"are Shambu... paas ki tapri se garam garam chai aur pakode toh order kar" Aarav yelled at the peon.

"ji sahab" he replied

Poonam and Vikram reached the construction site. Vikram looked at her and said "tum baithi raho main dekhke aata hun"

"main aa rahi hun Vikram mujhe bhi lagta hai Aaru yahi hai" she said as she could feel his presence closer. 

Vikram nodded, he opens the door and helps her step out of the car. He grabbed her hand tightly to support her as the way is a bit uneasy and she could easily trip. They walked towards the entrance. The peon had tea cup and fillers plate in his hand. Vikram stopped him in the mid way as he knew who he was taking it for. 

"mujhe do aur jao tum" he said

He grabbed both the items in his hand, Poonam placed her hand on his elbow and walked with him. "janab humhe pareshan karke pakode khayenge garam garam" he murmured in anger.

Poonam smiled hearing his words. He looked so cute in anger. Within 5 minutes they reached near the tent. Poonam had a sigh of relief seeing him in front of her eyes. 

He had been playing with the kids of workers. "chalyie ab aap sab ghar jayie.. bahut der ho gayi hai" Aarav said it was getting dark. The kids went with the workers and manager turned off the lights. 

"Sir aap mere ghar toh ruk sakte hai na iss tarah tent mein" he said

"are khule aasmaan ke neeche sone ka maza hi alag hai.. aur kuch hi dino ki baat hai na tum jao apne ghar" Aarav said tapping his shoulder lightly. The manager left and Aarav sits back on the chair again. 

"shambuji aapki chai aur pakode kaha rah gaye" he shouted. 

Just then Vikram forwarded the plate to him from behind. Aarav takes it without looking at him and smells it "aaha.. bade din baad khaunga.."

He picked up one but stopped as he felt the known presence behind him. He gulped down his throat in fear and expected it is not him. He placed the plate on the floor and got up from the chair. 

"mud peeche.." Vikram said in anger tone 

Aarav turned behind and was left in disbelief. How the hell he found out about his whereabouts. He had strictly told manager in the office not to inform Vikram about it. 

He forwarded the tea "ye pee chai.." Aarav held the cup in his hand. 

"pehle tu chai peele pakode khale phir baat karte hai" he said in soft tone. 

He went near the tent and stood crossing his legs and folding his arms across. Aarav rolled his eyes around and his eyes were searching for Poonam. He had a feeling she was also with him, he looked at Vikram again but he turned away. 

"Vikram waise sone ke liye yeh tent bahut acha hai tum ek kaam karo mere liye ek khareedke leke aao" he heard her voice from the tent. 

Aarav was left with open mouth. He just couldn't believe both of them were here in front of his eyes. Vikram gave his hand to Poonam and she stepped out of the tent "sone ke liye toh acha hai.. raat ko machar bhi bahut aayenge par main kaam chala lungi" she said

"thik hai main abhi khareedke laata hun! jabtak yeh ghar pura nahi banta hai hum yahi rahenge" he said with a smile

Aarav threw away the tea cup and walked towards them "aap dono kya baat kar rahe ho? aap dono yahan kaise rah sakte ho"

"tum rah sakte ho na toh hum bhi rah sakte hai" Vikram replied staring at him. 

"bhai bhabhi maa pregnant hai.. yahan pe doctors bahut door hai aur emergency ke liye bhi samaan lene door jaana padta hai! bhabhi  maa yahan nahi rah sakti hai.. baby ke liye thik nahi hai" he said in concern

"tujhe kyun itni parwah ho rahi hai Aaru? main apni patni aur bacha ka khayal rakh sakta hun.. meri zimmedari hai na ab wo! toh tu apna dekh main sambhal lunga" Vikram said in sarcastic tone. 

Vikram made her sit on the rock "Poonam main tent leke aata hun.. aur tabtak kisi bhi ajnabee se baat karne ki zaroorat nahi hai!"

"thik hai jao" she said with a smile. 

He moved but Aarav grabbed his hand "bhai suno toh meri baat"

Vikram jerked his hand off "kaun bhai? tu mujhse baat kar raha hai?" he asked in hurtful tone

"bhai please aise mat bolo" he said sadly 

"toh kya bolna chahiye mujhe Aaru? Aaru bulau tujhe ya wo haq bhi nahi hai ab" Vikram asked angrily.

Aarav lowers his head, he knew he had hurt his brother. "bhai I am sorry par.." 

"par kya? nahi bada ho gaya hai na tu.. apna har faisla le sakta hai!! yeh faisla bhi kar liya tune ki ab mujhe kiske saath rehna hai aur kiske saath nahi" he scolded him 

Aarav looked at Poonam and she stared at him "meri taraf mat dekho! main toh abhi apni chappal utharke tumhari aur fhekungi.." 

"aap dono meri baat toh samjho.." he tried to explain.

"kya samjhe hum Aaru? jo samjhana hai tujhe samajhna hai.. chup chap yeh samaan samet aur ghar chal" Vikram warned him

Aarav denied "main nahi jaa raha hun.. kuch dino mein yeh ghar pura ho jayega main yahi rahunga.. aap bhabhi maa ke saath raho bas unki fikar karo main khudko sambhal sakta hun" 

"Aaru mera deemag bahut garam hai samjha.. Tune apne appointments miss kiye hai bacha hai kya tu jo haath pakadke leke jau main tujhe.." he said angrily.

"wahi toh main bol raha hun.. Aap bhabhi maa aur aane waale bache ki fikar karo meri nahi bhai! Main khud ko sambhal sakta hun.. Aur aapse milne aata jaata rahunga" he said remaining adamant at his decision.

"saath rehne mein kya dikkat hai? Nahi aisa kya kiya hai maine jo tu mujhse alag rehna chahta hai??" he argued

Aarav couldn't meet his gaze with him "bhai please.. Bhabhi aur aapke beech ab mujhe nahi aana hai. Main thik hun.."

"toh tu nahi aayega" Vikram asked him one last final time.

"nahi" he remained adamant at his decision.

Vikram gets angry hearing his words "Poonam chalo! isse humse pyaar hi nahi hai.. haalat dekhi hai na tune apni bhabhi maa ki.. iss haal mein yahan tak aayi hai tujhe lene aur  tu yeh natak kar raha hai.. are jis bhabhi maa ko ghar laane ke liye tune mera jeena muskil kar diya tha ab tu hi uske saath ghar nahi lautna chahta hai.. nahi kya chahta hai tu?" he confronted him. 

Aarav looks at him blankly, Poonam noticed the change in his behavior. She grabbed Vikram's hand and said "Vikram calm down please" 

He looked towards her and asked "ab bhi mujhe calm rehne ko kah rahi ho tum! iski zid bekar hi hai.."

