Navya's Pov:-
After a long, refreshing bath, I dressed up and gracefully descended the stairs.Papa sat at the dining table - silent, stiff, suspiciously unlike his usual self. Normally, he'd be reading the newspaper, sipping his chai, and talk to mumma. But today? He sat still, looking at newspaper and tea and his face unusually tense.
Mumma was busy in the kitchen, clanking utensils with more force than necessary - CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! - each sound sharper than the last that felt like a ticking time bomb. I slid into my usual seat at the dining table. Papa looked up, gave me a half-hearted smile, and said softly, "Good morning, beta."
"Good morning, Papa," I replied, but my instincts screamed - kuch toh gadbad hai, Navya!
(Something is fishy)
Just then, Bhai and Bhabhi entered together, whispering something to each other and giggling. Bhai spotted me, and his lips curled into a mischievous smirk. I instantly pressed my lips into a thin line - my silent code for "Don't you dare!" Bhabhi raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing our silent war, and I brushed it off with a tiny shake of my head.
And then.....
💥 THUDDD! 💥
Mumma stormed into the dining area and slammed the plates down on the table with such force that the sounds made by utensils feel like a background sound effect in a saas-bahu serial and even the spoon jumped in fear.An aura of storm surrounded her. She didn't speak, but her silence screamed louder than any words.
We all froze.
I swear even the ceiling fan slowed down to watch the drama.
Bhai, Bhabhi, and I exchanged terrified glances. One look at Mumma's face, and it was obvious: Papa was in big, fat, royal trouble.My soul whispered, "Bas... ab to maha-yudh hone wala hai."
(Enough...now the war is going to begin)
Papa, perhaps realizing that silence would only make it worse, slowly rose from his seat and walked toward Mumma. With hands folded in the most dramatic "maaf karo mujhe" style, he said -
📣 DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUN 📣
Our jaws dropped. Papa - Papa? Apologizing? THIS serious? He was apologizing like a guilty child?!Bhabhi's jaw dropped, Bhai nearly choked on his own breath, and I? I had to clutch the edge of the table to keep from falling.
We looked at each other, shrugged dramatically, and then - of course - Bhai and I couldn't resist.
"Ohooooo... samajh rahe ho, samajh rahe ho... LADKI KA CHAKKAR, BABU BHAIYAAAA, LADKI KA CHAKKAR!" we sang together like background comedians.
(Ohooo... you get it, you get it... IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF A GIRL, BABU BHAIYAAA, ALL BECAUSE OF A GIRL!)
The whole house shook with
suppressed laughter. Bhabhi bit her lip, struggling not to burst out. Kaka and the kitchen staff ducked their heads, clutching their stomachs, their shoulders shaking with laughter.
But then came... Mumma's death glare.
Laser beams. Thunderbolts. Earthquake. Tsunami.I swear if looks could kill, Bhai and I would've been turned into tandoori kababs right there. Three zoom-in shots on her face, dramatic sound effects: Tananannnn!
Instant silence. Our mouths shut tighter than a bank vault.
Papa, meanwhile, stood calmly, completely unbothered, which made it even funnier.
"Kya yaar bhai! Aise kaun bolta hai? Pagal ho kya? Have some manners!" I hissed at Bhai, pretending to be the mature one.
(Oh come on, bhai Who even talks like that? Are you crazy or what)
"Aree, maine toh kuch kiya hi nahi!" Bhai defended, throwing his hands in the air.
(Arre, I didn't even do anything)
"Tum dono chup karoge ya main tumhe ghar se bahar fek du?!" Mumma roared, her voice echoing like a goddess of destruction.
(Will you both shut up, or will I throw you out of the house)
Papa, meanwhile, continued with his helpless schoolboy act in front of teacher. "I'm really sorry... I won't repeat it."
Finally, Bhabhi couldn't hold back her curiosity. "But Papa... what actually happened?"
Papa sighed dramatically, holding his forehead. "Actually... I came home late last night... and I didn't eat dinner. Since then, your Mumma hasn't spoken a single word to me."
Gasps. Literal gasps.
Bhabhi clasped her hands together, putting on her best "bechara" expression. "Hayeeee... so serious? Poor Papa... I am feeling bad for you!" she teased.
That was it. We all exploded with laughter.
Mumma, still glaring, snapped, "First you come home late, and then you skip dinner? Wah! Wah! Ekdum asli hero ban rahe ho kya?!"
