The morning sun shone through the drapes, waking Agastya from his sleep. He stretched luxuriously, recalling the previous night's movie marathon experiences. A malicious gleam appeared in his eyes as he resolved to awaken Aarvika with a tickling assault. He strode towards her chamber, a scowl on his brow. The room was vacant.

Panic began to rise in his chest. He shouted out for Aarvika, his voice tinged with unidentifiable fear. No response. He looked toward Avighna and Aditya's room, thinking she had crept in for a snuggle. They were cooking breakfast with their backs turned to him.

"Agni, Aaru kidhar hai?" Avighna queried, turning around with a spatula in his hand, his concentration still on rolling the omlette.

(Agni, where's Aaru?)

"Still sleeping, I guess? Let her rest, Bhaiya. She has plenty of time before school starts." Agastya said.

Aditya, rummaging through a backpack, chimed in, "Yeah, maybe we should pack her a bigger lunch today. All that extra sleep will make her super hungry!"

Agastya couldn't meet their eyes. The truth, a heavy stone in his stomach, threatened to spill out. He couldn't bear to tell them he didn't know where Aarvika was. He lied. "Yeah, good idea. I'll wake her up a little later."

The load of the lie pushed down on him as he exited the kitchen. He inspected their modest abode again, a mounting sensation of dread gripping him. He ran outdoors, his bare feet pounding on the crisp, early pavement. The image that met him sent a rush of relief and horror through him.

Aarvika was going towards their house on an identical purple mountain bike. Her eyes were hot, and a tear rolled down her face, but she was secure. Relief flooded over him, nearly causing his legs to buckle.

He raced towards her, noticing a slight wobble in her gait. As he got closer, he saw scraped knees peeking out from beneath her shorts. Anger, laced with concern, bubbled up inside him. "Lilliput! Kaha gayi thi tu? Aur subah subah meri bike kyu le gayi?" He knelt before her, his voice firm but gentle.

(Lilliput! Where did you go? And why did you take my bike early morning?)

Aarvika sniffled, her lower lip trembling. "I woke up early and wasn't sleepy. The roads were empty, so I thought to take your bike for a ride." Her voice dropped to a whisper, "But then I fell down in a hole."

Agastya checked her scraped knees, cringing sympathetically. He reached into his pocket and drew out a well-worn napkin. He treated the injuries with all he could, his rage subsiding as he saw the regret and terror in her eyes.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" He asked gently.

"Sorry," Aarvika looked up at him, her eyes pleading. "Please don't tell Dadda and Papa. They'll get mad at me."

Agastya, remembering their pact about keeping secrets, found himself nodding. "Okay, it'll be our little secret. But next time, wake me up, alright? Promise?"

Aarvika, a small smile gracing her lips, pinky-swore. "Promise."

Together, they headed back home, with Agastya pushing the bike and Aarvika clutching his arm. He knew he ought to tell Avighna and Aditya the truth, but the thought of their concern and subsequent reprimand kept him mute. He planned to confess later, perhaps after school. Currently, all that matters is to keep his tiny sister secure and their secret hidden.

The image that welcomed Agastya and Aarvika when they returned home snatched the relief from their faces, substituting it with a frigid dread. Avighna and Aditya stood at the entrance, their faces etched with anxiety and wrath that burned brighter than the rising light. Aarvika quickly concealed herself behind Agastya, her little figure quivering.

Agastya, his heart hammering in his chest, tried to salvage the situation. "She... she just woke up and wanted some fresh air," He stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Before he could complete, Aditya jumped forward, letting out a violent shout. His palm landed with a harsh slap on Agastya's face. The scream resonated in the quiet morning air, providing a stark contrast to the tweeting of birds.

Agastya shuddered, not from the agony—the three brothers had endured far worse during their training—but from the treachery in his brother's eyes. It hurt more than any sort of physical punishment ever could. He noticed a glimmer of anguish in Aarvika's eyes, and tears welled up again.

Unable to bear the sight any longer, she stepped out from behind Agastya, her small voice trembling with guilt. "Nahi! Galti meri hai! I woke up early and wanted to ride Bhaiya's bike. Please don't be mad at him, it's all my fault!"

(No! It's my fault!)

