SΞЯΞИDIPIΓУ - Mundane

After nearly an hour on the road, Arin and Ira finally arrived home. As Arin parked the car in the driveway, Ira glanced around and furrowed her brows slightly. “Bhai… isn't that your car in the garage?” she asked, pointing at the vehicle parked neatly inside.

Arin blinked, then chuckled. “Well, if it is, I guess I just discovered how to be in two places at once,” he teased, making Ira giggle.

Shrugging it off, they stepped inside the house, only to find it completely silent. The usual warmth of home was there, but it felt calmer than usual. As Ira wandered into the living room, her lips curled into a soft smile—there, on the couch, their mom lay peacefully asleep, her breathing steady and relaxed. The gentle afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room.

Arin followed in behind and paused, his gaze sweeping across the space. He hadn’t noticed it before, but the house felt different today—more serene, more elegant. The subtle decorations, the neatly arranged furniture, and the soft scent of fresh flowers gave the space a soothing charm. He exchanged a glance with Ira, who also seemed to appreciate the peaceful ambiance.

Not wanting to disturb their mother’s rest, Arin spoke in a hushed tone. “Ira, let Mom sleep a little longer. In the meantime, why don’t you go and do your schoolwork while I make something for us to eat?”

Ira turned to him with an innocent yet amused expression. “But bhai, I didn’t get any schoolwork today. All my classes were canceled because of a sudden ‘Science Fest,’” she explained, rocking back on her heels with a playful grin.

Arin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh, I heard about that. Your school is pretty famous for its fests, huh?” He leaned against the wall, thinking for a moment before flashing a small smirk. “Well, since you don’t have any work to do… how about you help me make pancakes?”

Ira’s face lit up with excitement. “Okay, bhai! I’ll be your best helping hand.”

“Great. But,” Arin leaned in slightly, lowering his voice, “we have to do it quietly… no waking up Mom, got it?”

Ira crossed her heart dramatically. “Mission ‘Silent Pancakes’—accepted!”

Suppressing a chuckle, Arin nodded. “Alright, let’s go then.”

The duo tiptoed their way to the kitchen like undercover agents on a mission. Once inside, Ira eagerly grabbed a mixing bowl while Arin pulled out the ingredients. “Okay, little chef, first, we need flour, eggs, sugar, and—”

“Milk!” Ira finished his sentence with a proud grin, already reaching for the carton.

Arin smirked. “Ah, so you do pay attention when I cook.”

“Of course! Cooking with bhai means learning something fun every time.” She beamed, pouring the milk into the bowl a little too enthusiastically.

“Whoa, slow down!” Arin laughed, steadying her hand. “We’re making pancakes, not soup.”

Ira giggled, sticking her tongue out playfully. “Oops.”

As they continued mixing the batter, Ira suddenly dipped her finger in and poked it against Arin’s nose. “Boop!” she chirped, breaking into laughter as Arin froze, his nose now covered in pancake batter.

Arin stared at her for a second before narrowing his eyes mischievously. “Oh, you did not just do that.”

Before Ira could react, he swiped a bit of flour from the counter and dabbed it onto her cheek.

“Bhai!” she gasped, laughing as she tried to dodge his next move. “That’s cheating!”

Arin chuckled, shaking his head. “All’s fair in food fights and pancake-making.”

The two continued their playful banter as they finally managed to get the batter ready. Arin turned on the stove while Ira handed him the ladle. “Alright, the moment of truth. Time to cook these beauties.”

Ira watched closely as Arin poured the first round of batter into the pan, the sizzling sound filling the kitchen. “Ooooh, it’s actually starting to look like a pancake!” she whispered excitedly.

“Of course, it is. Did you think I was going to make an omelet instead?” Arin teased, flipping the pancake effortlessly.

Ira giggled, then suddenly leaned closer and whispered, “Bhai… what if we make a special pancake for Mom? Like, with a cute shape?”

Arin raised an eyebrow, then grinned. “Now that’s an idea I like. Let’s make a heart-shaped one for her.”

With teamwork and a bit of creativity, they shaped a heart pancake, carefully flipping it to perfection. After stacking up the warm, golden pancakes on a plate, Ira clapped her hands together. “Mission ‘Silent Pancakes’—success!”

Arin ruffled her hair. “Yeah, not bad, little chef. Now, let’s set the table before Mom wakes up.”

The kitchen smelled of warm vanilla and butter, and as they plated the pancakes, a sense of satisfaction settled between them. It wasn’t just about cooking—it was about these little moments of laughter, teasing, and teamwork. Moments that made being siblings special.

As Arin and Ira continued chatting, the sound of soft footsteps made Ira glance toward the doorway. Her eyes widened in surprise. “Bhai…” she whispered, nudging Arin’s arm.

He followed her gaze and instantly stiffened—standing at the entrance of the kitchen was their mom, watching them with a curious expression.

They both fumbled, completely caught off guard. “M-Mom! When did you get here?” Arin asked, blinking rapidly.

