Aradhya- The Warrior

Chapter 25

Updates will be less frequent from now on as my academic year is going to start.
I will be giving updates once a week. Or sometimes twice.
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Target:
Votes- 170+
Comments-50+

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Author's POV

The living room was bathed in soft sunlight, filtered through sheer curtains. The family was lounging after breakfast — newspapers scattered, chai cups in hand, and the occasional clink of cutlery from the kitchen.

Krish flopped dramatically on the couch beside Ridhaan.
"Bhai, yeh ghar ghar khel kab tak chalega? Mujhe lagta hai hum sab ko ek chhoti si trip chahiye."
(Bro, how long are we going to stay stuck at home like this? I think we all need a small trip.)

Ridhaan grinned, nudging him.
"Exactly what I was thinking. Full recharge mode. Let’s convince the elders."

The two brothers exchanged a mischievous glance, then stood up and turned towards the elders like they were addressing a boardroom.

"Ahem!" Ridhaan cleared his throat dramatically.
"Hum dono ne kuch socha hai," he announced.
(We both have thought of something.)

Ravi looked up from his newspaper.
"Ab kya naya plan hai tum dono ka?"
(What new plan have you two cooked up now?)

Krish grinned.
"Bas chhoti si request. Ek weekend getaway. Thoda break lein, fresh air, mountains, rivers... ya beaches. Whatever the family votes for."
(Just a small request — a weekend getaway. A little break, some fresh air, mountains, rivers... or beaches. Whatever the family prefers.)

Dadi gave him a look.
"Tumhare exams khatam ho gaye kya Krish?"
(Have you  finished your exams Krish?)

Everyone chuckled.

"Dadi, kaam aur zimmedariyaan toh chalti rahengi," Ridhaan chimed in.
"Par kabhi kabhi family bonding ke liye bhi toh waqt nikalna chahiye."
(Dadi, work and responsibilities will always be there, but sometimes we should make time for family bonding too.)

Their mother added curiously,
"Aur destination kaun decide karega? Tum dono?"
(And who will decide the destination? You two?)

Krish folded his hands playfully.
"Aap log veto power rakh lena, bas humein haan keh do."
(You all can keep the veto power, just say yes first!)

Aradhya, sitting quietly with her coffee, looked up briefly. Rishav beside her smiled at the boys' efforts.

Ravi finally closed the newspaper.
"Haan bhai, idea toh bura nahi hai. Par planning kisne karni hai?"
(Okay fine, not a bad idea. But who will do the planning?)

Ridhaan raised both hands.
"Hum dono! Full itinerary, accommodations, everything. Aap log sirf bags pack karo."
(We will! Full itinerary, accommodations, everything. You all just pack your bags.)

Their aunt laughed.
"Mujhe toh lagta hai Krish sirf photo ke liye ghoomne jaata hai."
(I feel like Krish only travels for  pictures!)

"Guilty as charged," Krish winked.

The room was filled with laughter and excitement. The seed of the trip was planted — and somehow, amidst all the noise, even Aradhya didn’t seem entirely opposed. Her fingers lightly tapped her cup, an unusual softness in her eyes.

Rishav caught it — the almost-smile. And he smiled too.

The living room was still humming with chatter and laughter about the trip plan when Jashoda, suddenly remembered something.