So let’s begin,
(a bit mature content ahead, read only of you feel comfortable)
SUNDAY MO9RNING — 9 AM
The sun filtered gently through the curtains, warm and golden, falling softly across the room.
Mahir’s eyes fluttered open first.
For a moment, he simply lay still…
listening to the peaceful quiet of a Sunday morning.
Then he turned his head—
And there she was.
Bela.
Curled slightly toward him…
hair messy in the cutest way…
breathing slow and calm…
her face relaxed, tired yet serene after the long day they had had.
His world.
A soft smile tugged at his lips.
Mahir shifted a little closer and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead… then one on her cheek… then another just because he couldn’t help himself.
Bela stirred, brows twitching faintly as she blinked awake.
Her eyes opened halfway to find her husband leaning over her, smiling like a lovesick teenager caught red-handed.
Mahir (whisper-soft):
“Good morning…”
Bela (sleep-heavy voice, pulling the blanket up):
“…Morning…
Kya kar rahe ho aap subah subah… sone do na…”
She burrowed deeper into the blanket like a stubborn kitten.
Mahir chuckled.
Mahir:
“Tum itni pyaari lag rahi ho na abhi…
mujhse control nahi ho raha.”
Bela’s eyes snapped open a little more — still sleepy, but now slightly alarmed — before she narrowed them at him.
Bela:
“Phir shuru ho gaye aap…”
Mahir lowered himself, his voice dropping, brushing his nose slowly along her collarbone.
Her breath hitched.
Her eyes fluttered shut.
Mahir (teasing, breath warm against her skin):
“Main toh kabhi bhi shuru ho sakta hoon…
bas ghar mein bacche hai na…
control rakhna padta hai thoda…”
Bela’s fingers tightened on the blanket.
Then—
Mahir (soft chuckle):
“Waise… soch raha tha…
Girls team toh complete ho gayi…
Kyu na ek BOYS team bhi bana lein?
Hmm, Bela ji? Kya kehti ho?”
Bela’s eyes flew open fully this time.
She smacked his arm.
Bela:
“Aaap itne badtameez kaise ho sakte h haan?!
Ghar mein cricket team khadi karni hai kya?
Seriously, Mahir ji?!
You are IMPOSSIBLE!”
Mahir laughed openly.
Mahir:
“Main toh ready hoon…
Socho— apni ek puri cricket team…
jo India ke liye khelegi…
haaye, mere bacche world cup jeetenge…”
Bela covered her face with both hands, half embarrassed, half annoyed.
Bela:
“Mahirrr ji… stop it!
Yeh aadmi bhi na… uff…”
Mahir gently tugged her hands away and cupped her face.
Mahir (softened, playful smirk fading into tenderness):
“Chalo… ab irritated mat ho.
Good morning kiss toh banta hai…”
He dipped his head down—
Their lips only a breath apart—
Her eyes widened just slightly, chest rising in anticipation…
Her heartbeat quickened—
And then—
She didn’t move away.
Their breaths mingled…
Her lashes fluttered…
His hand slid to the back of her neck, thumb caressing her cheek…
And finally—
Bela closed the tiny gap herself.
She rose just enough and pressed her lips to his.
Soft.
Warm.
Unhurried.
The kind of kiss that didn’t need intensity…
Just love…
Just presence.
Mahir smiled into the kiss, one hand tightening around her waist, pulling her closer. Bela’s fingers curled into his bare shoulder instinctively, holding onto him as if her body refused to let go.
When they parted for a second, she hid her face in his chest, shy.
Bela (muffled):
“Aap… bilkul pagal h…”
Mahir chuckled softly, kissing the top of her head.
Mahir:
“Tumhare liye. Sirf tumhare liye.”
She swatted his chest lightly but didn’t pull away.
Instead, she snuggled closer, her palm resting over his heart.
For a few long, warm seconds, there was no teasing.
No chaos.
No responsibilities.
Just them.
Wrapped in a Sunday morning softness.
Mahir tilted her chin up gently.
Mahir (whispering):
“Tum thak gayi hogi kal…
Par aaj… main tumhe thakne nahi dunga.
Aaj sirf rest. Mere saath.”
Bela felt her heart melt a little.
The tiredness in her muscles, the tightness in her shoulders—
It all loosened as he kissed her forehead again.
Bela (soft laugh):
“Rest? Aapke saath? Aapki harkatein dekh ke lagta nhi h mujhe rest milega.. One hand distance maintain karke chalna padega warna pata nhi kya gadbad ho jaaye.. Aap ho toh rest ka ulta ho jaata h…”
Mahir smirked shamelessly.
Mahir:
“Accha? Toh kya karu main?
Sirf tumhare paas baithu?
Tumhe hug karu?
Tumhare baal sahlau?
Bas… aise pakad kar rakhu?”
He pulled her fully into his arms and she gasped softly, her face pressing against his warm chest.
He wasn’t teasing now.
Just holding her.
Slow, secure, peaceful.
Her fingers relaxed, unclenching.
Her breathing steadied.
Bela (bare whisper):
“Mahir ji…”
Mahir:
“Haan?”
Bela:
“Thank you… for yesterday…
For today…
For everything. Bas…”
He kissed her hair again, softer this time.
Mahir:
“Phir se thank you?
Tum ho tabhi toh sab kuch complete lagta hai, Bela.”
Bela closed her eyes, her body melting into his completely.
For a few moments, there was nothing—
No responsibilities, no day ahead, no noise.
Upstairs, in Khushi, Akshu, and Vanshu’s room, the atmosphere was perfectly still.