Their mom crossed her arms, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. “Oh, I’ve been here for the last fifteen minutes,” she said casually.

Ira gasped. “Fifteen minutes?! And you didn’t say anything?”

Their mom chuckled. “I was enjoying the little cooking show you two put on. Very entertaining.”

Arin sighed dramatically. “Great, our secret pancake mission has been compromised.”

Ira quickly regained her composure and stepped forward, gently taking her mom’s hand. “Alright, enough standing, Mom. First, let’s get you freshened up. Bhai set the table in the living room—we’ll be there in a while.”

Arin gave a mock salute. “Roger that. But don’t take forever, okay?”

With that, Ira led their mom to the bathroom while Arin got to work setting up the table in the cozy living room. He carefully arranged the stack of warm pancakes, set out plates and cutlery, and even placed a small dish of honey on the side—just the way their mom liked it.

A few minutes later, Ira and their mom walked in, looking refreshed. They both settled onto the couch while Arin took his seat across from them. As they began eating, Ira and Arin excitedly presented their mom with the heart-shaped pancake they had made just for her.

Their mom gasped playfully. “Oh my, this is adorable! And it smells amazing.” She took a bite, her face lighting up instantly. “Mmm, this is delicious! The honey adds such a rich and savory touch.”

Ira blinked in confusion. “Honey? Bhai, did we put honey in it?”

Arin smirked slightly, leaning back in his chair. “I did. I know Mom loves honey in her pancakes, so I added some while you were busy poking my nose with batter.”

Their mom chuckled warmly. “That was very thoughtful of you, sweetheart. Now, tell me, how did both of your first days go at your separate places?”

Arin leaned back, rubbing the back of his neck. “Uhm… it was good, I guess. But something about my manager seemed a little off.”

Their mom raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What do you mean?”

Before Arin could answer, Ira jumped in mischievously. “Wait, wait—let me guess! Is your manager bald with a tiny mustache above big lips?” She wiggled her fingers in an exaggerated spooky manner.

Arin made a disgusted face. “Ew, Ira! No! Where do you even get these descriptions from?”

Ira giggled. “Then what’s so strange about your manager?”

Arin sighed. “She asked me this weird question—something about whether, since I’m going to work with them, Mom is still handling that.” He frowned. “I have no clue what she was even trying to say.”

Their mom shook her head dismissively. “Must be some kind of misunderstanding. Don’t stress over it too much, alright?”

Ira grinned slyly. “Ohhh, so your manager is a girl?”

Arin shot her a look. “Yes, her name is Myra. A tall, classy woman.”

Ira gasped, putting a hand over her heart dramatically. “Ohhh, so you noticed her that much? Nice, bhai. Very nice.”

Arin rolled his eyes. “I also met the girl who was obsessed with paying for my ice cream at lunchtime.”

Their mom raised an eyebrow with interest. “You met quite a lot of girls today, huh?” She smirked. “And who is this ice cream girl? Why was she so determined to pay for you?”

Arin sighed. “It’s the same girl Ira and I met yesterday at the mall. She insisted on paying because she ate almost all of my lunch.”

Their mom’s expression softened. “Oh, poor baby. You must’ve been starving. Are you still hungry? If you are, I’ll make something quick for you.”

Arin chuckled, shaking his head. “No, Mom, I’m good. I exchanged my fried rice for her carrot sandwiches. So it wasn’t a total loss.”

Ira suddenly perked up. “Bhai! You won’t believe this—it’s such a coincidence! I met her brother today at school, and guess what? He’s my classmate and my first-ever new friend!”

Their mom’s eyebrows shot up. “That really is a big coincidence.” She then looked between the two of them and tilted her head. “Wait… can someone explain what exactly happened yesterday at the mall?”

Ira waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, long story short—we found a lost boy at the mall yesterday and helped him find his sister. That’s all.”

Their mom smiled, reaching out to ruffle Ira’s hair and pat Arin’s hand. “Well, I’m proud of both of you. I’m just glad you’ve found good friends—people to talk to, share laughter with, and create memories alongside.”

Arin and Ira exchanged a look, then turned back to their mom with matching smiles. “Thanks, Mom.”

Their evening continued with warm conversations and shared laughter, the heart-shaped pancake a small but sweet symbol of their love for each other.

The day passed by in a blur, with everyone caught up in their work. By nightfall, they gathered around the dining table, sharing a peaceful dinner together. Laughter and light-hearted conversations filled the room as they enjoyed their meal. After finishing dinner, Arin and Ira helped their mother with the dishes and tidied up the house. Feeling the weight of the day, they all decided to turn in early. 

The soft glow of dawn seeped through the curtains as Arin woke up earlier than usual. Stretching with a small yawn, he quickly freshened up and made his way to the kitchen. With practiced ease, he started preparing breakfast and packing lunchboxes for all of them. The aroma of warm toast and freshly brewed tea filled the air as he worked.

