The Sunday morning sun filtered through the large windows of the Shergill mansion, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, crisp toast, and a variety of homemade delicacies. The family had gathered for a rare relaxed breakfast together, with everyone in high spirits.

Akshit was the first to break the morning calm with his usual mischief. "Yaar, Rakshit Bhaiyya" he teased, a playful grin on his face,

"Don't you understand the meaning of Sunday? Why are you so serious today too? Relax a bit!"

Divya chimed in, not missing a beat,

"Yes Rakshit, atleast take a break for a day! You're a human not a machine"

Rakshit, who was about to take a sip of his coffee, raised an eyebrow at the two.

"Tum dono ka bas chale toh puri duniya ko chhutti de do"

He replied dryly, though there was a faint hint of amusement in his eyes.

Drishti, who had been quietly observing the banter, couldn't help but smirk. "Akshit and Divya are allergic to work" she quipped, earning a mock glare from Akshit.

Akshit clutched his chest dramatically, "Arre wah, ab aap bhi bhaiya ki side le rahi hai, Drishti Bhabhi? Yeh toh galat baat hai. Mera koi nhi yaha tere siwa!"

Drishti chuckled, shaking her head, while Rakshit gave her a sideways glance, excited at her light-hearted mood.

Tejashri, seated quietly at the table, smiled weakly at the exchange, but her mind seemed elsewhere. She picked at her food absently, her eyes occasionally darting to her phone or her laptop sitting on the nearby counter. Drishti noticed the distraction but didn't comment, though a small seed of curiosity was planted.

AFTER BREAKFAST

After breakfast, Akshit and Divya, determined to keep the light mood going, decided to pull everyone into a game of indoor cricket. The mansion's spacious living room was perfect for their impromptu match, with the furniture pushed aside to create space.

"Main first batting karunga!" Akshit declared, grabbing the makeshift bat-a wooden stick from the garden. (I'll bat first!)

"Pehle decide karo kis team mein kaun hoga" Divya shot back, already grabbing a ball. "I'm in Rakshit Bhaiyya's team!" Divya declared.

Rakshit, who had been watching the proceedings with a bemused expression, couldn't help but smirk.

"I thought you both would team up against me." He said, crossing his arms.

Drishti, rolling her eyes at the mock drama, picked up the ball. "Me and Akshit are in one team. Let's see if Rakshit Shergill can actually win this one." she teased, a playful challenge in her tone as she high fived with Akshit.

Rakshit's competitive streak was instantly triggered. "Challenge accepted, Mrs. Shergill!" he said with a confident smirk, grabbing the bat from Akshit.

"But, I always win." He said, leaning in, his tone playful.

"And I never lose." She leaned in too, their eyes meeting with a hint of challenge in them.

The atmosphere in the room lightened as they got into the game, everyone laughing and cheering as they played.

The game was full of laughter, with Akshit dramatically overplaying his shots, only to be caught out by Divya. At one point, Divya and Drishti teamed up to try and distract Rakshit, who was in the middle of his batting. Divya, pretending to tie her shoelace, suddenly yelled, "Bhaiya, behind you!" making Rakshit momentarily lose focus.

Drishti took the opportunity to bowl, the ball bouncing unpredictably and hitting the small set of stumps they had set up. Rakshit, momentarily caught off guard, was declared out, much to the delight of Drishti and Akshit.

"Yeh cheating hai! I'm not playing if its gonna be like this." Rakshit protested, though there was a smile playing on his lips. (This is cheating!)

"Jung mein sab kuch jaayaz hai"

Drishti shot back with a laugh, echoing the old saying, but adding a playful twist by deliberately leaving out the 'pyaar' part, which made Rakshit glance at her with a raised eyebrow. (Everything is fair in war.)

There was a brief moment of shared warmth between Rakshit and Drishti, an almost unspoken acknowledgment of their growing understanding. As they passed each other in the makeshift playing field, their hands brushed against each other, leading to a spontaneous high-five that felt oddly significant, almost like a silent truce.