She shot a deadly glare at him "Vikram just look at him.." 

Vikram stared at Aarav, he grabbed his head tightly as it had began to spin. He was about to fall but Vikram held him by his shoulder and his anger faded away "Aaru.. kya hua tujhe achanak" he said in concern. 

Aarav silently glanced at him "ghur kya raha hai? dawaiyan li tune apni?" he asked. Aarav pushed him away. He began to look around and his strange behavior worried the two figures standing in front of him. 

Poonam touched his hand "Aaru.."

He rolled his eyes towards her "aap kaun ho? aur main yahan?" he couldn't remember anything. 

Their eyes became wide hearing his words. He doesn't remember how he came to Shimla nor recognizes them suddenly.  

Vikram made him sit on the chair and kneels down in front of him holding his hand firmly. "dekh yeh natak mat kar main nahi daant raha hun tujhe.. ghar chal please"

"aap kaun ho?" he asked

Vikram was left with open mouth. "Poonam iska yeh mazak bahut bhari padega isey samjha do" he said looking at her.

"Vikram let's take him to Delhi" she spoke. 

Vikram shook his head positively, hearing that name he felt pain in his head. Vikram held his hand and took him along. He pushed him away "don't touch me.."

Vikram forcefully made him sit in the car and sighed deeply. He goes to Poonam and brings her.

Poonam sat in front. He got the water bottle and handed it to her. She drank the water and took a deep breath. He asked "thik ho na?"

"haan main thik hun Vikram.." she assured him she is fine.

"thoda rest karlo kal subah chalenge" he said in concern, though he wanted to desperately take Aarav to his doctor but he was also concern for his wife health. 

"abhi matlab abhi" she replied in a stern voice. 

Vikram nodded and sat on the driving side. He glanced through the mirror at his brother who had closed his eyes and fallen sleep. Poonam placed her hand on his and said "sab thik hoga.."

He smiled a bit and headed off towards the highway. He reached the nearest airport and parked the car. She glanced at his wife who had slept, she must be extremely tired but didn't even said once. Poonam wakes up as she heard the plane sound. She looked at Vikram "yahan?" 

"haan hum flight se wapas jaa rahe hai tum pregnant aur itna lamba safar phirse nahi.. aur isey bhi check up ke liye mujhe turant leke jaana hai!" he replied

She nodded, Vikram steps out of the car and quickly comes to her side. He opens the door and gave his hand to her. She places hers and gets out. Vikram had already informed the manager to book the private plane for them on medical terms basis. 

Delhi

Lifeline Hospital 

Aarav had been taken to the treatment room and Poonam sat down on the bench at the corridor. Maria entered with the tiffin and Vikram took it from her. He sat down beside her and opened the tiffin "chalo khana khalo"

A smile appears on her face seeing his love and care for her. "Vikram tumne bhi toh kuch nahi khaya hai.."

"main kha lunga.. tum khao tumhara iss haal mein bhooke rehna sahi nahi hai" he said forwarded a bite to her. 

She takes the bite and feeds him but he denies. She doesn't force him to eat but he takes a bite for her sake. She places her head on his shoulder tightening the grip on his hand. An hour later, doctor Dheer steps out the room along with the specialist. Dheer thanked him and the specialist left. 

They got up from the bench and followed doctor Dheer to his cabin. He asked them to sit down, they settled in front of him. 

"It's good to see you both together" he said with a smile

They smiled a bit a him. "Aaru doctor usey kya hua? aapne toh kaha tha he is fine" Vikram asked

"tumhe ye chot lagi thi.. tum thik ho na lekin yeh nishaan toh hamesha rahega tumhare sar pe.. hai na?" He asked 

"ji.. aap kehna kya chahte hai saaf saaf batayie" he asked

"kabhi kabhi usey memory loss ho sakta hai Vikram.. yeh sab 6 saal mein diye hue galat medicines, treatments ka side effect hai aur yeh lifetime rahega" Dheer informed. 

"Doctor.. surgery ko kitna waqt ho gaya aapne check bhi kiya tha sab thik toh tha.." he said in disbelief. 

"usne apne teen appointments miss kiye hai Vikram. shayad usey uss din hi memory loss hua jab uska appointment tha..aur usey pata hai wo kabhi kabhi bhool jaata hai isliye nahi aa raha tha taaki tum dono ko pareshani na ho" Dheer replied

"aap yeh kaise kah sakte hai?" he asked

Dheer printed out something and showed it to him. "kuch 15 din pehle wo mere paas toh nahi aaya lekin doctor sharma ke paas gaya tha.. Aur Aarav mera patient hai toh unhone mujhe bataya"

Vikram sighed deeply, "bas use extreme stress mat lene dena warna everything is fine" Dheer said with a smile. 

"matlab ki.."

"Vikram kuch ghanto ke liye hi hoga tum dawa de doge he will be fine.." he assured him this is not serious. 

Vikram nodded in yes, he got up from chair and was disheartened hearing him. He left the cabin and takes a deep breath. 

Poonam looked at doctor "doctor koi ilaj nahi hai?" she questioned

"kuch cheezein hamare haath mein nahi hoti hai Poonam.. humne jo surgery ki thi usme survival ke chance hi 30% they.. wo toh bhagwaan ka sukar guzar hai wo thik ho gaya. Achi baat yeh hai he had accepted the flaw in him aksar patients kar nahi paate hai" Dheer informed her.

"Serious toh nahi hai na?" she asked

He smiled "bilkul bhi nahi Poonam bas jab usey memory loss ho toh careful rehna.. Baaki tum ache se janti ho" he said

Poonam agreed "thank you doctor.." 

"take care of yourself!" he said. She got up and walked out of cabin. She reached the treatment room and found Vikram standing outside the treatment room. He was watching Aarav from the glass, she looked at the direction and found him speaking to the nurse. 

He opened the door and got inside. Aarav made a face "aap iss drip ko nikal do please I hate it!" he complained.

She removed it and left the room. Aarav lowers his sleeve and looked to the side for his phone but couldn't find it. Vikram walked and sat down on the bed next to him. Aarav wasn't looking up at him as he had tears in his eyes. 

"upar dekh.." he said softly. 

Aarav looked up at him after a few seconds, Vikram raised his hand and he closed his eyes. However, he cupped his face and Aarav looked at him "isliye gaya na taaki mujhe aur Poonam ko teri wajah se koi takleef na ho haina?"

"haan bhai.. meri wajah se aap dono ko sara si bhi takleef ho mujhse bardasht nahi hoga bhai! agar kabhi main bhool gaya aur galti se bhi aap dono ko hurt hua toh? ya phir aane wala baby.. nahi nahi.. mujhe please jaane do" he said panicking. 

