SUNAINA'S POV

I was having the most beautiful dream—like clouds, rainbows, and maybe even my favourite Bollywood actor proposing—when someone decided to ruin it by shaking me. I groaned, hoping they'd get the hint and go away.

Nope.

The shaking just got more aggressive—like earthquake-level aggressive.

“FUCKING GO AWAY, YOU ASSHOLE, BEFORE I ACTUALLY PLAN YOUR MURDER IN DETAIL!” I shouted, hoping it would make them stop. It didn’t.

“I SWEAR TO GOD, I’LL KILL YOU AND HIDE YOUR BODY WHERE EVEN GOOGLE MAPS CAN’T FIND IT!” I yelled, finally sitting up, hair looking like a crow's nest.

“Finally, Her Highness is awake,” Ashu said, hands on her hips.

"Nope,” she chirped, flashing that annoying sarcastic smile. “Because your mommy dearest is calling you.”

“Oh, she’s calling me, so—WAIT, WHAT THE FUCK? Mrs. Vashisht is calling me?? WHY?! She left for her meetings last night! Why is she back already? Did her flight do a U-turn just to ruin my life?!” and Just like that, I was wide awake.

“Woh sab nahi pata meko, get up! She is ready to burst like a volcano,” Ashu said.

(I have no idea why she's back but get up!)

“The fuck, yaar,” I mumbled, rubbing my hand over my face.

“Fine, I’m coming after freshening up,” I said, running toward the bathroom. She nodded and walked out. I quickly freshened up, took a quick shower, and went downstairs after getting dressed.

“Morning, family,” I said, settling into my seat.

“Morning, Sunu.” both my brothers, bhabhis, and Ashu replied, while my parents completely ignored my greeting. LOL.

“Do you not remember what you did, Sunaina Vashisht?” Mom said just as I was about to take a bite of my favourite cheese sandwich. I groaned internally and decided to ignore her.

“Oh great, so now you’ll ignore me too?” she shouted.

“Let her have her breakfast peacefully, Mom,” Bhaiya said in a no-nonsense tone.

“Yeah, right! I’m the one ruining her peace when she clearly ruined my life!” she snapped at Bhaiya—and that’s when I lost it.

“WHAT?” I shouted, staring at her, and she looked back at me with wide eyes.

Great, suits her.

“FUCKING TELL ME NOW, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? WHY THE HELL ARE YOU STILL HERE WHEN YOU CLEARLY LEFT WITHOUT EVEN BOTHERING ABOUT YOUR OWN FUCKING SON'S WEDDING?!” I shouted. I’m never this rude to older people, but this selfish lady doesn’t deserve a shred of respect from me.

“DON’T TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!” she yelled back.

“Toh kaise baat karu ha? Kya chahte ho aap mujhse? Just tell me. I’m tired—I’m tired of everything now. Please…” I said, completely drained. By the end, I was barely whispering.

(How do you want me to talk? No, actually—tell me, what do you want me to do? Just tell me.)

“That’s eno—” Bhaiya tried to say something, but she cut him off.

“Just look at her. After destroying my life, she’s playing the victim card. Just look at her,” she said, standing up.

“What the hell are you even saying, Mom?” Bhaiyu said.

“Wait, Bhaiya,” I said, stopping him.

“Ruined your life?” I chuckled in disbelief. “I ruined your life? Maine bola tha aapko unprotected sex karne ko? Maine bola tha ki meko abort na karne ko? Maine bola tha kya?” I shouted.

(Was it me who had unprotected sex? Was it me who chose not to abort myself in your womb? Was it?)

“I DIDN’T! IT WAS YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND! IT WASN’T MY FAULT! THEN WHY AM I THE ONE BEING BLAMED FOR IT?” I yelled, now standing in front of her, looking straight into her eyes.

And that was the final straw—she slapped me. So hard, I fell straight to the ground. Everyone rushed to help me, but froze when she spat even more hurtful words at me.

