HALF-SISTER (COMPLETED)

It has been two weeks since Ruhi returned to school.

Everything seems unchanged. None of the brothers was able to Accept Ruhi as part of their family, or perhaps Vidyut is on a different tangent?

From the first day of Ruhi's school. It was Vidyut who used to pick up her from the Bus stand and also drop her off there since Harsha made an excuse to encourage him. So he can comfort Ruhi in his own way. Although, there was no communication between both, even this small gesture of Vidyut was enough to give hope to Shalini and Harsha that one day, he would Accept Ruhi as his family.

It was a weekend evening and everyone was having dinner.

Vidyut: Bhabhi, I have exams from next week.

Anirudh (raising his eyebrow): Have you started studying?

Harsha (rolling her eyes): I wouldn't be surprised if the answer is no.

Shalini: I agree with Harsha. You three are all the same. You will study at the time of exams only.

Vidyut (interpreting in between): Hold on! Let me complete my sentence. Don't just jump too quickly. I have actually started my studies a while ago. I need help as I have some doubts.

Saurav (smirking): You have a girlfriend, don't you?

Vidyut opened his mouth to respond but couldn't get the words. So, he simply shook his head ignoring Saurav's question.

Saurav: See, I knew it, studying ahead of time and him- Never happening.

Vidyut: So, I have a girlfriend who is forcing me to be prepared in advance?

Anirudh (chimed): Exactly!

Vidyut (smirking): Does this mean, Both of you are scared of Harsha Bhabhi and Mihika Bhabhi? So, you are considering me in the same light.

Harsha: Hold on! Don't start, you three.

Anirudh: Fine! I will help you.

Vidyut: No thanks! Bhabhi will help me.

Anirudh (declaring his decision): Shut up! I will help you.

Vidyut rolled his eyes, accepting his defeat. Everyone giggled at Vidyut's expression.

Ruhi (Hesitated): Mujhe bhi exam ka timetable mila hai... Khushi ki mumma. (I also got my exam timetable... Khushi's mom)

She mumbled "Khushi ki Mumma (Khushi's mom) after a long pause, uncertain what else she could name their relationship)

Harsha (nodding): Hmm... We will focus more on our studies tomorrow, okay? You have to complete the whole syllabus.

Ruhi (shook her head): Mumma ke sath maine padha old syllabus. (I have already completed the old Syllabus with Mom).

Shalini patted Ruhi's head and kissed her forehead, making Ruhi smile with comfort. During dinner, everyone ate in silence except for Khushi, who chatted lively in her own language.

After dinner, Harsha retired Khushi and Ruhi and went into the room to make them sleep. Anirudh and Saurav sat with Shalini, discussing their business. Vidyut went into his room to take his notes as Anirudh will be clearing his doubts.

After spending a few minutes in his room, Vidyut walked out of the room. He went to Anirudh and Harsha's room. He saw his bhabhi was patting Khushi and Ruhi's heads as they both were already in deep slumber of sleep.

He sat beside Harsha, and she smiled at him. He laid his head on her lap. Harsha started to massage his scalp.

Harsha: Anirudh must be waiting for you.

Vidyut (with puppy eyes): Bhabhi, you can clear my doubts tomorrow. I don't want to study with bhai...

Harsha (giggling): Okay fine! I will speak with him.

Vidyut (sigh): Bhabhi?

Harsha: Hmm?

Vidyut: At the dining table, instead of referring to you as Di or Bhabhi, Ruhi referred to you as Khushi's mom. Haven't you told her anything?

Harsha: No! Meri is bare me kabhi baat hi nahi hui. Maybe Di bol sakti thi vo but she chooses another way. I don't know why. (No, I haven't spoken with her about this. She could have used Di; perhaps she chose another way. I don't know why).

Vidyut (confused): Di, why not Bhabhi?

Harsha: Yes Di! I won't mind playing the role of elder sister in her life. I will be her Bhabhi only if Anirudh chooses to be her brother. I don't want to hurt Anirudh.

Vidyut smiled widely. He held Harsha's hands and pecked on it.

Vidyut (with a proud smile): In my opinion, Mom must have chosen you to be Bhai's wife, even though you both used to argue a lot. She must be so proud of Bhai for selecting you as his wife.

Harsha blushed at his words as he cooed.

Saurav and Anirudh, who were standing at the entrance, heard their conversation. Anirudh's heart tightened with happiness. They quickly moved away from there.

Harsha: Now go and sleep.

Vidyut nodded and bid goodnight before heading to his room. As he left, Harsha walked out of the room to check on Shalini.

Shalini was in her room, sleeping. Whereas, Anirudh and Saurav were in Saurav's room.

Anirudh: Saurav, tu so jaa. Mujhe Harsha se baat karni hai. Main aaya. (Saurav go to sleep. I need to talk to Harsha, so I will come over.)

He walked out of the room and went into his room to find the girls sleeping. He went inside the balcony, waiting for Harsha.

After checking on Dadi, Harsha entered Saurav's room and found him sitting deep in thought.

Harsha: Saurav?

Saurav: Bhabhi? Come sit.

He patted beside her. Harsha sat with him.

Saurav: You are the best Bhabhi.

Harsha gave him a confused look.

Saurav (with a small smile): We, as in me and Ani bhai, heard over your and Vidyut's conversation. Bhabhi, I can't tell you how proud we are.

Harsha patted his cheek.

Harsha: Saurav, remember when we met the first time?

Saurav (nodded): Bhai and I just came back from school. Bhai started an argument with you.

Harsha (small chuckle): Yes! And you supported me in an argument even though we were not acquainted.

Saurav: Because from the very first moment. I got that you are my sister.

Harsha: Today, where is my younger brother?

Saurav gave her a confused look.

Harsha: Why can't you be a brother to Ruhi? Why not ignore her parents? Consider her just a normal girl who entered your life, like you did for me?

Saurav was quiet, not knowing the answer.

Harsha: Do think and tell me your answer soon.

Saurav (nodded): Bhai wants to talk to you. He is waiting in your room.

Harsha nodded and left for her room, bidding him bye.

To be continued...

The response has been quite underwhelming. I'm actively seeking more engagement!