"shh.. kahi nahi jaa raha hai tu aisa kuch nahi hoga samjha aur doctor ne kaha hai bas tujhe zyada stress nahi lena hai warna sab thik hai Aaru!" Vikram said with his eyes turning moist. 

"par bhai.. You don't know what I did with Maria Di!! Main nahi de sakta aap dono ko takleef aur..." he said with tears in his eyes.

"kya kiya tune haan? mujhe mat samjha tu 6 saal se dekh raha hun teri harkatein main..." he said

"par bhai.."

"kya par? tere bina hum kaise rahenge haan? door ho jayega humse toh tu khush rah payega haan? are saath rahenge toh sab thik rahega.. teri bhabhi maa khush rahegi... aur main hun na I promise teri wajah se na mujhe takleef hogi aur na Poonam ko haina Poonam?" he asked looking towards her.

She stepped forward and caressed his head "haan Aarav aur ab toh itni khushiyan aane waali hai ghar mein ki tumhe mauka hi nahi milega kuch bhoolne ka.." she said 

"aap dono mera mann rakhne ke liye kah rahe ho par mujhe mera sach pata hai! aur maine jaanbujhe apne appointments miss nahi kiye they" he replied remembering the incident happened.

He was working in office, the manager entered and said "sir wo roshan project ki file kaha hai?"

"haan wo toh maine kal Mumbai se aane ke baad hi di thi na tumhe" he replied

"nahi sir kal toh aap office bhi nahi aaye they" he informed

Aarav was confused hearing him. He asked him to leave, he checked the date and it 6th. "aaj 6th hai.. Aise kaise?" he tried to remember but couldn't remember.

He left home immediately and shouted "Maria Di... Maria Di"

She came running "ji baba.."

"padso raat main delhi se lauta tha na.. ghar aaya toh kya hua tha??" he asked her.

Maria denied "kuch nhi"

He noticed a scar on her forehead. He stepped back "maine aapko.."

"aapko kuch yaad nahi tha na baba.. Toh bas aapko dawai dene ki koshish kar rahi thi main.." she said

"maltab main doctor ke nahi gaya... aur maine bhai se kaha main gaya tha.." he sighed deeply. 

"kal main pura din ghar pe hi tha?" he asked

Maria shook her head in a yes. Aarav gets more tensed hearing her words. He called Vikram to inform him about this. Vikram picked up his video call "haan bol Aaru.."

"bhai aapka chehra kyun utra hua hai?" he asked

He informed him about the hotel incident. "ab toh bhabhi maa ko ghar jaldi se leke aao aap! aapne usko maara ki nahi?" he asked

"rok liya Poonam ne nahi toh maar hi deta" Vikram replied

He noticed them coming closer and might patch up soon. Poonam felt some pain and Vikram went to attend her. Aarav ends the call immediately "abhi nahi bata sakta.." 

One day, Vikram had asked him to attend the important conference. Aarav agreed and went to Pune to attend it. He meet his old college friends over there who stared at him weirdly. 

"guys it's me.." he said

"Aarav.. tum" one of them spoke

"haan thik hun main.. bhai aur bhabhi maa ki wajah se" he replied with a smile. 

He smiled and tapped his shoulder "Good to know Aarav.. meri urgent meeting hai see you around" he walked away from there. Aarav gets upset with his actions. A painful smile appeared on his face, how can he forgot they mistreated him when he was mentally ill. How would they face him now when he is normal or maybe now they don't think the friendship is worth. 

"Aarav tu bhool kaise gaya! bure waqt mein toh sirf kuch apne hi saath rehte hai.." he slapped his forehead at his stupidity of meeting old friends. 

Aarav drove the car, he felt the pain in his forehead. He stops the car at the corner and takes a deep breath. He looked at the road completely blank, he couldn't remember anything now. Everything was a blank canvas to him, he began to think what is he doing in the car? 

The policeman came and knocked at the window, Aarav lowers it. "bhaisahab yahan park karna allowed nahi hai.. aap jayie yahan se"

"lekin kahan?" he asked an innocent question which was a weird for the policeman. 

"pee rakhi hai kya? apne ghar jao" he replied

"ghar?... yaad nahi mujhe" he denied remembering the house. 

The inspector looked at him, he opened the door and began to check the papers. He checked his licence and house address of Delhi. "lagta hai kuch dikkat hai isey.. ghar le chalta hun" he took him with him and asked the constable to get the car. 

Inspector questioned him and finally after few hours he remembers everything. He looked around and was confused "main yahan kaise? main toh ghar ke liye nikla tha" he said

Inspector told him everything and Aarav closed his eyes for a minute. "sorry inspector maine aapko pareshan kar diya"

"dekho aise akele mat nikla karo agar tumhe kuch beemari hai toh.. kuch bhi ho sakta hai" he said in concern. Aarav nodded and left from there. 

"mujhe ab doctor se baat karni hogi..." 

He doesn't want Dheer to inform anything to Vikram and Poonam. He stopped the car in front of City hospital. He went for checkup and doctor examined him. He checked all the scans and then stared at him. 

"aise kya dekh rahe hai aap? sab thik hai na" He asked.

"Aarav maine medical history padhi hai tumhari.. Surgery ke baad tum thik ho gaye ho par jab tum zyda stress lete ho na toh brain ka ek memory cell trigger krta hai.. Jisse tum bhool jaate ho.." he said

"par doc ab kyu?" he asked

He smiled "jante ho sabse risky surgery brain surgery hoti hai.. Only extreme cases mein hi recommend ki jaati hai.. doctor dheer ne toh tumhare parivar ko surgery ke baad ki tumhari condition ki jaankari di thi Aarav.. kabhi kabhi surgery ke mahino baad hi side effect ka pata chalta hai.. I am surprised ki tum thik ho gaye ho haan yeh sirf ek chota sa defect rahega tumhare saath" he said

"matlab main uss dauran apne parivar ke liye khatra ho sakta hun?" Aarav asked looking at him seriously.

He denied "nahi aisa nahi hai.. it's just matter of few hours"

"few hours? aapko pata hai ek ek minute kitna keemti hai mere bhai ke liye? office sambhalna hota hai unhe.. ab toh unka baby aane waala hai aur shuru ke kuch saal kitne important hota hai bache ke liye main janta hun.. bhabhi maa aur bhai apne bache ko dekhenge ya yeh sochte rahenge kab main stress honga aur bhool jaunga? 6 yaad ka kuch yaad nahi hai mujhe par jo hua hai na wo main apne bhai aankh se dekh sakta hun mehsus kar sakta hun.." he said in cold tone. 