All three girls were buried under their blankets, sleeping like they had been hit by tranquilizer darts.
But dowmstairs, in the kids’ room, the story was very different.
Kiku and Vanu were fast asleep, snoring softly.
And between them, Aashi was wide awake – eyes shining, brain working overtime.
She slowly sat up, grinning mischievously.
Aashi (whispering to herself):
“Bohot din ho gaye koi prank nahi kiya.
Sab so rahe hain… Sunday bhi hai…
Perfect chance.”
She tapped her chin dramatically.
Aashi:
“Kis par prank karu… kis par…”
One second.
Two seconds.
And then her entire face lit up like a villain’s entry in a cartoon.
Aashi:
“IDEA!”
She moved out of the bed slowly not disturbing Vanu and Kiku, and took out her pencil pouch from the bag and pulled out her prized treasure — a big, fake cockroach, courtesy of her classmate Aditya.
Aashi (evil laugh):
“Hehehehe…
Ab yeh cockroach seedha Khushi didi ke upar jayega.
Maza hi aayega!”
Mission activated.
Aashi tiptoed like a spy, holding the fake cockroach by its antennae, quietly moving toward Team Unstoppable’s room.
But the universe had its own plans.
As she reached the doorway and peeked inside, destiny played a cruel joke.
On the headboard near Khushi, something real buzzed.
Not softly.
Not politely.
But with full enthusiasm.
Bzzzzzzzz— bzzzzzzzz—
Khushi frowned in her sleep and pulled the blanket over her ears.
Bzzzzzzz—
It got louder.
Akshu, sleeping in the middle, didn’t even flinch.
Vanshu on the left was practically dead to the world.
But Khushi…
She cracked one eye open.
And froze.
Right on the pillow, inches from her face, sat a massive, REAL, full-size, fully-licensed flying cockroach.
For a split second, her body refused to react.
Then—
Khushi (full volume, shrieking):
“MUMMMMYYYYYY!
Cockroachhhhh!
Bachaaaoooooo!”
She shot out of the bed like a rocket launch.
Akshu jerked awake, arms flailing.
Akshu:
“Kya hua? Kaun mar gaya??”
Vanshu tumbled off the other side of the bed with a thud.
Vanshu (half asleep, panicked):
“Kisne kisko mara?? Main nahi thi.. Maine kuch nhi kiya!!”
The cockroach spread its wings like an action villain and flew straight at the girls.
All hell broke loose.
And at the door…
Aashi stood with her fake cockroach in hand, mouth hanging open in disbelief.
Aashi (whispering, horrified):
“Yeh… yeh toh REAL wala tha!
Mera prank toh shuru hone se pehle hi khatam…!”
Khushi leapt off the bed with a scream that could revive the dead.
A huge, real, flying cockroach zipped past her face.
Khushi:
“AAAAAAAHHHH!Bachaaaooo!”
In her panic, she tripped on her bedsheet, almost twisted her ankle, but somehow managed to sprint out of the room like she was escaping a dinosaur.
The cockroach followed her in majestic zig-zags like it had chosen her as its life partner.
On the bed, Akshu and Vanshu sat up, hair messy, eyes wide for a second—
Then they burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Akshu (holding her stomach):
“Khushi ki toh band baj gayi..par yeh aaya kaha se.. !”
Vanshu:
“Kahi se aaya ho yaar—par dangerous h bohot zyada! Zameen tak toh phir bhi thik tha yeh udd kyu raha h.. ”
Behind the door, hidden, Aashi was giggling silently, mission fully successful without even using her fake cockroach.
Khushi didn’t look left, didn’t look right—
She bolted straight down the stairs, screaming like a siren.
The cockroach chose violence and followed.
She almost collided with the wall twice, then with a flower vase, and finally—
BANG BANG BANG!
She crashed into Bela and Mahir’s bedroom door, slapping it with both hands.
Khushi (hysterical):
“Ma’am!! Sir!! Please bachaaaiye! Woh cockroach… wo udd rha hai!! Wo mere pe attack kar rha hai!”
Inside, Bela and Mahir—who were having a peaceful slow Sunday morning—froze.
Mahir (frowning):
“Yeh subah-subah kaun aise cheekh raha hai?”
Bela (worried):
“Bacche uth gaye shayad… par yeh toh Khushi ki awaaz lag rahi hai. Kuch hua hai!”
They rushed out, still adjusting their clothes, and found Khushi plastered to their door, face pale, hair wild, breath gone.
Bela:
“Khushi! Kya hua? Aise kyun bhaag rahi ho? Subah-subah kya tamasha laga rakha hai?”
Khushi pointed behind her, shaking like a leaf.
Khushi:
“Ma’am… who cockroach… pata nahi kahan se aaya… itna bada! UD RAHA HAI! I hate them please bhagaiye usko!”
And just as she said it—
The cockroach came swooping down the stairs like a helicopter on a mission.
Khushi shrieked again and literally hid behind Mahir, holding his arm like her life depended on it.
Khushi:
“Sir please! Kuch kijiye! Vo dekhiye mere peeche pada h!”
Mahir stepped back in pure horror.
Mahir:
“Mai?Main kya karu?! Bela tum sambhalo!”
Bela (giving him a deadly look):
“Haan haan, main hi sab sambhalu!”
The cockroach buzzed near her and Bela flinched too.
Bela:
“Arey koi isko roko!!”
And upstairs, hidden behind the railing,
Aashi was rolling on the floor laughing — mission successful beyond expectations.
Downstairs, the chaos officially began.
Aashi was still hidden upstairs behind the railing, biting her lips to stop herself from bursting into laughter. From her vantage point she watched her masterpiece unfold.