As Akshit watched the light-hearted banter unfold between Rakshit, Drishti, and Divya, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. For him, these moments were a rarity, and he cherished them deeply. Life in the Shergill mansion was often filled with tension and unspoken emotions, but today felt different. The laughter, the playful arguments-this was what family was supposed to feel like, and Akshit found himself wishing that these moments would last forever.

But beneath the surface of his cheerful exterior, Akshit was always observing, always thinking. He was the youngest, but he had a sharp mind and could read the room well. He noticed the way Rakshit's gaze lingered on Drishti, how it softened when he looked at her. Akshit had never seen his brother like this before-vulnerable, almost gentle. It was new and surprising, but also a little heartwarming.

"Bhaiya ko kitni asaani se handle kar leti hai Drishti Bhabhi. Then he says 'I always win'." He thought with a silent chuckle. (Drishti Bhabhi handles Bhaiya so easily.)

But then there was Drishti. Akshit sensed something off about her today. She was laughing and playing along, but there was an underlying tension in her, something she was trying to hide. It made him worry. Drishti had become more than just his brother's wife; she was like a sister to him, someone he could joke around with, confide in, and trust. He didn't like seeing her troubled, even if she was trying to mask it.

"Is something going on between Bhaiya and Drishti Bhabhi?" The thought crossed Akshit's mind as he saw the subtle exchange between them. There was an unspoken understanding, a connection that wasn't there before. It was as if they were navigating through something difficult together. Akshit wasn't sure what it was, but he knew it was significant.

When Rakshit and Drishti shared that brief high five, Akshit felt a pang of happiness mixed with envy. "Maybe they're finally starting to get along" He mused, smiling to himself. It was about time, in his opinion. But at the same time, he felt a little left out. Rakshit and Drishti's relationship had always been rocky, and Akshit had often been the one to lighten the mood, to bridge the gap between them. Seeing them share a moment like that, without needing his help, made him realize how much he wanted that kind of connection for himself.

As Divya teased Rakshit and Drishti, Akshit joined in, but his mind was elsewhere. He was happy for them, truly, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing under the surface. He made a mental note to talk to Drishti later, maybe try to get her to open up. He didn't want to push, but he also couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in his gut.

For now, he would keep the atmosphere light and fun, but he would be there for his family when they needed him, as he always had been.

Noticing the moment and being the goofyball he is, he couldn't resist teasing. "Are wah, yeh kya ho raha hai? I can see more of team love than team rivalry here." He quipped, earning another mock glare from Rakshit. (Wow, what's happening here?)

"Can't blame Rakshit bhaiya anyways. Ladki ka chakkar babu bhaiya, ladki ka chakkar." He spoke, shaking his head, his tone playful.

"Akshit, tu chup rhega ya mai isi bat se teri haadiyan tod du?" Rakshit muttered, but his tone was light, and Drishti couldn't help but smile, feeling a strange, unexpected sense of comfort in the brief contact.

"I'll just shut up." Akshit whispered, making a face as Divya laughed.

He felt a mix of resignation and amusement. He could see the humour in the situation.

She wrapped her arm around his shoulder, aweing at his expressions.
"Don't worry, Mr. Romeo, We'll win someday! Main hoon na."

Akshit felt a rush of warmth. It wasn't just the physical closeness; it was the comfort and reassurance she offered. Her presence had a way of making him feel understood, even in his silliest moments. He couldn't help but smile.

Divya's words struck a chord with Akshit. They were playful, but there was also a sincerity behind them. She was his biggest cheerleader, always lifting him up when he felt low, even if it was over something as trivial as losing a playful banter. In that moment, Akshit felt incredibly grateful for her. "She's always got my back, doesn't she?"

A small part of him, the one that was more vulnerable, clung to her words. He knew she was joking, but it felt nice to hear that someone believed in him, even if it was just in jest. Akshit's heart swelled with affection for Divya, and he felt a lightness that hadn't been there before. "Romeo, huh?" He thought, the nickname sparking a mix of embarrassment and endearment. If Divya saw him that way, maybe he wasn't doing so bad after all.