Once everything was ready, he made his way toward Ira and gently shook her awake. “Ira, wake up, sleepyhead. Time to get ready.”

Ira groaned, pulling the blanket over her face. “Five more minutes…” she mumbled.

Arin smirked and pulled the blanket off her in one swift motion. “Nope, no extra minutes today. Go take a bath before I drag you there myself.”

Mumbling something under her breath, Ira begrudgingly got up and stomped off to the bathroom.

With a chuckle, Arin left the room and headed towards their mother’s bedroom. Knocking lightly, he pushed the door open, expecting to wake her up, but instead, he found her already up and packing her clothes into a suitcase.

His eyebrows furrowed. “Mom, are you going somewhere?”

His mother glanced up briefly before folding another dress into her bag. “Uh, sweetie, don’t you remember? I’m leaving for a business trip today. Three days, remember?”

Arin’s eyes widened. “Oh… wait, that’s today? I completely forgot! I’m sorry, Mom.”

She smiled warmly, shaking her head. “No need to apologize, sweetheart. It happens.”

Arin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “But I even packed your lunchbox, thinking you were going to the office today.”

His mother zipped up her suitcase and walked over to him, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. “That’s really sweet of you, honey. But I have an idea—why don’t you share the lunchbox with a friend today?”

Arin hesitated. “But… I made it especially for you.”

She chuckled softly. “I know, baby. And I appreciate it so much. But next time, for sure.”

Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, Arin sighed and nodded. “Okay, Mom. As you say. But at least join us for breakfast before you go.”

She patted his cheek. “Of course, sweetheart. You go ahead, I’ll be there in a moment.”

Arin walked back to the kitchen, setting the breakfast on the dining table. He placed plates and cups neatly, making sure everything was ready before taking a seat. A minute later, Ira entered, looking fresh and still a little drowsy. She plopped down onto the chair beside him.

“Why do mornings exist?” she grumbled, rubbing her eyes.

Arin laughed. “To remind you that the world doesn’t revolve around your sleep schedule.”

Before Ira could retort, their mother joined them at the table, dressed immaculately.

Ira blinked in surprise. “Mom, are you going somewhere? You look really gorgeous today.”

Their mother smiled as she poured herself some tea. “Yes, honey. I’m leaving for a business trip tomorrow morning. I’ll be gone for the next three days.”

Ira’s face fell slightly. “Three days? Then who’s going to take care of me?”

Arin scoffed, placing a slice of toast on her plate. “Uh, hello? I’m right here.”

Ira made a face. “Hmm… but you’re annoying.” She pouted. “And you pinch my cheeks!”

Their mother chuckled, shaking her head. “Baby, don’t pinch her cheeks too much, okay?” She then turned serious. “I want both of you to behave properly while I’m away. No fighting, no skipping meals, and taking care of each other, alright?”

Arin and Ira nodded in unison. “Yes, Mom. We promise.”

Just as they were finishing their breakfast, the sudden honk of a car echoed from outside.

Their mother sighed. “That must be my ride.”

Arin frowned. “Wait… you booked a taxi? I could have dropped you at the airport.”

She gave him an apologetic smile. “I know, sweetheart, but it was pre-booked. Everything’s already arranged.” She grabbed her suitcase and collected her handbag. “Okay, I really have to go now.”

Ira pouted. “But Mom, at least finish your breakfast…”

Their mother smiled softly and kissed her forehead. “I don’t have time, baby. I’ll grab something on the way.” She then turned to Arin and pulled him into a warm hug. “Take care of your sister. And take care of yourself too, okay?”

Arin hugged her back. “I will, Mom.”

With one final wave, their mother stepped outside, and Arin and Ira stood by the doorway, watching as the car pulled away. They stayed there until the vehicle disappeared from their sight.

Ira sighed dramatically. “Three whole days with just you? This is going to be torture.”

Arin rolled his eyes, ruffling her hair. “Oh, trust me, the feeling is mutual.”

Despite her complaints, a small smile tugged at Ira’s lips. The house already felt a little emptier without their mother, but they knew she’d be back soon. And until then, they had each other.

Arin glanced at the clock, then back at Ira, who was still fussing with her hair. “Okay then, hurry up and get ready. We have to drop you off at school first.”

Ira groaned, running her fingers through her damp, tangled hair. “Ugh, my hair is a mess! It’s still wet too.”

Arin smirked. “Ira…! Lucky for you, we still have some time left. Go get the hairdryer, a comb, and some rubber bands or clips.”

Ira arched a suspicious brow at him. “Wait… are you saying you’re going to do my hair? No thanks! Do you even know how?”

Arin placed a hand over his chest, pretending to be offended. “Excuse you! Of course, I know how! I’ve done Mom’s hair plenty of times.” Then, with a teasing smirk, he added, “And let’s not forget—I used to do your hair when you were little. Remember? You were, like, four or five.”

Ira scrunched her nose, trying to recall. “…Oh yeah… I do kinda remember that.” She hesitated, then sighed in surrender. “Alright, fine. I guess I have no choice this time.”

