"Chaadar, takiye, kambal; sab badal dijiye. Sab saaf-sutre dhule hue hone chahiye. Aur kamre ke har kone ki theek se safai kijiyega. Zara si bhi dhool nahi rehne chahiye. Guest room bhi theek se tayaar kijiye. Saaf aur sateek hona chahiye likin ghar jaisa bhi lagna chahiye... hum hi saath chalte hain. Aap dono humare saath chaliye, aur aap dono jayiye."

Shivaay heard Gauri instruct the staff and take off with two of them while the other two made their way towards... Priyanka's room?!

Shivaay followed them and inside the room where Om was giving more instructions.

"Koi strong cleaner use nahi hoga. Make sure the room is well-ventilated. AC ka remote nightstand pe hona chahiye and humidifier bhi rakh dijiye likin abhi on mat kijiyega." Om instructed and headed out of the room, running straight into Shivaay.

"Pri...Prinku ka room mein kya ho raha hain?" Shivaay asked.

Om smiled widely. "Prinku ka phone aaya tha. Shivaay, Prinku ghar aa rahi hain."

Shivaay blinked twice before his eyes widened, unable to believe his ears. "Are you serious!?"

"Haan! Abhi uska phone aaya tha. Woh aur Saanvi do din baad aa rahe hain. Rudra gaya hain transport and flight details check karne, and I think upgrading them to first class. Anyway main tujhe hi batana aa raha tha. Humari behen ghar aa rahi."

"Omkara sir..."

A staff member called Om inside the room. Shivaay made his way back to his room. He took a box from his cupboard and opened it. Inside where dozens of decorative threads. Some decades old, some recent and some, more specifically 14 of them where still in their packets. All of the Rakhis his sister gave him were stored in this box. When she went to the USA, she mailed the Rakhis to the OBros. OmRu got their tied by Bhavya and Gauri respectively and even though Gauri tied a Rakhi to Shivaay every year, he couldn't get himself to let anyone else tie Prinku's Rakhi on his wrist. That right was solely Priyanka's. So he waited. Kept each Rakhi for her to tie when she came home. Whenever she was ready to come home. And after 14 years, his baby sister, his Prinku Pehelwan was coming home.

Aa Shivaay kept the box back, memories of the past washed over him.

14 years ago
Oberoi Mansion

A regular Sunday morning found the Oberoi Family sprawled across living room. Some talked business, some discussed spiritual matters with deep-meaning and some cooed and gushed over the two infants, Raahil and Shivani.

"This is a sight fore eyes."

The voice pulled everyone's attention. The first to jump to his feet and run to door was Rudra, followed by Om and Shivaay.

"Prinku!!!!!!" Rudra squealed as he engulfed Priyanka in a bone crushing hug. ShivOm pulled them away, worried that Rudra might actually crush their sister. Priyanka hugged her elder two brothers.

"Prinku, I..it's so good to see you, likin tu kab aayi, kaise aayi, Hume bataya kyoon nahi?" Shivaay asked, ushering her inside.

"Bhaiya mein aaj hi aayi. Actually chhutti mil hi nahi rahi thi and jaise hi mili, maine immediately tickets book kiye, bag pack kiya and seedha aa gayi." Priyanka explained before greeting the rest of the family with hugs.

"Prinku beta, tere saath yeh pyaari si bacchi kaun hain?" Shakti asked, referring to the 4 year old girl trailing behind Prinku.

"Chhote Papa yeh Saanvi hain, Ranveer ki niece. Saanvi, aap sabko hello bolna chahoge?"

Saanvi nodded and waved shyly to the Oberois, softly saying a "hello".

The family members welcomed Prinku and Saanvi, instructing staff members to put their luggage away and chiding over how Prinku needed to eat more and sleep well.

"Prinku Didi, Ranveer Jijaji saath nahi aaye?" Gauri asked.

"Haan, bhabhi woh... Ranveer, woh..." Priyanka fumbled, taking a sip of water before answering, "Woh unhe zaroori kaam aa gaya tha."

"Oh right! Home Minister Mumbai aa rahe hain and Ranveer ki special unit is on security." Bhavya said and Priyanka nodded.

