Woosh !!

The wind gently hit my face as I rolled down the car window. The bright afternoon sun shone brilliantly, casting shadows of the vehicles that were running on the road. The trees and buildings kept moving as I looked at them in awe. The sunny weather wasn't helping at all as I kept on sweating even when the A/C was on.

Man! Delhi is really worse during summers ..

I silently rolled up the window as didn't want my kajal and mascara to smudge up and make me look like a ghost during my first meeting with my would-be stepbrothers.

No one would wish for a ghost to be their sister, would they?

I took a quick glance at mom only to see her staring at me as if she is waiting for me to strike a conversation. By the look of her face, I can understand that she is nervous as hell. Who wouldn't when they are going to meet their future step-children. I quickly grabbed her hand and gently squeezed it to let her know that I am there for her.

" Ma, I just remembered. The Meteorological Department said that today weather would be rainy and there is a great chance of precipitation, but there's no sign of a cloud. Why? ", I asked trying to lighten up her mood.

She is a great fan of weather!

She rolled her eyes, " When did the Weather Department give us an accurate weather prediction? It's basically impossible if you ask me !! ", she said.

MISSION DIVERT-MOM SUCCESS !!!

" Yeah yeah. I now know why there aren't proper rains in this country. ", I replied back.

" Driver, we better hurry up. It's almost lunch time. ", Ma said while looking at her watch and shaking her head.

" Yes Madam! ", He replied.

We finally arrived at a brilliantly constructed, posh looking house which stood majestically admist all the houses in the area. The drive way was pretty large when compared to ours and I had time to look at the garden that was beautifully maintained. There were even some statues and fountains that looked so beautiful.

I am already in love with this house.

Soon enough, the car stopped at the entrance of the so-called-mansion, which I would like to specify as The Malhotra Mansion.

The car door was opened by a security guard and I thanked him while getting down. I ran my hand down my maroon jumpsuit to smoothen out the creases that were formed due to my not-so-good sitting practices.

I should learn some from Swetha!

I pushed back the pony tail which fell on my shoulder and straightened my body while convincing myself to relax.

Okay Arti. You can do it. FIGHTING !!

I looked over to see my mom doing the same thing which I was doing moments ago. Nervousness was carved on her face as she tried her best to hide it behind her smile.

She was wearing a brilliant blue and green saree which suited her so well. Someone is going to fall for her all over again.

" Ma !! You're so beautiful than me! I am going to be invisible !! ", I sulked while she chuckled.

" No putta. You're always beautiful in my eyes! ", She said while kissing my forehead. Ma is always Ma

" Did you both finish having your mother-daughter moment? ", A voice asked making me jump.

" Deepak! Don't scare us! ", She said earning a smug look from Dad.

" Let's not waste any time. You both have got an introduction to do! ", Dad said.

I asked, " Dad! Is this an interview or something? "

" My sons have to qualify you all, so c'mon. You should be punctual for your first impression. ", Dad said while dragging us in.

As we entered the first thing that caught my eye was a huge chandelier that hung in the center of the house. It radiated a golden light which illuminated the whole hall.

It's just midday, why is the light on?

Next, was the huge spiral staircase that was covered in a red rug with golden handrail lining it. There were also some antique paintings and statues.

" Welcome to The Malhotra Mansion princess! ", Dad said making me jump for the second time.

" By the way, your jumpsuit is cute! ", He said while pinching my cheeks.

Owww .... It hurts now.

" But Dad .... It hurts now !!! ", I said while rubbing my red cheeks.

" I am so sorry beta. Look Papa is holding ears. ", He said while holding his ears. Oh my God, so cute.

" Enough of your drama. Now c'mon, we have lot other things to do. ", Ma said sternly.

" Okay, you two sit here. My sons are in the backyard pool. I will call them ~ ", Dad said while motioning us to sit on the smooth white sofa which looked like a rice cake.

With that he went off to the so-called backyard pool where his sons might be probably chilling out . Suddenly, I felt a hand interlock mine. I looked up to see that it was none other than ma.

" It's gonna be okay! ", She said which really calmed me down. I never really had siblings. I was single my whole life. So, the addition of new members in my life is kinda scary as I don't know how they really are. I just don't know if I am doing the right thing.

Just then I heard various footsteps and murmurs resounding through the hallway. I looked up to see the 5 Adonis standing in front of me with expressions I couldn't decipher.

