Nk's POV

Me: "Vivu baby, what happened?"

Vivu (crying): Ch... chacha... (hugs me tighter)... I... (sniff)...I (cry harder)

Me (worried) - Stop crying or I will ask your mum to come

Vivu (crying harder) - Don't call mummy pleasee chachuu

Me (even more worried) - OK I won't call her but tell me what happened?

Vivu (stopped crying) - Chacha ... I... (sniff) couldn't buy Aru a gift

Nk (smiling) - It's ok, Vivu you can give her the gift tomorrow and tell her that you forgot it.

Vivu starts smiling at me, wiping his tears away, and then drags me downstairs. As soon as we reach the living room, Aru jumps on top of Vivu, making him fall. The sight of the two kids laughing and hugging each other warms my heart. Their innocent love and pure joy remind me of the simplicity of childhood, the untainted bonds of family.

Aru - Happy Birthday BHAIYA!!

Vivu - Happy Birthday Aru!!

Aru - Let's take blessings from our mums

As they run towards Khushiji and Payalji to take their blessings, I can't help but admire their closeness. Aru and Vivu share a bond that is unbreakable, a bond that transcends misunderstandings and fights. Watching them together brings back memories of my own childhood with Nannav and Akash.

Growing up, Nannav, Akash, and I were inseparable. We shared everything—our secrets, our dreams, and our fears. Nannav, or Arnav as everyone else calls him, was always the protective older brother, while Akash and I were the mischief-makers. We had our own little world, a world where we supported and loved each other unconditionally.

I remember how Nannav would stand up for us whenever we got into trouble, and how Akash would make us laugh with his silly jokes. We were a team, bound by love and trust.

But those days seem like a distant memory now. The bond we once shared has been strained and tarnished by lies and betrayal. I look at Aru and Vivu, and I hope they never have to experience the pain of losing such a precious connection.

As much as I want to hold on to the good memories, reality brings a harsh reminder. Nannav and Akash, the brothers I once admired and trusted, have changed. They let ego, anger, and external influences destroy our bond. They aren't the same brothers who would go to any lengths to protect and support each other.

The way they treated Payalji and Khushiji, the way they let their fears and insecurities take over, it makes me question if they are worth the admiration I once had for them.

I see the pain in Khushiji and Payalji's eyes, the hurt that Nannav and Akash caused them. I can't forgive them for breaking the hearts of the two women who mean so much to me. The brothers I once looked up to are not the same anymore, and that realization is painful.

I watch Aru and Vivu with a renewed determination. I will do everything in my power to ensure they never lose their bond, to protect their innocence and joy. They deserve a life filled with love and happiness, free from the pain and betrayal that I have experienced.

As the kids laugh and play, I vow to be the guardian they need, to shield them from the darkness that tainted my bond with my brothers. They will always have my love and support, no matter what.

Payal's POV

I look at Vivu as he comes towards me to take my blessings. I can't believe that my son, raised with so much love and spoiled by Nanheji, Lavanyaji, and Khushi, has never forgotten his traditions. And the same goes for my dear Aru. She is another Khushi, full of life. Sometimes Aru reminds me of Khushi when she was younger, while Vivu is like me—very possessive of my younger sister.

But as I gaze at Vivu, I also see bits of Akash in him. He has that quiet demeanour, often lost in his thoughts, just like Akash. His silence speaks volumes, and his eyes reflect a depth of understanding far beyond his years. Vivu's calm nature and gentle demeanour are unmistakably inherited from his father.

I smile as I recall how Akash used to be the quiet, nerdy-looking boy who would always have his nose buried in a book. Vivu is the same. He loves reading and can spend hours engrossed in his favourite stories. His curiosity and thirst for knowledge remind me so much of Akash during our younger days.

Vivu also has Akash's sweet and caring nature. He is always the first to offer help and comfort, whether it's to me, Aru, or anyone in need. His kind heart and gentle soul make him a joy to be around. I remember how Akash would always go out of his way to make others feel special, and seeing the same trait in Vivu fills me with a sense of pride and bittersweet nostalgia.

However, there are moments when I see flashes of Akash's anger in Vivu. It's rare, but when he gets upset, there's a fire in his eyes that is unmistakably his father's. It's a fierce, protective anger, the kind that surfaces when someone he loves is hurt or wronged. Even in his young age, Vivu has shown that he is willing to stand up for what he believes in and protect those he cares about.

Despite everything, these reminders of Akash in Vivu are a double-edged sword. They bring back memories of a time when things were simpler, when our love was pure and untainted by the complexities and betrayals that followed. But they also remind me of the pain and the hurt that Akash caused, the trust that was broken.

