" together, still "

chapter 3

---

Arjun had already left for the office, his schedule packed with back-to-back meetings.

Meanwhile, Abhi decided to check the hospital canteen. He had a feeling Arya would be there-probably causing some mischief or charming someone with that innocent face of his.

As he entered the canteen, his eyes landed on Arya sitting at a corner table with Khushi. They were chatting happily.

Khushi leaned forward, examining Arya's hand gently.

"Arya, kaise chot lag gayi tumhe?"

(Arya, how did you get hurt?)

Arya looked down, a little embarrassed.

"Mujhe glass dikha nahi Di... aur woh toot gaya."

(I didn't see the glass, Di... and it broke.)

Khushi let out a soft sigh and shook her head.

"Agli baar dhyaan se baby."

(Be careful next time, baby.)

Arya frowned, folding his arms.

"Main baby nahi hoon!"

(I'm not a baby!)

Khushi laughed softly and teased him.

"Bilkul ho. Ab bolo kya piyoge?"

(You totally are. Now tell me, what do you want to have?)

Arya's eyes lit up.

"Chocolate milkshake!"

(Chocolate milkshake!)

Khushi smiled and called the waiter.

"Theek hai. Ek chocolate milkshake aur mere liye ek coffee."

(Okay. One chocolate milkshake and a coffee for me.)

Soon the drinks arrived. Arya took a long sip and beamed at her.

"Thank you so much Di. I love you!"

(Thank you so much, Di. I love you!)

Khushi reached over and pinched his cheek.

"I love you too baby."

(I love you too, baby.)

She adored him-probably more than she realized. Arya was one of the most well-mannered children she had ever met. Maybe that was the result of having a strict brother like Abhi.

They continued sipping their drinks, enjoying the rare moment of peace.

"Rohi school gayi kya?" Arya asked suddenly.

(Did Rohi go to school?)

Khushi nodded.

"Haan, gayi. Lekin woh bhi bimaar hai jaise tum."

(Yes, she did. But she's sick too, just like you.)

Arya scrunched his nose.

"Main bimaar nahi hoon... bas thoda dard ho raha hai."

(I'm not sick... it just hurts a little.)

"Sab theek ho jaayega." she assured gently.

(It'll be alright.)

Arya nodded, content, and took another big sip of his milkshake.

Just then, Abhi stepped into the canteen. His eyes found them quickly-Khushi smiling, Arya talking excitedly. The sight made something shift in his chest. But he quickly masked it with his usual stern look.

He walked up to their table.

"Chalo Mr. Arya, ab nikalte hain."

(Let's go, Mr. Arya.)

Arya's smile faded.

"Nahi! Mujhe Di ke saath rehna hai."

(No! I want to stay with Di.)

Abhi folded his arms, his voice firm.

"Uske paas kaam hai. Tumhare jaise free nahi hai. Chalo."

(She has work. Unlike you, she's not free. Let's go.)

Arya looked up at him defiantly.

"Aapke paas bhi toh kaam hoga. Toh aap kyu aaye?"

(You must have work too. Then why did you come?)

Abhi's tone sharpened.

"Arya, meri patience test mat karo. Bhai ne bataya tum office mein bhaag rahe the. Thak nahi gaye? Chalo, thoda rest karo."

(Arya, don't test my patience. Bhai told me you were running around the office. Aren't you tired? Go take some rest.)

Arya mumbled softly, eyes down.

"Aapko kya farak padta hai..."

(Why do you care...)

Abhi's voice snapped louder.

"ARYA!"

(ARYA!)

Startled, Arya slid off the chair.

"Aa raha hoon..."

(I'm coming...)

He followed Abhi silently, dragging his feet a little. As he reached the door, he turned around and looked at Khushi, giving her a soft wave. She smiled faintly and waved back.

But Abhi... he didn't say a single word to Khushi. Not even a nod.

Nothing.

Khushi stood still, staring at his retreating figure until he disappeared.

And just like that... the warmth left the canteen.

She looked down at her coffee. It had gone cold.

Abhi was walking fast down the corridor, Arya ahead of him, stomping his feet like a grumpy little king.