The doctor passed him a glass of water "Aarav calm down.. let me show you something chalo"

He gets up and walked out with doctor. He takes him to the consultant room "yeh dekho iss bache ko depression hai kaafi saalo se par yeh baat koi samajh hi nahi paaya jabtak inse suicide karne ki koshish nahi ki... Sirf maa hai iske paas Aur udhar dekho uss insaan ka pair toota hai aur uske parivar waale sab dekhne aaye hai.. Maa baap bhai behen chachi dost bhi! Jante ho mental health ko kyu ignore kiya jaata hai? kyuki hamari feelings, behaviour ko sirf hamari personality samjha jaata hai lekin asal mein yeh hamari life mein hue haadse ke reflections hote hai. Hum memories yaad nahi rakh sakte hum wahi yaad rakhte hai Jo hum rakha chahte hai.. peth kharab hota hai toh turant dawai ya khada lete ho na?  lekin jab  mental health ki baat aati hai toh taal jaate hai kehke are kuch nahi hai sab thik hai..lekin hum doctors ka kaam hai insaan ki mental health ko ek dum perfect rakha! kyuki mental health thik rahegi toh zindagi lambi chalti rahegi.."

He stared at him "samajhta hun aapki baat main.. Thank you"

 Aarav thanked him and left with teary eyes. He remember everything that Vikram told him "no... Main phirse bhai aur bhabhi ko takleef nahi de sakta.. Ab wo khud maa baap banne waale hai.. Mujhe door jaana hoga unse.. Haan"

The day he was leaving, Chintu came home to play with him. He saw him upset and Chintu asked "kya hua bhaiya aap upset kyun ho?"

"Chintu main na kabhi kabhi sab bhool jaata hun.. isliye na main jaa raha hun yahan se" he said

Chintu noticed tears in his eyes, he cleaned them with his hand "kyun jaa rahe ho? Vikram bhaiya aur Poonam bhabhi toh aapse kitna pyaar karte hai"

"lekin abhi chotu baby aane waala hai na.. agar maine usko harm kiya toh unhe bura lagega na?" Aarav asked

"haan lagega bhaiya.." he nodded in yes. 

"aur mujhe acha nahi lagega ki meri wajah se chote se baby ko kuch ho.." he said making a sad face. 

Chintu hugs him tightly placing his hands around his neck. "aapne uss din mujhe isliye jaane ko kaha  tha na.. kyuki aap bhoolne waale they?" he asked remembering the time when they were decorating the room for baby.

Aarav parted the hug and nodded in yes "tum sab samajhte ho Chintu.. aapko main hurt nahi kar sakta tha aap meri best friend ho na.."

"aur aapne best friend ko sab bataya.. Chintu ko acha laga! promise karo aap Chintu ko roj phone karoge aur milne bhi aaoge" he asked

Aarav promised him, "main sahi hun na Chintu?" he asked his little friend for the advice. 

"main bhi toh apni behen ko daant se bachane ke liye mumma se jhooth bolta hun aur abhi aapko toh aane waale baby ko protect karna hai na toh aap sahi ho" he replied innocently. 

Aarav smiled and pulled him into his embrace once more. Chintu helped him pack his things. 

He came out trance of his thoughts. "bhai aapki aur bhabhi maa ke kiye hue tyaag ki wajah se main thik ho gaya... lekin yeh film nahi hai asal zindagi hai har chot apna nishan chod jaati hai" he said getting emotional.

Vikram listened to him silently. "Aaru har insaan mein kamiyan hoti hai.. aur teri kabhi kabhi bhoolne ki beemari ki wajah se main tujhe khudse door toh nahi hone dunga!" Vikram said in stern voice.

"Vikram tumne ise bataya nahi 6 saal kya kya harkatein ki hai isne.. unke saamne toh ye kuch bhi nahi hai" Poonam said

"wahi toh nahi chahta hun main! aap dono.."

"hum teeno saath rahenge.. parivar hai hum samjha tu.. aur agar maine phirse teri yeh bakwaas suni na toh ab sach mein ek jhappad padega tujhe.." Vikram warned him. 

Aarav stared at him "bhai.. Wo kuch ghante mei.."

"sirf kuch ghanto ke liye baaki khushiyan ka tyag krna chahta hai tu haan??" he lightly slapped his cheek.

"nahi bhai.. aap ek baar khudko meri jagah rakho aap behtar samajh sakte ho kyuki aapne mere uss paagalpan ko bardasht kiya hai! mujhe toh yaad hi nahi hai.. aur" he takes a deep breath. 

Vikram takes his head in between his hands and Aarav looked straight into eyes of his brother. "toh phir mujhe bhi toh Poonam se tujhse door rehna chahiye na? maine toh tujhe khud chacha chachi ke bharose choda tha.. uspe bharosa nahi kiya tha! hai na Aaru?"

"no.. bhai aap sach se anjaan they aur agar aapko pata hota toh aap kabhi aisa nahi karte" he replied

Vikram smiled "mujhe ache se janta hai na tu! tere liye toh jaan bhi haazir hai.. teri badmaashiyan, pranks sab jhelta aaya hun toh yeh bhoolne ki beemari kya hi cheez hai?" he asked 

He holds his ear "sorry maine phir aapko dono tang kar diya na.."

Vikram ruffles his hair and hugged him tightly. Aarav looked at Poonam and apologized with his eyes gesture. She blinked her eyes as a response. 

Aarav got discharged and they headed towards home. Aarav got down first and glanced at both "aap dono 10 minute baad aana" he said with excitement.

"par kyun?" Poonam asked

"please" he said making a cute face.

"thik hai" she agreed and he rushed into the house. 

Vikram stands leaning against the car and tends to think something. Poonam steps out and placed her hand on his shoulder "kya soch rahe ho?"

"bahut seedha hai mera bhai Poonam.. sirf mere baare mein sochta hai apni toh koi parwah hi nahi hai usey... aur ab yeh kabhi kabhi bhool jaana uske saath hamesha rahegi tum aur main sambhal lenge par hamare baad?" he asked in concern. 

"ab iss duniya mein aise log bhi hai jo insaan ko uski kamiyon ke saath apnate hai saath rehte hai I am sure bhagwaan ne bhi koi na koi uske liye banayi hogi " she replied tapping his cheek lightly. 

"deemag ki beemari ki baat hoti hai na toh hamare desh mein seedha paagal bola jaata hai! yeh tumne bhi dekha hai aur kareeb se samjha hai.. are yeh toh paagal hai..beemar hai yeh nahi kaha jaata! zara si chot lagti hai toh rah chalta insaan bhi madad kar deta hai lekin deemag se beemar insaan se sab door bhagte hai! aur tum kah rahi ho koi mere bhai ko uski beemari ke saath apna lega?" he asked as he had seen the cruelty of the world in past 6 years. Poonam looked straight into his eyes. 

