Aniket looked outside the window as a young boy came to his car and knocked on the window glass while he was stuck in the traffic. Aniket discreetly looked around and then lowered the window when he didn't find anything fishy.

The boy streched out a bunch of stationery towards Aniket. "Le lo na sahib. Sirf Das ka hai ek,"

"Kitne hai tumhare paas?" Aniket asked as he pulled off a few notes from his wallet.

"Saare?" The boy counted the items in his hands and looked back at Aniket. "Bees hai,"

"Saare de do," Aniket smiled.

"Saare? Bees ke bees?" The boy asked in surprise.

"Haan, saare de do."

"20 ke 200 honge. Kam nhi Karunga. 10 ke bhav me Lena Hai toh lo," The boy spoke with all the confidence.

Aniket bit back his smile. "Haan thik hai. De do saare,"

"Udhaar bhi nhi doonga." The boy gave him a suspicious look. People hardly bought a single piece. Why was this man buying all the twenty pieces?

Aniket raised his eyebrows. The little kid was doubting on him? A lawyer?

The boy stared at him with equal attitude. "200." He repeated.

Aniket gave up after good three minutes and handed him the amount. "Yeh lo. Ab toh doge?"

The boy's eyes lit up. He took the money and handed Aniket the stationeries. "Shukriya, sahib. Bohot bohot shukriya."

Aniket's eyes softened at the changed demeanor. "Kya karoge iss paise ka?"

The boy gave him a wide smile. "Mere chhote bhai ka janamdin hai. Asked liye woh rang birange gubbare leke jaunga," He pointed towards one of the stalls over other side of street.

Aniket was humbled by the innocent smile on his face. "Aaj uska birth..janamdin hai?"

The boy nodded earnestly.

Aniket pulled a small package from backseat and handed it over to the boy. The boy didn't reach for it and gave a questioning look to Aniket.

"Tumhare Bhai ka janamdin hai na, isme chocolates hai." Aniket smiled at him. "Yeh bhi de dena use,"

"Nahi, sahib," The boy shook his head. "Mere hisse ka le liya maine." He pointed towards the money. "Isse jyada nhi chahiye."

Aniket was impressed. "Le lo. Meri taraf se tohfa samajh lo. Mujhe pen ki bohot zarurat thi aur Kharidne ka time nhi tha. Tumne meri madad Kar di yahan aake. Rakh lo yeh meri taraf se,"

"Sachi?"

Aniket nodded. The boy's face glowed with happiness when he took the chocolates and ran away after thanking Aniket. Aniket smiled to himself. Younger siblings always had the elder ones wrapped around their little finger. His smile widened as he remembered Arnav had been the same around him. And then his smile wavered. He had insulted his brother's love once, he was scared of doing it again.

"Eat a little, Ani. You'll be hungry afterwards." Arnav insisted.

Aniket looked up. "Aap khila doge?" He blurted out.

Arnav's head snapped towards him. Aniket saw how his brother's eyes had lit up and had to rub his own eyes to cover up the frostiness. He had been putting Arnav at distance without realising that it was not just hurting him but his brother as well.

"Do you have to ask, Ani?" Arnav said, while he walked to Aniket's side and pulled a chair opposite to him. He took the plate of food, tore a morsel and brought it to Aniket's mouth with all the love he had.

The familiar gesture warmed up Aniket's heart. Though momentarily. He leaned forward and ate from Arnav's hands. His eyes shut closed as he relished the love and care with which the food was cooked and offered. He could swear he had never had anything more fulfilling.

"Kya hua, Ani? You look upset..." Arnav frowned slightly. There was something wrong in Aniket's demeanor.

"Nothing. I'm just sleepy." Aniket uttered, looking away from Arnav.

It was much convincing as Aniket wasn't an early bird. Arnav let it go and continued to feed him. The meal was halved with lightning speed.

"You were hungry." Arnav stated what was obvious observation.

Aniket looked down. He had been skipping meals quite frequently off late. Usually, he would have thrown a tantrum to escape Arnav's lecture that was about to follow, but right now he wanted to salvage every and the only scraps he could get. He waited for Arnav to berate him or even yell at him, but nothing of that sort happened.

When the silence streched for longer than Aniket could bear, he looked up. "Bhaiya?"

The quiet voice as though broke some trance Arnav was in. He still didn't say anything, but scooped up another morsel of rice and forwarded it to Aniket.

"I didn't have dinner." Aniket spoke on purpose.

Arnav looked at him and Aniket could see the rage in his brother's eyes before he composed himself quickly.

