In the night's quiet, Sanskar lay awake in his room, his thoughts swirling around the unexpected meeting between his father, Ram, and Dadi. Bathed in the gentle glow of the moonlight seeping through his window, Sanskar couldn't shake the nagging questions plaguing his mind.

"Why did Dad meet with Dadi?" Sanskar pondered quietly to himself, his brow furrowing with confusion. The late-night rendezvous left him feeling unsettled, and he couldn't help but wonder about the reasons behind it.

As he sat on the edge of his bed, Sanskar tried to make sense of the situation. Was there something going on that he wasn't aware of? Was his family facing some kind of trouble that they hadn't shared with him?

With a heavy sigh, Sanskar knew he needed to find out the truth. Determined to confront his father about the mysterious meeting, he resolved to seek answers first thing in the morning. Until then, he could only lie awake, grappling with his thoughts and anxieties in the darkness of his room.

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Standing alone on the balcony, Swara felt a surge of worry for Sanskar. She reached for her phone, intending to call him and check on him. But before she could dial his number, a sudden hand covered her mouth, sending a jolt of fear through her.

Swara's heart pounded in her chest until she heard laughter. She turned to see Ragini and Aradhya, their faces beaming with mischief.

"Ragini, Aradhya, you scared me!" Swara exclaimed, relief flooding her.

Ragini grinned. "Sorry, Swara, we couldn't resist," she said, sharing a glance with Aradhya.

Aradhya nodded, a playful smirk on her lips. "We saw you looking all serious and thought we'd lighten the mood," she explained.

Swara couldn't help but chuckle at their prank, grateful for the break from her worries. "Well, you definitely succeeded," she admitted, shaking her head in amusement.

Just as they were about to burst into laughter, Swara quickly put her finger to her lips, signaling for silence. "Shh, guys," she whispered urgently, her eyes wide with mischief. "Let's keep it down and not wake everyone up with our giggles."

Ragini and Aradhya exchanged knowing glances, understanding Swara's playful intent. They nodded in agreement and tried to stifle their laughter, but it proved to be a futile effort.

Despite their best attempts, Ragini let out a snort of laughter, followed by Aradhya's muffled chuckles. Swara couldn't help but join in, their efforts to stay quiet only making them laugh harder.

Their suppressed giggles filled the air, mingling with the stillness of the night. Despite their attempts to be discreet, their laughter grew louder with each passing moment.

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Sanskar quietly entered Laksh's room, finding his brother peacefully asleep, lost in a deep slumber. Just then, Aryan, who happened to be passing by, caught sight of Sanskar inside Laksh's room and decided to join him.

"What are you doing here, Sanskar?" Aryan asked in a hushed tone, curious about his friend's late-night visit.

Sanskar gestured towards Laksh, who was snoring softly in his sleep. "I came to talk to him, but it seems like he's enjoying a deep slumber," Sanskar replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Aryan nodded in understanding. "I was just on my way to get some water," he explained, glancing at Laksh. "But he looks way too peaceful, don't you think? Maybe we should pull a prank on him."

A mischievous smirk spread across Sanskar's face as he considered Aryan's suggestion. "I like the way you think, Aryan," he said, nodding in agreement.

Under the cover of darkness, Sanskar and Aryan stealthily carried Laksh's mattress out to the lawn, careful not to disturb his peaceful slumber. With silent high fives, they celebrated their successful prank, relieved that Laksh hadn't woken up during their operation.

The next morning, Annapurna was puzzled to find Laksh's room empty and the front door left open. Concerned, she ventured outside, where she found Sanskar and Aryan sharing a laugh as they looked over at Laksh, who was fast asleep on his mattress in the lawn.

Confusion clouded Annapurna's features as she approached them. "What's happening here?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Sanskar and Aryan exchanged knowing glances before launching into an animated explanation, recounting the details of their prank with enthusiastic energy. As they spoke, the rest of the family emerged from the house, drawn by the commotion.

They gathered around, laughter filling the air as Sanskar and Aryan regaled them with the tale of their prank. Durga Prasad, with a playful sternness in his voice, addressed Laksh.

"Laksh," he began, "is this where you've chosen to sleep now? Maybe we should consider taking away your room if you're more comfortable outdoors!"

Laksh stirred awake, confusion evident on his face as he realized his unconventional sleeping spot.

​​After Durga Prasad's playful scolding, Laksh quickly apologized, still confused. As the family left with a teasing smile, Sanskar and Aryan continued to chuckle. Ignoring Laksh's annoyed look, before he chased after them, laughter filled the air as they engaged in playful banter.