(Wah wah! Are you trying to act like a real hero now)
Papa nodded furiously, bowing down like he was surrendering before a queen. "I said na, I'm really sorry. It won't happen again."
"Haan haan, pehle galti karo, phir sorry bolo. Waah! Shabash!" Mumma mocked, folding her arms.
(Yeah sure, make the mistake first and then apologize later. Wonderful! Well done)
Papa tried one last defense. "Actually, I was caught up in an important project... deadlines, meetings..."
"Haan haan!" Mumma interrupted, rolling her eyes.
(Yeah...yeah)
"Pura Bharat toh aap hi sambhalte ho! Agar aap office na gaye toh desh ruk jaayega!"mumma snapped, her sarcasm sharper than a knife.
(Oh sure, you single-handedly run India - skip the office and the nation will grind to a halt)
At this point, we all were choking on laughter, our shoulders trembling.
Finally, Papa raised his hands dramatically, like a hero about to sacrifice his life. "Fine! Next time if I repeat this, you can throw me out of the house!"
Mumma narrowed her eyes. "Pakka?"
(For sure)
Before Papa could reply, I jumped in. "Nahi... kaccha!"
(Nope....not sure)
Papa shot me a look - half-smile, half-warning."Haan, pakka wala pakka. Ab please, let's eat."
(Yes, absolutely for sure)
"Okay... but don't you dare repeat this!" Mumma said sternly.
"Ji, mahotarma," Papa bowed with exaggerated respect.
(Yeas, madam)
"OOOOHHHHHH!" Bhai, Bhabhi, and I chorused dramatically, clapping like cheerleaders.
The tension dissolved into laughter.
Finally we settled into our chairs for breakfast. Plates filled, glasses poured, and the storm seemed to pass. Then came the heart-melting scene - Papa lovingly feeding some bites to Mumma, Bhai offering morsels to Bhabhi .
And I? Sitting there like a third wheeler, holding my head and sighing
"Yeh sab kya dekhna pad raha hai mujhe? 😭😭 Akhand single hoon main, Bhagwan ji??"
(What is all this I'm being forced to watch?I'm eternally single, God)
But truth be told, my heart melted. My family really is the sweetest chaos, and moments like these make me go "Awwww!" 🤞
And just when I thought I'd been left out, All four of them turned to me with soft smiles and began feeding me bites too. At that moment, I felt like the most pampered princess in the world. ✨
"Of course," I thought to myself, trying not to laugh,advantage of being the youngest.
I leaned back in my chair, stretching lazily like a queen on her throne, when papa smiled warmly and said,
"Princess ke bina toh yeh breakfast adhoora lagta hai."
(This breakfast feels incomplete without the princess)
Bhai groaned dramatically, throwing his hands up in the air.
"Haan haan, sab ki yeh princess hai. Main toh iss ghar ka naukar hoon."
(Yeah yeah, she's everyone's princess. I'm just the servant of this house.)
I smirked, winked at him, and replied,
"Of course, Bhai aapne abhi tak apne aap ko samjha kya tha?"
(Of course, Bhai. So... have you figured yourself out yet)
The whole dining hall echoed with laughter again , and just like that, the earlier tension melted away.
But then, out of nowhere, Bhai leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes."Mumma, I want to tell you something," he said, deliberately shooting a glance at my direction.
My heart skipped a beat. Oh no. Don't you dare, Bhai. I will kill you if you open your mouth! I screamed silently in my head.
Panicking, I darted a look at Kaka, who was busy in kitchen, my pleading eyes begged him to rescue me, but he only chuckled under his breath, clearly enjoying my misery.
"Yeah..Go ahead," Mumma encouraged, turning to Bhai.
Before he could utter another word, I quickly jumped in,
"Bhabhi... mujhe bhi aapse kuch kehna tha," I said, trying to divert the attention.
(Bhabhi... I also wanted to tell you something.)
Bhabhi narrowed her eyes suspiciously, clearly sensing mischief.
"Kya kehna hai? Batao."
( What is it?Speak )
Meanwhile, Mumma looked back at bhai, waiting for his grand revelation.
"So,what were you saying?"
Bhai froze for a moment, then cleverly changed the topic.
"Uh... actually nothing important. Just... we've got a new business project yesterday."
Mumma raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, I know about it. What about it?"
"Nothing, Mumma. Just mentioning it," He shrugged, trying to sound innocent, though his smirk betrayed him.
Bhabhi turned back to me, still curious.
"And you? What did you want to say?"
I widened my eyes innocently.
