Siblings moment

Author pov

Arjun closed the door behind him gently and walked further inside the room.

Ashika was sitting on the edge of her bed, shoes discarded near the door, dupatta loosely hanging from her shoulders. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Arjun sat beside her, close-but not crowding her.

"So," he said softly, nudging her knee with his own,

"how was your day?"

She exhaled slowly, as if she had been waiting for that question.

"Achha tha," she replied.

"Thoda hectic, but... fine."

He studied her face for a second, as if checking whether that fine was real. Deciding not to push, he nodded.

She looked at him then.

"Tum kab aaye?" she asked.

"Business trip se."

"Today," he replied. "Shaam ko. Around six."

She hummed, absorbing that.

Arjun's gaze drifted past her-to the open balcony. The half-drawn painting stood there, catching the soft yellow light of the room. He stood up and walked toward it, stopping right in front.

"Abhi tak complete nahi hua?" he asked gently.

"It's been a while."

The painting showed a girl standing alone in a street-lost, yet strangely calm. Like she belonged nowhere and everywhere at the same time.

His fingers brushed the canvas lightly, careful not to smudge the nearly dry paint.

Ashika stood up and joined him.

"Haan," she said quietly.

"Time nahi milta... but almost complete hi hai. Bas kuch final touches baaki hain."

She lifted the canvas off the stand with care and carried it inside, placing it safely near the wall.

Arjun watched her for a moment before speaking again.

"Startup ke baare mein," he said, tone casual but intent,

"agar Papa help nahi karte... I'm willing to give it a shot."

She froze.

Slowly, she turned to face him.

She had always known he supported her-but this? This was different. This wasn't comfort. This was commitment.

He shrugged lightly, as if it wasn't a big deal.

"I know, kuch logon ke liye useless idea hoga," he continued,

"but I don't think so."

She searched his face.

"So you're saying it's not useless?"

"Correct," he replied immediately.

"I think it's a good idea."

Something loosened inside her chest.

She didn't say anything after that-just nodded slightly, afraid that if she spoke, her voice might give her away.

After a moment, Arjun asked casually,

"Dinner kiya?"

"Haan," she replied.

"Friends ke saath."

He nodded, satisfied.

Turning toward the door, he took a step forward-but stopped when he felt her arms wrap around him from behind.

She hugged him tightly, burying her face into his back.

"Thank you," she murmured, barely audible.

Arjun smiled to himself and turned, hugging her back just as firmly.

"Anything for my Ashi," he said softly.

He left her room a few moments later-

a little worried, yes-

but mostly relieved.

Because for the first time that day,

she looked lighter.