Naina's PoV

My mind felt unusually heavy when I woke up.

Not physically tired, just... weighed down mentally, like a rock is pressing on me. Like my thoughts had been running all night and hadn't allowed me proper rest. I lay in bed longer than usual, staring at the ceiling. For a few hours, I didn't move. I knew if I didn't get up soon, Mamma would start worrying, so I finally forced myself out of bed.

After freshening up, I picked up my phone.

A notification flashed on the screen.

A follow request, from Rathore Kabir.

For a second, my fingers froze. I stared at his name, feeling that strange flutter again. Without allowing myself to overthink it, I accepted the request immediately and locked my phone as if it had caught fire.

Calm down, Naina.

It's just Instagram and also you followed him first after stalking him.

I stepped out of my room and walked into the living area where Mamma was arranging something on the table. I quietly went behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist.

"Good morning, Mamma."

She lightly slapped the back of my head. "Good morning? It's afternoon."

I pulled back and looked at the clock.

12:38 PM.

I exhaled. "Okay... I might have slept a little too much."

She gave me a knowing look but didn't say anything further.

"Where's Papa and Bhaiya?" I asked.

"Your Papa is in the study doing some work. And Namit is in his room."

I frowned slightly. "Bhaiya didn't go to office today?"

She chuckled. "I guess you both had too much fun last night and decided to skip work."

I laughed awkwardly. "It wasn't like that."

"Hmm," she said, clearly not convinced. "Lunch is ready. Go call your brother."

I kissed her cheek dramatically. "Okay, Matashree."

She shook her head as I walked toward bhaiya's room.

I knocked lightly before pushing the door open.

He must not have heard it.

He was sitting on the bed, his back facing me, shoulders slightly hunched.

"Bhaiya?" I called.

No response.

I stepped closer. "Bhaiya."

This time he flinched, almost startled.....like he came out of some trance, and quickly shoved something into the drawer beside him.

It looked like... a photo frame.

My steps slowed.

Was he looking at a photo? Then why did he hide it?

I moved closer and saw his face properly.

His eyes were red.

Like he'd been holding back from something painful.

My chest tightened instantly.

"Bhaiya," I said softly, placing my hand on his shoulder, "what happened? Why are you crying?"

He stood up immediately and wiped his face. "I'm not crying. Why would I cry?"

He tried to laugh, but it didn't sound natural.

"I think something got into my eyes." He continued.

I stared at him. I can't see my brother like this.

"Is there something you're tense about?" I asked carefully.

"No, beta," he replied gently. "I'm fine. Why are you here?"

He changed the topic so smoothly that it almost felt like he's trying to say Naina don't ask further please.

So I didn't.

"Mamma is calling us for lunch," I said instead.

"Yes, yes. Let's go."

I turned toward the door, but when I reached it, I noticed he hadn't moved.

He was staring at the drawer. Again lost in a trance.

Like he wasn't even in the room anymore.

"Bhaiya?" I called again. "Chaliye."

He blinked, as if snapping out of something. And looked at me and said"Yes. You go. I'm coming."

I nodded slowly and stepped out of his room and walked to the dining area.

I told Mamma he was coming and sat down at the dining table.

A few minutes later, he walked out and took his seat opposite me.

He's looking completely normal now, like the scene I saw in his room was just an Illusion.

I started eating quietly, but my eyes kept drifting toward him.

What happened to him?

I have never seen him look like that.

Even when Papa had been admitted to the hospital, bhaiya had stayed strong. He had held everything together. For Mamma. For me.

He had never let his emotions show too much.

So what was this?

I noticed over the past few years that he had changed.

He had grown more mature, more composed, more responsible. That was natural.

But he had also grown quieter, more reserved.

Not distant from me, never , but there was a part of him that felt... closed.

Sometimes he would sit silently for long stretches. Sometimes he would seem present but not really there. I had always assumed it was business stress or maybe adulting is like that, taking all the responsibility is like that.

