Sunehri Kahani - Between the Lines

The mall buzzed with energy as Zaara stepped through its doors, her eyes wide with excitement. For once, she wasn't here on a rushed errand with Viren or a quick stop with Veer. Today, she was Zaara the explorer, free to roam and discover at her own pace.

"Where to first?" Priya asked, grinning at her friend's obvious delight.

Zaara's gaze darted from shop to shop, trying to take in everything at once. "Movie!" she decided, pulling Priya towards the cinema. 

Post-movie, they hit the food court. Zaara's eyes gleamed mischievously as she scanned the menu boards.

"Bhaiya would have a fit if he saw what I'm about to eat," she chuckled, ordering a burger, fries, and a chocolate shake - all items firmly on Viren's "junk food" restricted list.

As they munched, Zaara savored each "forbidden" bite. "I can't remember the last time I had a burger," she sighed contentedly.

"That's because your brother runs the house like a health boot camp," Priya teased.

Their laughter was interrupted by two young sales girls approaching their table, arms full of colorful pamphlets.

"Summer camp in Lonavala!" one chirped enthusiastically. "Two weeks of adventure, sports, and fun!"

Priya's eyes lit up as she scanned the brochure. "Zaara, this looks amazing! Rock climbing, rafting, art workshops... We should totally go!"

Zaara's smile faltered. "You know Bhaiya will never agree."

"Come on, at least try," Priya urged. "Imagine how much fun it would be! Two weeks away from home, making new friends, trying new things... Plus, it could be great for your dancing. Look, they have dance workshops too!"

As Priya painted a vivid picture of camp life, Zaara felt a spark of hope ignite in her chest. Maybe, just maybe, with Veer's help...- Unaware of the fact that this summer camp would bring in storm her family dynamics!

"I'll think about it," she said, carefully folding the pamphlet and tucking it into her bag.

They spent the rest of the afternoon window shopping and playing games in the arcade, Zaara carefully budgeting her spending money. As the day wound down, she checked her watch, determined to be home on time and prove she could handle her newfound freedom responsibly.

On the bus ride home, Zaara's mind raced with plans. How could she convince Bhaiya to let her go? Would promises of extra chores and perfect grades be enough? Little did she know, her biggest hurdle wouldn't be Viren, but Veer himself.

Zaara entered the house right on time, calling out a cheerful greeting. Viren acknowledged her return with a nod, still focused on his laptop. So far, so good.

When Veer returned from his hospital shift an hour later, he was surprised to find Zaara placing a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of freshly baked cookies in front of him as he collapsed onto the living room couch.

Surprise quickly morphed into suspicion as he eyed the treats. "Sach Sach bata, what did you do?" he asked, his tone wary. "Broke a vase? Burnt down the kitchen? Download another virus onto Bhaiya's laptop?"

"Bhai!" Zaara protested, feigning innocence. "Why would you think that? Aap kitne tired ho! Can't I just help you a little?"

Veer's eyes narrowed, not buying her act for a second. "Cut to the chase, Z. What do you want?"

Zaara hesitated, then slowly slid the camp pamphlet towards him. Veer's response was immediate and emphatic: "Impossible."

"But Bhai!" Zaara pleaded, her voice taking on the wheedling tone she reserved for desperate situations. "Dekhein toh sahi! It's educational... sort of."