"I didn't have anything after yesterday's breakfast. Isliye bhook lagi thi," Aniket added further intentionally.

When Arnav still didn't so much as acknowledged his words, his eyes teared up. The man couldn't stop scolding them whenever they skipped even a single meal and now he wasn't even reacting. Had he finally given up?

Arnav got up quietly after Aniket was done. He went to the kitchen and came back with a lunch box. He looked at Aniket who was staring at the floor. He sighed.

"Ani," Arnav called out softly. Aniket looked up. For a moment there, Arnav was startled to feel the amount of pain his eyes held. He felt scared. He knelt down in front of Aniket's chair and cupped his face. "Are you okay?"

Aniket leaned into the touch immediately and managed a nod. He was craving his brother's comfort so desperately. He wanted to bask in everything he could before he turned away forever.

"You remember the days when they gave us only one meal a day?" Arnav asked in a soft voice.

The question took Aniket by surprise. Why was his brother recalling those days suddenly? However, he nodded.

"Sometimes even one meal in two days or so," He added in monologue. The beatings and working on empty stomach in scorching heat was a constant all along. Those days had left the harshest imprints on their soul.

"You remember how we had struggled to get milk for Aryan when he was a newborn?"

Aniket's eyes misted at the memory. The little child had so effortlessly taken over their hearts since the very day he was born. He remembered when Arnav had requested for some milk for Aryan, Mittal had laughed off and offered to give half a cup of milk at the cost of of Arnav's meal. And it was just the beginning. Arnav had gone over and beyond to fulfill Aryan's needs. Even his. He looked up to meet Arnav's eyes.

"There were days when you worked without eating a grain. You did so much..." His voice got heavy. "No one can be you, Bhaiya,"

"On those days, you didn't eat anything either." Arnav's voice was laced with affection. "Tu hi aata tha na mere pass apne hisse ka khana le Kar? No one can be you either, Ani..."

Aniket shook his head. What his Bhaiya had done for them was above every act of kindness. It was pure and selfless love. The kind of love that held the power to conquer the world.

As a child, he had always been resentful of the kids who had a family to call their own. He had been called an orphan ever since he could remember. He was taken in by Mittal from an orphanage when he was five or so. All his hopes of having a family someday were crushed beneath the cruel reality of this society. He accepted that he would remain a ln orphan. Until he met Arnav. Everything changed thereafter. Arnav didn't just become a brother to him, Arnav became his saviour, anchor and someone who could embody even almighty for him.

And today he knew, beside everything, Arnav was someone who gave him a family. Arnav was someone who loved him like his own when he was a nobody!

"Ann ke ek ek daane ki keemat Pata Hai hume, hai na?" Arnav's voice brought him back to present. He nodded his head. They indeed knew the value of each grain of food.

"Then why are you doing this?"

Aniket looked at him in confusion. Arnav pointedly looked towards the untouched plate of food kept over kitchen slab. Aniket looked away. It was his dinner that he had refused to eat last night.

"Tu mujhe bhookha dekh Kar apna khaana apne hisse ka khaana baantne aa jata tha." Arnav caressed his face gently. "Even when we couldn't do anything about it, my hunger upset you. And today when we do have three meals a day on our table, you still go to bed on empty stomach. Do you know what that makes me feel?"

Aniket lifted his gaze to meet Arnav's eyes through his own tear glazed ones.

"That makes me feel like a failed brother! I.." Arnav stopped abruptly and stood up. He had let his emotions overwhelm him. He had decided to give space to Aniket, but he was failing miserably. Every time he thought he could let Aniket be, he couldn't. He understood that Aryan was a child, but Aniket wasn't.  He couldn't treat them the same, but his heart refused to live up to his own words.

Tears pricked Aniket's eyes relentlessly, but he refused to shed them. He inhaled deeply, steeled his heart, and stood up. Arnav was already upset with him, he didn't want to add on to that by giving hints of his own troubles.

"Bhaiya," Aniket called out, maintaining a neutral voice.

Arnav hummed without looking at him.

"Aap kyun yeh sab soch rhe ho? I wasn't hungry, so I didn't eat. You've nothing to be worried of."

The disappointment in Arnav's eyes when he turned around to look at him cut through Aniket's heart. His eyes lowered on their own accord. Its was hard to accept that he was the reasons behind the hurt and disappointment in the eyes which had carried nothing but warmth for him.

"Keep this with you," Arnav handed him the tiffin box. Aniket didn't like to eat outside food usually, so he had prepared some extra.