Avighna, who had been glaring at the younger siblings with a fury that could melt glaciers, lost his composure at Aarvika's interruption. He grabbed her cheeks with his rough palm, not too hard, but definitely not gently as well, knowing his sister's limit. "Aaru..." He said, his voice low and dangerous, "This is between us older brothers. We'll handle this. You shouldn't intervene."

Aarvika's bottom lip quivered, and she could only nod. Despite her fears, she knew her brothers wouldn't ever really harm her. However, she disliked dealing with their rage.

"It's the re-opening day of your school, isn't it?" Avighna continued, his voice regaining a semblance of control. "We wouldn't want you going with puffy eyes and a runny nose, would we? You wouldn't like to see the side of us that punishes, would you?"

Aarvika shook her head fiercely, and tears threatened to spill out again. This was not a physical attack, but rather an emotional one that hit a deeper chord. Agastya watched the encounter, filled with shame and a peculiar protectiveness for his younger sister. He knew he deserved to be punished for lying, but witnessing Aarvika get chastised was ripping him apart.

The silence stretched, thick with tension. Finally, Aditya sighed, the anger slowly draining from his face. "Go, get ready both of you," He said, his voice gruff but softer than before. "We'll talk about this later."

Relief swept over Agastya and Aarvika like a wave of tide. They hurried inside, not willing to try their luck again. As they moved away, Agastya cast a glimpse back at his siblings. He noticed a spark of concern in Avighna's eyes and a deep exhaustion in Aditya's. They were furious, undoubtedly, but it was tempered by a strong love and care for their younger siblings.

The breakfast mealtime was in a hostile setting. Agastya and Aarvika sat on the edge of their seats, eyes downcast, occasionally glancing at their elder brothers. In contrast, Avighna and Aditya emanated a cold stillness. They ate bread and oatmeal for breakfast, with just the clinking of silverware breaking the suffocating silence.

Agastya, usually a champion at throwing tantrums over breakfast alternatives, astonished everyone by tucking in without saying anything. Each mouthful seems to bear the mass of his shame, a quiet confession of his deeds. Aarvika, the princess who expects to be fed, stunned everyone even more. She took up her fork and began to eat herself attentively, her previous happiness replaced by a grim resolve.

Avighna took a glimpse at his younger brothers. A glimmer of pride competed with the remaining wrath in his eyes. He noticed Agastya, his customary playful grin replaced by a mournful grimace, and Aarvika, her little face carved with newfound maturity. Despite his rage, he was unable to avoid feeling a sense of defensiveness for his younger brother and sister.

Aditya, ever the more impulsive of the two elder brothers, finally broke the silence. "Look, both of you," He began, his voice gruff, "We know you didn't mean any harm, Aaru. But sneaking out like that was dangerous. What if you got hurt? What if you got lost?"

Aarvika's eyes welled up again. "I'm sorry, Papa. I won't do it ever again," She mumbled, her voice thick with regret.

Avighna placed a hand on Aditya's shoulder, silencing him with a gentle look. He turned to Aarvika, his voice softer now. "We understand you wanted to have some fun. But next time, do inform at least. Ask us to take you for a ride, or play with you. We're always here for you, remember that."

Aarvika nodded vigorously, a small smile peeking through her tears. "I will, Dadda."

Aditya ruffled her hair affectionately, while Avighna glanced at Agastya, who was now staring intently at his plate. "And you," He said, his voice laced with a hint of disappointment, "Lying wasn't the answer. We trust each other in this family. Don't break that trust, Agni."

Agastya met his brother's gaze, a deep shame welling up inside him. "I'm sorry, Bhaiya. I won't lie again."

Avighna nodded curtly. The tension around the table subsided, giving way to a shaky agreement. The brunch resumed in a more casual mood, but the heaviness of the morning's events hung in the air.

As they finished their meal, Avighna reached into his bag and pulled out a small, wrapped box. "Here," He said, handing it to Aarvika. "A little something for your school."

Aarvika unwrapped the box carefully, revealing a new hair clip adorned with her favorite cartoon character. Her eyes sparkled with delight, a genuine smile finally gracing her lips. "Thank you, Dadda!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.

Agastya pouted watching the duo. "Aur mere liye kya?" He blinked his doe eyes.

(And what's for me?)

Avighna and Aditya smiled looking at each other before Aditya approached their whiny brother. "Haath aage kar..." He said to which Agastya immediately offered his hand.

(Forward your hand...)