"Arya, dheere chalo!"

(Arya, walk slowly!)

Arya didn't even look back, just muttered loudly.

"Meri marzi!"

(It's my choice!)

Before Abhi could respond, someone called out from behind.

"Abhimanyu!"

Abhi stopped in his tracks and turned around. A familiar face approached.

"Ohh... Ram hi toh hai."

(Ohh... it's Ram.)

Ram smiled slightly but looked serious.

"Hello Abhi, mujhe tujhse kuch baat karni hai."

(Hello Abhi, I need to talk to you about something.)

"Haan, bol Ram. Kya baat hai?"

(Yeah, what is it, Ram?)

Ram looked past him for a second, noticing Arya already turning a corner.

"Pehle yeh bata... yeh chhota yahan kya kar raha hai?"

(First tell me... what's that little one doing here?)

Abhi sighed and replied casually.

"Usne aaj chhutti li hai. Time pass karne aa gaya hai."

(He took the day off and came here just to pass time.)

Ram raised a brow.

"Achha? Par woh toh abhi idhar se chala gaya."

(Oh? But he's already wandered off.)

"Chinta mat kar. Mera cabin gaya hai. Shayad ab tak so gaya ho."

(Don't worry. He went to my cabin. He might be napping by now.)

Ram paused for a moment, then looked straight at him.

"Waise... tujhe nahi lagta tu Khushi ke saath galat tha?"

(By the way... don't you think you were wrong with Khushi?)

Abhi's face tightened.

"Kyun? Mujhe aisa kyun lage? Main wahi kiya jo mujhe sahi laga."

(Why should I feel that way? I did exactly what I was supposed to.)

Ram shook his head.

"Nahi Abhi... tu bina jaane hi usse daant diya. Puch toh liya hota kya hua tha."

(No Abhi... you scolded her without even asking what had happened.)

Abhi folded his arms.

"Puchne ki kya zarurat thi? Saaf uski galti thi."

(What's the need to ask? It was clearly her fault.)

Ram took a deep breath and explained calmly.

"Nahi Abhi. Dadi maa ko injection lagna tha. Khushi ne peeth mein lagana chaha par Dadi ne mana kar diya. Toh majboori mein usne haath mein de diya. Uski galti nahi thi."

(No, Abhi. Grandma needed an injection. Khushi wanted to give it on her back, but Grandma refused. So, she was forced to give it in the arm. It wasn't her fault.)

Abhi's expression changed.

"Kya...?"

(What...?)

Ram nodded.

"Haan. Yeh sab hua tha."

(Yes. That's what actually happened.)

Abhi looked away for a second, guilt surfacing slowly on his face.

"Mujhe pata hi nahi tha..."

(I didn't know...)

"Main jaanta hoon. Par ab jaanta hai na? Jaake theek kar sab."

(I know. But now you do, right? Go fix it.)

Abhi hesitated, unsure.

"Par kaise?"

(But how?)

Ram smiled lightly and patted his shoulder.

"Jis tarike se tujhe lagta hai usse accha lagega... wahi kar."

(Do whatever you think will make her feel better.)

Abhi gave a small nod, silently accepting his mistake.

"Theek hai..."

(Okay...)

He turned around slowly, heading down the corridor-this time not after Arya, but toward a mistake he knew he had to make right.

......

The corridors were buzzing as usual, the nurses pacing with charts, and interns walking swiftly. But Kushi stayed unusually quiet, standing near the nurse's station, reviewing files. Her eyes looked tired, but she said nothing to anyone - not even when Abhi walked in.

He saw her, paused... and sighed.

Abhi (in his head): She doesn't even look at me. Damn, I was too harsh.

He approached slowly, not as a senior, but as someone who knew he had crossed a line.

Abhi: "Kushi."

She straightened but didn't meet his eyes.

Kushi: "Yes, sir."

He hated that 'sir' sounded colder than ever.

Abhi: "Can we talk? Privately."

She hesitated, then nodded.

They stepped into the small consultation room nearby. She stood near the window, arms folded. The silence was thick.

Abhi (softly): "About today ... I was out of line."

