SΞЯΞИDIPIΓУ - Sunshine after Storm

It was a late morning, just past nine, but the world outside was still cloaked in darkness. The hurricane had painted the sky black, and the howling winds rattled against the windows.

Yet, inside the cozy warmth of their home, Arin and Ira lay nestled in bed, wrapped in each other’s embrace. Neither wanted to be the first to break the spell of sleep.

Then— RING! RING!

The loud alarm shattered the peaceful silence. Ira stirred first, groaning as she turned to glance at the clock. Annoyance flashed in her sleepy eyes when she realized it was only an alarm.

She turned toward her brother, who was still blissfully lost in his dreams.

"Bhai… why did you even set an alarm?" she grumbled, shaking him lightly.

Arin barely stirred, burying his face deeper into the pillow.

Ira’s patience was wearing thin. She huffed, then smirked mischievously before taking a deep breath—

"BHAI! WAKE UP OR I’M DRENCHING YOU IN WATER!"

Arin groaned, shifting slightly but refusing to open his eyes. "Uhm… Why are you shouting? Let me sleep a little longer, please," he mumbled, his voice heavy with sleep.

Ira scoffed. "Now do you understand how I feel when you wake me up early every morning? Consider yourself lucky I didn’t wake you up at dawn!"

Arin smirked lazily, his eyes still shut. "That’s because we have things to do, like school or the office. But today is different."

"Okay, you sleepyhead. Now get up and make something for breakfast. My stomach is growling!" Ira whined dramatically, pressing her hands against her stomach for effect.

Arin cracked one eye open. "The leftovers from last night are in the fridge. You’re free to eat that," he said, rolling over.

Ira gasped, staring at him in mock horror. "What a dumb brother you are, Bhai! You know I love eating food made by you! Please make something fresh for me."

She scooted closer, pressing her stomach against his face. "See? My stomach is literally shrinking from starvation!"

Arin groaned, rubbing his face as he finally sat up. "Okay, okay, my dramatic little sister. I’ll make something for you. But you better freshen up first! And don’t forget to brush your teeth properly."

Ira grinned victoriously. "Very well! But you better be in the kitchen by the time I come downstairs!"

With that, she hopped out of bed and skipped toward the bathroom.

Arin sighed, stretching his arms before finally dragging himself up. He ruffled his messy hair, then trudged toward the kitchen.

Looking through the cabinets, he found the ingredients to make a quick and warm breakfast—oats. Simple and fast, perfect before Ira returned and complained again.

As he got to work, a small smile tugged at his lips. No matter how much she complained, he knew she loved moments like these—just as much as he did. 

Half an hour had passed since Arin had finished preparing breakfast. The warm, sweet aroma of freshly made oats filled the kitchen, drifting through the house like a comforting embrace.

Just as Ira stepped downstairs, she inhaled deeply, smiling at the familiar scent. But when she entered the kitchen, her smile faltered—Arin was sitting on a chair, his head resting on his folded arms, lightly dozing.

She walked up to him, shaking his shoulder gently.

"Bhai… Bhai, wake up. Why are you still sleeping?" she asked softly, concern lacing her voice.

Arin stirred, blinking groggily as he sat up. "Uh, Ira… when did you come?" He rubbed his eyes, still drowsy. "Sorry, I must have dozed off."

Ira frowned, her gaze searching his face. "Bhai, is something wrong? You can tell me if something’s bothering you."

Arin forced a small smile. "No, Ira. It's nothing serious. I just… couldn’t sleep properly last night. I kept tossing and turning, and I guess I only managed to sleep in the early morning."

Ira's expression softened with guilt. "I’m sorry for waking you up so early… I didn’t know you were struggling to sleep."

Arin shook his head. "Hey, don’t apologize. It’s not your fault. Now, let’s eat before the oats get cold."

Ira hesitated. "Are you sure? If you're really tired, you can go back to bed. I don’t mind."

Arin chuckled. "Nah, I’m good. Besides, I don’t want to leave you alone." He scooped a spoonful of oats and held it up to her mouth. "Now, say ‘aaa’!"

Ira giggled but obediently took the bite. The tension melted away as the two of them ate their breakfast, chatting and laughing between bites.

