Intertwined hearts

Part 2

As Shubh descended down the stairs, the lines of worry on his face were replaced with a smile looking at the walls of stairway. It was decorated beautifully with the frames that displayed the moments etched in their hearts and memories. The photographs captivated Shubh yet again in pure joy, bringing back the memories of old times, birthday candles and radiant happiness. His smile wavered as there was sudden wisp of sadness when he glanced at the portrait in the middle.

Their mother. Anjana Oberoi.

His eyes misted over. She looked so beautiful with that radiant smile on her face. It was his mother who was so fond of capturing moments and framing them and they had simply picked it up from her in off handed way. Only after she left them, they realized why their mother felt so attached with those lifeless—yet the most lively of all—pictures; it was all they could have once the moment was gone. And sometimes the person with whom the moment was lived. The pictures, in its quiet way, kept the deceased alive in hearts.

"I miss you, Mumma," Shubh whispered into air. His mother had left them when he was sixteen and Shivaay was twenty-two. Ansh was just ten. He had cried for months desperately seeking their mother's comfort. Their heart broke every time he asked about her with his innocent tear-filled eyes.

Shubh was startled out of his thoughts when he heard the sound of baby's laughter. Before he could process, his legs had already started moving in the direction of that angelic voice. There was something so beautiful about the laughter that he was automatically drawn towards it.

And there he stood, at his Bhaiya's room's doorstep.

Sakshi was nuzzling Aarohi while the baby was occasionally laughing out loud making her mother's eyes shine. Sakshi bounced Aarohi in air. Instead of fear of falling, the baby gave out a throaty laugh, knowing her mother will hold her back. And she did. Sakshi scooped her back and kissed her cheeks.

"Ab chale? Shona ko bhookh lagi hogi na?" Sakshi smiled and turned around, only to find a Shubh staring at them.

She was caught off guard by his presence. She quickly composed herself and passed him a smile. "Wahan kyun khade ho, Shubhman? Come in,"

Shubh was still in daze. His eyes were fixated at Aarohi. Sakshi felt uncomfortable. She couldn't help but notice the flickering judgement in Shubh's eyes. She stepped back subconsciously, out of the motherly urge to shield her daughter.

There was an awkward silence. Neither Shubham not Sakshi knew what to say. To their rescue, Shivaansh barged inside the room at the same moment. He looked at Sakshi and smiled.

"Good morning, Bhabhi."

"Good morning, Ansh." Sakshi managed a smile.

"Did princess wake up?" Ansh asked, his voice filled with affection. He didn't wait for a reply and reached out for Aarohi.

Sakshi was bit skeptical, but she passed Aaru to Ansh, nonetheless. Ansh had only showered love and kindness over her daughter since the very minute she had stepped into the house. She didn't have the heart to refuse him. She had been scared to leave Aarohi alone in Shivaansh's presence initially, but Ansh never mistook her protectiveness for anything else. She didn't know if he understood her apprehensions, or the kindness just came to him naturally. Whatever it was, she would always be grateful.

The baby gave out a throaty laughter when Ansh nuzzled her neck. Ansh's eyes shone when she did that. He absolutely loved how she responded to his gestures. "Aaru, say Chachu.." He cooed.

The interaction dazzled Shubhman. He could see his little brother loved the baby. His hands were itching to take the baby in his own arms, but he hesitated.