“NO, BUT IT WAS BECAUSE OF YOU THAT I COULDN’T CONTINUE MY CAREER. I WAS THE FUCKING HIGHEST-PAID MODEL, BUT THEY REFUSED TO SIGN DEALS WITH ME BECAUSE OF YOU. BECAUSE OF YOU, MY BODY LOST ITS SHAPE AND I LOST MY CAREER. BECAUSE OF YOU, I HAD TO FUCKING HELP YOUR FATHER WITH HIS BUSINESS. IT WAS BECAUSE OF YOU THAT I COULDN’T SPEND TIME WITH MY SON. WHY? BECAUSE HE WOULD ALWAYS BRING YOU ALONG. I HATE YOU. I DESPISE YOU. YOUR FACE REMINDS ME OF MY FAILURE. IT REMINDS ME HOW UNFORTUNATE I WAS TO HAVE YOU IN MY WOMB. THE MOMENT I FOUND OUT ABOUT YOU, I WAS HAPPY—AND YOU RUINED IT BY RUINING MY CAREER!” She spat those words at me, her gaze held hate- so much hate, just for me and it was piercing my heart piece by piece.

“ARE YOU INSANE? WHAT ARE YOU EVEN SAYING, MOM?” Bhaiya shouted, standing in front of me, shielding me from her hateful gaze.

At this point, I’ve lost it. My body has stopped responding. Everything’s blurry. It’s getting harder to breathe.

“Sunu... Sunu Bacchha, take deep breaths,” I could hear Bhabhi saying something to me, but I just couldn’t focus on her words.

“Sunu bachha, Sunu meri baat sun. Take deep breaths, please... for me,” Bhaiya said, and I swear I want to—but I just can't.

(Sunu bachha, Sunu listen to me.)

“I... c...a...n’t... I... am... t...ry...ing,” I said in between gasps.

“Sunu bacchha, please... for your Bhaiya and Bhabhi. Please take deep breaths,” Bhabhi pleaded, but I just couldn’t.

I’m trying, I swear I am, but my body isn’t responding.

“Hey love, will you copy what I do?” I heard his voice—Adhvait Mehra.

“Ye... yess,” I said, still finding it hard to breathe.

“Perfect. Now, will you take a deep breath in?” he said.

I tried. I really tried to follow him.

“Beautiful. Now, can we repeat what we just did?” he said, kissing my forehead and gently caressing my back at the same time.

“H...mmm,” I managed to say.

“Good. Now, a deep breath in,” he instructed, and I just nodded and followed.

“Amazing. Now a deep breath out,” he said, and I repeated after him.

He continued guiding me like that 4–5 times, and I just followed his instructions.

“You’re doing so well, my love. Tell me, do you need some water?” he asked while softly caressing my back.I denied.

Honestly, I was starting to feel a little better. I could finally take a few steady breaths... but her words were still echoing in my mind, making it hard again.

“B...ha...iya...” I whispered, and Bhaiya immediately rushed in front of me.

“Ha mera beta,” he said. ( Yes my baby)

“H...hug... m..e,” I stammered, and he instantly pulled me into a tight hug.

“I... didn’t... do... anything, Bhaiya... I... s...swear... I didn’t... do... an...ything,” I said, sinking into his warmth.

“I know, mera bachha, I know. Please stop,” he whispered, but I shook my head.

“P...l...ea...se... don’t... please don’t leave me, Bhaiya,” I sobbed like a baby.

“I would never, my baby. Tu toh jaan hai meri... aise kaise chhod kar chala jaunga teko,” he said, gently rubbing my back.

( I would never, my baby. You are my life, how can I leave you?)

“Promise?” I asked, my eyes filled with tears.

“Promise, my bachha. I will never leave you,” he said, hugging me even tighter and kissing my forehead repeatedly.

“Sunu bachha, have some water,” Bhabhi said, placing her hand gently on my shoulder.