Aashi (whispering proudly): “Aaj toh Oscar-level tamasha hoga…Par sab bohot zyada dare hue h.. ”
But the commotion below had woken more souls.
Kiku and Vanu came out of their room, rubbing their tiny sleepy eyes.
Kiku (sniffling): “Mumma… kya ho raha h… kaun chilla raha h itna.”
Vanu (already panicking): “Mujhe darr lag raha h papa…”
And the moment they saw the scene — Khushi, Akshu, Vanshu, Bela and Mahir ALL standing on the sofa like they were escaping a tsunami while holding cushions like shields — both little ones SCREAMED and ran straight to the sofa.
Kiku climbed onto Mahir like a koala.
Vanu clung to Bela’s neck, crying louder.
Bela (trying to soothe her but also scared herself): “Kuch nahi beta… wo bas… ek chhota sa cockroach h… bas… uddta hua… h–AHHH!”
The cockroach flew again.
EVERYONE ON THE SOFA SCREAMED IN SYNC.
Even Mahir.
Khushi’s terror level = world-ending.
She was shaking so badly that her cushion trembled with her.
Khushi: “Ma’am pls Kuch kariye na.. Aap toh police officer h na.. Isko bahar kariye na pls.. “
Akshu and Vanshu were trying not to laugh, but failed miserably.
Vanshu (gasping through laughter):
“Ek cockroach ne pure ghar ko sar pe utha rakha hai! Itna kya darna?!”
Khushi (scandalized):
“VANSHUUU! Main mar jaungi! Jaise tumhe chipkali se darr lagta hai, mujhe cockroach se lagta hai!”
Akshu(teasing Vanshu):
“Waise abhi cockroach ki jagah chipkali hoti n tab tumhe pata chalta bechari ka dukh.. Mujhe toh sir aur Ma’am ko dekh ke hasi aa rahi h yaar kaise dar rahe h.. “
Vanshu:
“Ma’am ka aisa side mai pehli baar dekh rahi hoon yaar… sabko darane wali aaj khud dar rahi h.. “
Between all the screaming, Bela and Mahir were having their own dramatic argument.
Bela:
“Aap neeche jaiye na Mahir ji! Aap hi toh man of the house h!”
Mahir:
“Haan toh cockroach bhi toh mard hi hoga! Mard vs mard competition kyun karu main?!”
Bela:
“Uff, yeh aadmi!Aapko kaise pata uska gender haa.”
Mahir (huffing):
“Tum toh badi policewali banke ghoomti ho! Ek cockroach nahi pakad sakti? Jaao, sambhalo!”
Bela (offended):
“Criminals aur yeh udte hue creatures alag hote hain Mahir ji! Kuch toh kariye—bacche bhi darr rahe hain!”
Mahir:
“Sharam ki baat hai! SHO Bela ek cockroach se dar gayi!”
Bela shot him a deadly glare.
Bela (dangerously sweet):
“Mr. Sehgal… kamre mein aapki bravery ka ghanta bajta hai… Ab dikhaiye na hero ban ke? Protect nhi karenge apni biwi aur bacchon ko?”
Mahir (horrified):
“Arre! Kamre ki baatein bahar mat laao! Bacche idhar hain!”
Bela:
“Toh shuru kisne kiya?!”
Before they could continue.. Again the cockroach flew past their heads.
Everyone ducked dramatically behind cushions like it was a battlefield.
Kiku and Vanu screamed again.
Aashi, watching from above, giggled with evil satisfaction.
Aashi: “Bas ek aur surprise…”
She pulled out the fake giant cockroach… aimed… and dropped it from above RIGHT onto Khushi’s shoulder.
It landed perfectly.
Khushi (five-second silent shock) “……………………………”
KHUSHI: AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
She jumped so high she could’ve reached the fan.
She flung the fake cockroach away and almost fell off the sofa.
Akshu and Vanshu were on the verge of fainting from laughter.
Akshu: “Yaar iski soul toh body se exit kar jayegi gar yeh cockroach aaj nhi gaya toh.. Waise yeh udne wale creatures hote toh h bade dangerous.. Aatank macha rakha h ekdum isne…”
Vanshu: “Aur nhi toh kya Sunday ko bhi horror movie bana diya…”
Bela’s heart almost came out.
Bela: “KHHHUSHIII! Tum thik toh ho?!”
Khushi (shaking, breathless): “Ma’am… please kuch kariye.. Ab 2 cockroach h… mai bhaag jaungi yaha se… main hostel shift ho jaungi…”
The living room still looked like a warzone.
Kids crying.
Girls screaming.
Cushions flying.
Aashi laughing silently from above.
Cockroach circling like a fighter jet.
And in the middle of the sofa army…
Mahir Sehgal stood up.
Very slowly.
Very dramatically.
Like a hero rising from emotional ashes.
He dropped the cushion.
Straightened his T-shirt.
Cracked his neck.
And said in a deep Bahubali voice:
Mahir:“Aaj… is ghar ka mard yeh cockroach ko bhaga ke dikhaayega.”
Everyone froze.
Even the cockroach seemed mildly impressed.
Bela blinked.
Bela:
“Mard toh tab sabit honge na jab bina drama kiye cockroach hata denge Mahir ji…”
But Mahir lifted a hand, stopping her with pure hero attitude.
Mahir:
“Shhh.
Let the warrior focus.”
Akshu fell back laughing.
Khushi clung behind Bela like she was hiding from a serial killer.
The cockroach buzzed again, doing a full air-show circle.
Mahir narrowed his eyes.