"Nothing, Bhabhi. Absolutely nothing."
She gave me a long, suspicious look before finally letting it go.
And just like that, the moment passed. Soon, the table was once again filled with laughter, chatter, and the sound of clinking plates as we enjoyed breakfast together.
In the middle of it all, Papa asked casually,
"By the way, how is the hospital going? Any problems?"
"Not at all, Papa. Everything's going perfectly fine," I replied with a reassuring smile.
He nodded with satisfaction, and after breakfast, he and Bhai left for the office. The three of us-Mumma, Bhabhi, and I-moved to the living room.
A little while later, Mumma's phone buzzed with a notification. Her face instantly lit up, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Meanwhile, Bhabhi and I exchanged confused glances, wondering what made her so happy.
"Navya beta, see this photo," Mumma said, holding her phone out to me.
I looked at it. It was a photo of a man, around my age or maybe a year or two older.
"Who is this?" Bhabhi asked curiously.
Mumma's smile widened knowingly.
"He's my friend's son. A Chartered Accountant, very responsible and, as you can see, quite handsome. His mother asked me about you. Navya, I think you should meet him once."
I nearly choked on air.
"What?! But why?"
"So that you can get to know each other," she replied calmly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"No, Mumma! I'm not meeting him or anyone else. I know exactly what you're trying to do," I said firmly, folding my arms across my chest.
"Beta, I'm not forcing you into anything. Just meet him once.Maybe you like him," she said.
Before I could argue, Bhabhi jumped in with her trademark grin.
"Oooh! So Mumma is setting you up on a blind date!"
"A stupid blind date? No, thank you! I'm not going anywhere, Mumma," I declared dramatically.
"Baccha, then at least tell us what kind of guy you want," Mumma asked sweetly.
"I don't want anyone, Mumma. I'm not interested in all this nonsense," I replied, frustrated.
"Okay, but just look at these photos and tell me who you like the most," she said, scrolling through more photos.
"No one," I said flatly, not even bothering to look.
"Navya, you're twenty-five now. How long do you plan to stay single? I just only want you to be happy and settled in life. I don't want anything bad for you," she said emotionally.
"Mumma, please stop emotionally blackmailing me," I said, rolling my eyes.
Bhabhi leaned in, eyes twinkling with mischief.
"By the way, are you secretly dating someone? If yes, just confess."
"It's not like that, Bhabhi. There's no one in my life," I shot back.
"Then why do you keep rejecting all the proposals mumma brings for you?" Bhabhi questioned.
"Because I'm not interested, and mumma just doesn't get that," I sighed.
"But beta, zindagi akele nahi jalti," Mumma said gently.
("Life isn't meant to be lived alone.")
"But i am enough for myself," i said
"Did you ever like anyone during your school or college days?" Bhabhi asked curiously.
"Come on, Bhabhi! I never liked anyone. What were you expecting from a medical student? Where would I find the time for all this? My entire focus was on studies," I answered.
"Still, most people meet their soulmates during those years. Don't you think?" she pressed.
"Of course. My school friends were dating back then. Some even had crushes on seniors like seriously. My school was like a dating app and college was basically a couple factory. And you and Bhai also met in college, right?"I said
"Haha! Toh tujhe koi kyu nahi mila?" Mumma asked, laughing.
("Haha! Then why didn't you find anyone?")
I folded my arms across my chest, exasperation written all over my face.
"Wah Mumma, pehle khud bolte ho ki school aur college mein sirf padhai par dhyan dena hai, aur ab poochh rahi ho kyu nahi bana?-'Navya, focus only on your studies in school, no distractions... Navya, don't waste time in college, career comes first!'You were so strict and serious with Bhai and me that we didn't even dare look left or right. And now... now you're sitting here asking why I didn't find someone? Tell me, what kind of logic is that?"
(Wow, Mumma, first you say to focus only on studies in school and college, and now you're asking why someone didn't become)
My voice rose in disbelief as I leaned forward, glaring at her.
"Honestly, Mumma, I didn't even dare to think about these things. If I had ever got involved with someone, I was convinced you'd disown me on the spot. I thought, 'That's it. I'll be dead. No longer your daughter.' And look at you now! Suddenly encouraging me? What a dramatic change of heart!"
The room fell silent for a moment. Even Bhabhi blinked, taken aback by my little outburst.
Mumma sighed, her tone softening but steady.
"Beta... you were young back then. I only wanted the best for both of you. I wanted you and Bhai to build a life, to stand on your own feet, to succeed. That's why I was strict. Not because I didn't want you to be happy."