Once they finished, Ira stood up, stretching her arms. "Okay, now you’re going back to bed. No arguments!"

"But—"

"No buts!" Ira cut him off, hands on her hips. "I’ll handle the dishes. You need sleep, Bhai."

Realizing he had no way to win against her determination, Arin sighed dramatically and trudged toward his room. Within minutes, exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted into a deep slumber.

Hours Later…

The soft scratching of a pencil against paper filled the quiet room. Ira sat at her study table, deeply engrossed in her books, when she heard movement behind her.

Arin groggily sat up, stretching with a groan. "Ira… what time is it?"

She turned to him with a smile. "Oh, Bhai! You’re up! It’s 3 o’clock."

Arin’s eyes widened. "What?! Did I sleep that long? I didn’t even make lunch for you!" He quickly swung his legs off the bed. "Just wait a little, I’ll cook something—"

Ira stopped him with a raised hand. "Relax, Bhai. I already ate."

Arin eyed her suspiciously. "What did you eat? There wasn’t much left in the kitchen."

Ira smirked. "Remember? You told me last night’s leftovers were in the fridge. I just heated them up in the oven and ate."

Arin’s expression fell, guilt creeping into his features. "I’m sorry… I should’ve made you something fresh."

Ira rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, Bhai. It’s not a big deal."

But Arin wasn’t convinced. "For me, it is." He started to stand up, but the moment he did, his vision swayed. A sharp pain shot through his head, and he staggered, falling to his knees.

"Ahh… my head…" he groaned, clutching his forehead.

Ira’s eyes widened in panic. She rushed to his side, grabbing his arms. "Bhai! What’s wrong? Are you okay?"

Arin winced. "It’s just… a headache…"

Ira’s heart clenched. "This is because you didn’t sleep well and barely ate!" She carefully helped him back onto the bed. "Just lie down. I’ll make you some fresh, hot tea—it’ll help ease your headache."

Arin shook his head weakly. "You don’t have to do that…"

Ira crossed her arms. "It’s for my sake, okay? Now close your eyes and wait for me."

Arin sighed, knowing there was no arguing with her. "Fine… but make sure to add extra honey."

Ira grinned. "I already know how you like it, Bhai. Just rest."

She hurried to the kitchen, preparing a cup of hot ginger tea. Within minutes, she returned, placing the warm cup in his hands.

"Here. Drink this while it’s hot."

Arin took a small sip, letting the warmth seep through him. He exhaled deeply, already feeling a bit better.

Ira sat beside him, observing him. "See? It’s working, right?"

Arin gave her a small, appreciative smile. "Yeah… you always know how to take care of me."

Ira smirked. "Of course! It’s my duty as the best little sister in the world."

They sat in comfortable silence, sipping tea together. The hurricane still roared outside, but in that quiet moment, there was nothing but warmth between them. As they finished the last sip of their tea...

Ira leaned her head against his shoulder, sighing. "Now, let’s just stay like this for a while. You’re warm."

Arin smiled softly. "Fine. But if you fall asleep, don’t blame me for not waking you up."

Ira giggled. "Then don’t wake me up. I’ll be fine as long as you’re here."

And with that, they sat in peaceful silence, knowing that no matter what happened—storm or no storm—they would always have each other. 

Arin’s phone buzzed briefly with messages from Myra and Principal Coco, confirming that the office and school would remain closed for a few more days. He sighed, the weight of the past of the day heavy on his chest. Without a word, he nestled closer to Ira, finding comfort in her presence, and soon, they both drifted into a light slumber.

The afternoon sun cast soft, golden hues into the living room, filtering through the half-drawn curtains. Arin and Ira sat side by side on the couch, the quiet hum of the house surrounding them. The hurricane had passed, but its shadow still lingered—on the battered roads, the broken trees, and even within the quiet exhaustion they both carried. 

Though the skies had cleared, the remnants of the storm still echoed in the streets and their hearts. But what weighed heavier on Arin wasn’t the hurricane—it was the sleepless nights that still haunted him. Yet, he kept his silence, unwilling to burden Ira with his struggles.

That noon, they sat together in the living room. Ira was unusually quiet, her gaze distant, her fingers nervously tugging at the hem of her sleeve. Arin noticed. He always did.

