đź“Ť Nandanpur, Rakshabandhan Morning
Simran arrived earlier than expected—on a scooter driven by Abhay, her tiny arms wrapped tightly around his waist, eyes puffy but proud.
"She fought with her mom to come here," Abhay said, pulling off his helmet.
"Said she wanted to tie rakhi to her real brothers," he added, quietly.
The front yard of the Sharma-Kumar house had been decorated with rangoli chalks, hand-drawn by Vrinda and Meera. Sweet smells floated out from the kitchen.
But Simran stood still, her bag still slung over her back.
🧵 The Rakhi Scene
She finally stepped forward, holding a small pouch.
Her voice was soft but firm.
"This is for Vivaan… Meera told me you helped me when I got scared in the fire."
Vivaan blushed, holding out his wrist with a shy smile. Meera grinned, giving Simran a gentle nudge.
"This is for Aariv. You always make us laugh even when we're scared."
Aariv saluted in mock pride.
"This is for Raghav," she continued, walking over.
"You don't talk much. But I know you'd protect me if something happened."
Raghav blinked—touched, but said nothing.
And last, she turned to Abhay.
He knelt down without a word.
Simran tied the final rakhi slowly. Her hands shook slightly, her face serious.
"And this one's for you, Abhay bhaiya… because you came and picked me up when I had no one else."
Silence.
Then Meera wrapped Simran in a hug.
"You okay?" she asked.
Simran smiled through tears.
"I used to have a bhaiya… Aryan. He died when I was six. I didn't want Rakshabandhan anymore after that. But this year… I didn't want to be alone."
🌫️ Flashback: Five Years Ago
She had been six. Aryan, eight.
They had gone to the riverbank after school. A loose footstep, a fast current, and a scream that never faded from her memory.
No one could save him.
The river was too cruel.
🌸 Back to Present: A Real Family
Ishanvi, watching from a little distance, whispered to Abhay later.
"You were amazing with her."
Abhay just looked down, embarrassed as always when praised.
"She's strong. And… I just did what anyone would."
"Not everyone would," Ishanvi replied, quietly.
đź›– Evening: Quiet Celebrations
As night settled, the courtyard was full of soft laughter, lanterns swinging gently. No loud parties. Just music, sweets, and warmth.
Simran sat between Meera and Vivaan, finally smiling without holding back.
"I have four brothers now," she said proudly, looking at Aariv, Raghav, Vivaan, and Abhay.
"And four sisters," she added, hugging Meera, Vrinda, Vaidehi, and Ishanvi.
They didn't correct her.
Because she wasn't wrong.