Background music (in everyone’s imagination): Dhun-dhun-dhun-dhunnnn…
Mahir (determined):
“Bohot ud liya tu… ab neeche aa.”
Khushi shrieked.
Khushi:
“Sir usko provoke mat kijiye! Wo aap pe attack karega!!”
Mahir:
“Main attack karunga. Usse pehle.”
He grabbed the nearest weapon he could find—
A broom.
Held it like a spear.
Even made a warrior stance.
Akshu covered her face:
Akshu:
“Yeh toh gaya.”
Vanshu whispered:
Vanshu:
“Aaj ya toh yeh cockroach ghar se bahar jayega ya hum sab.”
But Mahir was in full heroic mode now.
He stepped off the sofa like a martyr going to war while Bela clutched Vanu tighter.
Bela:
“Mahir ji dhyaan se… woh uddta h… seedha muh par aa jaata h!”
Mahir:
“Toh aane do.
Main bhi Mahir Sehgal hoon.
Superman nahi hoon… par cockroach-ko pakad ke dikhaunga!”
The cockroach buzzed again—this time straight towards him.
Mahir flinched.
Yelped.
Jumped back ONTO the sofa in one clean leap.
Mahir:
“YEH UDD KYA RAHA H MERI TARAF?!”
Everyone screamed again.
Aashi above nearly choked trying not to laugh.
Khushi was crying-laughing-terrified:
Khushi:
“Sirr please isey ghar se BAHAAR kariye na… yeh toh jaane ka naam hi nhi le raha!!”
Mahir glared at the cockroach like it betrayed him.
Mahir (angry, embarrassed):
“Tu mujh par attack karega?
Mujhpe?
Bela… jhaadu do.”
Bela (hands it cautiously):
“Shubh kaam se pehle dar lagna normal h… bas dialogue kam boliye. Jitna time dialogue – baazi mai waste kiya h na itne mai toh bhaag gaya hota..”
Mahir took the broom again.
Climbed off the sofa again.
Took a deep breath.
AND CHARGED.
The cockroach flew left—
Mahir swung right.
The cockroach zipped right—
Mahir spun in a circle, broom slashing the air like a confused ninja.
He even shouted like a warrior:
Mahir:
“AAAAAAAHHHH!”
The cockroach flew towards the curtain.
Mahir ran.
Slipped.
Recovered.
Almost fell again.
But kept running.
Bela slapped her forehead.
Bela:
“Yeh humare ghar ke protector h… Kaun kahega.”
Finally—
THWACK!
The broom connected with the curtain.
The cockroach fell to the floor.
Everyone froze.
Kiku covered her mouth.
Vanu peeped through her fingers.
Akshu whispered:
Akshu:
“Sir ne maar diya kya?”
Khushi whispered fearfully:
Khushi:
“Please bolo wo mar gaya…”
The cockroach moved.
Khushi screamed like she was dying.
Mahir jumped 2 feet high.
Mahir:
“ABE ZINDA H ABHI?!”
He slapped the broom down again.
Missed.
Cockroach fled under the sofa.
Everyone screamed again.
Finally, Mahir lifted the entire sofa from one end in pure frustration.
Mahir:
“YAHA HAI TU?!?!?!”
The cockroach ran out—
—straight towards Khushi.
Khushi leapt onto Akshu this time like a terrified baby monkey.
Aashi above fell to the floor laughing silently.
Mahir, seeing the final chance, slammed the broom down.
PLOP.
Silence.
Real, dramatic silence.
Then—
Mahir (breathless, hands on knees):
“Ho gaya…”
Bela:
“Mar gaya?”
Mahir (nods like a war hero):
“Shanti mili… ant mein.”
Everyone exhaled like they survived an earthquake.
Khushi slid down from Akshu, still shaking.
Kiku clapped.
Vanu said in awe:
Vanu:
“Papa hero…”
Akshu whispered:
Akshu:
“Legendary battle.”
Vanshu nodded:
Vanshu:
“RIP cockroach. You lived dangerously.”
Bela sighed, half proud, half done with her husband.
Bela:
“Aakhir kaam aayi aapki… bravery.”
Mahir flicked invisible dust off his shoulder.
Mahir:
“Main hoon kaun…
Mahir Sehgal.
Ghar ka sher.
Yeh cockroach wagera toh choti chiz h. Mera kuch nhi bigad sakta…
Aur—”
Bela threw a cushion at him.
Bela:
“Bas bas, ab bathroom jaiye aur naha lijiye.. Aaye bade ghar ke sher.”
Everyone finally laughed.
Meanwhile…
Aashi quietly slipped back, clutching her stomach from laughing.
Mission Cockroach: SUCCESS.
Everyone finally climbed off the sofa, their legs wobbling like newborn deer.
Khushi, however, was still on high alert — neck jerking left, right, up, down, scanning every inch of the hall like a paranoid security camera.
Vanu tiptoed toward the “extra cockroach” Khushi had screamed about.
Everyone else was still recovering from the trauma — hair messed, cushions still gripped tightly in hand, eyes scanning the room like soldiers after war.
Vanu squatted… poked the cockroach with one tiny finger… then another… then picked it up.
Vanu (confused):
“Papa… yeh toh hil hi nahi raha…”
Kiku came running after her, still sniffly but curious.
Kiku (squinting):
“Dikha… yeh… yeh toh fake h! Plastic ka h!”
Vanu gasped loudly.
Vanu:
“Fake?!”