"Ira," he said gently, turning toward her. "What’s wrong? Is something bothering you?"

Ira blinked, forcing a small smile. "Nah, Bhai. I'm good. You don't have to worry about me."

Arin studied her for a moment but decided not to press too hard. "Okay, if you say so. But you know you can tell me if anything happens, right?"

Ira’s smile faltered, and her voice held an edge of bitterness. "Why would I tell you if something happened to me? Who are you to ask?"

Arin's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why are you acting like this? I'm your big brother. I have the right to know if you're upset."

But Ira's gaze turned sharp. "No. You’re just a stranger." Her voice cracked slightly. "If you really thought of yourself as my brother, you wouldn’t keep things from me."

Arin felt his chest tighten. He opened his mouth to respond but paused, unsure of how to calm the storm brewing between them. "Ira, I'm alright. Please, don't worry about me. Just… stop acting like this."

But Ira's eyes glimmered with frustration. "You're still lying!" she snapped. "Go do whatever you want. If I'm just a stranger to you, then you have nothing to be concerned about."

Arin's heart sank. He hated seeing her hurt, hated that his silence had built this wall between them. "Please, Ira… don't say that. Mom isn’t here, and if you push me away too, who am I supposed to talk to?"

Ira turned her face away. "You're wasting your time on me."

Something in her voice broke him. Without thinking, Arin reached out, pulling her into a gentle embrace. His arms wrapped around her tightly, protectively.

"Shh… Don't say that." His voice was low and soothing. "I know you're worried about me. But I'm really okay. I just didn't want to bother you."

Ira's body trembled in his hold, her fists clenching the fabric of his shirt. "Liar." Her voice was barely a whisper. "Did you think I wouldn't notice? I saw it, Bhai. The dark circles under your eyes, the way you keep losing focus, the times you almost faint… You can't hide from me."

Arin closed his eyes, his heart heavy.

"Ira… my cute little panda…" He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. "I love you. Maybe even more than Mom does. But… I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to burden you."

Ira’s eyes glistened, but her expression was fierce. "It's not a burden, Bhai. I'm not a kid anymore. I can take care of you too. And I’m upset that you didn’t trust me enough to tell me. I had to figure it out all by

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myself."

Arin’s shoulders slumped, guilt washing over him. "I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you." He hesitated, then took a deep breath. "The truth is… I've been having trouble sleeping. Some nights, I see things—like 3D images. Shapes, figures, faces… but they're always blurred. I even saw kids once, laughing and playing, like they were having a party. And sometimes… everything just fades to black. That’s when I faint."

Ira gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Bhai…" Her voice trembled with worry. "I didn’t know it was that bad." She grabbed his hand tightly. "Come. Lay down on my lap. I… I don't know if it'll help, but maybe it’ll ease your head a little."

Arin hesitated but finally nodded. He lay down gently, resting his head in her lap, feeling the warmth of her comfort.

"What now, Ira?" he whispered, his voice laced with exhaustion.

Ira brushed his hair back tenderly. "Just close your eyes and relax. I’ll massage your head, okay?"

Arin sighed, already feeling some of his tension melt away. "If I fall asleep… wake me up. We have to pick Mom from the airport, remember?"

Ira smiled softly. "I remember. Don’t worry. I'll wake you up on time. But for now, just rest."

She began massaging his head with slow, soothing movements, her fingers gentle yet firm. She hummed softly, a melody that Arin barely remembered but found comfort in. The warmth of her touch, the steady rise and fall of her breathing—it was like a balm to his tired soul.

Arin’s body relaxed, the weight of his sleepless nights momentarily lifting. "Thank you, Ira," he murmured, his voice already fading into sleep.

Ira leaned down, her lips brushing his forehead. "Always, Bhai. Always."

And as Arin finally slipped into a peaceful slumber, Ira sat there silently, watching over him like a guardian, determined to shield him from every storm—both outside and within.

The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow across the living room as Ira gently shook Arin awake. His head lay heavy in her lap, his face finally softened by peaceful sleep.

"Bhai, wake up," she whispered softly, brushing his hair back. "We have to pick up Mom from the airport."