"haan apna lega.. Chintu uska dost bana tha na? aur tum itna kyun soch rahe ho yeh tab hi hoga jab wo stressed rahega aur hum use rehne nahi denge.. baby aa jayega toh chachu ko stress lene ki fursat hi nahi dungi main" Poonam said remaining positive. 

He smiled hearing her words and placed his hand on her belly. "ab tum teeno meri zimmedari ho.. iss baar koi galti nahi karunga"

"karoge toh main hun na sudharne ke liye" she replied with a smile and tucked her head with his. 

Aarav shouts from the entrance "romance ghar ke andar kar lena.." 

Vikram glared at him and walked with Poonam. "ab aap dono aise hi haath pakadke ghar ke andar aaoge.. bhabhi maa aap apna grah pravesh phirse karogi thik hai na?" he said with a smile.

She nodded in yes, he performed their Aarti and then placed the rice kalash at the doorstep. Poonam lifts her foot while grabbing Vikram's hand tightly. 
She does the grah pravesh and both of them entered the house.

Aarav bends down and takes blessings from both of them. "bhabhi maa promise me ab aap kahi nahi jaogi kabhi bhi"

"nahi jaungi.." she promises and he smiled hearing her words.

"ho gaya? Ab tum dono room mein jaake aaram karoge chalo" Vikram said

"no.." both denied

"bhabhi aur devar kaan kholke meri baat sunlo.. Iss ghar abhi meri chalegi samjhe! Chalo hai chup chap upar" he said strictly

"huh! Chalo bhabhi maa hum room mein jaake baat krte hai" Aarav said annoyed and takes Poonam upstairs with him.

Vikram smiled, he thought of taking care of both precious people in his life for next few months. He informed the manager that he will only come to office if it is needed. He wants to give his full time to both of them. Poonam is in last few months of pregnancy so he wants to be with her most of the time.

2 months Later
Vikram had woken up early in the morning. He looked towards his right and she was sleeping hugging him. He gently removed his hand from her grip and placed the pillow. He kissed her forehead lightly and moved out of the bed.

He freshens up and commenced downstairs to the kitchen. Maria had prepared the breakfast as per his instructions.

He checked the calender and it was appointment for both of them. He rescheduled the meetings and went upstairs.

Aarav was getting ready for office but couldn't find his socks "ek bhi socks nhi mil rahe hai mujhe mere" he searched for them.

Vikram moved to his wardrobe and opened the drawer "iss drawer mein hai Aaru.."

Aarav realised he had forgotten about it. He himself arranged things few days back. Vikram tapped his cheek lightly "ready ho jaa office jaane se pehle doctor se milna hai"

"mujhe nhi milna! Har baar wahi therapy sawal... Are main jaisa hun thik hun!" he denied

"behes mat kar mujhse.. Chup chap ready ho jaa aata hun main Poonam ko jagake dono ke dono nakhre karte hai" Vikram said annoyed and walked out of the room.

He moved to his bedroom, Poonam had been tieing her hairs properly. The comb fell on the floor, she bends a bit but Vikram stops her "main deta hun"

He bends down and picks up the comb. She smiled and he began to comb her hairs properly. She glanced at him through the mirror "itni aadat mat bigado meri.."

"main kaha kuch bigad raha hun!" he denied

Maria entered and placed the glass of milk on the side table. Poonam denied "main nahi peene waali hun"

"peena toh padega Poonam! Chalo uthalo glass" he said glaring at her.

"tum peelo.." she spoke

"zaroorat tumhe hai! Peeyo" he hands the glass to her and she finally drank it.

Both of them moved downstairs. Aarav was already at the breakfast table, Vikram pulled the chair and Poonam sat down.

"aur bhabhi maa kitna daanta bhai ne?" he asked

"bahut.. Tujhe?" she questioned

"same.." he complained

"tum dono breakfast karo aur phir humhe jaana hai" Vikram said glaring at both of them by one by one.

They had the breakfast and then everyone left for hospital. Within half an hour they reached the hospital. Poonam and Aarav were sitting on the bench and having a discussion.

"bhabhi maa kab aayegi yeh?" he asked with curiosity

"jaldi aa jayegi.. Tumhe dekhna hai?" she asked

Aarav nodded in yes. "chalo mere saath andar phir" she said

Aarav got up with her and moved into the consultant room but Vikram pulled him back "ohhh bhaisahab.. Aapko udhar jaana hai" he pointed towards other room in the opposite of direction.

Aarav made a face "nahi mujhe nhi jaana..." he denied

"Aaru! Kyu zid kar raha hai tu? Kabhi toh baat maan liya kar meri" Vikram said angrily. Aarav looks down making a sad face. Poonam stared at Vikram.

"Vikram pehle mere doctor se mil lete hai phir hum sab udhar jayenge.. Doctor dheer wait kar lenge" she said softly.

Aarav smiles hearing her words. Vikram agreed and Aarav teases him "bhabhi maa ki baat maan li aapne meri nahi maante ho..."

"chup chap andar chal warna yahi pit jayega mujhse" Vikram glared at him.

Aarav moved inside with him. Doctor did Poonam's check up and then sonography. Aarav was sitting on one side while Vikram on other. Their eyes were fixed at the monitor. They saw the child growing inside her womb. It was an overwhelming moment for her as her two precious people were with her.

Aarav gets stressed about thinking what if in his memory loss period he harms the child. He leaves Poonam's hand and looks blankly at her.

Vikram noticed the change in him "Aaru..."

"aap kaun? Main yahan kaise?" he was clueless.

Poonam signals Vikram and he takes him to doctor Dheer. Aarav jerks his hand off "door raho mujhse kaun ho aap.. Main yahan kaise aaya?" he asked

Dheer said "Aarav relax.. Tum baitho yahan" he made him sit on the chair.

"take a deep breath" Dheer said softly.

He looked at him and Dheer calmed in down with the therapy. Vikram had a sigh of relief, in an hour he gets back to normal.

He looked around and it was different room. He slapped his forehead "phir bhool gaya main.."

"haan aur mujhe pata hai tere stress ka karan" Vikram said

"Jo hai nahi uske baare mein sochna chod de samjha"

Aarav shook his positively. "ab go gaya... Chale yahan se shopping karni hai baby ke liye"

He nodded and trio left the hospital. Vikram drove towards the shopping mall. Aarav said "bhabhi maa apni shopping list do.."

"meri shopping ki list toh ready hai par tumhari shopping ki list kahan haan?" she asked

Aarav laughed "meri bhi ready hai aaj toh bhai ka bank balance khali hoga" he made an evil face. 

