The atmosphere in the house had been unusually quiet since the morning. It wasn't the calm kind of silence-it was the kind that comes before a storm. Ammi could sense it while she arranged the cushions in the living room. She looked at the clock and sighed. Dadi would be home anytime now.
Sure enough, the gate creaked open and the unmistakable sound of Dadi's bangles filled the hallway. She entered with a cloth bag clutched tightly in her hand and a stern look on her face.
"Arre Veer! Vansh! Jaldi aao dekho Dadi kya laayi hai!" she called out, her voice echoing through the house.
The two boys ran in, excitement lighting up their faces.
"Dadi kya laayi aap?" Veer asked eagerly.
Dadi smiled, her mood instantly softening at the sight of her grandsons. She pulled out two bright, colorful toy cars from her bag.
"Yeh Veer ke liye... aur yeh Vansh ke liye," she said, handing each of them their gifts lovingly.
"Wah Dadi! Yeh toh sabse best car hai!" Vansh squealed, hugging her.
Haseena peeked from behind the curtain. Her big brown eyes watched the scene unfold - the laughter, the happiness, the toys. She toddled closer, clutching her old teddy tightly in one hand.
Dadi saw her but looked away, pretending not to notice.
Ammi stood at a distance, her heart twisting at her daughter's expression. Haseena didn't say anything. She didn't cry. But her little fingers clutched the teddy tighter as she lowered her eyes.
Veer noticed her silence and took a step toward her, but Dadi spoke before he could.
"Arey Veer, tumhare liye aur bhi chocolates hain! Akele mat khaana!" she said, pulling him back.
Veer hesitated for a moment, glancing between Dadi and Haseena, but said nothing.
That's when Vansh came closer to Haseena and bent down beside her.
"Baby, tumhe meri car chahiye?" he asked sweetly.
Haseena looked up at him and shook her head slowly.
"Mat ro na... dekho main tumhare liye Dadi se kuch aur mangwa dunga," he whispered, wiping the small tear that had escaped her eye.
"Par tumhare paas toh do toys nahi hain," she said in a tiny voice.
"Par mere paas tum ho na," Vansh replied proudly, and gently placed his toy car in her hand.
Ammi watched from the kitchen door, her eyes moist. Veer, now feeling the weight of the situation, slowly walked over too.
"Baby, kal tumhare liye main ek nayi doll le aaoonga, promise!" he said, ruffling her hair.
Dadi sat on the sofa, observing silently. She didn't say a word, but a shadow of irritation crossed her face. To her, a girl's tears didn't deserve so much attention. But to Haseena's brothers, her every tear was a call to action.
Abbu returned from work just in time to witness Veer and Vansh sitting on the floor, building a toy ramp, with Haseena in the middle - her teddy in one hand, Vansh's car in the other, and the biggest smile on her face.
As the children played, their laughter echoing through the house, Dadi sat quietly on the sofa, her gaze fixed on Haseena.
She leaned back and muttered just loud enough for Ammi to hear,
"Do ladke hon toh ghar mein raunak hoti hai... ek ladki ne toh abhi se ghar ke mard emotional bana diye."
Ammi turned toward her, her smile fading for a moment.
"Bachpan hai sabka, Maa ji. Dil sabke paas hota hai... chahe ladka ho ya ladki," she replied calmly, hiding the sting in her voice.
Dadi scoffed and looked away.
"Ladka ghar sambhalta hai, ladki sirf roothna aur rulana jaanti hai. Dekhna... kal ko yeh bhi sirf apne liye aansu leke baithi hogi."
Ammi didn't respond this time. She just looked at her daughter-sitting between her brothers, safe, loved, and smiling-and thought to herself, Agar yeh roye, toh uske aansu bhi meri dua banenge..
YOU ARE READING
༺ 𒆜Ishq Ka Pehla Saya 𒆜 ༻
Fanfiction✧ Phase One: A childhood full of mischief, secrets, and survival. ✧ Phase Two: A college girl's battle between forbidden love and family duty. Haseena was born into rejection. But she was also born to fight. With two brothers who love her, a grandmo...