Arin stirred slowly, his eyes blinking open, still heavy with sleep. "Is it evening already?" he murmured, his voice hoarse with exhaustion.

Ira smiled gently, though her heart ached to see him so weary. "Yes, and I'm glad you finally slept well. But now, it's time to get up. You'll have plenty of time to sleep at night."

Arin sat up, rubbing his eyes and giving her a faint nod. "Okay… I'll get the car out of the parking. You lock the house."

"Okay. I'll be there in a minute," Ira replied, standing up as Arin stretched and headed out.

The low hum of the car engine filled the quiet street as Arin parked the car by the main gate, waiting. A few moments later, Ira stepped outside, locking the house behind her. She slid into the passenger seat, and with a shared glance, they started their journey. The road ahead stretched endlessly, shadowed by the remnants of the hurricane, yet somehow comforting in its familiarity.

The hour-long drive passed in quiet conversation and soft music playing on the radio. Comfort in simplicity. When they reached the airport, they parked and made their way to the waiting area.

But their patience was tested as delays stretched longer. The late flight meant they waited for almost an hour, their eyes shifting between the clock and the bustling entrance. Finally, the announcement of the landing echoed through the speakers, and both stood with relief.

And there she was. Their mother. Stepping into view, her figure felt like a long-lost memory brought back to life. Ira's breath caught in her throat. Her heart swelled with joy, but it was quickly overrun by emotions that had been bottled up for too long.

Without thinking, Ira sprinted forward, her eyes brimming with tears that spilled freely down her cheeks. She threw her arms around her mother in an embrace so tight it trembled.

"Mom!" Her voice cracked, thick with emotion. "I missed you so much. Why did you take so long to come back?"

Their mother’s arms encircled her protectively, her heart breaking at the tears staining her daughter’s face. "I'm so sorry, honey. I had extra work, but I’m here now." She stroked Ira's hair gently, holding her close. "You don’t have to worry about anything anymore."

But Ira’s voice quivered, a shadow of concern lurking beneath her relief. "Mom… a lot happened while you were gone. You should… you should see Bhai."

Their mother’s eyes softened with concern. "What happened to him?" she asked, her gaze drifting past Ira—only to freeze as it landed on Arin.

He stood a little further back, his posture stiff, his eyes glassy and red. Silent tears traced down his cheeks, falling freely in the quiet corner of the airport.

"Why is he crying?" she whispered, a tremor in her voice.

Startled, Ira turned, her breath catching in her throat. "Bhai…?" Concern flooded her features as she rushed back to him, their mother close behind.

Without a word, their mother cupped Arin's face in her hands, her thumbs brushing away his tears. "Baby… why are you crying?" Her voice trembled with worry. "What happened?"

Ira stood beside her, worry etching deep into her features. "Bhai… what's wrong?"

Arin hesitated, his throat tightening. And then, as though the dam had broken, he reached out and held his mother's hands tightly, his fingers trembling.

"It's nothing, Mom," he murmured, forcing a weak smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "I just missed you. That’s all."

Their mother’s brows knitted together, doubt shadowing her concern. "But it’s the first time I’ve seen you cry for me like this. You never acted like this before…"

Arin's smile faltered, his voice low and almost pleading. "Trust me, Mom… it’s nothing. I just missed you. Can we go home now?" He didn't wait for an answer. He stepped forward, lifting her luggage as if to end the conversation, his gaze avoiding theirs as he walked towards the parking lot.

Their mother stood in stunned silence for a moment, her heart heavy with worry. She turned to Ira, her voice low. "He’s hiding something from us."

Ira’s eyes glimmered with concern. "I know… but for now, let’s just go home."

And though worry sat like a stone in their chests, they followed Arin to the car, the weight of unspoken words heavier than the luggage he carried.

The hum of the car engine filled the silence as they settled into their seats. The quiet was broken when their mother turned around from the driver's seat, her voice gentle yet firm.

"Baby, you sit in the back with Ira," she said, her eyes soft as they met Arin's. "I'll drive the car."

Arin blinked, surprised. "But Mom, you just got back from your trip. You must be exhausted. Let me drive. You should relax."

Their mother shook her head with a smile that held both warmth and determination. "No, I'm not exhausted. Not when it comes to my children. Besides, I have a place in mind for us to visit together."