"oh hello! tujhe har mahine salary milti hai na.. apne paise uda" Vikram replied looking at him through the mirror. 

Aarav leans forward a bit and smiled "itne bade empire ke maalik ho phir bhi kanjusi.. apne bhai ko shopping nahi karwa sakte" he said dramatically. 

"kar beta shopping tu.. teri salary se sab kaat dunga" Vikram said with a smile

"dekha bhabhi maa boss jab bhai hota hai toh aise atyachar karta hai.. ek masoom se chote bhai pe.. " Aarav complained.

Poonam slapped Vikram's arm. He halts the car in front of the mall and Aarav gets off the car with Poonam. Vikram moved to the parking lot, he parked the car and headed into the shopping mall. 

Poonam had been sitting on the bench and Aarav was showing her few dresses "jaldi se batao kaunsi.."

"ek bhi achi nahi hai Aaru" she denied

Vikram helps him select a few things. Poonam got up and moved to the men's section. She selected a pair of shirt and jeans for Aarav. Vikram came to her and smiled "Poonam yeh.."

"haan yeh Aaru ke liye hai tum apna dekhlo khud" she replied. He was left with open mouth.

"haww.. yeh kya baat hui?"

"yahi baat hai! uski shopping list mein mere liye hai baby ke liye tumhare liye toh definately kuch na kuch hoga hi.. " Poonam said and walked away from there. She moved to the counter and Aarav takes the things from her hand.

Vikram comes and his eys became wide "Aaru tune puri dukaan khareed li"

"are bhai yeh toh baby ke liye hai.. aur yeh bhabhi maa ke liye hai! aap hi bolo jab yeh janab bahar aayenge toh kya bhabhi maa ko time milega khudke liye? nahi na.. aur aap chup chap payment karo!" Aarav argued with him.

"beemar hi thik tha itna kharcha toh nahi hota.. mera har hafte shopping toh khatam hi nahi hoti hai iski" Vikram murmured while paying the bill.

Aarav picks up all the bags "chalyie ab aap bhabhi maa ko leke aayie.. chabi do car ki" Vikram hands him the car key and he walked out of the shop.

Poonam placed her hand across his arm and they walked towards the parking lot. "kuch khaogi?" he asked

"haan khaungi tumhari daant se thodi pet bharta hai hamara" she replied

"tum dono sunte bhi toh nahi ho meri.. chalo restaurant mein chalte hai upar Aaru ko kehta hun bags rakhke wahi aa jaye" Vikram spoke. He takes out his phone from his jeans pocket and was about to call him.

Poonam stopped him "no.. I think we need to go to hospital." as she felt pain.

"what? abhi.." he said in disbelief as two hours ago they returned from hospital everything was normal.

"nahi agle janam! abhi pain ho raha hai toh abhi hospital jayenge na" she yelled at him.

"okay okay! chalo bahar" he agreed. He called Aarav "haan Aaru jaldi se car leke bahar aa.. gate ke'

"kya hua bhai?" he asked tensely

"Poonam ko labour pain shuru ho gaya hai" he informed him. Aarav ends the car and heads off towards the gate entrance.

Within 5 minutes he arrived, Vikram sat inside with her and Aarav headed off to hospital. He called the hospital "hello! this is Aarav malhotra.. meri bhabhi maa ko labour pain shuru ho gaye hai hum hospital aa rahe hai please get everything ready!"

"excuse me.. aapki bhabhi maa? naam toh batayie unka.." the lady from other side said

Aarav replied "Poonam Malhotra.."

"unki doctor ka naam?" she inquired.

"Doctor Shergill.." he said and ends the call.

She screamed in pain, Aarav turned behind "bhabhi maa aap thik ho na.."

"Tu saamne dekhke ghadi chala " Vikram scolded him.

Aarav looked in front and speeds up. He completes 45 minutes journey in just 20 minutes. Aarav gets off the car and shouts "Stretcher... jaldi"

The wardboy comes with the stretcher, Vikram places her on it and they get into the hospital. Aarav speaks at the reception "kaha hai doctor? meri bhabhi maa ko pain ho raha hai"

"Sir aaj kaafi deliveries hai.. doctor ko aane mein time lagega" she informed.

Aarav glared at her "Time lagega kya hota hai?? are meri bhabhi maa pain mein hai! maine inform kiya tha na pehle hi.. aapko emergency ke liye doctor bulana tha koi aur phir" he shouted at her.

Vikram stops him "Aaru shant.. stress nahi le.. teri bhabhi maa ki delivery date kuch hafton baad ki thi"

"bhai par.. "

"let me speak.. tu Poonam ke paas jaa" He said and Aarav moved to her. He grabbed her hand tightly and caressed her head.

"where the hell is doctor?" she asked

"wahi toh main kah raha hun bhabhi maa par bhai mujhe hi shant rehne ke liye kah rahe hai" he said cutely.

Poonam glared at him "chup!! ek shabd bhi mat bolo tum.. pehle puch lete doctor available hai ki nahi.. dusre hospital jaate nahi toh"

Vikram saw a young lady stepping out of the consultant room "Aap! gynecologists' hai?"

"ji.."

"my wife.. achank se labour pain mein aa gayi hai aur sab doctors busy hai aap please delivery kar dijiye" he said

She denied "main nahi kar sakti Sir"

Aarav walked to her "kyun nahi kar sakti hai aap? gynecologist hai na?"

"haan lekin mai.."

Poonam screamed "tum dono ka murder kar dungi main itni der mein toh kahi aur leke chale jaate mujhe!"

"okay inhe labour room mein leke chalo" she informed the nurse. She was taken to labour room, the doctor looked at them "Aap dono mein se ek hi andar aa sakta hai"

"bhai jao na.. main yahi wait karta hun" Aarav said

Vikram nodded "tu stress mat lena haan.. everything will be fine" he said

Aarav shook his head positively "haan bhai aap jayie andar bhabhi maa ke saath" he quickly went inside.

Aarav began to pace up and down the corridor. He saw the God's idol at the corner, he closed his eyes and folded his hands "bhagwaan sab thik karna.. bhabhi maa aur baby ko sahi salamat rakhna!"

Meanwhile in the labour room, Poonam had tears in her eyes as the pain was insane. "Doctor isey bahut pain ho raha hai aap surgery kar dijiye" he said in concern as he couldn't see in such pain.

"inke reports sab normal hai toh surgery ki zaroorat nahi hai Sir.. hum normal delivery kar sakte hai aap bas inhe motivate karte rahiye" she said softly.