"Aapko kaise pata?!" Rudra asked with astonishment.

"Waise toh hum alag stations mein posted hain likin do ACPs, woh bhi related to Oberois... we'd know about each other, wouldn't we?" Bhavya shrugged.

In the evening, Shivaay ensured Priyanka was fed real Indian food with real spices as the family caught up with Priyanka and occasionally groaned about Monday coming too soon.

Monday started as any other Monday with Tej, Shakti, Shivaay, Om, Rudra and Bhavya heading to work. The ladies spent the day taking care of the two infants. Priyanka took the day to bond with her niece and nephew while AniRi attempted to get to know Saanvi. They learnt that Saanvi was a quiet kid who enjoyed building blocks and pretending she could be invisible by covering herself with a dupatta, and Priyanka had a hidden talent for entertaining infants.

By evening, the Oberoi men had returned and everyone gathered in the living room until dinner. Rudra occasionally glanced at his watch. Bhavya was usually home by this time and if she was running late, she would let him know.

Bhavya returned and made her way towards the Oberois. Rudra was about cheerfully greet her but noticed the perturbed look his wife's face, deciding to let her speak first.

"Priyanka, aapse baat karni hain." Bhavya called out.

"Haan bhabhi, boliye." Prinku replied, still engaged in some conversation with Anika and Gauri.

"Sit down Priyanka." Bhavya said a little more seriously and assertively.

This ceased all talks amongst everyone. Priyanka felt something twist in her gut. She glanced around to ensure Saanvi and Sahil were still in his room's upstairs and the infants were asleep in the nursery. She then sat next to Bhavya on the sofa, who tried to appear collected.

"Priyanka, jaisa ki aap jaanti hain, Ranveer ki special unit Home Minister ki security ke incharge hain." Bhavya started and Priyanka nodded, not having a good feeling about where this conversation was going. "Subah... subah Home Minister ka convey... was ambushed. Ranveer and his team immediately jumped into action, reinforcements were on the way as well. But... but crossfire mein... Ranveer got shot."

Priyanka gasped and gripped the edge of the sofa. The others looked towards each other with shock and troubled expression. Priyanka felt a lump in her throat but swallowed hard and asked, "but...but he'll be fine, right? Aap log Ranveer ko hospital ke gaye hain na?"

Bhavya took a deep breath. "Ranveer was rushed to the hospital immediately, doctors did their best, they tried very hard but... they couldn't save Ranveer. I'm sorry Priyanka, Ranveer is gone. He's no more."

As soon as the words left Bhavya's mouth, gasps echoed through the hall. Some were shocked and some were confused. That couldn't be right, could it?

Priyanka felt numb. Everything seemed to blur away and felt she was out of her body. Her father yelling a "what the hell" and making a frantic call brought her back. She felt suffocated, as if there was a huge boulder in her chest crushing her lungs. And sheer terror coursing through her.

Om and Shivaay noticed Priyanka beginning to hyperventilate and rushed to her side.

Om held Prinku's hand. "Prinku, look at me."

"Bhai... bhaiya Ran..veer he... he d..di...died... he..." Priyanka chocked out before she doubled over and screamed, bursting into tears. Om pulled her into his arms. Shivaay and Om hugged her tight as violent sobs shook her body. Rudra went towards Bhavya, who felt the guilt of being the harbinger of such terrible news. Anika and Gauri held onto each other, tears running down their faces as well. Pinky held on to a trembling Jhanvi, Tej had his face in his hands and Shakti tried to comfort a shocked Dadi.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Ranveer's body had been brought to Oberoi Mansion for the last rites. The family members took turns paying their respects. When it was Priyanka's turn, she knew all eyes were on her.

Upon hearing the news, she cried and cried in her brothers' arms until she passed out. She woke up a couple hours later. Since then her face was devoid of any expression and she had neither said a word nor shed another tear. 

Priyanka knelt beside her husband's body, gently caressing his face. Her chapped lips quivered and tears pooled in her puffy eyes but wouldn't fall.

The women were silently crying but the men held themselves together as the final rites had to be performed. They carried the pyre to the crematory ground and Om performed the rites as Ranveer's brother in law.

