HALF-SISTER (COMPLETED)

Harsha went into the room to see Anirudh standing on the balcony. Harsha walked onto the balcony.

Harsha cleared her throat to gain his attention.

Anirudh (turning towards her): I am waiting for you.

She walked up to him.

Anirudh: I can't express to you how happy I am. You know, All these days, I was having thoughts like how I would convince you that she is not my sister. You understood me.

Harsha: Won't you even try to make it? At least for Dadi?

Anirudh sighed.

Harsha: Let's set this topic aside for now. I need your help with something.

Anirudh nodded asking her to continue.

Harsha: Ruhi's exams are around. She needs to focus on her studies. When Khushi is around. She can't. So, She studies when Khushi is sleeping. If you can, take Khushi out for some time.

Anirudh (nodded): After the office, I will take her. By the way, yesterday, Vidyut asked me. If we can take the responsibility of her studies. With this, Dadi will also be at least happy.

Harsha: Okay! So, what you have decided?

Anirudh: Saurav agreed with Vidyut. So, I guess, I am also okay with it too.

Harsha nodded with a smile.

They continued talking about other things.

The next day...

In the evening, As decided, Anirudh came home early from the office. He asked Harsha to get Khushi ready.

Anirudh (taking Khushi in arms): Chale? Aaj Papa and Princess jayege ghumne. (Let's go? Today, Papa and Princess are going out)

Khushi (excitedly giggling): Yuhiiiiiiiii... come come.

Harsha (pulling her cheeks): Ruhi has to study.

Khushi (pout): No...

She turned to Anirudh.

Khushi (sadly pout): Papa (pointing at Harsha) Mumma Yuhiii no...

She complained to Anirudh.

Harsha (narrowing her eyes): Ani, do one thing. Don't take Khushi.

And the next second, Khushi held Anirudh tightly, by wrapping her little arms around him.

Khushi (singing): Papa Papa Papa Papa...

She pointed at the door.

(Khushi be like: Chal bhai chal Varna ye mujhe bhi bitha degi)

Bidding Harsha bye, Anirudh and Khushi left.

Harsha went into the kitchen and prepared milk for Vidyut and Ruhi. Just then, Ruhi came into the kitchen.

Ruhi: I want water.

Harsha nodded and handed her a glass of water. As she drank it.

Harsha: Ruhi, can you please give this to Vidyut bhai? He is studying in his room.

Khushi nodded. Harsha handed her a glass of milk.

Harsha: Wish him "All the best" as he is preparing for his exams.

Ruhi went into the Vidyut's room and knocked at the entrance.

Vidyut saw her and nodded, asking her to come in.

Ruhi went in.

Ruhi (forwarding glass of milk): Bhabhi gave this to you.

Vidyut took the glass.

Ruhi: Are you studying for your exams?

Regular Vidyut picks up and drops her off at the bus stand for school. Ruhi has started to feel comfortable around him, but this is the first time she has spoken to him. Vidyut nodded.

Ruhi (small smile): All the best Vidyut bhaiya.

Vidyut snapped at her. After a pause of a few seconds. He finally replied.

Vidyut: All the best to you too.

Ruhi (smiling): Thank you.

She ran away from there. Vidyut smiled looking at her disappearing.

Vidyut (sighed): Okay! So, this is our first conversation. It's not hard to talk with her.

He continued his studies.

Meanwhile, Ruhi ran out of Vidyut's room. Shalini saw her, and for a few seconds, her heart pondered what if Vidyut had scolded her, and she ran out because of fear. Seeing the smile on her face, she let out a sigh of relief.

Harsha called Ruhi to study, and they began their session.

The next day onwards, Harsha asked Ruhi to give Vidyut milk and a small conversation of "All the best". This small gesture of Vidyut explains he is trying to give this situation a chance. He is trying to complete the promise he made to Harsha.

Shalini was the happiest one of all.

Two weeks have passed. Today is Vidyut's last exam, while Ruhi still has a few left to attempt.

At dining, Everyone was having dinner.

Vidyut: Dadi, Tomorrow, I am going for a field visit with the college. I will be back on Monday.

Anirudh (raising his eyebrow): Field trip of four days that too on the weekend?

Vidyut (faking anger): This old man doesn't even trust me a bit. Dadi is already aware of it. She signed the college form and even Bhabhi knows. It's just that today, I got confirmed dates. Bhabhi, how can you marry a Hilter? I am already telling you that he won't allow Khushi to have a boyfriend.

Anirudh (hitting his head): Don't even go there. Khushi and Boyfriend.

He rolls his eyes. Others were enjoying this drama.

Saurav (smirking): What do you mean by "don't even go there?" Khushi will definitely have a boyfriend. Me and Vidyut will help her hide this from you.

With this, Vidyut and Saurav hi-fied.

Anirudh (glaring at both of his brothers): Ye jis hath se hi-fi kiya na. Dono ka vahi tod duga. Chup chap khana khane ke liye muh chalao bas. (I will break this hand of you both. Now, use your mouth only to eat)

Scowling at him, both sat silently. Anirudh sighed as they concluded this topic but Shalini, Harsha and Ruhi enjoyed it. Khushi was also enjoying it, though she understood nothing.

Shalini: I got a call today. This Saturday, your Ankita Masi is organizing Pooja in the evening. She invited all of us.

(Masi: Mother's Sister. So, She is referring to Vibha's Sister.)

Vidyut: I will be on the field trip.

Shalini nodded.

Anirudh: Either me or Saurav... Only one of us can make it. As we have an important meeting on Saturday evening.

Harsha: Ruhi?

Shalini: I don't know how Ankita will react.

The atmosphere turned thick.

To be continued...