Kiku (narrowing eyes like a detective):
“Haan! Kahi tune toh nhi feka? Dekh agar pakdi gayi na toh bohot daant padegi…”
Vanu (offended instantly):
“Maine?!! Arey pagli main toh abhi uthi! Mujhe toh kuch pata bhi nahi! Yeh kisi aur ka kaam h…”
They both turned slowly…
…eyes narrowed…
…heads lifting up toward the staircase…
…where Aashi was now suspiciously missing.
Kiku and Vanu together (dramatic whisper):
“AASHIIIIIII…”
Bela, who was already rubbing her temples because the entire house had turned into a circus, snapped her head up.
Khushi, still traumatized, looked up.
Khushi (suspiciously):
“Ma’am… ek cockroach real tha… ek fake… matlab… fake wala kisi ne jaan bujhke feka tha .”
Bela (dangerously calm):
“Aashi kaha h?”
Akshu leaned toward Vanshu and whispered:
Akshu (whispers):
“Yeh pakka aashi k kaam h dekho wo gayab h jab se yeh tamasha shuru hua h..”
Vanshu (agreeing):
“Lag toh mujhe bhi raha h.. Kahi dikh nhi rahi.. Itni shareef toh wo h nhi ki itne shor mai bhi so rahi ho aur kuch react na kiya ho usne.. Gayi aaj wo..”
Mahir, having just finished his heroic “battle” with the real flying cockroach, finally looked around and frowned.
Mahir:
“Aree haaa aashi toh gayab h.. Kaha gayi wo.. Aashii!”
But Bela’s gaze was sharp and laser-focused now.
She pointed straight to the fake cockroach in Vanu’s hands.
Bela:
“Yeh fake cockroach yaha kaise aaya?”
Both kids shot their hands up like they were reporting to a teacher.
Kiku:
“Mumma… Aashi ne kiya h… yaha nahi h wo… upar se hasi ki aawaz aayi thi thodi der pehle…”
Vanu:
“Haan Mumma… upar railing ke peeche chhupi thi… maine dekha tha… shayad usne hi giraya ho!”
Bela’s eyes widened like she’d found the prime suspect.
Bela (voice rising like thunder):
“AASHVIIIII!!!”
Silence.
Then—
THAK!
A loud stumble from upstairs.
Everyone’s head snapped upward in perfect synchronization.
Khushi (trying to defend Aashi):
“Ma’am rehne dijiye na.. Aise bhi uski kya galti yeh toh asli cockroach ne sabko dara rakha tha…”
Bela shot her one sharp glare.
Khushi instantly sealed her lips.
Akshu crossed her arms.
Akshu:
“Kya rehne do.. Agar usey abhi nhi samjhaya toh kal fir hoga prank day… aaj tumhare saath kiya kal humare saath bhi ho sakta h.”
Mahir suddenly puffed up his chest like a superhero ready for round two.
Mahir:
“Ruko. Aaj ek aur yudh hoga. Iss baar… Mahir vs Aashi.”
Everyone:
“…..”
Bela crossed her arms.
Bela (sarcastically):
“Haan… bas ek cockroach se hi toh jeete h aap…”
Mahir (offended):
“Bela ji… ab main ek papa mode mein hoon… beti ko prank ka lesson dena h!”
Just then…
A small head peeked over the staircase.
Aashi.
Her eyes wide, smile nervous, voice tiny:
Aashi:
“Aap sab… abhi bhi yahi ho…?”
Everyone glared at her together.
Aashi froze.
Aashi (nervous laugh):
“Uh… good morning?”
Bela took one step forward.
Aashi let out a squeal — and sprinted upstairs at full speed.
Aashi:
“MUMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!”
Aashi had JUST turned to bolt toward the stairs—when Bela’s sharp voice sliced through the air.
Bela (authoritative, warning tone):
“Aashvi… STOP. Bhaagne ki koshish bhi mat karna.”
Aashi froze like a statue mid-step.
Slowly… stiffly… she turned around.
And there they all were—
Mahir, Bela, Khushi, Akshu, Vanshu, Kiku and Vanu…
Arms folded.
Eyebrows raised.
Judgment level = Supreme Court.
Aashi gave a tiny, guilty smile.
Aashi (weak defence):
“Wo mumma… mai bas…”
Bela stepped forward, eyes narrowed.
Bela:
“Yeh fake cockroach tumne feka tha?”
Aashi immediately started looking at the ceiling… the wall… the sofa… anywhere except Bela—like suddenly she had lost her sense of hearing AND direction.
Bela had enough.
She reached out and held Aashi’s ears firmly.
Aashi (yelling):
“Ouchhhh! Mumma! Lag rahi h! Chodo na!”
Bela:
“Nautanki nhi beta. Sach-sach bata—yeh teri hi harkat h na? Kyuki tujhe chhod kar aise karne ki himmat kisi mai nhi.”
Realising escape was impossible, Aashi caved.
Aashi (fast confession):
“Ha ha! Maine kiya tha! Bas prank karne ka mann tha isliye! Ab chodo na, dard ho raha h! Sorryyy!”
Bela finally released her ears.
Aashi pouted dramatically, rubbing them like the world’s most tortured soul.
Immediately, Kiku and Vanu rushed to her like loyal bodyguards.
Kiku (scolding like a mini-mom):
“Zor se lagi kya? Buddhu h kya tu? Kisne bola tha aisa prank karne? Kam se kam bata diya kar! Ab fas gayi na!”
Vanu (strategic advisor mode):
“Hume plan mai liya hota toh kabhi fail nhi hota.”
Aashi glared at both of them like betrayed royalty.
Aashi:
“Tum dono ko plan mai liya hota toh PAKKA fail ho jaata! Yeh toh us asli wale cockroach ne paani fer diya warna koi chance nhi tha!”