And the next moment, Agastya screamed as he felt something metallic between his middle and ring finger, squeezed between the fingers. "Aahhh! Bhai yeh kya hai? Chodo mujhe!" He shrieked.

(Aahhh! Brother! What's this? Leave me!)

Aditya promptly left him and retained the metallic object in the same palm. It was a key. Agastya pinched his face in uncertainty, peering at the key, only to broaden his eyes as realization dawned. It was the keys to his racing car, which he had wrecked just a few weeks prior in a motor race. His siblings not only reprimanded him but also denied having it fixed, causing him pain over losing his automobile. But today, he received it back.

"I love you, Bhai! Tussi great ho!" He hugged and pulled Aditya into his arms, twirling him like a kid, who smacked his ass to set him down.

(You're great!)

Avighna and Aarvika chuckled at the two, a ghostly grin on their lips. The older brothers might have been upset before, but seeing their little siblings joyfully warmed their hearts.

The day may have started with a hailstorm, but as time passed, a delicate serenity crept over the house. The tragedy acted as a sharp reminder of the value of open communication and trust between families. And, though the path ahead would be bumpy, they knew they would tackle it together, as always.

》♡《

As Aarvika stepped out of her brother Agastya's car, he leaned over the passenger seat with a serious expression. "Drink lots of water," He instructed firmly, "No running and jumping like a bunny, no fighting with your peers, and definitely no going to unknown places with anyone. And most importantly, don’t tolerate any bullying."

Aarvika huffed in exasperation, her eyes rolling slightly. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. I'll keep all that in mind."

Agastya made an exaggeratedly annoyed face. "I really don't have any interest in teaching you all this, you know. I'm only doing it because our elder brothers told me to."

He ruffled her hair playfully, causing her to let out an indignant shriek. "Bas, Bhaiya! You're messing up my hair!" She protested, swatting at his hand.

(Stop it, Brother!)

Agastya pushed his tongue out and made a number of hilarious expressions at her, evidently enjoying the banter. Despite his facial expressions, he couldn't help but grin within, finding her antics amusing. It was a typical pattern for them—his method of expressing devotion through lighthearted discomfort.

As Aarvika turned to head towards the school entrance, Agastya reached out and gently kissed her forehead, brushing aside the curtain-like bangs that framed her face. "Dhyaan rakhna, Lilliput." He said softly, his tone betraying a hint of warmth despite his usual teasing demeanor.

(Take care, tiny.)

Aarvika waved back with a smile, a mix of irritation and affection evident in her expression. "Bye, Bhaiya!"

With a last, teasing grin, Agastya watched her sprint towards the school before turning to return to his own campus. The unstated rule of being a brother was concise—love your sister wholeheartedly, but don't show it too much.

》♡《

Aarvika's first day back to school after vacation began on a positive note. Reuniting with her friends after over a month away made her happy, but as the day progressed, she couldn't escape the feeling that something was missing. Her eyes returned to her science book, where she found herself scribbling idly. The old sensation of restlessness gnawed at her, and her thoughts were plainly concerned with something other than the banal scribbles on her page.

The typical bustle in the school corridor was interrupted by an outburst of enthusiastic whispers and gasps. Aarvika's head shot up, her gaze scouring the corridor for the cause of the ruckus. She noticed a group of female students gathering in a close cluster, their faces a mix of amazement and adoration. Their gaze was drawn to a guy coming confidently down the hallway—a senior known for his charm and terrible reputation.

Aarvika felt her heart skip a beat. She followed their gaze and spotted him—the MLA's son, also known as the school's IT guy. His reputation as a troublemaker was eclipsed by his irresistible charm and seductive presence. He was easily dressed in his school uniform, grabbing attention as he passed by.

Despite his less-than-stellar reputation, the girls' reactions to him were almost infectious. Aarvika felt a familiar flutter in her tummy, a mix of respect and something she hadn't really acknowledged—a crush. The senior's fascination was evident, and even though she knew little about him beyond the surface charm and buzz he produced, it didn't lessen the fluttering sensation she had whenever he was near.

Aarvika felt like an outsider looking in on the gathering of females who were swooning over him. She had always adored him from afar, catching only short glimpses. The thought of his even noticing her felt ridiculous. Her friends, immersed in their own talks, had yet to notice the source of her attention.

