sat outside Charu's ICU room, staring at the closed door. His elbows rested on his knees, hands clasped together as he leaned forward, lost in thought. The events of the night played in his mind like a broken reel-the moment Dev had called him, Charu lying in a pool of blood, Krish and Aaryan's horrified faces, Abhira's tear-filled eyes.

His heart clenched at the thought of what could have happened. If Dev hadn't been there... if she hadn't been brought to the hospital in time...

He closed his eyes, exhaling sharply.

He had lost so much in the past-his home, his family, people he thought would stand by him. But tonight had made him realize that despite everything, the bonds he had with the chorus gang had never truly broken.

The way Krish had broken down in his arms, the way Kiara had sobbed in Abhira's embrace, the way Aaryan had tried to hide his tears-it all spoke of the pain they had been carrying. The pain he had ignored.

And now, Charu lay behind that glass door, unconscious, her body fighting to heal.

Armaan rubbed his face tiredly, feeling the exhaustion seep into his bones. He needed to stay strong, for Charu, for Krish and the others, and most of all, for Abhira and their baby. He couldn't afford to break.

He took a deep breath, glancing at his phone. A message from Abhira popped up.

"Reached home. I am sending food and a pair of change with Krish. Khana kha lena Please and Take Rest whenever possible.
I and our baby Love you."

A faint smile tugged at his lips. She knew him too well.

He quickly typed back:

"I will. Take care of yourself and our little one. I Love you and our baby so much."

His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before he locked his phone and leaned back against the chair, his eyes fixed on the ICU door once again.

The hospital corridors were quiet, save for the occasional footsteps of nurses. Krish walked towards him, carrying a tiffin bag in one hand, his steps slow but deliberate. His eyes were red-rimmed, exhaustion evident in every movement, yet there was something reassuring about his presence.

"I brought Dinner, and u have been ordered to have it finished." Krish asked, dropping into the chair beside him with a knowing look.

Armaan let out a tired chuckle. "You sound just like Abhira."

"Well, Bhabhi did threaten me with severe consequences if I didn't make sure you ate," Krish quipped, opening the tiffin. The comforting aroma of khichdi and pickle filled the air. "Here. Rama Aaji packed this herself."

Armaan took the spoon Krish handed him, exhaling slowly before taking a bite. The warmth of the food spread through him, momentarily easing the weight he had been carrying all night. He had forgotten how much he needed this-simple comfort, shared in quiet companionship.

Krish scooped up a spoonful for himself, taking a bite before looking at Armaan. His voice was quieter when he spoke next. "I... I wanted to say this earlier, but everything was so chaotic..." He hesitated, staring at his spoon. "I missed you, Bhaiya."

Armaan stilled, his spoon hovering mid-air.

Krish let out a breath, his voice thick with emotions he had kept buried for too long. "All these years... I told myself that younleaving was the best for your. That you leaving didn't hurt. But the truth is, it did. I missed you at every stupid little moment. I missed having you around at Holi, at Diwali. I missed having you scold me when I messed up at work. I missed the late-night Mango Partoes, the stupid bets we made, even the way you always had a way of making everything feel... safe."

Armaan placed his spoon down, his gaze softening as he listened.

"I wanted to find you," Krish admitted, his voice cracking. "but somehow convinece myself it was best for u to be away but when I finally saw you today, after all this time, it hit me how much I lost. How much we all lost."

Armaan swallowed the lump in his throat before reaching over and squeezing Krish's shoulder. "We lost time, Krish, not each other."

Krish blinked rapidly, nodding as he fought back tears. "You're not mad at me?"

Armaan let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "I could never be mad at you. You had nothing to do with what happened. Leaving that place was the only option then but being mad at you was never."

Krish sniffed, letting out a watery chuckle. "God, you sound like such a dramatic hero."

Armaan grinned. "Taught by the best-you and your Bhabhi."

They shared a laugh, and for a brief moment, the hospital didn't feel so cold.

Krish stared at his khichdi for a long moment before whispering, "I wish this had happened sooner."

Armaan didn't let him spiral into regret. He reached out, pulling Krish into a tight hug, one arm wrapped firmly around his shoulder. "We have a lifetime to talk about this. Let's just get Charu well first, then we'll make up for lost time, okay?"

Krish nodded against his shoulder, his body slowly relaxing into the embrace. The exhaustion of the night, the emotions he had been holding in for so long, finally caught up to him. Without realizing it, he shifted, resting his head against Armaan's shoulder.

Armaan smiled softly, adjusting his posture so Krish could rest more comfortably. The steady rhythm of Krish's breathing soon evened out, his body finally giving in to much-needed sleep.

Armaan sat still, staring at the closed ICU door once again, but this time, he didn't feel as alone. They would get through this-together.

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

Armaan and Abhira's house was enveloped in silence, the weight of the night pressing down after the turmoil they had all been through. Abhira padded softly down the hallway, her bare feet making no noise against the floor as she made her way to the guest room where Kiara and Aryan were resting. She had wanted to check on them before retiring for the night, just to make sure they were comfortable.

She gently pushed the door open, the dim glow of the bedside lamp illuminating the room in a warm haze. Her heart softened at the sight before her. Kiara was curled up under the blanket, her face serene, while Aryan lay sprawled next to her, one arm lazily draped over his eyes as if shielding himself from an imaginary light. They looked peaceful, the exhaustion of the night having lulled them into deep sleep.

Moving quietly, Abhira stepped inside. She noticed the way Kiara's blanket had slipped down, leaving her shoulders bare. With a soft smile, she adjusted it, tucking it around her securely. Kiara sighed in her sleep, unconsciously burrowing deeper into the warmth.

Abhira turned to Aryan next, shaking her head at the way he had managed to take over most of the bed. She reached out, ruffling his hair lightly. "Still the same," she murmured fondly, watching as he mumbled something incoherent but didn't stir.

A fond warmth spread through her chest as she stepped back, taking one last glance at them before slipping out of the room. She closed the door softly behind her, leaving them undisturbed in their much-needed rest.

Back in her room, Abhira let out a slow breath. The weight of the day, the emotions, the helplessness-it all sat heavy on her, but there was also relief, knowing that Krish was with Armaan, that Kiara and Aryan were home, safe.

Her gaze landed on the navy-blue blazer draped over the chair-the one Armaan had worn earlier. A tired smile tugged at her lips as she picked it up, her fingers running over the fabric. It still held his scent, the faint mix of his cologne and something unmistakably him-a scent that had always felt like home.

Settling onto the bed, she placed her medicines on the nightstand, popping them into her mouth before drinking a few sips of water. Then, without thinking, she pulled the blazer closer, slipping under the covers with it wrapped around her.

Her hands instinctively went to her belly, her fingers tracing gentle circles over the fabric of her nightwear. "Baba will be home soon," she whispered, a soft promise to the little life growing inside her.

The silence of the night wrapped around her, but for the first time in hours, she felt a little less alone. With Armaan's scent surrounding her and their baby safe within her, she finally allowed herself to close her eyes, letting sleep take over.

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

Kind of a filler update.
I promise the next update is going to be much better and fun.

One more chapter before we have the Poddars and Abhimaan face off.

Weekend we have multiple updates coming.
The last part of the ts and also bounded by fate.
Stay tuned.

~TheLostSoul