Just then—Mahir cleared his throat, puffing up like he was about to deliver a lecture from the Constitution.
Mahir (trying to sound strict):
“Aashi… what is this haa? Aise kisi ko darana kaunse prank ka part hota h?”
Aashi instantly switched personalities into
Puppy-eyed, innocent, drama-queen mode.
She clasped her hands and looked at him with trembling lips.
Aashi (emotional blackmail level 100):
“Papa… meri galti nhi h… maine toh kuch kiya bhi nhi… wo toh asli wale cockroach ne kiya na… Maine toh bas thodi masti ki thi baad mai… Aap gussa karoge mujhpe? Apni Aashi pe?”
And just like that—
Mahir MELTED.
Bela saw his face soften and mentally slapped her forehead. “Ho gaya inka daantna, didn’t even last a minute."
This was it.
The legendary duo had activated:
✅ Baap–beti drama mode
✅ Logic disabled
✅ Bias 100%
Mahir looked at Bela with pleading puppy eyes.
Mahir (defending hopelessly):
“Waise Bela… bacchi keh toh sahi rahi… Usne toh bas masti ki thi… Yeh toh real wale ne tamasha kar rakha h saara…”
Instantly, like backup dancers entering on cue, Kiku and Vanu stepped forward to support their sister.
Kiku (earnest pleading):
“Ha mumma… Aashi ki galti nhi h… Usey thodi pta tha ki real cockroach bhi h ghar mai…”
Vanu (completely off-topic fear):
“Thank God cockroach tha chipkali nhi… Waise mumma flying chipkali bhi hoti h kya?”
Mahir, Khushi and Akshu SNORTED.
Vanshu’s soul, however, LEFT her body.
Her eyes widened in pure horror as if imagining a flying lizard.
Vanshu (traumatised):
“Aieee! Yeh sab nhi bolte! Wo chalti h toh itni dangerous lagti h… Udne lagi toh mai bhaag jaungi!”
Bela had finally had enough.
Bela (hands in the air, fed up):
“Bas! Bohot ho gaya! Vanu—shhh! Koi flying lizards nahi hote. Imagination bandh. Aur aap Mr. Sehgal—”
(glares at Mahir)
“—aap toh daantne wale the isko, hai na?Kya hua boliye?”
Mahir instantly looked away, suddenly interested in the ceiling.
Bela turned to Aashi.
Bela (stern):
“Aur tum madam… galti ho ya na ho, shaanti tumse bardasht hi nahi hoti! Yeh khilona lekar kahan se aa gayi pata nhi!”
Aashi blinked innocently.
Aashi:
“Mummy… mera nahi hai. Adi ka hai. Usne mujhe gift diya. Aur bola main bohot cute hoon, aur uski good friend hoon… isliye maine le liya.”
Bela & Mahir (in perfect sync, shocked):
“KYA?!”
The elder trio bit their lips, shoulders shaking, trying very hard not to burst into laughter.
Before the parents could react further, Vanu suddenly stepped ahead like a protective lawyer.
Vanu (hands on hips):
“Aashi! Tu Aditya se kab mili? Aur uska naam Aditya hai, Adi nahi!”
Kiku jumped in, equally suspicious.
Kiku:
“Mili toh theek, par gift kyu diya usne tujhe? Uska birthday toh nahi tha. Aur kisi aur ko nahi diya—sirf tujhe. Tum dono aaj kal class mein bohot baat karte ho!”
Mahir and Bela exchanged a look that said: “Yeh toh full TV serial ban gaya.”
Khushi, Akshu and Vanshu watched like premium audience—eyes wide, popcorn missing.
Aashi huffed, defending herself.
Aashi:
“Aree who accha ladka hai! Mujhe naye naye prank ideas deta hai! Aur maine usse handshake karke dosti ki na—isliye who mujhe Aashi bolta hai!”
She added dramatically—
Aashi:
“Waise bhi… pure school mein koi mujhe ‘Aashi’ bolne ki himmat nahi karta! Impossible!”
The elder trio finally LOST it—bursting into laughter.
Mahir’s jaw tightened—father mode loading…
Bela folded her arms—mother mode already active.
Aashi, instead of looking guilty, lifted her chin proudly — as if she had just won an award.
Aashi (boasting):
“Aditya khud bola tha — Aashi, tum class ki sabse intelligent ladki ho. Aur phir yeh gift diya tha kyuki mai dari nhi thi uske fake cockroach se.”
Vanu and Kiku’s jaws dropped like investigators finding a shocking clue.
Vanu (narrowing eyes):
“Intelligent? Tu? Usne aisa bola? Pakka kuch gadbad h…”
Kiku (leaning forward like interrogation lamp):
“Detail mai bata— handshake kab hua? Kaha hua? Witness kaun tha? Kitni der haath pakda tha?”
Aashi blinked, suddenly realizing THIS was becoming a cross-questioning session.
Aashi (defensive):
“Arey normal handshake tha! Principal ke office ke bahar… bas 2 second ka tha… stopwatch se naapogi kya?!”
The elder trio—Akshu, Vanshu, and Khushi—bit their lips to stop laughing.
Vanshu (whispering to Akshu):
“Yeh villain cockroach ke baad hero ki entry kaha se ho gayi?.”
Akshu (grinning):
“Mere hisaab se toh Aashi ka love angle shuru…”
Khushi (entertained):
“Bas ab cockroach ki jagah cupid udega…”
Meanwhile, Vanu crossed her arms like a strict senior captain.