Having died in the line of duty, Ranveer received a 21 gun salute by the police squad. Om was proud of Ranveer and the honour he received, he really was. However, he couldn't ignore the empty look in his sister's eyes as she gazed at the blazing pyre, barely flinching at the gunshots being fired. As he prayed for Ranveer's soul to rest in peace, he also prayed for his sister to stay strong.

A memorial was organised in Oberoi Mansion. Members of Ranveer's unit, his colleagues, the Commissioner of Police, friends and associates of the Oberois; all had come to pay their respects. Shivaay ensured no media personnel stepped foot inside Oberoi Mansion. The last thing his sister needed to deal with was mics and cameras being shoved in her face.

Just as Priyanka was bidding goodbye to Siddhart and Mallika, her eyes widened at the two people coming in through the main door. The others noticed and followed her gaze, having the same reaction as her upon seeing the pair.

Kamini and Mahi.

"How dare they.." Tej seethed and was about to approach them with clenched fists but Priyanka held him back, shaking her head.

"Family hain woh Ranveer ki." Priyanka stated.

"Priyanka-"

"Please Papa." Priyanka pleaded, making Tej back off but instructing the security personnel to keep a close eye on the two.

Shivaay watched them like a hawk. Kamini was dressed in a white saree, which one could argue was too fancy for a funeral, while Mahi seemed to put on the only white kurta he owned with first pair of pants he saw and cheap sunglasses. Sunglasses to an indoor memorial service?

When Kamini approached Priyanka, the latter didn't say a word but maintained a stoic look, made eye contact with Kamini and greeted her with folded hands, which Kamini reciprocated.

A second later, Kamini threw herself at the dais on which Ranveer's photograph was kept, shedding tears dramatically and saying how he was more than a son to her, how could he leave her and go at such young age, etc etc.

Mahi, on the other hand, quietly went to the dais and removed his sunglasses, which were covering his red, swollen eyes. He quietly joined his hands and closed his eyes, praying for the departed soul.

Shivaay decided that he didn't need to tail them, a security guard already kept a close watch on Tej's order. Besides, the pair wouldn't attempt any stunts in a room full of police officers and security personnel. He returned to attending to the guests for rest of the service.

Days after the funeral seemed to pass by in a blur. The Oberoi men and Bhavya returned to work as the women reassured them that they'd look after Priyanka. Priyanka had Saanvi skip school for a few days and taught her at home. If she wasn't with Saanvi, she would be in the study or in her room, sorting through Ranveer's things that were dropped off by other officers. On Dadi's advice, they gave her space but ensured they were around if she needed. Priyanka didn't speak much but ate, slept and showered, which eased everyone a little.

Two weeks later, the family's lawyer Mr Kukreja came looking for Priyanka.

"Ms Oberoi, all formalities are done. Congratulations." Mr Kukreja said, handing over the files to her.

"Thank you Mr Kukreja." Priyanka said and read the papers.

"But... are you sure, Ms Oberoi?"

"Absolutely certain of it."

Mr Kukreja nodded and left, not before being spotted by Tej and Shivaay. They went inside and found Priyanka reading the file on the sofa.

"Prinku, Mr Kukreja ko dekha humne. Woh kisi kaam se aaye the?" Shivaay asked.

"Haan bhaiya. Actually Mr Kukreja mujhse milne aaye the. Saanvi ki custody and visa application ke papers le ke." Priyanka replied.

"Visa application?" Tej asked with a raised eyebrow.

Priyanka drew a sharp breath before closing the file and facing her father and brother.

"Papa, bhaiya... main... Maine decide kiya hain ki main Saanvi ko le ke USA jaa rahi hoon." Priyanka revealed, shocking both Tej and Shivaay.

"Wait, what!?" Shivaay exclaimed.

"I got a job in Boston, had a month before starting so ghar aa gayi but I wasn't able to tell you all pehle. I'll do well, I'll be able to provide Saanvi with better opportunities."

"But Prinku tu kaise manage karegi? I think you should stay here. Poori family hain yahaan, we'll support you. You and Saanvi." Shivaay tried to explain.

