Nearest & Dearest

17| Result

"PTM, bhai," she whispered, as she got up.

"Arey kuch nahi hoga chalo" Aarav reassured her, nudging her gently before heading downstairs.

After some time, Ania descended the stairs and took her place at the dining table.

"Anu, start eating," Rahul said, noticing her lost in her own thoughts and not paying attention to her food.

"Bhaiya, please," she looked at him.

"Acha Thora sa," Rahul said gently, but she shook her head.

"Nikal jaye ga sab," she replied, and Rahul nodded, understanding that she wouldn't eat until she saw the result.

She always stopped eating when stressed about something.

Rahul also stopped eating and stood up.

"Aarav finish your breakfast phir parhne bethna" Rahul said, and Aarav nodded.

"You have collage today?" Rahul asked, and Aarav shook his head.

"Chalo," Rahul extended his hand to Ania, and she held it, and Rahul felt her hands slightly cold.

Rahul crouched down to her level in front of her , held both her hands and kissed them

"You studied, right?" he asked, and she nodded.

"Phir Itni tension kyun?" He asked gently

"Mere marks hamesha kam aate hain bhaiya even if I try tab bhe nahi aate. I promise maine mehnat ki hai but I'm not like Meher ,woh hamesha Reyansh bhai ko proud feel Kara deti hain but mery marks aate he nahi hain" tears started gathering in her eyes as she explained.

"Pani Lao," Rahul ordered Aarav, who was busy stuffing his mouth with food.

"Ji," he replied, filling the glass with juice instead.

Rahul made her sit on the couch and rubbed her back.

"Never ever compare yourself to others. You're perfect just the way you are, and I love you just the way you are, understood?" he said gently yet firmly, and she nodded.

"Ye lo," Aarav passed the glass to Ania, and Rahul took it, making her drink a few sips before kissing her forehead.

Then Aarav hugged her and whispered "all the best" in her ear before kissing the side of her head.

"Bhaiya," Meher said, and Reyansh hummed in response.

"Agar bure marks aai toh ap bachain gay mama baba ki daant se?" she asked in a low voice.

He looked at her. "Stop worrying, Mehu," Reyansh said, patting her cheek reassuringly.

"Batain naaa,"

"No one will say anything," he assured her with a gentle smile.

Meher's parents were always strict about their marks, even though both of them were and are really good at studies.

Reyansh hadn't even told them about the school incident as he again took her test and she scored full marks so he didn't told them as he didn't wanted her mood to get spoiled

"Baba aainge?" she asked, and he shook his head.

"He has a meeting, so I guess not, and Mama will come in the evening, toh woh tab dekhain gi" Reyansh replied, and she nodded.

Rahul and Ania entered the school, and Ania guided him towards her classroom. Rahul met her teacher and took his seat, with Ania beside him.

"How is she performing, ma'am?" Rahul asked, turning to the teacher.