Vanu:
“Handshake ke baad kya bola usne?”
Aashi (thinking hard):
“Umm… bola tha — Nice to meet you… aur phir… tum bohot cute ho.”
Kiku gasped dramatically.
Kiku:
“CUTE?! Tujhe CUTE bola?! Yeh toh serious case h!”
Vanu (pointing a finger):
“Aur tu hans kyun rahi thi tab? Smile kiya tha na? Kitna bada wala smile tha… teeth dikhne wala?”
Aashi clutched her cheeks protectively.
Aashi:
“Arey main toh sabko smile karti hoon! Main friendly hoon! Yeh koi crime h kya?!”
Bela massaged her forehead.
Bela:
“Yeh bacche… mera toh sar dard hone laga h.”
Mahir folded his arms trying to look strict— but his lips were already twitching.
Mahir:
“Vanu, Kiku… tum dono police academy join kar lo. Itni jaanch toh hum bhi nahi karte.”
Vanu turned to him with full authority.
Vanu:
“Papa, yeh matter serious h. Boys gift kyu denge bina wajah? Haan?”
Kiku nodded like a lawyer.
Kiku:
“Exactly. Ya toh birthday hota… ya class competition hoti… ya phir—”
She leaned in dramatically.
Kiku (slow-motion tone):
“—he likes her.”
Aashi froze.
Vanu froze.
Kiku froze at her own statement.
Akshu, Vanshu and Khushi exploded into laughter.
Bela’s eyes widened.
Mahir choked on air.
Aashi (ears turning red):
“WHAT?! Shut up!! Kuch bhi bolti h dono! Aisi baat mat karo! Eww! Yuck! Chii! He’s just my FRIEND!”
Vanu (suspicious):
“Toh fir tujhe uska gift itna pasand kyu aaya?”
Kiku:
“Aur school se chhupakar ghar kyu layi?”
Vanu:
“Aur fake cockroach se prank kyu kiya? Impress karne ke liye?”
Akshu(enjoying the show)
“Yaar yeh chal kya raha h.. Kaun bolega yeh 5 saal ke bacche h”
Khushi:
“Gen – Alpha h yaar kuch bhi possible h.”
Vanshu:
“Aree kuch bhi mai yeh thodi aata h.. Yeh toh nightmare se kam nhi”
Aashi stomped her foot—tiny but dramatic.
Aashi:
“AREY! Maine prank ghar walon pe kiya tha ADI pe nahi! Samjhe?!”
The elder trio collapsed laughing again.
Mahir tried to intervene like a peacemaker—failed instantly.
Mahir:
“Bas bas… Kaun h kaun yeh ladka jo meri beti ke peeche pada h…”
Bela shot him a look.
Bela:
“Chup hi rahiye aap toh pehle hi pighal chuke h.”
Aashi, now flustered, crossed her arms and huffed.
Aashi:
“Main kisi ko explanation nahi dungi! Main bacchi hoon! Mujhe bas ideas milte h usse bas!”
Vanu and Kiku exchanged a slow, knowing nod. “Nazar rakhni padegi ispe”
Aashi (full attitude):
“Friendship mai gifts dena normal hota h.. Aur waise bhi ADI— matlab Aditya mujhe bohot respect karta h..”
Vanu narrowed her eyes.
Vanu:
“Respect ya pasand? Seedha seedha bata…”
Kiku leaned closer like a crime-investigator.
Kiku:
“Haan… aur handshake karke kaunsi dosti hoti h?”
Aashi huffed dramatically.
Aashi:
“Handshake se pronlem h dono ko?!”
The elder trio were dying silently.
Mahir and Bela exchanged a look:
Bela’s look: Control your daughter.
Mahir’s look: Which one? We have three.
Just then—
📞 RING RING RING!!
Everyone froze.
Bela slowly turned toward the landline on the table.
Bela (suspicious):
“Is waqt kaun phone kar raha h?”
Mahir picked it up casually.
Mahir:
“Hello, Sehgal residence…”
And then—
A SOFT, SHY, LITTLE BOY VOICE came from the other side:
Aditya (nervous):
“Uh… good morning uncle… main Aditya… Aashi ka dost…”
Mahir’s eyes widened.
Slowly…
He turned his head…
And STARED at Aashi.
Aashi gulped.
Everyone ELSE—
BURST INTO SILENT LAUGHTER
Mahir’s voice dropped an octave.
Mahir (dangerously calm):
“Haan haan… dost… bolo beta…”
Aashi was mouthing silently:
“PAPAAAA PLEASE NOOO”
Aditya continued innocently:
Aditya:
Wo… main bas… yeh poochna chahta tha ki Aashi ko mera gift pasand aaya kya? Main aur bhi laa sakta hoon…”
Bela’s soul left her body.
Khushi choked on her own spit.
Vanshu and Akshu fell onto each other laughing.
Vanu covered her mouth like she heard a scandal.
Kiku gasped like she witnessed a proposal.
Mahir closed his eyes and inhaled.
Mahir:
“Beta… pehle yeh batao… aapki age kya h?”
Aditya:
“7 years uncle…”
Everyone stared at Aashi.
Aashi (whispers to herself):
“Uff… elder guy…”
Mahir continued:
Mahir:
“Aur tum… meri beti ko… cockroach gifts dete ho?”
Aditya (proudly):
“Haan uncle! Kyunki wo bohot BRAVE lagti h mujhe!”
Everyone turned SLOWLY toward Aashi.
She stood there, chest puffed, like Miss Universe.
Aashi:
“Dekhaa??! Maine kaha tha na… main brave lagti hoon…”
Bela snapped out of shock and snatched the phone.