But today felt different.

There was something more than what meets the eye.

Does he have someone in his life?

The thought crossed my mind suddenly.

But if he did... he would tell me.

Wouldn't he?

We don't hide things from each other.

At least, that's what I believed.

I pushed my food around my plate, no longer hungry.

Is that why he reacted so strongly when Papa was talking about marriage?

The thought lingered as I sat there, pushing my food around my plate.

Papa had only been talking to him that day, but Bhaiya's reaction had been sharper, he walked out. At that time, I hadn't thought much of it. I had assumed he was just irritated with the constant "get married" conversation.

But now...

If he loves someone, he could have told us. Our family isn't against love marriages. Papa himself always says that happiness matters more than anything else. So what is he hiding?

"Naina, finish your food."

Bhaiya's voice broke through my spiral of thoughts.

I blinked and looked up. He was eating his food.

"Hmm," I muttered and quickly began eating properly.

After lunch, I went back to my room. I opened my laptop and tried to immerse myself in work. Emails, project drafts, a couple of pending approvals. I forced myself to focus, to not overthink the situation.

Maybe I'm just imagining extreme scenarios.

My phone buzzed suddenly.

Ishaan calling.

I picked it up. "Hello?"

"Naina, let's go shopping."

I let out a short laugh. "Ish, stop being so random."

"Sorry," he replied dramatically. "But I was about to call you anyway. Shreya is pregnant, so she can't walk much. Megha is in the hospital....I just came back from meeting her."

"Oh," I said. "So I'm the backup option now?"

He groaned. "Come on, Naina. You know it's not like that."

I smiled despite myself.

"I wanted to go with you three," he continued, "but since they can't, let's just go, just the two of us."

"What do you have to shop for?" I asked.

"It's Mamma's birthday in two days. I wanted to buy something for her. And since you're a girl, you'll know better what she'd like."

I scoffed. "That's such lazy logic."

"Please," he said. "Help me."

I softened. "Oh, aunty's birthday is here already? That's good. I'll buy a gift too. And I need to pick up some clothes anyway."

"Perfect. Get ready. I'll pick you up in fifteen minutes. I have to head to court after that, there's a case in the evening."

"Okay, okay. I'll be ready."

I ended the call and quickly changed into a green top and white trousers. I tied my hair into a neat ponytail, wore minimal jewelry, slipped into my heels, grabbed my purse, and walked out.

In the living room, Mamma, Papa, and Bhaiya were sitting together.

"Where are you going?" Mamma asked.

"I'm going shopping with Ishaan. It's aunty's birthday in two days......he wants to buy her something. I need to shop too."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Ishaan walked in without hesitation, as usual.

He went straight to Mamma and hugged her. "Aunty, I missed you."

She smiled warmly. "Day by day you are becoming more handsome."

He placed a hand dramatically over his heart. "I know. All the female staff at court are affected by my charming aura."

I rolled my eyes at his narcissist remark. "Please."

He grinned and then walked to Papa, hugging him. "Uncle, how are you now?"

"Perfectly alright," Papa replied. "See? Much better."

He greeted Bhaiya next. "Hi, Namit bhaiya."

"Hi, Ishaan," Bhaiya hugged with a smile.

"If you are done with your social visits, Mr. Kashyap," I said, "can we leave?"

"Yes, ma'am," he replied, mock bowing.

As we turned to leave, Bhaiya asked, "When will you both be back?"

"Not too late," Ishaan said. "We'll just buy some things and I'll drop her back."

"You have court in the evening," I reminded him. "My shopping will take time. You can go directly to court...I'll take a cab back."

He frowned. "I can't just leave you like that."

Before I could argue, Bhaiya spoke, "Ishaan, don't worry. You can go. I'll pick her up."

"See?" I said lightly. "Problem solved. Now let's go."

We walked out and got into his car. He drove off.

