Mafia's Heartbeat

chapter 18

The haveli buzzed with excitement. Two bright lunchboxes, fresh ironed shirts, and brand-new white coats were laid out with care.

At the dining table, Raj sat squirming, his nose wrinkled.

“I hate this,” he muttered, eyeing the small silver spoon in Anjali’s hand.

“It’s curd,” Anjali said gently. “For good luck. Now eat.”

Raj clutched Kai’s sleeve. “Save me.”

Kai chuckled. “Eat it, Dr. Drama.”

Aarav obediently opened his mouth and swallowed his share. “She used sugar. It’s not that bad.”

Raj finally gave in, took the bite, and gagged dramatically.

“Ugh. Tastes like betrayal.”

Everyone laughed.

In the corner, Tanuj sat on a stool, swinging his legs and watching them with wide eyes. Bunny plush in hand, pacifier clipped to his shirt.

He pointed excitedly. “Bhai wear dok-tor coat!! Raj Bhaiyuu too!!”

Nishant rubbed his head. “Yes, sweetheart. Bhai is going to be a big dok-tor.”

Tanuj clapped. “Me wait at door. Bhai come back soon.”

Away from the joy, in a quiet corridor of the haveli, Komalika closed the door behind her with a sharp click.

Komal stood there—nervous, fiddling with her bangles.

“You failed,” Komalika hissed. “He’s still in this family. Still respected. Still dreaming.”

“I tried,” Komal protested. “The Haldi—”

“Wasn’t enough,” Komalika snapped. “You think a rash is enough to break a dynasty?”

She stepped closer, her tone low and threatening.

“You were supposed to break him. Emotionally. Socially. Publicly.”

Komal swallowed hard. “What do you want me to do now?”

Komalika’s eyes gleamed.

“Wait. Watch. And when the time comes… don’t hesitate.”

Evening

As the sun dipped, Tanuj sat cross-legged at the grand haveli door, his eyes trained on the path beyond the gates. His bunny sat beside him. A tiny plastic stethoscope was looped around his neck — a gift from Raj earlier that morning.

He mumbled softly, “Bhai come? Bunny miss Bhai…”

Nikhil peeked from behind the curtain, heart aching.

Anjali walked over with a blanket. “Still waiting, baby?”

Tanuj nodded. “Bhai soon come home…”

She kissed the top of his head. “He’ll be home before dinner, I promise.”

In the college hostel courtyard, Raj spun in a slow circle, arms spread wide. “Okay, this place is huge.”

Kai sat on the bench, watching him.

“You haven’t stopped talking since we got here,” he teased.

“I’m excited, okay? I’m gonna be a doctor! And maybe flirt with hot med boys.”

Kai raised a brow. “Oh?”

Raj smirked. “Unless one grumpy artist steals my time…”

Kai leaned in slightly, voice quieter. “He already did.”