Book 1 of Revenge Series 🎀
(On hold) for a month
Evan Malhotra with his mother Evara Gomes was stuck in a cell, they were locked there for 3 years. Evara didn't take any risk to escape as Evan was 1 month old when they were bought here.
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It had been a week since Ritik’s arrival in Kolkata, and he was slowly getting accustomed to his new life. The Smiths were warm and supportive, and Ritik felt a sense of belonging that he had never known before. One afternoon, as Ritik was returning home from school, Mrs. Smith greeted him with an excited smile.
“Ritik, I have some wonderful news,” she said, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Your brother Aryan, his wife Aarohi, and their eleven-year-old daughter Araddha are coming to visit us in a few days. You’ll get to meet your new sister!”
Ritik’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Mom, what is a sister?” he asked, the unfamiliar word sounding strange to his ears. Growing up in a cell, he had only known his mother and had no concept of siblings.
Mrs. Smith’s heart ached with compassion as she realized how much Ritik had missed out on. She knelt down to his level, her smile gentle and reassuring. “A sister is like a best friend who is also part of your family,” she explained. “You’ll get to know her soon, baby. Don’t worry.”
A week later, the day finally arrived. Mrs. Smith was buzzing with excitement as she prepared the house for her son Aryan, his wife Aarohi, and their eleven-year-old daughter Araddha. She hadn’t seen her granddaughter in years, and the anticipation of finally meeting her filled her with joy.
Mrs. Smith left early for the airport to pick them up. The ride back was filled with laughter and catching up. Aryan and Aarohi were happy to see Mrs. Smith, but there was a hint of apprehension in Aryan’s eyes.
Back at the house, Ritik returned from school to find the atmosphere charged with excitement. Mrs. Smith greeted him at the door. “Ritik, go freshen up quickly. Your brother and his family are here.”
Ritik nodded and headed to his room. As he changed out of his school uniform, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of curiosity and anxiety about meeting these new family members.
The dining table was set with an array of breakfast dishes, and the maids were bustling about, ensuring everything was perfect. Ritik took a deep breath and walked to the dining room. He found Aryan and Aarohi sitting at the table, along with Mrs. Smith and Mr. Smith. Araddha, the eleven-year-old girl, was sitting quietly, reading a book.
“Come, Ritik,” Mrs. Smith called, motioning for him to join them. “Everyone, this is Ritik. I found him at a seashore during our vacation visit, and we decided to adopt him.”
Aarohi smiled warmly. “That’s wonderful. Welcome to the family, Ritik.”
Aryan, however, remained silent, a slight frown on his face as he observed Ritik. The atmosphere was a bit tense as they ate, but Mrs. Smith tried to keep the conversation light and cheerful. After breakfast, Aryan excused himself and went to his room, while Aarohi stayed behind to chat with Mrs. Smith.
Later that day, while Ritik was in his room reading a book, Aarohi and Mrs. Smith sat in the living room. Aarohi looked thoughtful as she spoke. “Mom, you and Dad are getting older now. In a few years, you both might not be able to take care of yourselves as well. Why did you choose to adopt a son at this age? I mean, I don’t have a problem with Ritik, but won’t it be difficult for you?”
Mrs. Smith smiled softly. “Ritik needed a home, Aarohi. He’s a sweet boy, and I believe we can give him a good life. And if we ever need help, we have you and Aryan to support us.”
Aarohi nodded. “Of course, Mom. We’ll always be here for you.”
Just then, Aryan walked in, his expression stern. “Mom, you know it wasn’t necessary to bring that boy here. We already have a big family. You could have left him at an orphanage. You don’t know where he comes from or what his background is. I’m not at all happy with your decision.”
Mrs. Smith’s face hardened. “It’s okay if you have a problem with him, Aryan. But keep it to yourself. Don’t call that child a brat.”
Aarohi interjected, her voice calm but firm. “Watch your mouth while talking to your mom, Aryan. Just because you’ve grown up doesn’t mean you can insult her.”
Frustrated, Aryan got up and stormed into their room, leaving Aarohi and Mrs. Smith in a tense silence.
After a while, Aarohi sighed and turned back to Mrs. Smith. “I apologize for Aryan’s behavior, Mom.”
Mrs. Smith shook her head. “It’s okay, Aarohi. Let’s not dwell on it.”
Aarohi looked thoughtful. “Did you try to find his family or ask where he came from?”
Mrs. Smith nodded. “I did. Ritik told me he doesn’t remember anything about his past.”
Aarohi smiled gently. “Well, he seems like a sweet boy. I’m sure he’ll be a wonderful addition to our family.”
Mrs. Smith returned the smile. “Yes, he is.”
As Aarohi went to join Aryan in their room, Mrs. Smith decided to take a walk in the garden to clear her mind. She needed some fresh air to think about how to bridge the gap between her children and Ritik.
While Mrs. Smith was in the garden, Ritik came out of his room, feeling a bit restless. He wandered into the living room, where he found Araddha still engrossed in her book. The little girl looked up at him with wide, curious eyes.
“Hi,” Ritik said softly, trying to appear friendly. “What are you reading?”
Araddha held up her book. “It’s a story about a magical land. Do you like reading?”
Ritik nodded. “I do. Can I join you?”
Araddha smiled and patted the space next to her on the sofa. “Sure. Do you have a favorite book?”
Ritik shook his head. “I haven’t read many books. Maybe you can recommend some to me?”
Araddha’s eyes lit up. “I have a whole shelf of books in my room in America! I have pictures on my phone, I'll show them to you after lunch!”
Ritik felt a warmth spread through him as he talked with Araddha. Her innocent curiosity and simple joy were a welcome respite from the complexities of his new life. They spent the afternoon discussing their favorite stories, and Ritik realized that having a sister wasn’t so bad after all.
Over the next few days, Ritik tried his best to bond with Aryan and Aarohi, but it was a slow process. Aryan remained distant, often finding excuses to avoid spending time with Ritik. Aarohi, on the other hand, was more welcoming and tried to include Ritik in family activities.
One evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Mrs. Smith decided to address the elephant in the room. “Aryan, Aarohi, Ritik have something he’d like to say.”
Ritik looked up, nervous but determined. “I know I’m new here, and it’s a big change for everyone. But I want you to know that I’m grateful to be part of this family. I’ll do my best to fit in and be a good son and brother.”
There was a moment of silence before Aarohi smiled and reached across the table to squeeze Ritik’s hand. “We’re happy to have you, Ritik. It’ll take time, but we’ll make it work.”
Aryan, still reluctant, gave a curt nod. “We’ll see.”
As the days turned into weeks, Ritik continued to settle into his new life. He excelled at school and began making friends. His bond with Araddha grew stronger, and she adored her new big brother. Mrs. Smith watched with pride as Ritik blossomed into a confident, happy young man.