But there was something more beneath the surface, something Akshit didn't fully acknowledge. Divya's words made him feel like they were a team, like they were in this together. It wasn't just about winning or losing; it was about the bond they shared, the unspoken understanding that they would always be there for each other.

Akshit glanced at Divya, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Haan haan Ms. Doctor, Tum ho na, that's all that matters." He whispered back, his voice laced with genuine affection. For him, moments like these were everything-they were what made all the teasing and playful jabs worth it. They reminded him that no matter how many times he felt like he was losing, with Divya by his side, he never truly was.

AFTER THE GAME

After the game, everyone decided to cool down with some fresh juice in the living room. As Divya and Akshit continued their banter, Drishti's attention was drawn to Tejashri, who was sitting apart from the group, seemingly engrossed in her laptop.

Tejashri had been acting slightly off all morning. She had been unusually quiet during breakfast and had excused herself several times during their cricket game, always with the same excuse-"Ek zaroori kaam yaad aa gaya, I'll be back soon." (I remembered an important task, I'll be back soon.)

Drishti had noticed these small oddities, but it wasn't until now, seeing Tejashri's furrowed brow as she stared intently at her laptop screen, that she began to feel a genuine sense of unease.

"Kuch zyada important lagta hai" Drishti commented lightly as she approached Tejashri, trying to sound casual, "Aap itni busy hain Sunday ko bhi?" (It seems really important, are you this busy even on a Sunday?)

Tejashri looked up, startled, and quickly minimized whatever she was working on. "Haan, bas thoda kaam reh gaya tha" she replied, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "Tum sab khelo, main bas yeh khatam karke aati hoon." (Yes, just finishing up some work. You all continue playing, I'll join you soon.)

Drishti nodded, but the strange tension in Tejashri's response didn't escape her notice. As Drishti turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of a video player minimized in the taskbar, the thumbnail too small to make out clearly, but it seemed off-dark, with quick, blurred movements.

A chill ran down Drishti's spine, but she forced herself to keep walking, not wanting to raise suspicion. She resolved to find out what Tejashri was hiding, but not today. Today was for keeping up appearances, for blending into the light-hearted atmosphere, even if her mind was beginning to swirl with darker thoughts.

AFTERNOON

Later that afternoon, while the others were busy with another round of games or chatting in the garden, Drishti found herself alone in the living room. She saw Tejashri's laptop still on the table, the screen now dark. For a moment, she hesitated, the idea of snooping making her uncomfortable, but the nagging feeling from earlier pushed her forward.

She approached the laptop cautiously, her heart beating faster as she reached out. Just as her fingers brushed the trackpad, the screen lit up, revealing the desktop. A folder named "Personal" was open, and inside were several files and video clips. Drishti's pulse quickened-what could be so personal that Tejashri would be this secretive about it?

Before she could click on anything, the sound of approaching footsteps made her jerk back. Tejashri walked into the room, her expression tense as she saw Drishti near her laptop.

"Do you need something, Drishti?" Tejashri's voice was soft, but there was an underlying edge to it.

Drishti quickly straightened up, forcing a smile. "Oh, I wanted to invite you for dinner." she replied, trying to sound casual.

Tejashri's eyes lingered on Drishti for a moment longer, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. The tension in the air was palpable, and for a brief moment, the light-hearted atmosphere that had filled the mansion earlier felt like a distant memory.

"maasi, spend some time with us!" Akshit's voice broke the silence as he entered the living room, his usual carefree tone bringing back some of the ease.

Drishti quickly stepped away from the laptop, her pulse still racing as she tried to compose herself. Tejashri nodded at Akshit and smiled, though it seemed a bit forced, "Bas aa rahi thi, Akshit. Tum logon ke saath khelne ka mann toh mujhe bhi hai." (I was just coming, Akshit. I feel like playing with you all too.)

As Tejashri walked away with Akshit, Drishti found herself frozen for a moment, her thoughts spinning. What exactly was Tejashri hiding? And why did she seem so guarded about it? Drishti shook her head, realizing that she couldn't let herself get too lost in these suspicions-not yet, at least. But she knew that whatever was on that laptop was important, perhaps even crucial to the answers she had been searching for.

