The Malhotras

It was Sunday morning in Malhotra Mansion. The atmosphere was the blend of calm and chaos. Arush was trying hard to talk to Advait but he was ignoring him since the morning.

Advait was dressed in a black crisp coat, his white shirt was neatly tucked in his black pants. He was looking extremely handsome in this outfit. His outfit was screaming unspoken authority.

He stepped down the stairs followed by Arush who was following him like a lost puppy. He didn't even let him get ready in peace and continuously tried to get his attention. But Advait was ignoring him and giving him silent treatment.

Advait entered the dining area and settled on his chair, Arush looked at him expectantly as he had the habit to sat on his lap and getting fed by his hands. But Advait didn't even glance at him.

Abhishek and Aditya came and sat on their places. Abhishek's face was as calm as always while Aditya's eyes were twinkling with mischief.

"Good morning, bhaiya." They greeted in chorus.

"Morning." Advait replied in his usual voice but it was filled with the warmth that was only reserved for his brothers.

"Aap office jaa rahe ho?" Aditya asked.

Advait barely nodded while scrolling through the mails in his phone.

"Par aaj to Sunday hai." Abhishek said.

"Ek important meeting hai beta. I have to go." He replied looking up at him.

"I'll come back soon." He added after noticing his brother's sad faces.

They nodded, Arush was still standing. Abhishek noticed that Advait was deliberately ignoring him and sensed something had surely happened.

"Kya hua Aru khada kyu hai baith na." He said.

Advait briefly looked at him but again averted his eyes. He passed a knowing look to Abhishek making him nod in response.

"Aaja Aru aaj mai tujhe khana khilata hoon." Abhishek said and tried to put him on his lap but he backed away.

"Aap khalo, mujhe bhaiya khila denge." Arush said hopefully.

"Abhi, mai kisi ko nahi khilane wala." Advait replied, "koi itna chota nahi hai ki khud na kha sake, jab jubaan theek se chalti hai to hath bhi chalne chahiye."

Arush's eyes turned teary at that, he looked down to hide his tears but a lone tear fell down on his cheek.

Abhishek saw that and quickly pulled him into a hug, Arush hugged him back and settled down on the chair beside him. The breakfast table was unusually quiet and they silently had their breakfast.

Advait's heart clenched looking at Arush who was innocently eating his breakfast looking down all the time.

"Hello baccho!" A voice came from the living room and they all turned their faces towards the direction.

Advait face turned into a warm smile looking at the man standing in front of him. He quickly stood up and touched his feet to greet him.

"Kaise ho beta?" The man, Raj khurana asked.

"Mai theek hoon, uncle." Advait politely replied, "Aap aur aunty kaise hain?"

"As usual fit and fine." Raj chuckled.

Abhishek came forward and touched his feet, "Hello uncle."

"Hello beta." Raj playfully ruffled his hair.

Aditya almost jumped on Raj, "Uncle, vanu nahi aayi?"

Advait face palmed himself and Raj let out a generous chuckle, he was about to reply but a chirpy voice interrupted him.