"mam.. you need to push! zor lagayie" the doctor said

Vikram gently rubbed her forehead "you can do it.. chalo"

She starts the process and Vikram tries to hold himself. He never knew labour pain would be a nightmare to his wife. She began to lose her strength as she was tired. "one more time mam.." the doctor said again.

"wo thak gayi hai doctor.. aap please operation kar dijiye" Vikram said in concern.

"zaroorat nahi hai Sir.. bas ek aakhiri push" she said

"Are dekhiye na aap iski haalat.. operation kar dijiye na" Vikram argued.

Poonam held his hand and stopped him. She gestured with her eyes, she will try again. She takes a heavy breath and pushed with her all strength. Finally, 4 long hours wait comes to an end and the crying sound of the infant is heard. Tears slips down his eyes hearing the little one, he was overwelmed.

The doctor handed over the baby to the nurse and smiled "it's a baby girl! Congratulations"

The nurse handed the girl to him and he admired the little one. He was left out of words, as the little angle was in his arms. He bends down to Poonam's level and she kissed her forehead softly "tumhara hamari iss choti si duniya mein swaghat hai princess" she said in a weak tone.

"aap please baby nurse ko de dijiye" the doctor said. He hands the girl to her and the nurse moves out the labour room.

Vikram stepped out and he looked at Aarav. "bhai kya hua? matlab kaun? matlab..." he asked with curiosity

"beti.." he replied cupping his face.

Aarav smiled hearing him, he hugged him tightly "Congratulations bhai!"

"tujhe bhi.. Tu bhi chacha ban gaya" he said parting the hug. Aarav smiled, he was curious to see the little one.

Poonam had been shifted to the normal ward. Her doctor visited her and apologised for not been their for the delivery. She smiled in return and asked the nurse who had done the delivery. Nurse informed that intern had done it. Doctor was shocked hearing her "what? Tumhe rules pata nahi hai kya interns bina kisi senior doctor ke surgery ya labour deliver nahi kar sakte hai" she scolded the nurse.

"mam.. Koi doctor available nahi tha aur unke devar ne hospital hi sarpe utha liya tha pura," nurse explained

"uss intern se koi galti ho jaati toh? She will be dismissed from here.." she spoke.

Poonam stopped her "doctor.. Please aisa mat kijiye I am fine aur meri bachi bhi thik hai"

But she didn't listen and went to fire that doctor. Aarav and Vikram listened to this while standing at the door.

"usne jab kaha tha wo nahi kr sakti toh suna kyu nahi tum dono ne?" Poonam asked as that doctor will now lose her.

'Poonam tum pain mein thi..' Vikram explained

"haan bhabhi maa aur humhe thodi pata tha wo intern hai.." Aarav said defending himself

Nurse gets the baby girl into the room and Poonam sat up straight. She opened her arms and nurse placed the baby in her arms. Tears of happiness slipped down her eyes. She felt complete as a woman today. She kissed her tiny forehead softly and the little one grabbed her index finger with her hand. She recognised her mother and Poonam smiled.

She looked at Aarav "Tumhe apni bhatiji ko godh mein nahi lena hai?"

He sat down beside her and adorably stared at the little one. "cute hai.. Aap pe gayi hai bhai pe nahi" he said

She places her in his arms and the little one smiled. His eyes turned moist "chachu aapko sabse zyada pyaar karenge.." he said and kissed her forehead softly.

He then hands her to Poonam and walked out of the room. Vineet followed him and placed his hand on his shoulder. He turned and hugged him. Vikram caressed his head as he couldn't hold tears of happiness.

Aarav parted the hug and went somewhere. Vikram walked back into the room. He saw Poonam playing with the little one. She called him and he sat down beside her.

"Poonam I am a father now.. kya main ye zimmedari le paunga?" he asked

"maine tumhe 4 saal se janti hun Vikram.. tumhe samjhna hai maine tumhare dil mein Aaru ke liye jo pyaar hai use dekha hai.. jo insaan apne bhai se itna pyaar karta hai toh apni beti ko palkon pe bithake rakhega aur yeh mera vishwas hai" she said with a smile.

He tucked his head with her and they just stared at the little angle. "iski aankhein tumhari tarah hai" he said carefully looking at her.

"hai toh! lekin mujhe lagta hai ki yeh tumpar jayegi because daughter's are father's reflection.." Poonam said

"toh phir humhe ek beta laana chahiye.. kyun?" he asked teasingly.

"uski zaroorat nahi hai meri baat sunne waala hai mere paas" Poonam said

"wo bulakkadin?" Vikram asked

She shot a deadly glare at him "khabardar use bulakkadin kaha toh.. chachu ab apni pyaari se pari ke saath busy rahenge toh kuch nahi bhoolenge hai na baby?" she asked and the little girl chuckled making a sound as if she understood her mother words.

"Waise wo gaya kaha?" she asked

"Doctor se maafi mangne gaaya hai.. main tumhare discharge ki baat karke aata hun!" he said. She nodded in yes and he left the cabin. He meet the doctor and she advised a few things. She handed him the reports and other medical supplements. Vikram thanked her and went back to the room.

Aarav meet the dean and requested her not to fire that intern as she had helped with delivery. "Doctor inhone hamari madad ki kyuki koi bhi available nahi tha! meri bhabhi maa ki doctor dusri delivery mein thi.. hum dusre hospital nahi jaana chahte they bhabhi maa ko pain hota aur zyada isliye inse request ki.." he explained.

"hum samajhte hai lekin rules need to be followed" the dean said

"kisiki jaan se upar toh nahi hote na rules.. agar delay hota meri bhabhi maa ya bache ko kuch ho jaata toh aap responsibility lete?" he asked crossing his arms.

The dean remains silent, "thik hai! main inhe nahi nikalta hun" he said. A smile appears on his face.

"Thank you" she thanked him for saving her job.

"no I am sorry.. hamari wajah se aapki job jaane waali thi agar wo receptionist mujhe phone hi bol deti toh main yahan nahi aata.." he said

She looked at him "toh wo Poonam Malhotra hai?" she asked looking at him with narrows eyes.

"haan! matlab aapne.."

"ji maine hi phone uthaya tha! aapne meri baat suni nahi aur phone cut kar diya tha" she said

"sorry wo bhabhi maa ko dekha na toh.." he explains.

"I understand.. Thank you again!" she replied and walked away from there. Aarav had a sigh of relief as everything is fixed. He moved to the reception and saw his family walking towards the exit.

Vikram rolled his eyes at him and Aarav gestured with his eyes he had handled it. They walked out of the hospital and Poonam sat behind in the car with the baby girl in her hands. Vikram sat in front and Aarav drove off towards house. 