She ran off and returned with the hairdryer, a comb, and a handful of colorful rubber bands. Sitting down on a stool in front of Arin, she handed them over.

Arin cracked his knuckles dramatically. “Alright, let the expert handle this.”

Ira rolled her eyes. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Mr. Hair Stylist.”

Arin chuckled and turned on the hairdryer, carefully running his fingers through her damp strands as he dried them. He was surprisingly gentle, making sure not to tug too hard.

“This feels kinda nice…” Ira admitted, her voice softer now.

“See? I told you I knew what I was doing,” Arin said smugly.

As her hair dried, he grabbed the comb and started detangling the knots. “So, what kind of style are we going for today? Ponytail? Braids? Or maybe something fancy like a princess bun?”

Ira snorted. “Just a simple ponytail, please. I don’t need to look like a Disney character at school.”

“Alright, ponytail it is.” Arin gathered her hair, securing it neatly with a rubber band. “And… done! Look at that—flawless.”

Ira turned to the mirror and examined his work. Her ponytail was smooth and perfectly in place. She looked impressed. “Not bad, bhai… not bad at all.”

Arin crossed his arms proudly. “Told you! I should start charging for this.”

Ira scoffed. “Pfft, as if. This was a one-time thing. Don’t get any ideas.”

Arin laughed and ruffled her hair playfully, making her groan. “Hey! I just let you fix my hair—don’t mess it up again!”

“Fine, fine,” he chuckled. “Now, grab your bag. Time to go.”

Ira slung her backpack over her shoulders and followed him outside. As they stepped into the car, Arin adjusted the rearview mirror and glanced at her. “Ready?”

Ira nodded. “Yep.”

He started the car, and they drove off towards her school, the warm morning sunlight filtering through the windshield.

Just before they reached the school gate, Ira turned to him with a small smile. “Hey… thanks for doing my hair, bhai. That was kinda nice.”

Arin gave her a sideways glance and smirked. “I know. You’re welcome, little one.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. “See you after school, annoying brother.”

Arin chuckled. “See you, little troublemaker.”

With that, Ira hopped out of the car, waving before running towards her school building. Arin watched for a moment, shaking his head with amusement before driving off to his own destination.

As Ira entered her classroom, her eyes immediately landed on Kian, who was sitting on the first bench, staring blankly at his notebook. Sensing something was off, she walked toward him, placed her bag on the bench beside him, and sat down.

“Hey, Kian,” she greeted with a warm smile. “How are you today?”

Kian let out a small sigh, his expression a mix of sadness and longing. “I’m good… but a little sad.”

Ira frowned. “Why? What happened?”

Kian leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. “My mom left for a business trip last night, and now I have to stay with my sister. I miss her already.”

Ira’s expression softened. “Hey, don’t be sad. You know what? My mom also went on a business trip this morning, and I have to stay with my bhai.” She gave a small shrug. “But I’m not upset because I know it’s part of her job. She has to do it.”

Kian sighed again. “I get it, and I don’t disagree with you… but I still miss her.”

Ira patted his shoulder lightly. “I know, and that’s okay. But trust me, once the classes start, you’ll be too busy to think about it. Just take a deep breath, relax, and let the day distract you.”

Kian gave her a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Ira.”

Just then, Ms. Rumi entered the classroom and began taking attendance. Once done, she started her lesson, and the students quickly fell into focused silence.

Halfway through the class, Kian leaned closer to Ira and whispered, “Hey, want to play basketball after this class?”

Ira raised an eyebrow. “Don’t we have other lectures to attend?”

Kian smirked. “Nope. It’s Tuesday—no lectures after this till lunchtime.”

Ira pondered for a second before nodding. “I guess I can play with you if you’re telling the truth.”

Kian grinned. “Great! Meet me at the basketball court after class. And don’t forget to change into your sportswear. We have PT after lunch anyway.”

Ira playfully saluted him. “Got it, General! I’ll be there on time.”

Ms. Rumi, who had caught the gesture, arched an eyebrow. “Ira, this is not a military class where you salute people.”

Ira blinked and quickly put her hand down. “I’m sorry, Ms. Rumi.”

The teacher sighed and continued her lesson. Fifteen minutes later, the bell rang.

Ms. Rumi closed her book. “Alright, students. Read the rest of the chapter at home. I’ll be asking questions tomorrow.” With that, she gathered her belongings and left for the staff room.

Kian, eager to start the game, headed straight to the court, leaving Ira behind.

After a quick stop at the locker room, Ira changed into her sportswear and tied her ponytail neatly. As she walked towards the court, she spotted Kian already waiting for her, his hands resting on his hips.

She approached him and raised an eyebrow. “So… where’s the ball we’re supposed to play with?”

Kian turned to face her, but the moment his eyes landed on her, he froze. For a second, he just stood there, staring.

“Woah…” he finally said, looking genuinely surprised. “Ira, you look… really different in sportswear. More mature.”