Aarvika breathed quietly, her cheeks slightly flushed. She returned to her science book, the odd drawings looking even more inconsequential. The enthusiasm in the corridor was evident, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy with her crush's typical joy. The senior had become a symbol of impossible ideals, a fantasy she kept to herself, sheltered from the harsh truths of his genuine personality.

As the bell for recess rang through the halls, a flood of youngsters emerged, ready to participate in their games and guffaw. Aarvika stayed sitting at her desk, her attention totally focused on the school's most popular senior. Her cheeks flushed scarlet as she repeated his face in her thoughts, unable to shake the whirling feeling in her stomach that accompanied his memory.

Just as she was lost in her reverie, a shadow fell over her desk, drawing her attention upward. Her eyes widened in surprise and shock as she found herself face-to-face with none other than the senior himself. His presence was both exhilarating and intimidating. "G...Garv Bhaiya..." She mumbled, her voice trembling slightly as she stared at him, her cheeks now burning brightly.

"Shhhhhhhhh..." Garv, with a playful smirk tugging at his lips, leaned closer and gently tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "It's just Garv," He said, his voice smooth and reassuring, "No Bhaiya needed." The casual manner in which he spoke made her heart race even faster. She could hardly believe that the most sought-after guy in school was addressing her so personally, and it was clear he noticed the effect he had on her. His smirk widened as he observed the pink tint spreading across her cheeks.

He then cupped her face with one hand, his thumb brushing firmly against her flushed skin. The intimate gesture made her entire face turn a shade of red that matched her most vivid dreams. Garv's thumb traced her cheek in a rough manner, and he chuckled softly as if he could read her thoughts. "Mujhe pata hai tum kya soch rahi ho," He said, his voice low and teasing. "I don't offer this privilege to many, you know. You're special."

(I know what you're thinking.)

Aarvika’s entire face felt like it was on fire. The heat of her embarrassment mixed with a strange sense of thrill made her heart pound even harder. She barely managed to stammer out a response, "W... why are you telling me this?"

Garv's grin widened as he straightened up, his gaze still locked on hers. "Because..." He replied, his tone casual but filled with an undeniable allure, "I want you to meet me after school. I have something in mind—a date."

The word date hung in the air between them, making her head spin. Her mind raced, struggling to process the invitation from the most admired senior at school. Her blush deepened as she shyly nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "O...Okay."

Garv's eyes shone with pleasure, and he gave her a brittle pat on the head before turning on his sole and leaving. His smile persisted, a tacit promise of the thrill to come. As he went out of the classroom, Aarvika remained transfixed at her desk, her heart still racing furiously and the excitement of their future date lingering in her every thought.

》♡《

Aarvika's heart pounded against her chest as she approached Garv at the amphitheatre after school. His smirk, a familiar yet intimidating sight, sent a shiver down her spine. "Good that you obeyed," He said, his voice a low rumble. "Very few girls get this chance and miss it."

Aarvika forced a hesitant grin. She had always been wary of Garv, given his status as the school's most popular and fairly infamous student. She was drawn to his confident air, though.

Garv patted the seat beside him, inviting her to join him. As she sat down, he took her hand in his, his thumb tracing fast and rough patterns on her palm. "What's your name?" He asked, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

"A..Aarvika... Aarvika Verma," She replied, her voice barely audible.

Garv smirked. "Your name is as sexy as your figure," He said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Aarvika's eyes expanded in astonishment. She had never received such a compliment from anybody before. She had a surge of exhilaration and a feeling of complete dominance. Her bliss, though, was fleeting.

"Stand up!" Garv commanded abruptly.

Aarvika stood to her feet in shock. Garv drew her onto his lap before she could ask why. This time, instead of feeling excited, her heart raced with panic. A terror that was unusual and foreign to her, giving her the chills. She felt at ease on the amphitheatre seat; his thighs felt strange under her. Garv's hold around her waist seemed firmer than her brother's race car seatbelt.

She felt uncomfortable, but she was lost for words. Her body twisted. It was an odd, perplexing feeling that she was not quite sure how to explain. Aarvika's terror grew as the minutes passed, making her feel confined and powerless.

Perplexed and immobile, she straddled him while sitting on his lap. She was even more petrified when she felt something poke her private part. "Ye... yeh kya kar rahe hai... Bhaiya?" She choked out a murmur.

(Wh... what are you doing... Brother?)

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~THANKS FOR READING~