Tea with the Kapoors
762 Words
The next morning felt… lighter.
For the first time in weeks, Rudra and his gang sat in the college canteen without tension hanging in the air.
But something was missing.
No laughter echoing from the back benches.
No sarcastic “Good morning, hero” from Aanya Kapoor.
Kabir sighed dramatically.
Kabir: “Man, this place feels dead without Queen Kapoor.”
Dev (teasing): “Yeah, especially for our ‘hero.’”
Rudra (rolling eyes): “Say that again and I’ll make you drink this stale coffee.”
Arman: “He’s cranky ‘cause he misses her voice.”
Rudra shot him a glare, but his friends just laughed harder.
Before Rudra could reply, his phone buzzed.
A message from Mrs. Kapoor.
> Text: “Rudra beta, Aanya’s finally home today. Please come for tea in the evening — and bring your friends too. We’d like to thank you all properly.”
He stared at the message for a few seconds, his usual frown softening just a bit.
Dev (leaning in): “Well, well. Official invite from the Kapoor mansion!”
Kabir: “Tea, snacks, maybe homemade samosas… I’m in.”
Arman: “Let’s go, boss. You saved the princess — it’s time to meet the queen.”
Rudra tried not to smile.
> Rudra: “Fine. But behave. I mean it.”
Kabir: “We’ll try. No promises.”
The warm aroma of cardamom tea filled the cozy living room.
Mrs. Kapoor was all smiles as she opened the door herself.
Mrs. Kapoor: “Ah, finally! The brave boys are here!”
Dev (grinning): “Ma’am, we’re always brave — just sometimes hungry too.”
Mrs. Kapoor (laughing): “Then you’ve come to the right place.”
They stepped in, the house filled with soft music and a calm, homely vibe.
Aanya was sitting on the sofa, arm still bandaged, but glowing in a pastel kurti.
Her eyes instantly found Rudra — and that same shy, mischievous smile returned.
> Aanya: “You made it.”
Rudra (gruffly): “Your mom sent an army to drag us here. Couldn’t say no.”
Aanya (smiling): “Sure, Mehra. Keep pretending.”
The gang laughed. Rudra just muttered something under his breath, hiding a small grin.
Mrs. Kapoor served the tea herself, setting the plates of samosas and biscuits on the table.
Mrs. Kapoor: “I don’t know how to thank you boys enough. You all risked yourselves for my daughter. That kind of friendship is rare.”
Kabir: “Ma’am, she’s part of our gang now. We’d do it again.”
Dev: “Yeah, though next time maybe without the kidnapping part.”
Everyone chuckled softly.
Rudra stayed quiet, sipping his tea, eyes occasionally drifting toward Aanya — as if just making sure she was really there.
Mrs. Kapoor noticed the look and smiled knowingly.
Mrs. Kapoor (to Rudra): “You didn’t just save her life, Rudra. You gave her strength too. She’s been smiling again — because of you.”
Rudra looked up, slightly awkward.
Rudra: “I just did what anyone would’ve done.”
Ishan (grinning): “Nah, not anyone. You, Rudra Mehra — the guy who once terrified half the college — turned out to be my sister’s hero. That’s something.”
Rudra smirked.
Rudra: “Guess your sister doesn’t scare easy either.”
Aanya: “Told you — I’m a gangster queen.”
The room erupted with laughter again.
🌙 A Quiet Moment
As the evening wound down, Mrs. Kapoor insisted they stay for dinner next time.
The boys promised they would, and soon enough, Dev, Kabir, and Arman stepped out to grab the bikes.
Aanya lingered near the door with Rudra, the air between them quieter now.
Aanya: “Thank you for coming.”
Rudra: “Your mom didn’t give me much of a choice.”
Aanya (smiling softly): “Still… thank you. For everything.”
Rudra (low voice): “Just take care of yourself, Kapoor. No more heroics.”
Aanya (teasing): “Then who will save you, Mehra?”
He stared at her for a heartbeat too long before looking away.
Rudra: “I don’t need saving.”
Aanya: “That’s what all broken heroes say.”
He smirked faintly.
Rudra: “You talk too much.”
Aanya: “And you listen too closely.”
They stood there for a moment — not saying anything, but everything was understood.
And as Rudra walked out, Aanya watched him go, her heart whispering what her lips didn’t dare say yet:
He’s not just my hero anymore… he’s my home.
- Writer