Kushi (without looking): "It's okay, sir."

Abhi (gently): "No, it's not. I spoke to you like you weren't even human. I didn't ask why you made the mistake, I just lashed out."

She finally turned.

Kushi: "You were stressed. It happens."

Abhi: "Kushi, I don't want to be the kind of senior who makes people afraid to show up to work. I'm sorry. Not as your boss. As Abhimanyu. I'm truly sorry."

Her eyes welled up. She quickly wiped them.

Kushi: "Thank you... that means more than you think."

They stood in silence again, but this time it was calmer. Forgiving.

Abhi (lightly): "You still want to work in cardio, right?"

She nodded, surprised.

Abhi (smiling slightly): "Good. Because I've got a double bypass at 11 a.m. and I need a focused assistant who's not scared of me."

Kushi (laughing through tears): "You've still got a terrifying glare though."

.......---

Night - Dinner Table

The dining room was calm for once. Plates clinked, the smell of warm food filled the space, and everyone seemed relaxed. Arjun had cooked - and that meant no one dared complain.

Arya sat beside Abhi, eating quietly. Veer, as usual, was half-lying on the chair like he owned the world.

Abhi glanced at both of them and casually put down his spoon.

Abhi (clearing throat):

"Kal subah tum dono ka checkup hai - Veer aur Arya."

("Tomorrow morning, both of you are going for a checkup - Veer and Arya.")

Instant reaction.

Veer (frowning):

"Kya?! Bhai, mujhe kya zarurat hai checkup ki? Main bilkul fit hoon."

("What?! Bro, why do I need a checkup? I'm totally fit.")

Arya (muttering):

"Mujhe bhi nahi jaana... mujhe bas sone do."

("I don't want to go either... I just want to sleep.")

Abhi (calm but firm):

"Fit dikhna aur fit hona do alag baatein hoti hain, Veer. Aur Arya, tera haath abhi bhi theek se move nahi kar raha."

("Looking fit and being fit are two different things, Veer. And Arya, your hand still isn't moving properly.")

Veer (dramatic tone):

"Bhai, tu doctor hai, par main patient nahi banne waala!"

("You're a doctor, bro, but I'm not turning into your patient!")

Arya (making a face):

"Mujhe injection nahi chahiye, main bata raha hoon pehle se!"

("I don't want any injections - I'm saying it in advance!")

Abhi (with a smirk):

"Injection milega ya nahi, wo checkup ke baad decide hoga. Par jaana toh padega."

("Whether you get an injection or not will be decided after the checkup. But you are going.")

Veer (folding arms):

"Main nahi jaa raha. Arjun bhaiya ko bolo, woh bhi meri side lenge."

("I'm not going. Ask Arjun bhaiya - he'll take my side.")

Arjun (without looking up):

"Main sabse pehle jaunga. Mujhe toh health checkups mein maza aata hai."

("I'll go first. I actually enjoy health checkups.")

Veer and Arya both groaned.

Arya:

"Tum doctor ke favorite ho. Humein toh bas pakad ke le jaate ho."

("You're the doctor's favorite. We just get dragged along.")

Abhi (laughing softly):

"Haan, kyunki tum dono bhaag jaate ho jaise checkup nahi, dushmani ho."

("Yeah, because you two run like it's not a checkup but some kind of punishment.")

Arya (murmuring under breath):

"Wahi toh hai..."

("That's exactly what it is...")

Veer (to Arya):

"Kal subah chhupne ki jagah soch le pehle."

("Start planning a hiding spot for tomorrow morning.")

Abhi (pretending to note something):

"Chalo, toh Arya ke liye ek extra nurse bula leta hoon - injection ke time bhaage na."

("Alright then, I'll call an extra nurse for Arya - just in case he runs when it's injection time.")

Arya (eyes wide):

"Bhai! Aisa mat bolna... main theek hoon, sach mein."

("Bhai! Don't say that... I'm really fine.")

Abhi (smiling):

"Kal pata chal jaayega. 8 baje ready rehna dono."

("We'll find out tomorrow. Be ready at 8 a.m., both of you.")