Ira ch

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uckled. “Different? In a good way or a bad way?”

Kian shook his head. “Definitely good. And I didn’t notice earlier, but your ponytail suits you perfectly in this outfit.”

Ira’s lips curled into a smile. “Thanks for the compliment, Kian. My bhai did my hair today. Cool, right?”

Kian tilted his head slightly, studying her. “More like cute on you.”

Ira felt a small warmth rise to her cheeks, but she quickly shook it off and smirked. “You’re looking good too. But enough compliments—are we playing or what? I’m getting bored. Unless… you’d rather go to the library?”

Kian grinned. “No way! We’re playing.”

He picked up the basketball and dribbled it a few times before tossing it to Ira. She caught it effortlessly, spinning it on her fingertips before bouncing it back.

“Nice catch,” Kian said, impressed.

“I’m full of surprises,” Ira teased.

They began their game, moving across the court with energy and laughter. Kian, being more experienced, moved swiftly, dodging Ira’s attempts to steal the ball.

“Too slow, Ira!” he taunted playfully as he dribbled past her.

“Oh, just wait!” she shot back, determination gleaming in her eyes.

She sprinted forward, blocking his path. Kian faked left but went right, only for Ira to unexpectedly swipe the ball from him.

“Ha!” she cheered, running toward the hoop.

Kian chased after her, but Ira managed to make the shot. The ball swished cleanly through the net.

“Whoa,” Kian huffed, catching his breath. “You’re good.”

“I told you,” she grinned. “Full of surprises.”

They continued playing, exchanging friendly jabs and teasing remarks. The more they played, the more Kian’s earlier sadness seemed to fade away.

Just as they were about to start another round, the lunch bell rang.

Ira wiped a bit of sweat off her forehead. “Guess it’s lunchtime.”

Kian stretched his arms. “Yeah, that was fun.”

Ira nodded. “It really was. Let’s grab something to eat before PT starts.”

With that, they headed towards the cafeteria, chatting and laughing, their bond growing stronger with every moment.

Arin sat in his office, completely absorbed in his work. His disciplined nature kept him focused, but as the hours passed, his stomach reminded him of something more important—lunch. He glanced at the clock and realized it was almost time. Without hesitation, he grabbed the lunchboxes he had packed that morning and made his way to the park.

The cool breeze and the familiar shade of the tree where he had sat the day before made him feel at ease. He took a seat on the same bench, his fingers idly tapping the lunchbox as he waited for Anya. 

A few moments later, Anya arrived and casually dropped onto the bench beside him.

“You’re late,” Arin remarked, turning his head slightly toward her.

Anya raised an eyebrow. “Late? We met at the same time yesterday, so how exactly am I late?”

Arin crossed his arms. “Because I’ve been waiting for fifteen minutes.”

Anya smirked, tilting her head. “Wow… we just met two days ago, and you’ve already started waiting for me? That’s kind of pathetic.”

Arin scoffed. “It’s not like that, and stop making excuses like you always do.”

Anya gasped, placing a dramatic hand on her chest. “Excuses? Always?”

He rolled his eyes, opening his lunchbox. “Whatever. Let’s just eat. I’m starving. What did you bring today?”

Anya pulled out her own lunch and smiled. “Mushroom pasta. What about you?”

“Grilled cheese sandwiches with strawberry yogurt,” he replied, taking a bite.

Her eyes lit up. “Ooh! That sounds good. Can I have some?”

Arin chuckled and handed her a lunchbox. “You don’t even have to ask. I brought two today.”

Anya looked at him curiously. “Why’d you bring two lunchboxes?”

Arin hesitated for a second before sighing. “I actually made one for my mom, but this morning I found out she was going on a business trip. She told me to share it with a friend.”

A soft smile formed on Anya’s lips. “In that case, I have something for you too.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a small, chilled box, placing it in his hands.

Arin blinked in surprise. “Whoa, this is freezing! What’s inside?”

Anya smirked. “Pineapple ice cream. I know you love pineapples and anything made from them.”

His eyes widened slightly. “You knew that?” He stared at her for a moment before shrugging. “Well… whatever. Thanks for bringing it.”

They enjoyed their lunch together under the shade of the tree, the gentle rustling of leaves adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The cool, fresh air carried the scent of the food, blending with the distant laughter of children playing in the park.

Just as they were finishing their meal, Arin’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen—Principal Coco. His expression turned serious as he answered.

“Hello, Principal Coco?” he said, straightening his posture.

A firm voice on the other end spoke urgently. “Arin, there’s a major hurricane alert for the town. We need parents and guardians to pick up students immediately. Please come and get Ira as soon as possible.”

Arin’s grip on the phone tightened. “Understood. I’ll be there right away.”

As he hung up, he noticed Anya staring at her phone, her fingers slightly trembling as she ended a call of her own. Her normally confident face was clouded with worry.

Arin frowned. “What’s wrong, Anya? Are you afraid of hurricanes?”

