Aadhya's POV
Today is Raksha Bandhan. National holiday. Of course.
And here I am sitting in the mandir at home. Me, Bhaiyya, Reyansh and Masi.
I'm dressed traditionally today—pink kurti and matching pajamas. Not bad, I look decent for once.
Masi is doing aarti while we three are standing behind her like disciplined ducklings. Then we did it too, taking turns. Done with pooja.
"Adi, now tie rakhi to Krishna ji," she said, pulling me forward and handing me a small rakhi.
I tied it to little Laddu Gopal and folded my hands dramatically.
"Hey bhagwan, aaj se aap mere bhai… agar Amar bhaiyya mujhe maare toh aap bachaa lena."
( Oh God, from today onwards you're my brother officially just save me from Amar brother when he is about to smack me)
I peeked back.
Amar bhaiyya was already glaring at me.
Next second—ear twist.
"Aahhh!"
"Maa!" he started scolding me, and Masi immediately scolded him back. Good. Serves you right.
I grinned at him from behind Masi. He looked even more irritated.
"Come, let's tie rakhi," Masi said.
We sat on the floor. New carpet. Fancy.
Bhaiyya sat in front of me. I picked up the thali, did his aarti, applied tika, then tied rakhi. He kept glaring.
Keep glaring. Free entertainment.
"Blast," he said suddenly.
Huh?
"Blast what?" I asked confused.
He sighed. "Tell what you want. I'll give it to you."
Hmm…
What should I ask?
He already bought me clothes. Gave me 5000 last time—still lying unused except that one café latte. Food? I'll finish it in one day. Phone? Already have. Cycle? Done.
I shook my head.
Then suddenly—idea.
Grinning, I went forward and gave him a tight back hug.
He froze. Completely.
"I don't need anything bhaiyya. I have you, so I have everything in this whole world. Thank you so much. You're the best big brother. Love you," I said dramatically, acting extra cute. So cheesy. He really doesn't like this.
He instantly stood up and took out his phone.
"Hello, is this Dr. Vedant?"
Masi burst out laughing.
"What happened Amar?" she asked.
"Maa, Adi has lost her mind. Something is wrong. We need to take her to hospital," he said seriously.
DAMNIT.
"Bhaiyya, I'm seriously thankful—" I went to hug him again.
He ran.
I chased him.
Both of us running around the living room like idiots. He hid behind Masi. I've never seen him react like this. He was completely taken aback at my antic. Masi was enjoying full drama mode.
Reyansh… was just watching silently.
"Enough now. Adi, tie rakhi to Reyansh too," Masi said.
I stopped and nodded.
He sat reluctantly.
I did aarti. Applied tika. Tied rakhi.
I used to do this when we were kids. He used to visit during Raksha Bandhan. We were close… like real siblings. Fighting, caring… everything.
Then he stopped coming.
Stopped talking.
Avoided me.
Three years.
Now I'm tying him rakhi again.
He just looked at it. Said nothing.
"Maa, I'm going to my room. I have to study," he said and stood up.
"Ryo beta, aren't you going to give anything to her?" Masi asked.
I quickly spoke, "It's okay Masi, I didn't expect anything."
Her smile dropped. She knows. We aren't on good terms.so didn't press anymore.
He looked at me once… then left.
Honestly… I miss him.
But whatever. I'm too tired to feel emotional right now.
I went to my room and noticed another rakhi still in my hand. Hmm. I placed it in my bag.
Then suddenly—idea.
Should I gift Avi something? I'll tie him rakhi too. He is like my little chotu brother. Cute idiot.
I grabbed my phone and searched—
"What to gift a 5 year old boy?"
Perfect. 😌
(Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is an Indian festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists, and brothers promise to protect them and often give gifts in return.)