"Bhaiya please, main yahaan nahi reh sakti..."

"Kyoon nahi? Koi problem hain? Main use solve kar doonga, main sab theek kar doonga."

"Mere dam ghutta hain yahaan!" Priyanka nearly screamed. She realised it and cleared her throat to lower her tone. "Bhaiya is ghar ka, is sheher ka har kona mujhe mere beete hue kal ki yaad dilata hain. I feel trapped here bhaiya. I feel like I'll go insane. But... when I think about Boston, I feel happy. I see something to look forward to. I want to go bhaiya."

Tej and Shivaay stood for a couple minutes, processing what Prinku said. Tej stormed off to his room, leaving an upset Prinku behind.

"Papa..."

"Prinku, give him some time. It's a lot to for him." Shivaay said and caressed her head before going to Shivani's nursery.

By night, everyone was made aware of Priyanka's decision.  Some were sceptical, some were supportive. Regardless, Prinku was unwavering in her decision.

A couple days later, Priyanka was on call with the family's travel agent. "Hello Mr Batra, I need two flight tickets to Boston, one adult and one child... economy is just fine... okay, can you email the fare-"

The conversation ended abruptly as Tej took her phone and ended the call.

"Koi zaroorat nahi tickets book karne ki."

"Papa, please samajhne ki kosh-"

"Here." Tej handed Priyanka a printed document, which made Priyanka's eyes widen. "Business class tickets to Boston for you and Saanvi. Dubai mein layover hain, chauffer, porter and in-flight nanny included."

Priyanka was stunned. "Papa... yeh... yeh sab..."

Tej caressed Priyanka's hair fondly and said, "Main tumhe nahi rokoonga Priyanka. I want you to be happy. But allow me ensure that my daughter reaches her destination comfortably."

Priyanka hugged Tej tightly, a single tear falling from her eye. "Thank you Papa. Thank you so much."

The morning of Priyanka's flight saw everyone gathered in the hall, bidding goodbye to Priyanka and Saanvi. The Obahus were trying to calm down the antsy OBros. Dadi and the Senior Oberois didn't have much to say, only hugging Priyanka and giving her their blessings.

"Take care of yourself Prinku. Time se khaana and time se so jaana." Om reminded her for the 50th time and Priyanka reassured him forthe 50th time.

"Prinku please dobara 2 saal ke liye gaayab mat ho jaana. Beech beech mein aati rehna. Ya humein bula lena hum aa jaayenge. In dono bhaiyon ko main akele nahi sambhaal sakta." Rudra whined, making Priyanka giggle.

"Text me when you reach the airport, when you're done with security, when you board, when you land in Dubai, when you board in Dubai and when land in Boston. And when you reach home in Boston." Shivaay instructed.

"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes." Priyanka replied, mentally amused at how paranoid her brother anytime she travelled without them.

Priyanka gave a quick hug to her sisters-in-law, Anika getting a slightly longer and tighter one before the chauffer informed her that their bags were loaded and they shall leave for the airport in order to reach on time. The family waved Priyanka and Saanvi goodbye from the porch. As the car drove away, Priyanka felt a pang in her heart looking at her family and her home, knowing that despite  her promise, it would be a while before she and Saanvi returned. She sighed, shifting her focus back to Saanvi and their upcoming travel. It was going to be long journey.

Next day
Boston, Massachusetts , USA

As Priyanka opened the door to her apartment, a sense of calmness washed over her. She had a housekeeper clean the apartment so that she and Saanvi could return to a clean house. Speaking of Saanvi, Priyanka looked at little girl looking around, clutching the straps of her backpack.

"Yeh humara ghar hain Mami?" Saanvi asked.

Priyanka knelt to her and replied, "Haan bacche. I know it's not much or what you're used to but I think you and I can make into something really nice. Does that sound good?"

Saanvi gave her a toothy smile and nodded vigorously. Priyanka smiled and gently caressed her hair.

"Welcome home."

A/N
Hi everyone
I'm back 😅
Sorry for the unexpectedly long hiatus 😬
I had taken a break from Wattpad as I was not in a good place mentally
Thank you for everyone who stayed with the book till now and continued to support it
Hope you enjoyed