She shook her head quickly. “No… it’s not that.” She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I just… don’t know how I’m supposed to pick up Kian. My car broke down this morning after dropping him off at school. I barely managed to reach the office. Now, I don’t have a way to get to him in time.”

Arin studied her for a moment before giving a reassuring nod. “Don’t worry, I have a solution.”

Anya looked up at him, hope flickering in her eyes. “Really?”

He stood up, brushing the crumbs off his hands. “Meet me at the main gate of the park in ten minutes.” He turned to face her directly. “Only if you believe in me.”

Anya hesitated for a second before nodding firmly. “Okay. I’ll be there.”

With that, they both hurried off in different directions, knowing that time was running out.

As Arin made his way back to the office, he noticed Nina and Rohan walking toward him, carrying some of his belongings. A slight frown creased his forehead as he quickened his steps.

“Nina, Rohan?” he called out. “Where are you going, and why are my things in your hands?”

Nina looked at him apologetically. “Sir, we were just coming to return these to you. The office is shutting down for a few days due to the hurricane.”

Rohan nodded in agreement. “Yes, sir. All the staff have already left for home. We saw your belongings in your cabin and thought we should bring them to you.”

Arin’s expression softened, gratitude replacing his initial confusion. “Thank you, my dear colleagues, for thinking about me. I appreciate it.” He gave them a small, reassuring smile. “Now, both of you go home safely, and message me once you reach.”

Rohan and Nina exchanged glances before nodding. “You too, sir,” Rohan said. “Drive safely.”

After collecting his belongings, Arin headed to the parking lot. He got into his car, started the engine, and drove straight to the park’s main gate, where he had asked Anya to meet him.

As he waited, he spotted Anya arriving, but she seemed confused, scanning her surroundings for him. Seeing this, Arin smirked slightly and honked the car horn—loudly.

Anya immediately turned in the direction of the sound, only to be met with the sight of a sleek luxury car flashing its headlights at her. Her brows furrowed as she approached the vehicle, suspicion evident in her eyes. Without hesitation, she knocked on the car’s tinted window.

“Hey! Just because you’re rich doesn’t mean you get the right to bother any girl you want,” she said sharply. “Open the window.”

The window rolled down smoothly, revealing a familiar face.

“Arin?! You big little punk!” she exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. “Why were you honking at me like that?”

Arin chuckled, clearly amused by her reaction. “To tell you that I’m right behind you. No need to look anywhere else.”

Anya crossed her arms, still irritated. “Then why didn’t you just call out to me? Do you know how creepy it is to honk at a girl like that? That’s the kind of thing street thugs or unemployed guys do!”

Arin’s amusement faded slightly, and his expression turned serious. “I’m not that cheap,” he said sincerely. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

Anya blinked at his sudden sincerity. She exhaled, shaking her head. “No, don’t apologize. I’m sorry if I overreacted.” She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly.

Arin offered a small, knowing smile. “We’re getting late to pick up our siblings. Please, have a seat.”

Without another word, Anya hopped into the passenger seat. Arin shifted gears, and the car sped toward the school.

The atmosphere inside the vehicle was quiet but comfortable, the urgency of their mission keeping their thoughts occupied. Within half an hour, they arrived at the school gates.

As they pulled up, they spotted Kian and Ira standing at the entrance, waiting for them. Ira had her arms crossed, shifting from one foot to another impatiently, while Kian seemed distracted, watching the dark clouds forming in the sky.

Arin honked again to grab their attention. The sudden sound startled Kian, who visibly jumped before turning toward the car, his expression a mix of confusion and surprise.

As the sharp honk echoed, Kian flinched, gripping his arms tightly. His face paled slightly, and he took a step back.

Anya’s eyes widened, and she turned to Arin with concern. “Hey, don’t do that,” she scolded softly. “Kian is afraid of loud noises.”

Arin’s expression shifted from confusion to guilt. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” he admitted, lowering his voice.

Meanwhile, Ira, noticing Kian’s distress, quickly stepped in. She gently rubbed his back, whispering reassuring words until his breathing steadied. Once he seemed calmer, she walked him toward the car and placed her hand on the biometric lock. The car door clicked open instantly.

Ira crossed her arms as she looked at Arin, her tone laced with mild irritation. “Bhai, how many times have I told you not to honk this car’s horn?” She then glanced inside and saw Anya sitting comfortably in the passenger seat. A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes. “Oh! Anya Di is with you. Did you kidnap her?”

Arin sighed, rubbing his temples. “Ira, do you even hear yourself? Of course, I didn’t kidnap her. We came to pick both of you up. And again—I’m really sorry for honking.”

Ira smirked. “Be sure to remember that next time.” She then turned to Kian, nudging him gently. “Come on, Kian, don’t be scared. It’s just our big brother and sister.”

At her words, Kian slowly lifted his gaze, his eyes locking onto Anya sitting inside the car. The moment recognition settled in, relief washed over his face. Without hesitation, he ran toward her and wrapped his small arms tightly around her waist.