Her words struck something in me, but my stubborn pride refused to let me melt.
"Still. That doesn't change anything. I'm not interested now, either," I said firmly, my voice dropping into finality.
Mumma threw her hands up dramatically,"Haan...haan. chalo kisi ka bhala ho raha hai,"
(Yes...yes.Maybe it's good for someone else, at least.)
I narrowed my eyes.
"Kiska bhala?"
( Good for whom)
Before she could even answer, Bhabhi clapped her hands together mischievously.
"For Navya's future husband, of course!"
Both Mumma and Bhabhi burst out laughing as if they had cracked the world's funniest joke.
Mumma shook her head, still smiling.
"Aree....beta hamari itni aachi kismat kha hai ki iska koi future husband ho,"
(Arre beta, our destiny is not generous that she even has a future husband.)
I threw my arms in the air.
"Yeah, yeah. Very funny. Just keep making fun of me. Why don't you both put up banners outside the house: Navya-Single and Hopeless!
Kitni beizatti ho rahi hai meri,"
(How much insult I'm going through)
Mumma smirked, eyes twinkling.
"Tumhari izzat hai jo beizzati ho rahi hai," mumma said.
"Agreed. Agreed!" Bhabhi chimed in instantly, high-fiving with mumma
I stared at them, wide-eyed, utterly betrayed.
"Unbelievable! You two have actually teamed up against me!"
They laughed harder, enjoying every second of my misery.
When the laughter finally died down, Bhabhi leaned toward me, her grin wicked.
"So tell us honestly, Navya. You really have no one in your life? Not even a tiny crush hiding somewhere?"
I placed my palm on my forehead, as though praying for patience.
"Nahi hai Baba! Ab Aakashvani se dhundh ke laun?" I replied sarcastically.
("No, there's no one. Should I ask the heavens to send me one?")
Bhabhi clutched her stomach, laughing uncontrollably.
"Oh my God, Navya. You're impossible! Fine then, just download a dating app. One swipe and boom-you'll meet the love of your life."
I shot her a weird look,"No need, Bhabhi. I don't want that kind of stress in my life. I'm perfectly happy living my single life without swiping left or right."
Mumma gave me a hopeful look.
"Beta, ek baar dekh toh le,"
("Just give it one chance, beta.")
I stood up abruptly, grabbing my bag from the sofa, my movements sharp and final.
"No more discussions on this. Please. I'm leaving for the hospital."
I didn't wait for anyone to respond. But just then, Bhabhi's gentle voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Navya, can you please drop me at my friend's place?"
I exhaled softly, my irritation melting a little. "Yeah, sure, Bhabhi. No problem at all," I replied with a small smile.
"Perfect," she said, her tone cheerful as always.
We both waved bye to Mumma and walked toward the car. I slid into the driver's seat, gripping the steering wheel as if it were my escape, while bhabhi settled comfortably beside me. With a twist of the key, the engine came alive, and soon we were cruising through the streets.
The hum of the car filled the silence between us until bhabhi, as if reading my thoughts, finally broke it.
"By the way, Navya..." she began gently, "don't you think mumma was right? You should at least think about your future partner."
Her words felt like a stone dropping into the still water of my mind. I tightened my grip on the steering wheel.
"Bhabhi, I've told you before-I don't want all this. Relationships, partners... this whole idea. It's not for me."
She studied me, her expression soft but insistent. "But tell me honestly... have you ever even been on a date?"
I almost laughed at the absurdity. "Date? With whom?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"With any boy," she clarified, trying to sound casual, but I could see the curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"Not yet, Bhabhi. Mumma has asked me to go, but I always turn it down," I admitted.
"That's exactly my point! You should at least try once. Who knows-you might actually like it," she said, trying to convince me.
"No chance, Bhabhi. I already know the answer," I said, half-laughing.
"Why not? What's the problem in going on just one date? I could even set you up on a blind date! How long are you planning to stay single?" she teased.
"Forever. I'm quite happy staying single, to be honest," I said with a grin.
She gasped dramatically. "Forever? That's a bold statement. Fine then, at least tell me-what's your ideal type?"
"Ideal type?" I shrugged, eyes on the road. "I don't have one."
Her shock was genuine this time. "What?! You haven't even imagined the kind of person you'd want as your soulmate?"
"Future soulmate? Bhabhi, that sounds like a joke to me," I said, laughing bitterly. "I don't waste my time imagining 'ideal types.' Because the truth is-I know I won't get one."