They both groaned in sync, while Arjun just laughed and served more rice, shaking his head.

Arjun:

"Kabhi kabhi lagta hai humare ghar mein hospital ki shaakha khul gayi hai."

("Sometimes it feels like a branch of a hospital has opened in our house.")

Everyone laughed - even Arya, reluctantly.

And for a moment, things really did feel normal.

......Next Morning - At Home

It was barely 8:15 AM. The sun had just started warming the balcony tiles when the doorbell rang.

Ding-dong!

Abhi opened the door - and there stood Dr. Dhruv, medical kit in one hand, coffee in the other.

Dhruv (grinning):

"Tere dono patients kahaan hai, Doctor Saab?"

("Where are your two 'patients', Doctor Sir?")

Abhi (smirking):

"Patient se zyada drama artists hain dono. Andar aa, tu inhe sambhal le."

("They're more drama artists than patients. Come in, you handle them now.")

As soon as Dhruv stepped inside, Arya - who had been spying from the hallway - gasped.

Arya (whispering to Veer):

"Woh aa gaya. Woh injection doctor aa gaya!"

("He's here. That injection doctor is here!")

Veer (wide-eyed):

"Abhi bhaag lete hain. Nahi toh dono ki band bajne wali hai!"

("Let's escape now, or we're both done for!")

They didn't even bother with shoes - they just ran barefoot into different directions. Arya dashed toward the balcony. Veer bolted toward the kitchen.

Abhi (calling out):

"Veer! Arya! Don't even try it!"

(Abhi ran after Veer.)

Dhruv (shaking head, amused):

"Yeh dono toh mujhe circus ke joker lagte hain."

("These two feel like circus clowns to me.")

---

Abhi caught Veer halfway through trying to climb on the kitchen counter to exit through the window.

Abhi (crossing arms):

"Window se bhaagega tu? Kya socha tha - Mission Impossible banega?"

("You were gonna escape through the window? What did you think - this is Mission Impossible?")

Veer (grinning nervously):

"Ek baar checkup karwa liya toh... main mar gaya samajh le."

("If I get this checkup done, consider me dead already.")

Abhi:

"Tu zinda rehne ke liye hi toh checkup ho raha hai."

("This checkup is so that you stay alive.")

---

Meanwhile, Arya had locked himself outside on the balcony and was peeking through the glass door.

Arya (yelling):

"Main yahin theek hoon! Mujhe hawa chahiye, injection nahi!"

("I'm fine out here! I need fresh air, not injections!")

Dhruv (from living room, laughing):

"Tu hawa ke saath saath thoda common sense bhi le le beta!"

("Along with air, get some common sense too, kid!")

Abhi (walking to balcony):

"Arya, yeh checkup sirf ek formality hai. No injections. Promise."

("Arya, this is just a formality. No injections. Promise.")

Arya (mistrusting tone):

"Last time bhi tu ne bola tha, phir Dhruv bhaiya ne chhupa ke diya tha!"

("You said the same thing last time - and Dhruv bhaiya still gave me a hidden injection!")

Dhruv (playfully):

"Arrey wo toh surprise tha! Ab promise - koi surprise nahi."

("Hey, that was a surprise! Now I promise - no surprises.")

Arya (suspicious):

"Tum dono ke promise pe bharosa nahi hai mujhe."

("I don't trust either of your promises.")

---

After much convincing, and Veer getting semi-dragged by Abhi, both of them finally sat on the couch.

Dhruv (smiling as he opens his kit):

"Kya hero ban rahe the dono. Ab chup-chaap baithe raho."

("You two were acting like heroes. Now sit quietly.")

Veer (grumbling):

"Mujhe laga tu hospital bulaayega. Ghar aake humla karega, yeh nahi socha tha."

("I thought you'd call us to the hospital, didn't expect an ambush at home.")

Arya (muttering to himself):

"Next time safe jagah chhupunga... bathroom mein."

("Next time I'll hide in a safer place... like the bathroom.")

Dhruv checked Veer's vitals first. Then Arya's. No needles involved.

Dhruv (finally):

"Sab theek hai - par dono ka lifestyle sadak pe jaa raha hai. Sona time se padhega. Veer - less coffee. Arya - more calcium."