Ira perked up, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "What kind of place, Mom?"

Their mother chuckled softly. "It’s a secret, but it’s about an hour and a half from home."

Ira’s brows furrowed in playful suspicion. "So far? Are we going to a resort or something?"

"No, honey," their mother said, a mysterious twinkle in her eyes. "Just wait and see."

Arin remained quiet, listening to the back-and-forth, his gaze distant but comforted by the familiar chatter. The soft hum of their voices, the comfort of family—it was a warmth he hadn’t realized he craved so deeply.

Half an hour later, night had begun to fall, casting a serene glow over the city as they reached their destination. The car came to a gentle stop, the headlights illuminating the building in front of them.

Arin looked out the window, brows slightly raised. "Is this the place you wanted to bring us to?"

Their mother turned, her smile tender. "Yes, baby. This is it."

Ira’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Finally! Let’s go inside."

"Yeah, follow me," their mother said, stepping out of the car with a calm grace.

Arin and Ira followed, their curiosity growing as they walked along the path. The sound of waves echoed in the distance, soft and calming. When they reached the entrance, realization dawned. It wasn’t just any restaurant—it was one nestled along the beach, its outdoor setting bathed in the silver glow of the full moon. The ocean whispered nearby, and the view stretched endlessly beneath the starlit sky.

Ira gasped, her hands clasping in delight. "Wow! It’s so peaceful and beautiful."

Arin’s voice was softer but sincere. "Yeah… it’s beautiful."

Their mother smiled, pride glimmering in her eyes. "And our table is right there," she said, pointing towards a table outside, set under the open sky, far from the bustle of the world.

Arin turned to her, his voice laced with surprise. "When did you arrange all of this?"

She chuckled, her voice warm. "It doesn't matter when. Just enjoy this moment, my lovely children. Tonight is about forgetting the worries and finding joy."

Ira’s curiosity peaked again. "So, did you already order the food?"

"Of course," their mother said with a laugh. "Now, come on. Let’s sit while they prepare it." She playfully nudged them forward.

Under the moonlit sky, they sat around the table, the cool breeze carrying the scent of the ocean. The soft sound of the waves was a lullaby of comfort. Within half an hour, their food arrived—steaming spaghetti, rich and savory, accompanied by soft brownies and fluffy pineapple cupcakes. A vibrant, spicy vegetable salad added color to the table, with golden, crispy ginger-garlic bread served alongside. Honey lemon soda sparkled in their glasses, refreshing and sweet.

Laughter echoed as they ate, sharing jokes and stories, their voices blending into the night like music. Their mother smiled, her heart warming at the sight of her children’s happiness. For a little while, the heavy days were forgotten. She watched as Arin's tired eyes brightened, and Ira’s laughter rang clear like a bell.

At that moment, the world outside the restaurant didn’t exist—only the love they shared and the joy of togetherness.

After finishing the meal and paying for their food, they left the soft glow of the restaurant, stepping into the quiet of the night. The drive home was filled with a gentle calm, and though no words were spoken, the comfort in their silence was profound.

As they arrived home, Ira and Arin turned to their mother, smiles soft but sincere.

"Thank you, Mom, for this beautiful night," they said in unison.

Arin added, his voice tinged with concern, "And sorry if we made you more tired."

Their mother waved off his words with a gentle laugh. "As I said, I’m never exhausted when it comes to my children."

Arin chuckled lightly, though the worry lingered in his eyes. He stepped forward, gently taking her wrist. "Still, it's time for you to get some rest, okay?" His tone was playfully firm as he guided her towards her room. "Go on, Mom. Sleep properly."

She turned, cupping his cheek with a tender hand. "My lovely baby. You and Ira should also rest. Sleep peacefully tonight, both of you."

With that, they each retreated to their room.

Inside their cozy space, Ira and Arin changed into their nightwear. Without needing words, they settled onto the bed, slipping beneath the warmth of the blankets. Arin's arms instinctively wrapped around his sister, and Ira nestled close, their shared warmth a quiet comfort.

There, in the safety of each other’s embrace, they closed their eyes. And for the first time in many heavy days, sleep came gently—pulling them into dreams where no worries could follow.

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