With a deep breath, Drishti followed them back into the garden, where Rakshit and Divya were waiting.

GARDEN

Divya, sensing the slight unease in Drishti, decided to lighten the mood. "Drishti Bhabhi, aapke bina toh game incomplete lag raha tha. Chalo, ab aap bhi join karo." (Drishti Bhabhi, the game felt incomplete without you. Come, join us now.)

Drishti smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Acha chalo, tum logo ki game mein thoda masala daalti hoon!" she replied, trying to shake off the earlier tension. (Alright, let me add some spice to your game.)

The mood in the garden picked up again as everyone got back into the game. This time, it was a mixed game of Pictionary, with everyone divided into pairs. Divya paired up with Rakshit, leaving Drishti and Akshit together. The friendly competition immediately resumed, with Akshit trying his best to distract Rakshit and Divya teasing Drishti about her drawings.

As the game progressed, Drishti found herself gradually relaxing, even though her thoughts occasionally drifted back to Tejashri and the mysterious laptop. Rakshit leaned in slightly, his voice low enough for only her to hear, "What's up with you, Mrs. Shergill? Don't tell me you're already scared of losing to me." He spoke with his confident voice, a smirk lingering on his face.

Drishti glanced at him, his proximity catching her off guard. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond. "Oh please, Mr. Shergill. Scared of you? Keep dreaming!" she replied, looking at him with a smirk.

"I'll make sure I win this game." He spoke.

"I'll make sure you lose this game." She gazed at him sideways, winking at him.

Their eyes met, and there was a spark of something different-- something they don't know.

Rakshit was about to reply when Akshit's loud voice interrupted,

"wah! Secret talks mere Bina!"

Divya, seizing the opportunity, grabbed the drawing pad from Drishti's hand. "Focus on the game, Bhabhi, or else we'll win." She teased, waving the pad in front of her.

Drishti chuckled at their antics, grateful for the lightness they brought. She reached out and high-fived Divya, who had just drawn a hilarious, albeit completely inaccurate, picture that somehow Akshit couldn't manage to guess correctly. The laughter that followed was infectious, and for a moment, Drishti allowed herself to get lost in it, pushing aside the lingering sense of unease.

As the game came to a close with Akshit and Drishti's team narrowly winning, there was a round of playful complaints from Rakshit and Divya.

Drishti shrugged with a smirk,
"I told you, I never lose."

Rakshit, standing beside Divya, couldn't help but roll his eyes. "yeh toh bas maine newbie samajh kar jeetne diya." Hee said, his tone sarcastic but with a hint of fondness that surprised even him.

The moment broke with Divya screaming and laughing, but the connection lingered, a subtle reminder of the complicated, shifting dynamics between them. Rakshit chuckled, finally allowing himself to let go of the tension he had been holding. He looked at her and did a side hug, smiling, as if being glad for this particular day where he could actually be himself.

Drishti was momentarily stunned by the gesture but found herself smiling as she returned the hug, brief as it was. It was a small moment, but it held a world of significance for both of them.

EVENING

As the afternoon sun began to dip, casting long shadows across the garden, the family decided to wind down. Akshit and Divya, still buzzing with energy, headed out for a quick walk around the estate, leaving Rakshit and Drishti alone in the living room.

Drishti busied herself with cleaning up the remnants of their games, but her mind was still racing. She knew she couldn't ignore the suspicions about Tejashri much longer. The light-hearted moments of the day had been a welcome distraction, but the undercurrent of something darker remained.

Rakshit, noticing her pensive mood, walked over and gently took the game pieces from her hands. "I'll do it" he said, his voice unusually soft. "you rest a bit."

Drishti looked up at him, surprised by his concern. "You're tired too." she pointed out, trying to deflect.

Rakshit gave her a small smile, the kind that reached his eyes. "I'm fine. You need rest. " he said quietly, his gaze holding hers for a moment longer than usual.

Drishti felt a lump in her throat at his words, and she quickly looked away, not trusting herself to respond. She hadn't expected such a genuine display of care from him, and it left her feeling more vulnerable than she was comfortable with.