"Why not? Everyone finds someone.Why are you so negative? Ofcouse you'll also find your perfect person-just like I found your Bhai," she said softly, almost dreamily.
I glanced at her and smiled faintly. "Bhabhi, you're lucky. But not everyone is like that.
I let out a long breath before continuing.
"You know... in today's generation, no one is truly single.Let me tell you-during my school and college days, everyone was dating multiple people at the same time, I watched it happen-one breakup and the next relationship would start the very next day or the very next minute. It's a cycle nowadays.Relationships don't hold much meaning anymore. It's mostly just for fun,"
She listened quietly, her expression thoughtful. "Everyone isn't like that, beta. Some people still believe in true love. Like me and your Bhai."
I nodded slowly. "Yes, but not everyone is blessed like you two. Most of the people... are just witness to heartbreak."
My voice grew heavier. "Aap kisi bhi ladke se puchogi na-toh by God, unki 4-5 exes toh pakki hongi," I said, shaking my head.Breakups and rebounds have become so casual that love itself feels like a game."
(If you ask any boy - by God, he'll surely have 4-5 exes.)
"True," she admitted softly.
"And you know what's scarier? Even marriages aren't working too.Jitni shaddi nahi ho rahi usse jada tho divorce cases hai.Why? Because people enter relationships without patience, without sacrifice.They want love without loyalty, comfort without effort, and companionship without responsibility. And when it doesn't match their fantasy, they walk away."
(There are more divorce cases than weddings happening)
I shook my head bitterly. "Every bond or relationships of every kind-husband-wife, siblings, even friendships-they only survive on : trust, respect, and understanding. But this generation... doesn't value those anymore. People cheat even after marriage and destroy not only the lives of those who trusted them blindly but even the entire family.And they move on shamelessly, while the other person is left with wounds that never heal."
For a moment, I hesitated, remembering. "I'll tell you about my friend. She loved a boy with her whole heart-truly, deeply. For her, he was everything. But for him, she was just a joke-just another name on his list and he only dated her for fun. He cheated on her and left her broken. She didn't talk to anyone and locked herself in her room, crying for days.But actually he don't deserve her as he was a playboy and dated her for fun but she truly loved him and ended up crying. Do you know what hurt me most? She was genuine. She was pure.She gave him her soul, and he crushed it for his temporary fun and he treated her like nothing but timepass."
I swallowed hard, trying to steady my voice. "This is what people do now.They change partners like clothes and call it 'modern love.' They flaunt it-as if betrayal is to flex or trend and its cool. And no, I'm not blaming just boys. Some girls are the same. They chase money, good looks, status. And once they're bored, they leave too. Loyalty has become extinct.People... they play with emotions like it's something to entertain."
My eyes stung for a moment, though I blinked it away. "This is why most people fear marriage now. Fear relationships. Because being used has become so common. And the ones who want something simple-peace, loyalty, a partner who stays-they are treated like fools. Like they're asking for too much.A simple life feels like a dream in this generation."
I let out a bitter laugh. "This generation is using innocent people and that's why we should not be too kind with anyone and trust them easily . Being valued by one loyal person is far better than being desired by a hundred. But nowadays, people only run after beauty, money, and temporary thrill."
"Yeh duniya... acche logo ke liye bani hi nahi hai, Bhabhi. This world only uses people, and once their purpose is over-it throws them away."
The car was silent. My words weighed heavily and unshakable in the air, and for once, Bhabhi had nothing to say. She looked at me with quiet concern, but then, gently, she smiled.
Finally, Bhabhi smiled faintly, her eyes soft. "Haha... you're not wrong. In fact, you've spoken the truth. Maybe too much truth. "Beta, you've seen a lot, and maybe you're right about this generation. But still, I'll pray that someday, you meet someone who proves you wrong. Someone who gives you the love you actually deserve.May God bless you with a love that's real and lasting."
I rolled my eyes dramatically, trying to shake off the heaviness. "Oh, please, God! Spare me from such tragedies."
That made her laugh, and soon, I joined her. The tension broke into shared giggles, like sunlight piercing through clouds.
A few minutes later, I pulled the car to a stop outside her friend's house. She got down, waving me goodbye, her smile lingering like comfort. I felt the silence return. Only this time, it wasn't empty-it was heavy, filled with truths too raw to ignore, as I watched her go, then turned the car around-my destination unchanged, my thoughts heavier than before-as I headed toward the hospital.
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