"Eat only if you feel like eating.  Just keep it." Arnav added when he saw Aniket was about to protest. Aniket fell silent and nodded his head.

"Mai chalu?" Aniket asked.

"How will you go? Itni subah auto.."

"Rishi will pick me up from next stop. Wahan tak chal ke chala jaunga."

Arnav nodded. He tured around and started to clean the table. He was still not happy with letting Aniket go. Aniket had been so sick due to his allergy in past month that he was worried for his health. And the way Aniket had closed off towards him didn't help either. Every time he tried asking Aniket what was wrong, Aniket either snubbed him off or said everything was alright. Thats was hard to believe.

Aniket turned around to leave, but his legs refused to cooperate. He wanted to embrace his brother. He wanted to be held. For one last time. His heart yearned to feel his Bhaiya's love. He wanted to hold his Bhaiya's hands and tell him what he meant to him. He wanted his Bhaiya to know that he could never fail. Arnav Singhania was the best brother anyone could ask for.

But he knew if he did that now, he wouldn't be able to pull back. He had already made his decision. They were hurt enough, he didn't need to compound on that. He had everything planned. He could escape his classmates and go to Mittal directly. No one would now where he went. Once Mittal would transfer Aryan's custody on Arnav's name in front of him, he would end it all. Mittal was a vicious person.  Aniket knew he couldn't decieve him. He would come back for them all over again. And Aniket didn't have the energy to subject himself to the living hell once again. There was only one solution he had come up with. Mittal had provided him with the solution himself.

After the last allergy attack he had had, doctor had explicitly told them that Aniket's body was extremely reactive for the allergen and he already had a dangerous amount of it in his body. They had been warned that if Aniket is exposed to this amount of allergen once more, it would be life-threatening. That was the ultimate escape Aniket could find for himself. He would end up his life rather than living it under Mittal. That was just not an option.

"Ani," He heard Arnav's voice.

"Tu gya nhi?"

"Ja rha hoon," Aniket spoke.

Before he could leave, Arnav walked up to him and pulled him in his embrace. Aniket let his guards down and reciprocated instantly. He was grateful of small mercies he was getting.

"Theek se ja, Bachcha," Arnav pressed a soft kiss to Aniket's forehead before he pulled back. No matter what, he couldn't hold back himself. His heart refused to turn away from the boy whom he loved so dearly. "Stay safe and take care of yourself."

Aniket gulped back his tears and nodded. He casted a last glance at his brother. His eyes clouded over. He was seeing his Bhaiya for the last time. His heart weighed heavier than mountains. He dropped his backpack on the floor. A few things scattered over.

"It's okay, Bhaiya. I'll do it." Aniket stopped Arnav and reached out to gather his things. His eyes filled over as he gently touched Arnav's feet.

Arnav felt the touch and turned around confused. Before he could react, Aniket had shifted over and was zipping his bagpack. Arnav shrugged aside his thoughts and gave Aniket a soft smile. Aniket forced the tears at bay, hugged Arnav once again and rushed out before he fell weak and broke down. Arnav stared at his retreating figure with a restless heart.

What happened after that was something Aniket could never forgive himself for! It changed their life and their dynamics forever!

--------------------------------------------

"I'm perfectly alright, Maasi." Arnav repeated the words for the umpteenth time. His family was driving him crazy. Firstly it was just his wife and brothers. Then came his best friend. And now he was calming down a worried Sharda over the phone.

Something was said on the other side and Arnav took a deep sigh. "Okay, okay, samajh gya mai. I'll take care, Maasi. Aap kyun pareshan hoti hai?"

"Tu apna khayal khud rakh lega toh hume pareshan nhi hona padega." Sharda chided. "Aashi ka socha tune? Aru, Ayu, sab darr gye honge. At least take care of yourself for their sake, beta. You're the only one they have. Apne bachcho ki khaatir hi sahi par dhyaan rakh apni sehat ka. Aru sounded so down. Baat Kar uss bachche se tu,"

Arnav smiled. He was glad he had given Sharda a fair chance. She had won him over by her love. "Aru thik hai, Maasi. Darr gya tha thoda, abhi thik hai."

"Aur bhi kuch Kaha tha maine, "

"I promise I'll not neglect my health." Arnav reassured her.

"Agli baar sirf daant ke nhi chhodungi, Arnav. I'll pull your ears in front of your kids if this gets repeated."

As empty as it sounded, Arnav found himself smiling. "Noted, Maasi. Vaise if I'm not wrong, Ashi has put you up to this, has she not?"

"Woh kyun kuch karegi? Kya mujhe apne bachche ki fikar nhi?"