("Everything's fine - but both of your lifestyles are going downhill. Sleep on time. Veer - less coffee. Arya - more calcium.")

Abhi (serious):

"Next time yeh drama dobara hua na... toh checkup ke saath-saath mild shock therapy bhi add karunga."

("If this drama happens again... I'll add mild shock therapy along with the checkup.")

Arya & Veer (in sync):

"Noooo!!"

Everyone burst into laughter - even Arjun from the kitchen smiled.

Arjun (shouting):

"Breakfast ready hai! Sab drama kings table pe aao!"

("Breakfast is ready! All you drama kings, come to the table!")

After having breakfast they decide to do blood test.

.......---

Veer had just finished food and his checkup was done so he was chill . He was sipping water, feeling proud.

Veer (relaxed):

"Dekha? Fit and fine. Mujhe koi problem nahi hai."

("See? I'm fit and fine. No problem at all.")

But then... Dhruv opened his kit again.

And pulled out the blood sample tubes.

Dhruv (calmly):

"Blood test bhi hona hai, bhool mat. Bas ek chhoti si syringe."

("Don't forget - you still have to give a blood sample. Just a small syringe.")

Veer slowly kept the glass down.

Veer (wide-eyed):

"Kya? Bhai mazak kar raha hai na?"

("What? You're joking, right?")

Abhi (shaking head):

"Nahi. Aur tu sabse pehle karega."

("Nope. And you're going first.")

Veer (standing quickly):

"Main... main zara washroom jaake aata hoon."

("I'll just go to the washroom real quick.")

Dhruv (dryly):

"Tere jaane ke 2 second baad tu balcony se bhaagega. Mujhe maloom hai."

("Two seconds after you leave, you'll try to escape through the balcony. I know you.")

And right then - Veer made a run for it.

He bolted toward the hallway like his life depended on it.

Abhi (shouting):

"Arjun! Bhai Pakad usko!"

("Arjun brother Catch him!")

---

Arjun was in the hallway was on the callwhen Veer zoomed past.

But Arjun extended his leg and casually tripped him.

Veer (falling dramatically):

"AHH! Arjun bhaiya?! Aapne mujhe gira diya!"

("AHH! Arjun bhaiya?! You tripped me!")

Arjun (grinning):

"Tujhe injection se darr lagta hai, mujhe yeh nahi pata tha."

("Didn't know you were scared of injections.")

Veer (sitting on the floor):

"Bhaiya, injection nahi hai... woh to khoon nikalna hai. Khoon!"

("Bhaiya, it's not just an injection... they're taking blood!")

Abhi came running and grabbed Veer by the arm.

Abhi (firm):

"Enough. Tu baccha nahi hai, samjha?"

("Enough. You're not a child, got it?")

Veer (pleading):

"Abhi bhai... chhoti si finger prick le lo yaar. Woh needle wali nahi..."

("Abhi bhai... just do the small finger prick. Not the needle one...")

Abhi (holding him by shoulders):

"Main yahin hoon. Tu kuch feel bhi nahi karega. Don't act like Arya."

("I'm right here. You won't even feel it. Don't act like Arya.")

Veer (quietly):

"Arya se zyada strong hoon main... par yeh needle kuch zyada hi badi lag rahi hai..."

("I'm stronger than Arya... but this needle looks really making me weak ...")

---

Veer sat on the couch, hands clenched into fists.

Abhi sat right behind him, wrapping his arms around his shoulders.

Abhi (gently):

"Bas ek minute. Tu meri taraf dekh, Dhruv apna kaam karega."

("Just one minute. Look at me, Dhruv will do the rest.")

Dhruv:

"Yeh banda gym karta hai, aur ek syringe se dar gaya."

("This guy goes to the gym and is scared of a syringe.")

Veer was trying hard not to show it, but his eyes welled up as the needle went in.

Veer (choking voice):

"Abhi bhaiya... dard ho raha hai..."

("Abhi bhaiya... it hurts...")

Abhi held him tighter.