" Okay !! So boys, go and introduce yourself! ", Dad said with a big grin plastered on his face.

Can I say that I already know them?

" Hello, Abhimanyu! ", The man with a rugged beard said. The man who me and my friends stalked on internet. He was nothing like what was shown in there. All Armani Suits and Rolex watches. He was totally opposite, with the black shirt and matching pants and white sneakers. But, it was his attitude and the way he held himself is what making me shrink. He was way too formal for my liking.

Dude! I am going to be your sister, not your business partner.

At least business partner give and take handshakes and honorifics. But here, there was no such thing.

Not wanting to make things awkward I said a meek ' hello '

" Hi, Vikram Malhotra. ", Another handsome man whom I recognized earlier said. He was wearing a white button down shirt which failed to hide his toned body. His totally chiseled jaw and undercut made him look more attractive and manlier. He had this wide smirk on his face and an expression that said I-am-handsome-and-I-know-it. Oh! How I wish to wipe that stupid smirk of his face. Though his eyes were emotionless, that smirk says everything.

If Riya was here, she would've flipped this whole place upside -down .

" Oh hi! Artika! ", I introduced myself while trying to sound as confident as I can. Oh God! This should get over soon. He is so intimidating.

" Good! ", He said and moved back to his original place making way for another of his brothers to introduce themselves.

" I am Vijay. ", Another person said while forwarding his hands for a handshake.

Good dude!

" And I am Vikram's twin. ", He completed blankly. Okay, he is completing that statement as if there is no place for any talks.

" Oh okay! I am Artika! ", I said while returning the shaky-shaky.

The man here, I am telling you is an absolute representation of hulk. That poker face, his body and moreover the green shirt that he is wearing proves my statement.

Hulk suits him!

" Heyyyyyyyy ! ", An enthusiastic voice boomed making me jump for the third time today!

What's with these people and making me jump.

" I am Aarav and I am going to be your new bhaiya ! ", He said while pulling me into a tight hug. That was totally unexpected.

" You're so cute !!! ", He gushed.

I am NOT cute !!!!!

" Hai !!! I am Arvind. And I also love warm hugs !! ", Another voice said as soon as Aarav released me from the hug.

" Oh hey! ", I said awkwardly while rubbing my neck.

" Won't you give me a hug? You hugged Aarav bhaiya alone! ", The grown-up kid here whined.

This is getting so awkward.

" Arvind !! Don't pester her more! She has to get used to it. See, her face is red like a tomato! ", Dad said. Seriously ?!

" Okay .. ", he sighed dejectedly.

Poor kid.

" But .. ", he started, " You should hug me afterwards. And I am going to be your best bhaiya ! Okay? " Arvind asked which excitement edged on his face.

" No! It's gonna be me !! ", Aarav whined

" Nah! It's gonna be me loser! ", Arvind countered.

" Youuuuuu !! How dare you disrespect your elder brother! And it's final, I am going to be her best brother! ", Aarav replied. I slightly chuckled.

"Just because you were born 5 minutes earlier doesn't mean you're my elder brother. We're twins remember.", Arvind countered. It was like watching Riya and Swetha fight.

" Kids !!!! Now stop arguing. We have to eat now. Let's go to the dining table !! ", Dad ordered.

Kids? I thought they were 18 years old.

Soon enough everyone followed suit and settled down on the dining table.

Now coming to the results.
The meeting wasn't so bad as I had expected. I thought they would all glare at me and bury me six feet under the ground. But, except for the first three brothers (who were too formal) I guess I will get along with Aarav and Arvind. I mean, they are fighting as to who is gonna be the best brother while the others didn't even care rather than introducing themselves.

I don't want to become the deciding authority!

" Putta ? What happened? Don't tell me you're day dreaming again! Then I'll have to take you to a good doctor! ", Ma whispered, pulling me out from my results session.

" No Ma! I am fine. Don't exaggerate! ", I replied.

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Author's Section:-

Hello peeps, this is the longest chapter I have ever written and this is not the end. So please wait for the next chappie. I think I just messed up with the introduction part. But, I am satisfied with the rest. And thank you so much for 500+ reads and 100+ votes. I didn't expect that. 🤧🤧

Finally, one question: Would you like me to introduce Abhi's friends? If yes, please do suggest me the characters. I am leaving it up to you.
Until then, byeee ~~~

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Updated:- 19/04/2021
Word count:- 1750 to 1800

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