Arnav shook his head. "Aapne Kal jee bhar Kar daant Kiya tha mujhe. This second dose is definitely coming from elsewhere."

Sharda smiled on the other side. "Itne achche se Jaanta hai apni biwi ko?"

"Better than anyone else, Maasi."

Sharda laughed. "Khabardaar Jo meri bachchi ko kuch kaha toh. She is an angel."

"I never disagreed, Maasi. She is indeed our angel." Arnav smiled, his eyes shining with love he had for his wife. There was no Arnav Singhania without Aashika Goenka Singhania. He had no seconds thoughts about that.

"Tujhe dekhne ka bohot mann ho rha hai, beta." Sharda's voice was filled with longing.

"Toh aa jaiye, Maasi. Beta kehti ho na aap? Apne bete se koi alag rehta hai kya?" Arnav hoped she would agree.

Sharda sighed. She wished she could stay there. But she was apprehensive of her mother's intention. She didn't wish to disrupt the family's harmony. She would protect Arnav from the truth and the hurt that it would carry along with everything she had. It was her motherly instincts and she was determined to bot falter.

"Maasi?"

"Business ko yaha kiske bharose chhodu, beta? I've worked hard to establish this business. I'm trying to shift it to Mumbai. Hopefully we will get more days to spend together." Sharda came up with a plausible explanation.

Arnav couldn't put up a protest after that. "I understand, Maasi. Aapke saalon ki mehnat hai. I wouldn't ask you to compromise. Bas aapka ek Ghar yahan bhi hai where we wait for you."

Sharda's eyes misted. "Jaanti hoon, beta. I'll come back soon. Tu apna dhyaan rakh. Take care."

Arnav bid her goodbye and as soon as he disconnected the call, the door of his room flew open. He looked up and was pleasantly surprised to see Shivangi. He was expecting Ayu or Aru. He smiled down at her warmly.

"Come in, Shivi. Wahan kyun khadi ho?"

Shivangi didn't need to be told twice. She rushed in and hugged him. Arnav embraced her gently. "Kaisa rha tera exhibition?"

Shivangi pulled back and glared at him. "Aapko exhibition ki padi hai, Bhaiya?"

Arnav sighed. It was his siblings all over again. "I'm alright, Shivi..."

"Kuch mat bolo aap. Why didn't you tell anyone that you're bot feeling well? Aisa koi karta hai kya.." Her voice wobbled.

"Acha, I'm sorry. Tu upset kyun ho rahi hai?" Arnav smiled at her softly as she looked away like an annoyed teenager. "I'll take care, Shivi..."

"Will you really, Bhaiya?" She looked at him carefully.

"Yes, I will, bachcha." Arnav smiled and patted her head gently. "Ab Bata kaisa rha tera exhibition?"

Ignoring his question, Shivi spoke again, "Everyone got so scared, Bhaiya. Please don't do this. We're not strong enough to see you like that."

Arnav sighed and nodded. He was overwhelmed with the love his family had for him. Their concern was baffling and heartwarming at the same time.

Shivi opened her purse and took out the mauli she had brought with herself. She looked at Arnav and gestured him to strech out his hand. "Bhaiya?"

Keeping his confusion aside, Arnav did what he was asked to. Shivi took hold of his wrist and tied a mauli around it.

"Yeh kya hai?"

"I went to the temple while coming here so..." She shrugged.

Arnav smiled. "Tu toh nhi maanti inn sab baaton me?"

"Par aap toh maante ho," Shivi smiled back.

Arnav pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. To make someone's belief their own wasn't something everyone could do. His brother had definitely struck gold with the girl. He looked at the other maulis in her hands and asked, "Yeh?"

"Baaki sab ke liye." She answered. She had gotten the threads for everyone.

Arnav smiled. "Ani toh hai nhi Varna sabse jyada nakhre wahi karta pehenne me,"

Shivangi stilled. "Nhi hai Matlab?" She asked, hoping against the hope for a different answer than the one she was fearing.

"He left for Rishikesh. You didn't know?" Arnav was taken aback by the shock on her face.

"Left for Rishikesh?" Shivi felt the floor beneath her slipping away.

"Kya hua, Shivi?" Arnav grew concerned. "Tumhe Pata tha na asked Rishikesh ke case ke baare me?"

Shivangi's eyes filled up with angry tears. How could Aniket leave behind her back?

"Shivi," Arnav reached for her worriedly.

"There's something that you need to know, Bhaiya!" Her voice resonated with determination as she looked her brother in the eye.
___________________________________________

A/n

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