After washing up, Raj went into his usual yoga routine. His muscles tensed and relaxed as he shifted between poses. These are the new asanas poses created by the Union Council in collaboration with ancient families which help people who hadn't yet leveled up. Once done, he shifted into meditation a practice that strengthened his soul while calming his mind. It was also during these moments that he could push aside all his pressures from school, blessings, and expectations.
A soft ping from his watch interrupted his meditation. It was the remainder for dinner.
Sighing, Raj rose and made his way to the dining room. As he entered, the familiar sight of his mother greeted him. She looked barely a day older than him, her youthful features defying time, yet there was an undeniable authority in how she held herself.
His mother, Sruthi noticed him staring and raised an eyebrow. "Go and call your dad for dinner," she instructed, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Raj sighed playfully." You and Dad finally have some free time, huh? I still don't get why you two are always so busy."
"You'll know soon enough," Sruthi replied cryptically, her voice hinting at something that Raj couldn't quite place.
Raj knocked on his father's study. "Dad, mom's calling you for dinner."
A moment later, the door opened, revealing his father, Samba, standing tall with a majestic air about him. His broad shoulders and strong stance conveyed years of strength and wisdom. Even now, there was an unshakable presence about him that Raj admired deeply.
"Got it. I'll be down in five minutes," Samba responded with a nod.
---
A short while later, the family of four sat around the dining table, an array of delicious dishes spread before them. Priya moved quietly around the table, serving each dish with precision and care.
"Priya, please sit with us. I've told you before, you're part of the family too," Sruthi said, glancing at her with a gentle but firm tone.
Priya hesitated, as she always did, her expression one of quiet determination. "I... I'm okay, ma'am."
"Leave her be," Samba said with a chuckle. "We all know she won't change, no matter how many times we ask."
Raj smiled slightly but didn't comment, focusing instead on the food. It was a rare sight, all of them together like this.
The conversation shifted to Suma, who had been bouncing excitedly in her seat. "Mom, Dad, I've improved my *Bhima's Fist* technique! So now I should be allowed to go outside and play!" Her voice was filled with hope and determination. She turned to Raj for support. "If you don't believe me, ask Anna!"
Raj, chewing a piece of bread, nodded. "She's not lying. She's gotten better. You guys should let her go out. If not, I'm the one getting punched every time I walk through the door."
Samba raised an amused eyebrow. "Is that so? We'll have to see about that, then."
Sruthi smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling. "We'll discuss it. But no more surprise punches, Suma."
Suma grinned, clearly feeling victorious, while Raj silently hoped that his days of being her practice dummy were finally over.
Samba and Sruthi exchanged amused glances before turning back to Suma, both smiling fondly. "We'll think about it," Samba said, his voice filled with gentle authority.
The family continued their meal, laughter and warmth filling the room. There was a sense of peace and happiness, a rare moment of togetherness that seemed to dissolve the worries and busyness of their daily lives.