As I look at my son, I am filled with a mixture of emotions. I am proud of the boy he is becoming, a blend of the best parts of both Akash and me. Yet, there is also a lingering sadness, a reminder of what was lost and the challenges we have faced.

Aru (worried): "Massi, are you okay?"

Payal (smiling through her tears): "Yes, my dear Aru, and may God bless you."

I touch her head to give her my blessings.

I touch his head to give him my blessings, feeling a surge of love and hope for his future. I will do everything in my power to ensure that Vivu grows up to be a man of integrity, kindness, and strength. He deserves a life filled with love and happiness, free from the shadows of our past.

Aru (innocently asking) - Massi... why're you crying?

Me (smiling through tears) - Baby... something went into my eye... anyway tell me dear what do you want for your birthday gift? You are so lucky dear, you will get gifts from chacha, chachi, mama,mami,nana,nani, and maasi.

Aru (innocently) - What about Bhaiyaa?

Payal (smiling at her innocence) - Don't worry Aru baby he will also get gifts from everyone as well but you will get a special gift.

Aru (innocently) - Why me? Why not Bhaiyaa?

Payal (laughing) - baby, you will find out why later but for now you will have to wait and as for your bhaiyaa then he got his special gift last year when he turned 6.

Aru nods at me and then tries to drag her bhaiya to her room to show him his present.

Khushi's POV when Vivu came to take her blessings

I look at my little nephew with his adorable face. He is just like Jiji, mature and patient. I can't believe that Jiji and I gave birth to him on the same day as me. I still remember that day vividly.

Flashback

At 2am

Khushi's POV

Jiji (wakes up, sweating): "Aahhhhh, Khushi!!!, Nanheji!!!, Lavanyaji!! Aaaahhhh."

I wake up immediately to see Jiji shouting as if her water broke. Not being able to get up from bed and not seeing Nanheji or Lavanyaji coming, I drop the glass jug near me on the floor so that they would come, and thankfully they did.

Nanheji (running in, sleepy) -Khushiji, Payal Ji, what happened?

He opens his eyes, shocked to see Jiji sweating. He quickly helps Jiji get off the bed while Lavanyaji, who also came, helps me get up, and then we all take Jiji to the hospital. As soon as Jiji goes into the ward to give birth, I feel a sharp pain in my stomach and start screaming. Nanheji looks at me with a scared face and then drags one of the doctors to help me. After 20 minutes, I give birth to Arushi while Nanheji runs in after saying that five minutes ago Jiji gave birth to Vivaan.

Vivu (worried) - Massi, are you ok?

Me (coming out of her flashback) - Yes my dear Vivu, and may god bless you.

I start talking to Vivu about random things when Aru comes to take him.

Aru is a force to be reckoned with, even at her young age. She's fiercely protective of her loved ones, especially her brother. Just like Arnav, she has that intense possessiveness. I see it in the way she stands close to Vivu, almost as if she's shielding him from the world. It's a trait that both endears her to me and worries me at the same time.

She also has Arnav's temper. When things don't go her way, she can be quick to anger, her little face scrunching up in a way that is so reminiscent of her father. It's not just the anger, though; it's the intensity of it. Arnav's anger was always a storm, and I can see the same brewing in Aru. But just like Arnav, her anger is fleeting, often replaced by a soft, apologetic look that melts my heart.

Aru's mind is sharp, much like her father's. Even at this young age, she has a keen sense of strategy and problem-solving. I've seen her orchestrate her playtime in a way that mirrors the business acumen Arnav had. She's quick to assess situations, often coming up with plans and ideas that surprise me. It's a little daunting to see such a small child exhibit such a strong business mind, but it's also a source of pride.

However, Aru has also inherited some of Arnav's less desirable traits. There's a bit of ego in her, especially when it comes to her mother. She doesn't like to share my attention with anyone, not even Vivu at times. It's a selfishness that I recognise all too well from her father. It's a challenge, balancing her need for my attention and ensuring she understands the importance of sharing and empathy.

I watch as she drags Vivu away, a determined look on her face. I know she's planning something, probably some elaborate game where she gets to be the leader. Vivu, sweet and patient as always, follows her without complaint. He adores his sister, and despite her bossy nature, she adores him too.

Voices - Vivu!!! Aru!!! Don't you want presents from us? Whose voices are that?

Who are mama,mami,nana,nani?

What is the special present that Payal is talking about to Aru?

Precap - Aru and Vivu's Birthday Party & Character sketch?

Do you guys want a character sketch?