Chapter 23: Family Bonds (pt. 1)
Winter's chill began to creep into the days, but the warmth of the plans ahead kept Raitha and Shyam in high spirits. The first day of Shyam's break had finally arrived, and they found themselves at Aarohi's house, a modern yet cozy apartment filled with soft lighting and an inviting atmosphere.
Aarohi greeted them with her signature energy, wrapping Shyam in a tight hug before turning to Raitha.
"Raitha! It's so good to finally meet you properly," Aarohi said, her voice brimming with warmth. "Shyam hasn't stopped talking about you since the wedding."
Raitha blushed lightly, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. "It's great to meet you too, Aarohi. I've always admired your performances. You're so talented."
Aarohi grinned. "Thank you, but talent aside, I'm just happy to spend time with my little brother and his wife. Come in, both of you. Dev's been waiting eagerly to meet you, Raitha."
Dev, Shyam's younger brother, was already seated at the dining table, his curious eyes lighting up when he saw them enter. At fourteen, he had an aura of youthful mischief but also a certain shyness that reminded Raitha of Shyam during his school days.
"Dev," Shyam called, ruffling his brother's hair as he walked past. "This is Raitha, your sister-in-law."
"Hi," Dev said, looking up at her with a small smile.
"Hi, Dev. I've heard so much about you," Raitha said warmly, sitting down beside him. "Shyam tells me you're quite the artist. Can I see some of your work?"
Dev's face lit up with a mix of pride and embarrassment. "Uh...sure! I'll go get my sketchbook."
As Dev dashed off to retrieve his sketches, Aarohi gestured for Shyam and Raitha to sit down. "You two must be starving. I've made something special for lunch—my famous butter chicken and naan. I'm pretty sure it's the only reason Shyam bothers to visit me," she joked, earning a laugh from Raitha.
"I'm not going to deny that," Shyam said, grinning.
---
Lunch was filled with laughter and lighthearted banter. Aarohi's cooking lived up to its reputation, and even Dev, usually reserved, joined in the conversations as he showed Raitha his artwork. Each page of his sketchbook revealed intricate drawings of fantasy landscapes and characters, showcasing a talent far beyond his years.
"These are amazing, Dev," Raitha said, her genuine admiration shining through. "Have you ever thought about becoming an animator or a comic artist?"
Dev's cheeks flushed. "Maybe...I'm not sure yet. But it'd be cool to make something people love."
Shyam patted his brother on the back. "You'll figure it out, Dev. You've got the talent and the passion. Just keep at it."
---
As the afternoon stretched into evening, Aarohi suggested an outing. They decided to visit a nearby park where the trees were dusted with the first hints of snow. The air was crisp, and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot added a serene backdrop to their walk.
"Shyam used to bring us here all the time when we were kids," Aarohi said, glancing at her brother. "It's funny how some places always feel the same no matter how much time passes."
"Shyam's always been someone who cherishes the little things," Raitha said softly.
Aarohi nodded. "He has. And now he has you to share those little things with. It's good to see him so happy."
Shyam, walking slightly ahead with Dev, glanced back and smiled at the sight of Raitha and Aarohi talking. The connection between them was effortless, as though they'd known each other for years.
---
By the time they returned to Aarohi's apartment, the sky had darkened, and the city lights sparkled in the distance. Aarohi insisted they stay for dinner, and the evening ended with a round of card games that left everyone in fits of laughter.
As Shyam and Raitha prepared to leave, Aarohi pulled her brother aside.
"You've got a good one there, Shyam," she said with a smile. "Don't ever take her for granted."
"I won't," Shyam replied, his voice steady.
Raitha hugged both Aarohi and Dev before they left, feeling a newfound bond with Shyam's family. The warmth of the day lingered in her heart as they headed home, hand in hand.