About an hour later, we reached the mall.

It wasn't far, technically. But Mumbai and traffic are a legendary combination.

We walked inside the mall, the cool air from the central AC hitting my face instantly.

I looked at Ishaan. "So, what do you want to buy?"

He shoved his hands into his pockets and looked around helplessly. "I don't know. I'm so confused."

I stopped walking and stared at him. "You dragged me out of my house in fifteen minutes... and you don't know what you want to buy?"

He winced. "That's why I brought you."

I sighed. "Great. I love being used."

He nudged my shoulder lightly. "Please. You know her better than I do when it comes to these things."

I raised an eyebrow. "She's your mother."

"Yes," he replied instantly, "but you understand aesthetics, while mine sucks."

I couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay," I said, thinking. "Let's list options. Saree? Handbag? Jewelry? Some home decor?"

He frowned thoughtfully. "She doesn't wear heavy jewelry much."

"Then maybe something elegant. A silk saree? Or a designer clutch?"

He scratched his head. "What if she doesn't like it?"

I gave him a flat look. "Ishaan. It's a gift. She'll definitely like it."

We started walking toward a high-end ethnic store. As we entered, the faint smell of new fabric and perfume filled the air. Mannequins dressed in pastel silks and embroidered sarees lined the entrance.

I began scanning through the racks.

"She likes softer colors," I said absentmindedly. "Pastels. Not too bright, she told me once."

He watched me carefully as I pulled out a light lavender silk saree with delicate silver work along the border.

"This one," I said, holding it up.

He stared at it. "You're sure?"

I held it against myself, imagining. "It's classy & Elegant. Not loud. She'll love it."

He studied it again, then nodded slowly. "Okay. Done."

"That fast?" I blinked.

"Yes," he said firmly. "Before I change my mind."

I laughed as we handed it to the salesperson for billing.

After that, I dragged him to a few clothing stores for myself.

"This is why I didn't want you taking a cab," he muttered as I moved from rack to rack.

"Oh please," I said. "You volunteered."

He leaned against a display shelf, watching me examine a dress. "You shop very seriously."

"I don't buy randomly," I replied. "If I'm spending money, it has to be worth it."

He smirked. "Spoken like a true Chauhan."

I rolled my eyes but didn't deny it.

"Try this one," Ishaan said suddenly, holding up a soft emerald dress.

I glanced at it and immediately shook my head. "No. It's too short."

"So what?" he replied casually. "It'll look super pretty on you."

I crossed my arms lightly. "It doesn't even reach my knees."

He frowned. "And? What's the problem? You used to wear dresses like this all the time."

"I used to," I said quietly. "Not anymore. I don't like them now."

I asked him, more like changed the topic, "Did you talk to Viraj?"

He was busy holding up a shirt against himself, checking the fit in the mirror. "Yeah. He's free right now. But he's probably signing a new film soon."

I nodded. "I spoke to him too. He was saying he's missing us." I smiled faintly. "I think we should plan something. It'll be fun. I miss Vaanu."

He adjusted the collar of the shirt and tilted his head. "That's actually a good idea." Then he glanced at me through the mirror. "What about Sherry?"

I shrugged lightly. "Sherry is always up for gatherings. You know him. He'll cancel everything else just to come."

He nodded thoughtfully and put the shirt back. "We haven't all met properly in months. Everyone's just busy with their own lives."

We moved toward the billing counter with his selected shirts.

"Okay," he said, pulling out his wallet, "so when are we doing this grand reunion?"

"After Megha is discharged properly," I replied. "And when Shreya feels better. Maybe a small dinner.

Nothing too loud."

After a while, Ishaan glanced at his watch and sighed. "Okay, it's time for me to go. You'll come?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No, I'll shop a little more. You go. I'll head back after some time. Bhaiya will pick me up."

He watched time and then nodded.

"See you soon," he said.

"Okay."

He pulled me into a quick side hug. "Bye."