Abhi (softly):

"Main hoon na. Bas ho gaya. 10 seconds aur."

("I'm right here. Just a few more seconds.")

Veer couldn't stop it - tears rolled down his cheeks.

Veer (through tears):

"Mujhe laga main brave hoon... lekin yeh syringe ne saara confidence le liya..."

("I thought I was brave... but this syringe stole all my confidence...")

Abhi (brushing his hair back):

"Tu brave hai, Veer. Brave log bhi kabhi kabhi ro lete hain."

("You are brave, Veer. Even brave people cry sometimes."

Just when Veer was about to relax, Dhruv pulled out the next syringe.

Dhruv (innocently):

"Ab ek booster shot .

("Now the booster shot.

Veer (looking betrayed):

"Mujhe laga kaam khatam ho gaya tha! Tum logon ne dhokha diya!"

("I thought we were done! You all betrayed me!")

Abhi (pulling him close again):

"Ek hi din mein bodybuilder ban jaayega. Booster shot ke saath bonus drama free."

("You'll become a bodybuilder in one day. Booster shot plus bonus drama - all free.")

Veer started crying again, face buried in Abhi's chest.

Veer (shaking):

"Bas softly karna yaar... warna main dobara gym nahi jaunga..."

("Just do it softly, or I swear I'm never going back to the gym...")

Dhruv gave the shot quickly.

Veer let out a loud:

"AAAHHHH!!!"

Then immediately started sobbing harder.

Veer:

"Main strong hoon... lekin woh teekhi si chubh gayi bhaiya..."

("I'm strong... but that sharp pinch got me, bhaiya...")

Abhi (hugging him):

"Tu strong hai, bas thoda zyada emotional bhi hai."

("You're strong, just... a little too emotional too.")

---

Veer lay down dramatically on the sofa, ice pack on his arm, sniffling.

Abhi handed him a soft towel to wipe his face.

Abhi (teasing):

"Towel bhi hospital ke naam se bana ke doon kya?"

("Should I custom-print a hospital towel for you too?")

Veer (grumbling):

"T.ujhe toh main yaad rakhunga, Abhimanyu."

("I'll remember this, mr.Abhimanyu.")

Meanwhile, Arya - watching all this from behind the stairs - gulped.

Arya (muttering to himself):

"Agar Veer bhaiya ro diye... toh main toh ab bhagunga bhi nahi. Main seedha behosh ho jaunga."

("If Veer bhaiya cried... then I won't even run. I'll just faint directly.")

.......Dhruv had just packed up the used vials after Veer's blood test and was getting a new kit ready.

Abhi (calling):

"Arya! Tera blood test abhi hoga. Don't even think about running!"

No answer.

Arjun (softly):

"Living room ke piche potted plant ke peeche chhupa hai. Uske chappal dikh rahe hain."

("He's hiding behind the potted plant near the living room. I can see his slippers.")

Abhi (exasperated):

"Yeh bacha doctor banne se pehle mujhe pagal bana dega."

("This kid will drive me mad before I become a senior doctor.")

Arjun slowly walked over and gently pulled Arya out by his arm. Arya was already on the verge of tears.

Arya (sniffling):

"Bhaiya, blood test mein toh needle andar rehta hai na zyada der... Mujhe chakkar aata hai..."

("Bhaiya, blood test needle stays in for long... I get dizzy...")

Arjun (cupping his cheeks):

"Toh aankhein band kar lena, main tere saath hoon. Pakad ke baithta hoon."

("Then close your eyes. I'll sit holding you. I'm right here.")

Arya:

"Par mujhe pain hota hai..."

("But it hurts...")

Abhi (coming closer, voice calm but strict):

"Arya, tu normal bacha nahi hai. Tu diabetic nahi hai, BP bhi theek hai... par blood test se pehle agar tu faint karega toh main sach mein ghussa ho jaunga."

("Arya, you're not a weak kid. You don't have diabetes, your BP is normal... but if you faint before the blood test again, I'll genuinely get angry.")

Arya (whining):

"Toh main kya karun? Body hi reaction de deti hai!"

("What do I do? My body reacts on its own!")

