Anshika 's POV:
I didn't realize I had slept for so long. I just asked Sumit to move aside and went to sleep. I woke up because aunty woke me for dinner.
I washed my face and came out of the room to have dinner.
Uncle was sitting at the shorter side of the table - opposite of Aunty. Sumit and Anant sat on the other side and I pulled a chair and sat opposite to Sumit.
Those two usually made a lot of noise but today they were silent - like some ghost.
But the silence was interrupted by Uncle. He said that he has decided to take Sumit to a game center which has opened recently - where the idiot had always wanted. I feel like this is uncle's way of apologizing to Sumit - for the slap. Maybe.
So it was decided that Sumit would too return with uncle tomorrow to city ' X '.
Uncle asked me too to come along but I refused saying I was tired - I don't want to be a thorn in the family of three.
After the dinner -
Uncle was busy doing some work on his laptop in the living room. I went in the kitchen to get some water when I saw Swati Aunty crying.
" Aunty. "
" Yes sweetheart " She said wiping her tears.
"Were you crying? Did something happen? "
"These were actually the tears of happiness. I am just happy. While eating dinner I felt like we are a family. You know I have always wanted a daughter - and I feel now that I have one too. "
I don't know why but I just hugged her.She was the best to me in this house.
" Your uncle too wanted a daughter and even we... I mean your uncle too is not bad. It's just that he doesn't knows how to express his feelings. He was worried. Is something happens to you then... "
" It's fine aunty. I understand."
Then a maid came in the kitchen so I excused myself and came back to Sumit's room where we three used to sleep.
I thought that they would be shouting - I mean talking like usual- but the room was silent with only Anant lying on his bed in the other corner.
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Anant 's POV:
Sumit and I were lying on my bed when Raghav Uncle came in our room. " Sumit. Your mother has to discuss something with you." He said with a serious expression."So you have to sleep with us in our room for today. "
" Something to discuss. Why? " Sumit let out a dramatic sigh and took his pillow - a pillow with the face of Shinchan - his favourite pillow - which he always has while sleeping. Too childish.
" Good Night Anant "
" Good Night Uncle" I wished him in return.
I was now alone in the room. I was waiting for a call from them. But no. They didn't even bother contacting their child since two days. They didn't even asked me if I reached or not.
I had even called mom when I realised I had left my keys but she didn't pick up. No rely. No message. Nothing. Like I was just some fraud caller - trying to hack her account or something.
The door opened and I saw her - Anshika - walk in. Her eyes searched the whole room - probably searching Sumit.
" Sumit will sleep in Uncle and Aunty's room today. "
She just noded her head. And went to her bed on the other corner of the room.
I was just about to sleep when my phone buzzed - a call from mom. I picked it.
" We cannot come home this week too Anant. We have a meeting. Would you adjust in Swati's house or should I send the key with my secretary. "She said without any pause.
" I.... I would adjust. "
" Then it's fine. We will come on next Sunday. "
Then I heard someone speaking behind.
" I am busy Anant. So I will call you when I will be free. "
And without even listening my reply - She ended the call.
I kept my phone down and looked up only to find her staring at me.
" Was it your girlfriend's call? "She said with a smile on her face.
" I don't have a girlfriend. "
" Really? I thought you had a girlfriend. "
"It was my mother's call. "
" Oh. " She paused"You are lucky to have parents who care for you. "
" Lucky? " I sigh "They contacted me after one whole week - only to tell me that they won't come back this week too."
"At least they tried reaching you. My parents didn't even call me once — since I came here. I had even messaged Mom that I got hurt but... she didn't even bother."
I heard her voice crack a little, even though she tried to hide it with a shrug.
"Then contact your dad — after all, daughters are their dad's princesses."
She let out a dry laugh. "That's not true in my case."
There was a pause. Like she was debating whether to say it or not.
"My dad... he came back home after one whole year of no contact with me. And as soon as he returned, they sent me here. He didn't even come to drop me off."
The room felt heavier somehow. Not awkward, just... heavier."
"I thought I was the only one with such kind of parents," I said, staring at the ceiling like it could somehow fix the mess inside.
She didn't answer.
I turned my head slightly.
She was asleep now — face softened, breathing even.
I watched her for a second longer than I should have. Maybe she wasn't as annoying as I thought.
Maybe... it felt less lonely with her here.
I reached over and switched off the light.
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As I open my eyes, sunlight slips into the room, casting soft gold everywhere.
I turn — and there she is.
Still sleeping, face turned toward me, hair a complete mess and mouth slightly open.
She looks kind of... cute.
Not the annoying, loud Anshika I know.
This one looks like someone you'd want to wrap in a blanket and protect from the world.
Wait.
Have you gone mad, Anant?Cute? Protective? Seriously?
Next thing you know, you'll be writing poetry or something.
I get down from my bed towards the bathroom.
As I come out from the bathroom. She was not on her bed. So I came out of the room.
She was lying on the living room's sofa with the television remote in her hand.
" Why is the house so silent? "I ask her.
" Sumit has left with Uncle and Aunt. So we are the only one's left here.And there's a note on the table. You can read it. "
I went towards the table. There was a note on a pink coloured paper.
' We are leaving with Sumit. So you both have to stay together for a day. Don't fight. Try to know each other more.
~ Swati '
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Anshika's POV :
I watch as he reads the pink note, his eyebrows furrowing.
"We have to stay together for a day?" he says, looking at me like I personally planned this.
I shrug, grabbing the remote again. "Don't worry. I won't eat you alive."
He mutters something under his breath — something that sounds suspiciously like "That's exactly what a tiny demon would say."
I chuck a cushion at him. He catches it mid-air, smirking.
Oh God.
This is going to be a very, very long day.