Within an hour they preached home. Aarav parked the car in the garage and everyone gets off the car. Aarav run into the house, he shouted for everyone and they came running to the entrance.

Poonam and Vikram stood at the door with the baby. Maria admired the child.

Maria hands him the Aarti plate and he performed it. "welcomes home little angel.." he said softly and stepped aside.

They entered home and went straight into the room. Aarav said "aap teeno rest kijiye aur kuch bhi chahiye mujhe bolna.. Have a good sleep" he closed the door and went to his room.

Poonam placed the girl on the bed in the center. She changed and then laid down beside her. Vikram came in the center and Poonam smiled "are baby ko center mein rakho"

"nahi princess aise hi soyegi hai na?" he asked playing with her fingers. She chuckled and Poonam smiled seeing them bonding.

A few months Later

It was naming ceremony of the girl, the house was decorated and close friends, business associates were invited. Poonam had been getting ready, she heard Vikram taking shower from the bathroom. She walked to the door and knocked "Vikram jaldi karo.. late ho raha hai"

"aaya baba! tum jaake meri princess ko ready karo" he replied

"wo toh ready ho jayegi! tum jaldi karo" she said. She moved to the Aarav's room and heard the noises from the bathroom. She walked and saw Aarav bathing the girl. She was playing in the water and he played along with her like a kid. 

"Aaru! late ho raha hai.." she said

Aarav looked at her "haan bhabhi maa bas hum abhi ready hoke aate hai"

Poonam takes her out of the bathtub and glared at him "tum ready ho jao.. isey main taiyaar karti hun bahut ho gaya pani mein khelna" 

He agreed and Poonam wraps the towel around the baby. She places her on the bed and wipes her body. She cried as she wanted to play more with Aarav in the bathtub. Poonam smiled "chachu ne toh abhi se bigad diya hai tumhe.. aaj tumhara naamkaran hai na toh achi  bachi ki tarah mumma ki baat suno warna tum aur tumhare chachu dono ko daant lagaungi" 

Aarav steps out of the bathroom after getting ready, he glanced at Poonam and smiled. "bhabhi maa main neeche tayari dekhta hun aap teeno aa jao phir" he said

"haan.. thik hai" she nodded. 

Aarav went downstairs and checked everything. He questioned the priest if anything is missing "nahi beta sab hai"

Aarav smiled, he welcomed the guests. Dr. Dheer greeted him "I am so happy to see you Aarav! Vikram ne bataya tum sirf ek baar hi bhoole ho kuch mahino mein"

"time hi kaha hai mere paas bhoolne ke liye kuch? bhai office jaate hai toh bhabhi maa ke saath mujhe choti se bachi ko sambhalna padta hai.. aur jab bhabhi kaam se jaati hai toh baby ki responsibility meri aur Chintu ki!Aur jab main office jaata hun toh bhai mujhe stress waala kaam dete hi nahi hai.. main ab stress leta hi nahi hun doctor..  aur phir aap har mahine mujhe therapy dete hai toh meri life ek dum perfect hai" he said with a smile. He excused himself and went to attend other guests. 

Vikram and Poonam stepped down with the baby girl. Vikram placed her into the cradle decorated with flowers and a decoration hanging down. It was like soft toy and she began to play with it as it will keep her distracted. They settled down for the Pooja and priest began to chant the mantras. Aarav came and sat behind them folding his hands. 

After the Pooja, priests makes the kundali according to her birth date and timing. "kanya ki rashi ke anusar uska naam n akshar se rakha jayega" he said. 

Vikram and Poonam exchanged glances with each other. Aarav was trying to understand their eyes language. Chintu asked "bhaiya yeh dono kuch bol kyun nahi rahe hai?" 

"yeh toh apni sign language mein baat kar rahe hai Chintu! tu aur main kuware hai na isliye samajh nahi aayega kuch" Aarav replied

Poonam whispers the name into her ear and she smiled hearing it. "Nishi" 

Aarav clicked the pictures and then lifted Nishi in his arms. Chintu asked him to let him play with her but he denied. Vikram and Poonam smiled seeing their cute little fight. 

"6 saal aur 10 mahine.. kitna kuch ho gaya par ab sab perfect hai! main tum hamari beti aur Aaru" Vikram said grabbing her hand tightly

"haan.. hum mile pyaar hua shaadi hui phir muskilein aayi hum alag hue par anth mein hum saath aaye ek dusre ko samjha aur aaj iss ghar mein khushiyan hai! meri family puri hui" she said with her eyes turning moist. She couldn't her tears of joy. 

"hmm.. tum aayi toh main sambhal gaya mera bhai thik ho gaya.. thoda sa defect hai usme par manage ho jayega" he said with a light laugh.

She smiled hearing him and he wiped tears from her eyes. They tucked their head with each other, Aarav came in between them with Nishi in his arms and they had to part away.  Aarav teased "romance? get a room.." 

"shut up! kabab mein haddi" Vikram murmured

"ab toh do do hai.." Aarav comments. 

Poonam laughed hearing his words. "see aise hasate hai bhabhi maa ko rulate nahi hai.. haina nishi?" he asked looking at the little one.

She chuckled in a yes. The photographer came to them and said "sir ek family picture"

"haan aise hi lo.. bhai bhabhi maa hum dono ko zorke hug karo" Aarav said

Vikram hugged him from his side while Poonam from other and they posed for the picture with a wide smile curving up their lips. 

Vikram saw someone, he tapped Aarav's shoulder and he looked at him "kya?" 

"Doctor..." he pointed towards the direction. Aarav looked and it was the same doctor who helped with Poonam's delivery. 

Aarav glared at him "toh?"

"flirt kar.. baat aage badha.. phir tujhe bhi samajh aayegi meri aur Poonam ki eye contact waali language" he said 

Aarav smiled and Vikram smeared his head. "bhai.. aapne mujhe durson ki tarah treat nahi kiya! mera saath kabhi nahi choda.. padosi police apne sabse lade ho aap sirf mere liye I love you.." 

"I love you too chote!" they shared a brotherly hug. 

Sometimes life gives him a tough time, but if loved ones stay together and fight things can be set right. It might not be perfect but better for survival. Every trauma leaves an impact in mental health, some fight with it or end up suicide because of their loneliness and lack of family support. It's highly important now mental health to be considered as a illness not taken for granted. Not to laugh, mistreat someone who is dealing with mental issues. Brain is the most complex part of a human body and damaged to it can lead to permanent disability. A helping hand can save someone's life.

Chintu grabbed Aarav tightly assuring him he will always be his friend. They did their secretive hand shake and planned for kite competition next weekend

................. THE END ...............

Hash! That's a long one! A practical and close to reality end. Please do leave a last comment to the story. ❣️❤️❣️

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