“Bhabhi, I’m sorry. Meri wajah se aapka first day kharab ho gaya. I’m sorry,” I said, and I meant it. It would've been better if I had just stayed in my room.

(Because of me your first day here is ruined.)

“Kya bol rahi ho, Sunu? Bachha, never say that again. Nothing is more important,” she said softly, wiping my tears. I hugged her tightly. She hugged me back, gently rubbing my back.

(What are you saying Sunu?)

“Okay, enough now. I won’t cry—she’s not worth it,” I said, wiping my tears and getting up. I looked at everyone—and by everyone, I mean Bhaiya, Bhabhi, Ashu, Dev Bhai, Bhabhi, Mr Mehra, and surprisingly, my dad too. They were all looking at me with concerned eyes.

“I’m fine, guys,” I said, getting a grip on myself.

“Kamini, tune jaan nikal di thi meri,” Ashu said, hugging me tightly. I chuckled at her words.

(Bitch you scared me)

“Sorry?” I said, giving her a cute smile—and she melted, smiling back at me.

“Keep smiling like this, Naina. We’re always here for you,” Nishita Bhabhi said, her face still streaked with tear stains. I smiled and hugged her, though her pregnant belly didn't allow me.

“I’m proud of you, little one,” Devesh Bhai said, I gave him the biggest smile in response.

Next, I looked at him. He was smiling warmly at me.

“Thank you,” I said to him. He raised an eyebrow.

“For helping me,” I added, clearing his confusion.

“Aap ke liye toh jaan bhi haazir hai,aap maangkar toh dekho.” he muttered—but I was standing right in front of him. WHAT THE FUCK.

(I can even die for you, just ask once.)

“Sorry?” I asked him, unsure of what I’d just heard.

“I said, it’s my pleasure,” he said, and I nodded.

“Of course, iska toh pleasure hoga hi,” Devesh Bhai said with a smirk, and he glared at him.

(Ofcourse, it is definitely his pleasure.)

“Nishita, do you know about his e—” he was interrupted by Devesh Bhai.

“Arre mere bhai, chup ho ja. Kyu meri hasti khelti shaadi-shuda zindagi mein aag laga raha hai? Nishu baby, he’s doing it deliberately. Ignore him,” Devesh Bhai said, glaring at him while he smirked back.

(My bro, shut up please. Why are you hell bent on destroying my happy wedding life? Nishu baby, he's doing it deliberately. Ignore him)

“Shut up, both of you. Let’s go, Sunu. Have breakfast,” Bhaiya said. Deep down, I wished my father would say something—but he left.

“Bhaiya, I don’t—” I was interrupted by Bhabhi.

“Don’t even think about skipping your food for that not-so-good mother-in-law of mine, Sunu, warna mujhse bura koi nahi hoga,” Bhabhi said—and damn, I was scared. I gulped and nodded. I looked at Bhaiya, and he nodded too, clearly agreeing with her.

(Sunu or else I'll not be happy about that.)

“Let’s go,” Bhabhi chirped. My eyes were finding it hard to believe—she was the same person who intimidated me just a moment ago. I blinked to confirm.

“You’re not daydreaming. Di is like this,” he said casually.

“Oh,” I said, still speechless, my brain low-key buffering..

“Fuck, that was hot. Can I kiss her right now, please?” Bhaiya said in a daze, standing next to me—and I swear I almost threw up.

"Ewww, Bhaiya, shut up before I throw up on your face,” I said, making a dramatic vomiting face.

The others burst into laughter, but I was genuinely almost traumatized.

Uh... let’s go,” Bhaiya muttered, clearing his throat and running away. We followed, chuckling.

Breakfast this time was… peaceful.Honestly, food tastes way better when there’s no witch around to ruin it with her energy.

Now’s the time for post-wedding rituals,” Ashu announced.