Abhi (to Arjun, sighing):

"Hold him tight. Left arm nikaal do."

("Hold him tight. Expose his left arm.")

Arya (panicking):

"Abhi mat karo please! Bhaiya bachao!"

("Not now, please! Bhaiya, save me!")

Arjun (gently holding him):

"Shhh... main yahi hoon. Tu mera strong bacha hai na?"

("Shhh... I'm here. You're my strong boy, right?")

Arya slowly nodded but tears welled up again.

He turned his face away, squeezing Arjun's hand tight.

Dhruv (carefully inserting the needle):

"Thoda sa chubhega, bas... don't move."

The moment the needle touched skin -

Arya (SCREAMING):

"AAAHHHH! Bhaiyaaa! Mujhe lag gaya! Meri jaan nikal gayi!"

("AAAHHHH! Bhaiyaaa! It's done! My soul just left!")

Abhi (facepalming):

"Tu zinda hai Arya! Aur acting bhi kar raha hai! Stop shouting!"

("You're alive, Arya! And even acting! Stop shouting!")

Arya (breathing dramatically):

"Main hamesha ke liye kamzor ho gaya hoon... mujhe glucose chahiye..."

("I'm permanently weak now... I need glucose...")

Arjun (smiling sadly, brushing Arya's hair):

"Main tujhe glucose nahi, chocolate dunga... lekin pehle booster shot."

("I'll give you chocolate, not glucose... but first the booster shot.")

Arya (instantly sitting up):

"Bhaiya please... ek injection enough nahi tha kya?"

("Bhaiya please... wasn't one injection enough?")

Abhi:

"Wo toh abhi shuru hua hai..."

("We're just getting started...")

Arya (gasping, turning dramatically):

"Toh meri zindagi yahin tak thi!"

("Then my life ends here!")

Veer (watching from couch):

"Drama king! Abhi mujhe injection laga, main chup tha."

("Drama king! I just got an injection, and I stayed quiet.")

Arya (snapping back):

"Tujhe emotions nahi hai! Tu robot hai!"

("You have no emotions! You're a robot!")

Abhi (to Dhruv):

"Ready karo booster shot. Arya ko baandh ke lagani padegi shayad."

("Get the booster ready. Might need to tie him down.")

Arya (jumping in Arjun's lap):

"Main bhaiya ki godi se nahi utroonga! Jab tak yeh injection nahi chala jaata!"

("I won't leave bhaiya's lap! Not until that injection disappears!")

Arjun (laughing softly, hugging him):

"Toh chal beta, meri godi mein hi lag jaaye."

("Then okay, let it happen while you're in my lap.")

Arya clung tightly, his face buried in Arjun's chest, but he finally allowed the blood to be drawn - tears rolling, heart pounding, and the drama level still at 100%.

....

Just as Abhi stepped forward, Arya took a deep breath...

And dramatically...

...fainted.

Head falling back, arms loose.

Abhi (rolling his eyes):

"Arya!! Not again!"

("Phir se drama?")

Abhi (stern voice):

"Tujhe kya lagta hai? Main pagal hoon? Har baar injection ke time tu chakkar khata hai? Aankhein khol - warna sach mein laga dunga do dose!"

("What do you think? I'm stupid? Every time you get an injection, you faint? Open your eyes - or I'll give you two shots this time!")

Arya peeked one eye open slowly... and saw Abhi's angry expression.

Arya (quickly):

"Main theek hoon... thoda sa ghoom gaya tha bas..."

("I'm fine... just felt a little dizzy...")

Abhi (holding his shoulders):

"Arya, yeh koi natak ka time nahi hai. Teri health weak ho gayi hai. Tera blood test bhi abnormal tha. Booster shot lena zaroori hai."

("Arya, this is not the time for drama. Your health is getting weak. Your blood test was abnormal. This booster shot is necessary.")

Arya's lips quivered again. His eyes filled with tears.

He turned to Arjun.

Arya (almost whispering):

"Bhaiya... can't you take the injection for me?"

Arjun (smiling sadly):

"Dil karta toh le leta. Par yeh toh tujhe hi lena padega. Main yahin hoon. Tere saath."