"Thanks." she managed to say after a moment, her voice a little shaky.

Rakshit just nodded, his expression softening.

NIGHT TIME

The evening ended on that quiet note, with both of them lost in their thoughts. Night came and the family ate together, unaware of the storm building up in Drishti's heart.

As Drishti headed to her room, she knew that whatever came next-whatever truth she would uncover about Tejashri-it would change everything.

But for now, she allowed herself to hold on to the warmth of the day's moments, to the unexpected connection she had felt with Rakshit, knowing that it might be the calm before the storm.

IN THEIR ROOM

Rakshit emerged from the closet area, freshly changed, his hair slightly damp from the shower. His steps were measured as he moved toward the couch, his usual resting place ever. The room was dimly lit, a soft glow casting shadows on the walls. Drishti stood in the middle of the room, her arms crossed, watching him with a curious expression.

As Rakshit reached for his phone on the couch, Drishti's voice broke the silence. "Why're you going towards the couch, Mr. Shergill? You sleep on the bed, don't you?"

Rakshit froze mid-motion, his hand hovering over the phone. He turned towards her, his dark eyes meeting hers with a hint of surprise, but his face quickly settled into his usual stern expression. Leaning in slightly, he spoke in a low tone, "Mrs. Shergill, I'm not the prince charming of your dreams you think I am. I'm not that much of a good person. I went to take my phone." His voice held a touch of sarcasm, yet there was an underlying softness that only someone who knew him well could detect.

He turned away, intending to head back to the bed, but something made him pause. He glanced back at Drishti, almost as if he couldn't resist getting in one more word. His eyes narrowed slightly as he added, "And yes, since I'm all fine now, you can continue to sleep on the couch."

Drishti gasped, a silent, indignant sound that was almost inaudible, but it spoke volumes. Her eyes widened in disbelief, but as Rakshit laid down on the bed, sprawling across it with his arms behind his head, a mischievous smile curled at the corners of her lips. "So that's how he wants to play this?" she thought to herself, her mind already hatching a plan.

Rakshit closed his eyes, setting his phone beside his head, feeling a sense of triumph. He had won this round, or so he thought. But his sense of victory was short-lived. He heard soft footsteps approaching the bed, and he quickly opened his eyes to see Drishti standing right beside him, holding a pillow.

She looked down at him with a confident smirk.

"Mai bhi koi shareef bechari abla naari type ladki nhi hu mai jisse aapki shaadi hui hai, Mr. Shergill!" she declared, her voice dripping with playful defiance.

Rakshit raised an eyebrow, confused by her words and her audacity. "Sarko" she said, her tone commanding as she pointed to the bed.

"What?" he replied, genuine confusion clouding his usually sharp features.

Drishti blinked her eyes innocently, sarcasm laced in every movement. "Ohh, bhool gayi!" she exclaimed, mocking herself in a way that made Rakshit's confusion grow.

"Harvard University me toh 'sarko' mtlb sikhaya nhi hoga. Shift." She explained, her voice a mix of sarcasm and challenge.

Rakshit made a face, clearly unamused, but he shifted nonetheless, grumbling under his breath. He moved over, giving her just enough space to lay down, though he occupied as much of the bed as he could. Drishti wasted no time and laid down beside him, her back turned to him.

Rakshit, still irked by the entire situation, tried to maintain his usual gruff demeanor. "Dekho... mere sone ka tareeka thoda ajeeb hai. Neend me mere haath pair bohot chalte hai. Toh agar tumhe galti se mera pair lag jaye, aur tum accidentally neeche gir jao, toh complain mt krna." He warned, his voice carrying a hint of irritation, though there was something almost boyish in his attempt to scare her off.

Drishti sighed dramatically, as if she were dealing with a stubborn child. Without a word, she got up and walked towards the couch. Rakshit smirked to himself, pleased with the outcome. He closed his eyes, settling back into the bed with a sense of finality. "Accha hua chali gayi" He whispered under his breath, almost chuckling at how easily he had won.