Anya instantly pulled him into a warm embrace, gently running her fingers through his hair. “There, there, Kian,” she murmured soothingly. “No need to worry. I’m right here. And see?” She tilted his chin up slightly. “We’re all together now.”

As Kian lifted his head, his eyes met Arin’s. Arin, still feeling the weight of his mistake, lowered his gaze in remorse.

“Kian,” Arin said softly, his voice heavy with guilt. “I’m really sorry for honking like that. I didn’t know you have Ligyrophobia.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small chocolate bar, holding it out with a hesitant smile. “Please forgive me. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Kian stared at the chocolate for a moment before stepping closer. Slowly, he reached out, took the chocolate from Arin’s hand, and—without warning—wrapped his arms around him.

Arin stiffened in surprise before a relieved chuckle escaped him.

“It’s okay, big brother,” Kian said softly. “Don’t stress over it. Just remember next time, okay?”

Arin smiled, ruffling Kian’s hair. “I will. I promise.” He then gestured toward the back seats. “Now, both of you, hop in. We need to get home before the hurricane shows up.” He glanced at Kian once more. “And seriously, Kian—I’m really sorry.”

Kian gave him a reassuring nod. “Don’t worry. If you had known, you wouldn’t have honked. It’s all good.”

Just as Kian settled in, Ira, who had been silently observing, huffed. “Bhai, you’re literally annoying,” she muttered. “You made him almost cry. That was really inconsiderate.”

Arin’s heart sank at her words. He didn’t respond, but the silence that followed was enough proof that her comment had hurt him. The atmosphere in the car grew tense, and Anya, sensing the shift, glanced between the two siblings. She wanted to say something, but she hesitated, unsure how to ease the discomfort.

The drive continued in heavy silence. The wind outside howled louder, rattling the windows as the storm loomed closer.

Finally, as they neared 5th Street, Anya softly spoke. “Arin, stop the car here. We can walk from here.”

Arin slowed the car but frowned. “Are you sure? I can drop you off at your door. The wind is getting stronger.”

Anya shook her head with a small smile. “Don’t worry about us. Our house is just a few minutes away.” She then reached into her pocket and pulled out a small folded piece of paper, handing it to him. “And —here’s my number.”

Arin looked at the slip of paper in his hand, his eyes flickering with mild surprise. “Oh… thanks.”

Anya gave him a knowing look. “You can message me whenever you want, okay? This weather is new for you, after all.”

She then turned toward Ira, her voice soft but firm. “And Ira—don’t be too harsh on your brother. He didn’t mean to do it.”

Kian nodded in agreement. “Yeah, Ira, don’t be mad at him. I already forgave him. You should, too.”

Ira pursed her lips but said nothing, looking out the window instead.

Anya sighed before unbuckling her seatbelt. “Come on, Kian. Let’s go before it gets windier.”

As Kian stepped out, Anya paused for a moment and looked back at Arin. “And, Arin?”

He met her gaze, eyebrows raised slightly.

“I don’t want to see you upset over this,” she said gently. “You don’t deserve to feel guilty for something you didn’t mean to do.”

Arin’s lips parted slightly, but before he could respond, Anya stepped out into the cool gusts of wind.

He and Ira watched as the two figures disappeared down the street, their silhouettes fading into the misty atmosphere.

A deep sigh escaped Arin’s lips as he rested his hands on the steering wheel. “Let’s go home.”

Ira hesitated before mumbling, “Yeah… let’s go.”

The engine hummed softly as they drove away, the distant storm rolling in behind them.

Within fifteen minutes, they arrived home. Arin parked the car and stepped inside with Ira, but the silence between them lingered. The usually cheerful atmosphere of their house felt heavy, weighed down by Ira’s distant demeanor.

Arin kept glancing at her, hoping she’d say something—anything—but she remained quiet. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, his heart tightening with unease.

As Ira headed toward her room to change, Arin, unable to bear it any longer, reached out and gently grabbed her wrist.

“Ira…” his voice was soft, almost hesitant. “Are you still mad at me?”

Ira froze for a moment before attempting to pull away. “Let go of me, bhai. I want to change my clothes.”

But Arin didn’t release her. Instead, he took a deep breath and whispered, “Please… tell me. Face me.”

Slowly, Ira turned around, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. Arin’s heart clenched at the sight of her trembling lips.

“Am I really a disguise in your eyes?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “Is that why you won’t talk to me?”

At that, Ira broke down. A sob escaped her lips, her voice cracking as she shook her head.

“No, bhai,” she sniffled. “Don’t think like that. You’re not a disguise to me or anyone.” She wiped her tears hastily but they kept falling. “I was just… scared. At that moment, I thought my friendship with Kian was going to fade because of your mistake. That’s why I was upset… That’s why I didn’t talk to you.”

She paused, taking a shaky breath before looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. “But later, I realized something, bhai. You were my first friend—the first person I was ever truly happy with. We laughed together, we cried together, we did silly things together… We made so many memories. And I forgot all of that just because of one moment of anger.”