“Let’s go,” Devesh Bhaiya said, and we all followed him to the living room.

The post-wedding rituals were fun—Bhabhi won two games. It was so nice to see them smiling after all that drama

And me? I was genuinely happy. Not because everything was perfect—it wasn’t because she won't change.But because they were happy. My people. My constants. That’s all I’ve ever needed.

At night, Mr Mehra took her back for pagphera. We all retired to our rooms, absolutely drained.

Today, Ashu went to meet her parents with Dev Bhai and Bhabhi since the wedding was officially over.

I finally had some alone time. Just me, a steaming cup of coffee, and a book that wasn’t related to academic torture.

Finally, peace.

“Knock knock,” someone said instead of actually knocking on the door.

I didn’t even need to look up.

Obviously, Bhaiya.

Drama never ends in this house.

"What are you doing here, Bhaiya?” I asked, putting my book aside.

“Can I come in, vakil sahiba?” he said, standing at the door with his trademark smirk.

“Of course, you can,” I replied with a small smile.

“So,” he said, settling himself beside me.

“Sooooo?” I asked, clearly confused.

“You’re not taking her words seriously, right?” he said, giving me a side-eye.

“Of course not. She’s not that important,” I replied casually, giving him a reassuring smile.

Though I wish it were that simple. Her words still echoed in my head, like a bad song stuck on repeat.

But that's for me to know and my loved ones to never find out.

“Good. Sunu, trust me—you matter the most to me. I’ve seen you grow into a beautiful woman who’s graceful, powerful, and kind. Even though you were born from her womb, you’ll always be my first born. Trust me when I say this—you make me the happiest person alive just by being my baby sissy. I love you. Your Bhabhi loves you too—more than me, I guess. But that’s not the point. The point is, you do have parents—real ones—who love you more than anything in the world. Who would sacrifice their lives for you without hesitation. So just ignore that ungrateful lady and her husband.”

Each word slowly and slowly broke the wall I thought I had built stronger.

“Pa and Ma would hate it too if you blamed yourself when you’re nowhere near at fault. And—”

Before he could finish, I hugged him like a koala—tight, desperate. So much force that we almost kissed the floor. Thank God he balanced us and I sobbed. The full-on, snotty, messy, couldn’t-breathe kind.

"Arre kya hua hai meri gudiyaa... kitna roegi tu, bas kar ab,” Bhaiyu said softly, caressing my head.

(Hey, what happened to my doll, how much will you cry? Stop it now)

“Sunu...” he tried again, but I only sobbed harder, shaking my head as if that would stop the pain.

“Bas kar mera bachha, itna nahi rote,” he said, chuckling softly at my meltdown.

(Stop it my baby, stop crying.)

“Acha chal, let’s go have ice cream,” he offered, clearly trying to bribe me out of the emotional avalanche.

(Okay let's go and have ice cream.)

I nodded, pouting at him. He chuckled again, wiping my tears with the sleeve of his t-shirt like old times.

“Let’s go,” he said, holding out his hand.

“Butterscotch ice cream?” I asked hopefully, placing my hand in his.

“Haan meri gudiyaa, butterscotch ice cream. Chalein ab?” he said.

(Yes my doll, butterscotch icecream cream. Shall we go now?)

“Let’s go,” I said, dragging him out of the room—or at least I thought I dragged him.

Let’s be real. I’m dramatic, not strong.

And that’s how we spent our night—eating ice cream, bickering about literally anything, and eventually falling asleep on the sofa, snuggled up just like the old days.

Come on. He’s my Bhaiyu. My protector. My constant.

“Look at them... my adorable babies,” someone said softly, chuckling to himself.

“I’m sorry, my loves. I failed to protect you. I failed—as a father. I got so caught up in business, I ignored the fact that you must’ve missed having your parents around. Now the bridge between us feels too long. You both must hate me... Please forgive your papa,” he whispered, caressing our heads gently before walking away with tears in his eyes.