("If I could, I would take it for you. But you'll have to do this. I'm right here, with you.")

Finally, Arya nodded slowly. He lay against Arjun's chest, clutching his shirt tightly as Dhruv gave the shot.

The needle went in.

Arya (screaming loud):

"AAAHHH! BHAIYA MERA HAATH GAYA!!!"

("AAAHHH! MY ARM IS GONE!!!")

Abhi (folding arms):

"Zinda ho toh cheekh bhi rahe ho. Drama band karo."

("If you're screaming, clearly you're alive. Stop the drama.")

Arya cried like he'd been tortured. Arjun kissed his forehead, holding him as he sniffled and wiped his tears on his shirt.

---

Later - Living Room Couch

Arya was lying in Arjun's lap, eating a chocolate bar. Veer was beside him with a blanket. Abhi walked in, arms crossed.

Abhi:

"Next time I'm putting chloroform and doing it silently."

Arya (softly):

"I'm emotionally weak bhaiya. Fragile, like bubble wrap."

("I'm emotionally weak, bhaiya. Fragile.")

Abhi (smiling now):

"Tu fragile nahi, dimaag se dangerous hai."

Arjun (brushing Arya's hair):

"Main hoon na. Dard baant lenge."

---

The house was finally quiet.

Arya and Veer had cried themselves to sleep - Arya curled up on Arjun's bed with a tear-stained cheek, and Veer sprawled on the couch, one hand still resting over the injection spot like he was guarding it.

In the kitchen, Dhruv was packing up his supplies, but Abhi stopped him.

Abhi (softly):

"Dhruv, Arjun bhaiya ka checkup abhi baaki hai."

("Dhruv, Arjun bhaiya's checkup is still pending.")

Dhruv (nodding):

"Haan, chalo kar lete hain. Unka BP waise bhi kabse normal nahi suna."

("Yes, let's do it. I haven't heard his BP is normal in a while anyway.")

They both walked toward Arjun, who was sitting at the dining table sipping chai, finally relaxing.

Arjun (raising an eyebrow):

"Ab mujhe bhi pakad liya? Arya aur Veer ki halat dekh ke toh mujhe chhod dena chahiye tha."

("Now you caught me too? After seeing what Arya and Veer went through, you should've spared me.")

Abhi (dead serious):

"Bhaiya, drama un dono ka tha. Aap ka toh health ka issue serious hai. Sit straight."

("Bhaiya, they were dramatic. But your health issue is serious. Sit straight.")

Dhruv wrapped the BP cuff around Arjun's arm and began checking.

A moment later, his expression stiffened.

Dhruv (quietly):

"140/96. Abhi bhi high."

("140/96. Still high.")

Abhi (immediately alert):

"Kya?! Bhaiya aap din mein kitni chai pee rahe ho? Neend sahi le rahe ho?"

("What?! Bhaiya, how many cups of tea are you drinking daily? Are you sleeping properly?")

Arjun (calmly):

"Chai toh bas 5-6 baar... neend toh waise bhi kam ho gayi hai..."

("Tea maybe 5-6 times... and sleep's been a little less...")

Abhi (angrily):

"5-6 baar? Bhaiya, yeh BP aise hi high nahi ho raha. Stress lena bandh karo!"

("5-6 times?! Bhaiya, this BP isn't rising for no reason. Stop taking stress!")

Dhruv (joining in):

"Aur yeh household sambhalte sambhalte khud ko mat bhoolo. Daily walk kar rahe ho?"

("And in handling this whole household, don't forget yourself. Are you walking daily?")

Arjun (sighing):

"Sabko sambhalte sambhalte... main thoda khud ko ignore kar gaya."

("While managing everyone... I guess I've ignored myself a bit.")

Abhi (voice softer now):

"Thoda nahi... zyada bhool gaye ho. Bhaiya, agar aap hi gir gaye toh hum sab kya karenge?"

("Not a bit... a lot. Bhaiya, if you break down, what will the rest of us do?")

There was a silence.

From the other room, Arya let out a sleepy murmur and curled closer into the blanket. Veer shifted on the couch but didn't

---