She choked on her words, gripping his hand tightly. “I’m so sorry, bhai… I was confused.”

Arin felt a lump in his throat. Without thinking, he pulled her into a tight hug, wrapping his arms protectively around her.

“There’s nothing to be sorry for, Ira,” he murmured, stroking her hair. “Don’t cry, okay? You’re a brave girl. My strong, fearless little sister.”

Ira clung to him, burying her face in his chest as he gently swayed her side to side, comforting her the way he always did when they were kids.

After a moment, Arin reached into his pocket and pulled out a chocolate bar, his signature peace offering. He held it out to her with a warm smile. “Here, eat this. It’s your favorite, isn’t it?”

Ira sniffled but smiled as she took it. “You always do this…” she mumbled.

Arin smirked playfully. “And I always will.”

Before she could say anything else, he effortlessly lifted her into his arms and carried her toward the kitchen.

“Bhai!” Ira squealed, kicking her legs in protest. “Put me down!”

“Nope,” Arin grinned, setting her down on the dining table. “You need some cheering up, and I know just the way to do it.”

He grabbed a tissue and gently wiped the lingering tears from her cheeks. “I don’t ever want to see tears in these eyes again, okay?”

Ira nodded, sniffling. Just as she was about to thank him, Arin suddenly attacked her waist with playful tickles.

“Bhai! Stop—ah! That’s not fair!” she shrieked, laughing uncontrollably.

Arin chuckled, finally stopping when she was breathless from laughter.

Ira caught her breath and looked at him with a fond smile. “Bhai… I’m really sorry for not talking to you. I forgot that you were my first best friend… and you’ll be my last best friend too.”

With that, she leaned in and pressed a small kiss to his cheek.

Arin felt a warmth spread in his chest, but he quickly shook off the emotional moment with a smirk. “That’s sweet, but let’s not dwell on it anymore.” He ruffled her hair. “Now go change. I’ll make something special for both of us.”

Ira grinned. “Okay, but can I borrow your phone first? I want to try calling Mom and see if she picks up.”

Arin nodded, handing over his phone without hesitation. “Sure. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

As Ira walked away, Arin watched her go, a small smile tugging at his lips. No matter what happened, they would always find their way back to each other. Because that’s what siblings did—they fought, they made up, and in the end, their bond only grew stronger.

And as the storm raged outside, inside their home, warmth and love prevailed.

After going to her room to change, Ira sat on the bed and tried calling her mom, but every attempt resulted in the same frustrating message—‘Out of range.’

Sighing, she set the phone aside and decided to freshen up. She headed to the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away the day’s tension. But as she stepped out, drying her hair with a towel, a soft vibration caught her attention.

Arin’s phone, which she had left on the nightstand, was lit up with a notification. Out of curiosity, she picked it up and glanced at the screen.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she read the name—Anya.

Anya (via message):

"Arin, it's so good to meet you again. I was waiting for you to come."

Ira blinked. Again? What did she mean by again?

She hesitated before scrolling down to read more of the notifications.

Anya:

"After school, I thought I'd never be able to meet you again. But two days ago, when I saw you, I felt like a dead flower suddenly coming back to life. Just because of you. I’m glad you came into my life once again, and this time… I won’t let you go."

Ira’s grip on the phone tightened. What?!

Her heart pounded as her thoughts raced.

"Bhai and Anya Di… knew each other from school? But Bhai never mentioned having a friend like her. He never told me about someone this important to him."

She scrolled further, only to find one last message.

Anya:

"I’m going to delete these messages since I don’t want to make trouble for your brain. I’m writing this because I really wanted to say it… but at the same time, I don’t want to burden you. There’s a lot I could say, but maybe it’s better left unsaid."

Ira gasped as she saw the messages disappear one by one.

Deleted. All of them.

She stared at the screen, her mind spinning with unanswered questions.

"This is too much… What does she mean by not creating a burden for his brain? And why did she delete the messages? Is there something she doesn’t want Bhai to know?"

She bit her lip, gripping the phone tightly.

Part of her wanted to march into the kitchen and demand answers. But another part hesitated.

"No… something feels off. If I bring this up and it ends up hurting Bhai, I’ll never forgive myself."

She took a deep breath, shaking off her swirling thoughts. For now, she would keep this to herself.

Just then, Arin’s voice rang through the house.

“Ira! Food is ready! Come fast before it gets cold.”

She jolted, slipping the phone into her dress pocket. “I’m coming, Bhai! Wait for me and don’t start eating without me!”

Forcing a smile onto her face, she walked into the dining area, trying her best to push aside the confusion swirling in her mind.

As she sat down, she casually handed Arin his phone. He took it without a second thought, completely unaware of what had just happened.

The warmth of their dinner filled the air, and soon, the room was filled with laughter as they ate together. Ira tried to focus on the moment, telling herself she could let it go.

But deep inside, a storm had already begun to brew.

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