But before he could fully relax, he felt something soft and heavy land on him. His eyes shot open, only to see several pillows dropping onto his chest. He quickly sat up, bewildered, his gaze locking onto Drishti who was standing by the bed, a mock-innocent expression on her face.

"Oops!" she said, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Rakshit was about to protest, but before he could utter a word, Drishti sat down on the bed and began meticulously arranging the pillows between them, creating a barrier.

"Ab ye kaunsa Mahal bana rahi ho?" Rakshit asked, sitting up fully now, looking at her as if she had lost her mind.

"Sapno ka mahal!" she replied without missing a beat. Her tone was serious, but her eyes were full of playfulness.

"Aapko neend me jitne haath pair chalane hai, chala lijiye, par galti se bhi is border ko cross mt krna!" she added, her voice firm, yet teasing.

Rakshit stared at her for a moment, utterly at a loss for words. "This woman!" He thought. He couldn't decide whether to be annoyed or amused.

"Tum na..." He stated, his tone a mix of frustration and admiration, but he was cut off by Drishti's curious inquiry. "Tum na kya??" she asked, already lying down and adjusting her pillow, oblivious to the effect her question would have.

Rakshit, exasperated, tried to express his irritation. "Tum bohot annoying ho!" He declared, his voice holding a note of irritation that was more playful than serious.

Drishti's response was nonchalant, but her words held a surprising weight.

"Jaisi bhi hu, aapki hu!" She said, her tone casual as she settled into her side of the bed. She was unaware of the implications of her words, too focused on her own little victory in the pillow barricade she had created.

For Rakshit, however, the impact was immediate and profound. His heart skipped a beat, and he felt a sudden rush of warmth flood through him. The casual, offhand nature of Drishti's statement had struck a deep chord. "Aapki hu"-her words echoed in his mind, reverberating through his thoughts. He wasn't prepared for this; the emotional weight of her declaration was unexpected.

Rakshit gulped, his throat suddenly dry. He turned away from Drishti, his back now facing her, trying to mask the effect her words had on him. He was flustered, struggling to maintain his usual composure. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat seeming louder in the quiet of the room. The realization that Drishti had, perhaps unwittingly, expressed something deeper than just playful banter made his emotions swirl uncontrollably.

He lay there, staring at the darkened ceiling, trying to steady his breath. The cool sheets seemed to offer no comfort, and the pillow barrier between them felt like a fragile shield against the storm of feelings that had suddenly erupted within him. Rakshit felt a mix of vulnerability and confusion, emotions he wasn't used to dealing with so openly.

Drishti, on the other hand, remained blissfully unaware of the turmoil she had caused. She was already drifting off, her mind at ease with the playful repartee and the cozy setting. She had no idea that her innocent remark had triggered a shift in their dynamic, revealing a layer of her feelings that she hadn't consciously acknowledged before.

As the minutes ticked by, Rakshit's mind raced with thoughts of Drishti's words. He turned them over, examining their meaning, and wrestled with the sudden shift in his feelings. The barrier of pillows seemed to symbolize a physical and emotional divide that he was now struggling to understand.

Finally, with a deep breath, Rakshit turned back towards Drishti, his expression softening. He focused on the faint sound of her breathing, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, which somehow brought him a sense of calm amidst the chaos of his thoughts.

For now, Rakshit chose to stay silent, letting the night envelop them in its quietude. In the stillness of the room, with the pillow barrier between them and the weight of unspoken feelings lingering in the air, his thoughts were consumed by the tender, surprising confession Drishti had made.

"Good night, Mrs. Shergill" he finally said, giving in to the absurdity of the situation. He picked up his phone and, with a flick of his finger, turned off the lights. The room was plunged into darkness, but even in the silence, there was a sense of comfort. The tension between them, which had been so thick before, had dissipated, replaced by a warm, almost tender feeling of camaraderie.

As Rakshit lay back down, careful not to disturb the pillow barrier, he found himself smiling in the dark. Drishti had a way of surprising him, of making even the most mundane moments memorable. "It was just a slip of tongue, Rakshit. Don't think about it!" He whispered before closing his eyes, finally allowing sleep to claim him.