The Return

Thank you everyone for your support. Really means a lot to me..Lots of Love to you guys.

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Arnav was making coffee when the doorbell rang. Startled, he rushed to open the door—and the moment he saw Rahul, he pulled him into a tight hug, making Rahul take a step back from the force of it.

Rahul instinctively wrapped his arms around Arnav, holding him protectively, sensing the tension in his body. Kritika, who had followed behind, looked worried too. Rahul glanced at her and gave a subtle nod, silently telling her, "you go I'll handle this"

Kritika gave him a small, understanding smile. Her heart melted at the sight of Arnav clinging to Rahul like a child seeking comfort in his mother’s embrace. She quietly stepped back, leaving them alone.

Rahul gently asked, his voice full of warmth, “Ani... kya hua?”

Arnav shook his head, stepping away, his voice low. “Theek hoon main... bas...”

Rahul cupped his shoulder gently and said, “Coffee leke aaja chhat pe... wait kar raha hoon tera.”

Arnav gave a silent nod.

The two friends sat silently, sipping their coffee as the evening breeze gently brushed past their faces. The sky above was painted in soft shades of orange and purple, but neither of them paid attention. The silence wasn’t awkward—it was peaceful. Familiar.

It had always been this way.
Rahul knew Arnav took time to open up. So, he never pushed. He just stayed—close enough to be there, far enough to let Arnav breathe.

That had always been their unspoken promise.
Twelve years of friendship. No pretenses. No lies. Just a bond—imperfect but unshakable. They weren’t brothers by blood, but by choice and heart.

Finally, Arnav broke the silence. " so party kaise rahi ?”

Rahul caught the cue. Arnav was warming up to something deeper.

“Do sal ke bacche ki birthday party kaise hogi , Ani?” Rahul replied with a playful smirk. “or tujhe pata hai kriti kaisi hai… wo baccho ko dekhkar...khud bacchi ban jati hai. She made me wear a birthday cap and literally forced me to play musical chairs with those little tornadoes.”

Arnav laughed. “Only Bhabhi could pull that off.”

Rahul nudged him on the back. “Hansle jitna hasna hai . Just wait till you get married. Then we’ll see who’s laughing!”

Arnav raised his hands in mock surrender. “No way, man. I’m happy with you all. I don’t want to get into all that mess.”

Rahul smirked. “Oh Mr. Brahmchari, jada khwab mat dekhye ap..apki pyari vahini ne apke liye ladki dekhna chalu kar diya hai..or iss saal wo tere hath peele karke hi manegi.

Arnav’s eyes widened. “What?!”

Rahul nodded seriously. “You heard me right.”

“I don’t know anything! You better save me from this martyrdom,” Arnav exclaimed.

Rahul chuckled. “Nope. Mai devar-bhabhi ke war ke neech me nahi ane wala. Teri vahini..tu sambhal.

Arnav groaned, trying to glare at him, but it only made Rahul laugh harder. Eventually, even Arnav couldn’t hold back a small, reluctant smile.

A few quiet moments passed. Then, softly, Arnav said, “Rahul… ek bat bolu ?

Rahul turned to him, all joking gone from his face. “Haan bol na.”