Nitya

The sun feels warm on my face as I look at everyone around chatting around me, a smile curving my lips when I hear their carefree laughter.

It was Namanji's idea to come here for a picnic today, just to relax and enjoy each other's company.

Prathamji is lounging just beside me, his arm casually draped over my shoulder. Dhritiji is flipping through her book, pushing Yash bhaiyya away when he tries to look at it. And Shrutiji and Namanji are debating about the lemonade have too much or too little of the lemons. I shake my head at the silliness of their argument.

It's a perfect day today—blue sky, gentle breeze, and the calming sound of the nearby lake. I sigh contentedly, feeling light and happy. Being here, surrounded by the people I love, the ones that ae my family, makes everything feel right.

"We should go for a swim in the lake," I suggest suddenly, feeling it would be a perfect thing to do after a hearty picnic.

"Yes, let's go," Prathamji agrees with a grin. "I'll race you Naman bhaiyya."

Namanji laughs, shaking his head. "You'll lose, as usual."

"Oh, we'll see about that," Prathamji shoots back, standing up, getting ready to run.

Shrutiji also stands. "Count me in! I love a good swim"

I beam, excited that they all seem onboard. But then, I notice Dhritiji, the only one still sitting quietly and Yash bhaiyya also looking at her with a frown on his face.

"Dhritiji?" I frown slightly as I look at the uneasy expression marring her face. "What's the matter? Don't you want to go for a swim?"

The sudden silence from everyone feels strange. All of them looking as if they knew something I didn't.

"I'm scared of the water, Bhabhi," she says, her voice low. "So, I'll be staying here with my book. You all go and have a swim."

I blink, surprised. I didn't know Dhritiji was scared of water. I'm about to ask her regarding it, but before I can, Prathamji gently squeezes my shoulder. And when I look at him, he shakes his head, silently telling me to drop it.

"Yes, you all go and have fun. I'll stay here, too, since I'm feeling a bit tired today to go for a swim," Yash bhaiyya says, settling himself beside Dhritiji, who doesn't push him away this time when he glances at her book.

*****

The cool water feels incredible against my skin as I swim leisurely in the lake, floating on my back while listening to the laughter and playful splashes around me. Shrutiji was also floating, seeming to be lost in her thoughts, while Prathamji and Namanji were still competing with each other.

Earlier, this day seemed perfect to me, but now, there is a nagging feeling at the back of my mind. A small feeling of concern that wouldn't go away.

I glance back at the shore, noticing Dhritiji still sitting there with Yash bhaiyya. As I continue watching her, she looks at my direction and waves at me, but something about her posture seems.... off.

I take a deep breath, telling myself I am probably just overthinking it. Some people are just scared of going into water body. Perhaps Dhritiji is one of them.

Nodding at that, I am about to turn and move to where Shrutiji is swimming, but I stop when I notice Dhritiji hurriedly standing up. Yash bhaiyya also stands. From this distance, it looks to me like something is wrong. Dhritiji looked even more distressed, her arms crossed over her chest, her head lowered as Bhaiyya spoke to her.

Feeling uneasiness settling over me, I am about to get out of the water, wanting to know if everything was fine, when they both turn and start walking toward the lake.

My stomach tightens with worry as I gaze at them approaching. Something definitely wasn't right.

"Dhritiji? Bhaiyya?" I call out as I wage closer to the shore, concern lacing my voice. "What's the matter? Is everything fine?"

Dhritji gives me a small, tight smile, that doesn't reach her eyes. "I don't feel good, Bhabhi," She says quietly, avoiding my gaze. "So, I'll be heading back home."

I feel my heart drop at her desolate demeanor. "But why? Are you feeling sick?"

Yash bhaiyya steps in before Dhritiji can respond. "Everything is fine, Nitya. Dhriti is only feeling a little overwhelmed, that's all."

I don't believe it. The way Dhritiji is holding herself, the tension in her shoulders, the way her eyes flicked nervously toward the lake—it doesn't feel like everything is fine. But I didn't want to push her too. It seemed like she wasn't in a condition to share her distress.

"I'll call everyone," I say softly. "We'll all return together."

"No, Bhabhi," Dhritiji stops me. "I don't want you all to stop having fun just because of me. I'll be fine. And also need some space to get over this. Anyway, Yash has offered to take me home. He'll talk with Naman bhaiyya and we'll get going."

After she says that, Yash bhaiyya turns and walks to toward where Namanji and Prathamji were still racing each other. Shrutiji was also there, cheering them on.

I turn to look at Dhritiji. "Are you sure you'll be fine? If you want, you can talk with me about why you seem so nervous."

"Perhaps one day, Bhabhi, when I am ready." She gives me a small smile, but the sadness that I sense from it makes my heart clench painfully against my chest.

*****

"You seem tensed," Prathamji asks me as he swims up beside me.

"I'm worried for Dhritiji. I hope she is okay."

"She will be," he says reassuringly. "We also wanted to go with her, but she said she needed some space. We need to respect that."

I nod, knowing he is right. "I just hope she'll be fine."

"She will be. I know my sister, after all. She is strong."

"Okay. If you say so, I won't worry much." I smile at Prathamji and he smiles back.

But then, after a couple of seconds, his expression changes, a mischievous glint creeping into gaze. "I think you need a little distraction to ease your worry, Nitya."

Before I can ask what he meant, he splashes a handful of water in my direction, sending cool droplets flying all over me.

I gasp at the suddenness of what he did, wiping the water from my face, and narrowing my eyes at him.

"You are going to regret doing that," I tease, splashing the water back at him.

Prathamji laughs, ducking under the water to avoid the splash. Then, he comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Mm, what will you do to make me regret?" He whispers in my ear, his breath sending a shiver down my spine.

I blush instantly, glancing around nervously. "Prathamji, stop" I murmur. "Shrutiji and Namanji are right here."

"So?" He counters with a grin, pulling me closer against him, his hands resting lightly on my hips under the water. "They are not looking toward us right now." His lips brush the side of my neck, causing me to gasp softly.

I swat his arm, my face growing warmer with each passing second. "Prathamji!"

He chuckles, clearly enjoying the moment. "You look adorable when you blush, you know that?" He leans in, stealing a quick kiss. His lips are soft against mine, and even though it's brief, the warmth from it sends a flutter through my chest.

With my heart pounding against my chest, I glance toward Shrutiji and Namanji nervously. Relieved and thankful when I realize they hadn't noticed anything. They were talking with each other at the far end of the lake, seeming completely absorbed in that conversation.

"They didn't see, Nitya," Prathamji says, and I feel my knees weaken when he leans in, his lips hovering just inches above mine.

"They will—"

Before I can complete that sentence, Prathamji's mouth is on mine again, this time a little longer.

He kisses me with such passion that I melt into him for a brief moment before pulling back quickly, biting my lip as I look toward Shrutiji and Namanji one more time.

"You're getting more shameless day by day," I whisper, my heart still racing from the kiss.

"But you love it, don't you?"

Too shy to reply, I only nod and snuggle against his chest, feeling a small smile curve my lips.