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"Ragini, we need to talk," Swara began, her voice hushed yet urgent.

Ragini's eyes widened with curiosity, her gaze fixed on Swara. "What's going on, Swara?" she asked, her tone tinged with curiosity.

Swara took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Dadi has come up with a plan," she revealed, her words hanging in the air like a weighty secret.

A spark of interest flickered in Ragini's eyes as she leaned in closer. "And what does Dadi want now?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Swara hesitated for a moment before continuing. "She wants you to come back to Baadi," she explained, her voice filled with significance.

Ragini's lips curled into a sly smile, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Back to Baadi? How intriguing," she remarked, her tone laced with irony.

Swara couldn't help but smile at Ragini's reaction, a sense of camaraderie forming between them. "I thought you might find it amusing," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.

Ragini nodded in agreement, a determined glint in her eyes. "Well, if Dadi wants me back, I'll play along," she declared, her voice brimming with confidence.

Swara's gaze softened as she looked at Ragini, a surge of admiration swelling within her. "Just be careful, Ragini. We don't know what Dadi's up to," she warned, her tone serious.

Ragini met Swara's gaze with determination. "I'll keep my guard up, Swara. Don't worry," she assured her, her voice filled with resolve.

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Aradhya stood nervously in the kitchen, eyeing the ingredients for Bajra Roti and Lahsun Chutney, along with Methi Bajra Puri and Aloo Sabzi. Dadi had just left, entrusting her with the task of preparing the traditional Marwari breakfast for the entire household. She forced a smile as Dadi departed, but inside, she was panicking.

"I can't do this," she muttered to herself, her hands trembling as she reached for a cookbook.

Just then, Aryan sauntered into the kitchen, a mischievous glint in his eye. He crept up behind Aradhya and let out a loud boo, causing her to jump in fright.

"Aryan, you scared me!" she scolded, shooting him an annoyed glance.

Aryan chuckled, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Sorry, couldn't resist," he replied, his tone light.

Aradhya sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I have to make breakfast for everyone, but I have no clue what I'm doing," she confessed, her voice tinged with frustration.

Aryan's eyes lit up with mischief as he stepped forward. "Don't worry, I've got you covered," he declared, rolling up his sleeves.

Aradhya stared at him in surprise, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes. "You know how to cook?" she asked, incredulous.

Aryan grinned confidently. "Let's just say, I'm a master in the kitchen," he replied, winking at her.

With Aryan's expert guidance, Aradhya began to relax. Together, they worked side by side, kneading dough for soft Bajra Rotis, grinding garlic and chilies for spicy garlic Chutney, frying crispy Methi Bajra Puris, and simmering aromatic Aloo Sabzi. Despite her initial doubts, Aradhya found herself enjoying the experience, buoyed by Aryan's infectious enthusiasm.

As they put the finishing touches on the breakfast spread, Aradhya couldn't help but feel grateful for Aryan's unexpected help. With his support, she had overcome her fears and successfully completed her task.

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Sanskar stood in his father's study, his heart pounding with nervous anticipation. He had to confront his dad about the mysterious meeting with Dadi, and he knew it wouldn't be easy.

"Dad, we need to talk," he began, his voice firm yet tinged with uncertainty.

Ram looked up from his work, surprise flickering across his face at the serious tone in Sanskar's voice. "What is it, Sanskar? Is something wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Sanskar hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before plunging ahead. "I saw you meeting with Dadi yesterday," he said, his gaze unwavering as he watched his father's reaction.

Ram's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "And what if I did?" he retorted, his tone defensive.

Sanskar pressed on, his resolve strengthening with each passing moment. "I need to know what's going on, Dad. Why were you meeting with her? What do you two have planned?" he demanded, his voice tinged with urgency.

Ram sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "It's complicated, Sanskar. There are things you don't understand," he replied cryptically, his eyes avoiding Sanskar's probing gaze.

But Sanskar refused to back down, his determination unwavering. "I need answers, Dad. Whatever it is, we're in this together," he insisted, his voice filled with conviction.

Ram studied his son for a long moment, weighing his words carefully. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he relented. "Fine. Meet me tonight, and I'll tell you everything," he conceded, his tone somber.

Sanskar nodded, a sense of relief flooding through him at his father's willingness to open up. "Thank you, Dad," he said sincerely, a glimmer of hope igniting in his heart.