Bela:
“Hello Aditya beta… Bela Ma’am speaking.”
Aditya froze.
Aditya (tiny voice):
“M-morning ma’am…”
Bela (deadly calm):
“Morning. Ab tum phone rakho… aur agli baar Aashi ko koi gift dene se pehle… pehle apni mummy se poochna… phir humse. Samjhe? Warna diary me note likh ke bhej dungi. Clear?”
Aditya (panicking):
“Ji aunty— I mean ma’am! Sorry ma’am!!”
CLICK.
Call cut.
Silence.
Everyone stared at Aashi.
Aashi smiled sheepishly.
Aashi:
“Toh… ab kya punish—”
Bela raised one eyebrow.
Aashi corrected herself immediately:
Aashi:
“MATLAB… ab kya HUM sab milke breakfast kare?Wo bhookh lagi h na mumma?? Hehehehe…”
The elder trio exploded laughing again.
Mahir facepalmed.
Bela pointed toward the stairs.
Bela:
“Aage chalo. Seedha.
Bathroom.
Face wash.
No prank.
No cockroach.
No Aditya.”
Aashi saluted.
Aashi:
“Yes SHO Bela ma’am.”
She marched away dramatically.
Kiku followed, still giggling.
Vanu followed, muttering:
Vanu:
“Handshake… cute..brave.. Kuch karna padega iska…”
Bela shot a deadly glare at the elder trio.
Bela (sharp, unimpressed):
“Tum teeno ko alag se invitation dena padega kya?”
The trio instantly straightened like school kids caught by the principal—then bolted toward their rooms to “freshen up,” tripping over each other on the way.
Bela let out a long, exhausted sigh and began fixing the chaos left behind—cushions everywhere, mugs out of place, nerves shattered. She rubbed her temples, still muttering under her breath about that Aditya.
Now only she and Mahir remained in the living room.
Bela (annoyed, pacing):
“Yeh ladki aur pata nahi kya kya jhatke degi! Seriously! Gift le aayi… wo bhi 3rd class ke ladke se!”
She grabbed a cushion and chucked it straight at Mahir.
Bela:
“Sab aapki hi harkatein seekh rahi hai!”
Mahir gasped dramatically, clutching his chest as if she’d accused him of a federal crime.
Mahir:
“Aree isme meri kya galti! Mujhse hi kyu? Tumse bhi seekh sakti hai na! Sirf mujhe blame mat karo!”
He pointed toward the staircase like presenting evidence.
Mahir (indignant):
“Tumhari hi carbon copy hai wo!”
Bela raised an eyebrow, folded her arms, chin lifted, eyes narrowed like a strict principal.
Bela:
“Carbon copy meri? Bilkul nahi! Main kab aise drama karti hoon haan?”
Mahir raised a brow, totally unconvinced.
Mahir:
“Sach? Bilkul nahi?Yaad karo wo din jab twins paida hone wale the”
Bela’s mouth fell open in outrage.
Bela:
“Usme meri galti nhi h cravings ki galti h samjhe aap!”
Mahir smirked, enjoying himself.
Mahir:
“Haan haan, galat main hi hota hoon…
Par sach yeh h ki tumhari beti tumhari hi junior version h—
Masti, drama, aur aankhon mein attitude.”
Bela picked up another cushion threateningly.
Bela:
“Mahir ji… kasam se phenkoongi…
Aur agar lagi na toh aaj lunch aap banayenge!”
Mahir immediately put his hands up in surrender.
Mahir:
“Peace! Shanti! Main bas bol raha tha ki…
Humari beti smart h, confident h, charming h…
Aur boys already line mein aa rahe h—bas yahi darr hai.”
Bela paused.
Her expression changed.
From angry wife → to horrified mother.
Bela:
“OH GOD…
Sach mein…
Abhi se agar yeh haal h toh bade hoke toh… main toh soch bhi nahi sakti!”
Mahir dramatically clutched his chest.
Mahir:
“Isliye keh raha tha—
Ghar mein boys team bana lete hain, balance rahega.”
Bela glared so hard he almost turned to stone.
Bela:
“MAHIRR JI!!!
Kripya apni besharami ko control mein rakhiye.
Bacche upar h!”
Mahir tried not to laugh… failed miserably.
Mahir:
“Par abhi toh who upar h… hum niche h… aur Sunday bhi h…”
Bela pointed toward the kitchen.
Bela:
“Kitchen mai jaiye aur chai banake laiye.. You know chai ke bina mera din shuru nhi hota h.. ”
Mahir blinked.
Mahir:
“Matlab punishment mil gaya?”
Bela smirked.
Bela:
“Nahi… warning.
Punishment tab hogi jab aap phir se boys team wali baat chalu karenge.”
Mahir zipped his lips dramatically and marched toward the kitchen like a soldier.
As he walked, he muttered under his breath:
Mahir:
“Phir bhi ek boys team hoti toh accha hota… cricket team… world cup…”
Bela shouted from behind without even looking:
Bela:
“MAHIR JI!!!”
Mahir jumped and saluted the air.
Mahir:
“Ji madam! Chai aa rahi hai!”
Just then—
From upstairs…
THUD!
CRASH!
AAAAAH!
AASHIII!! MERA CLIP MAT KHINCH!!
VANUUU CHODDD!!!
KIKUUU PILLOW MAT FEK—!
Bela closed her eyes.
Bela:
“Bhagwan… Sunday shanti wala kyu nahi hota mere ghar mein…”
Mahir peeked from the kitchen entrance.
Mahir:
“Chai toh ban hi rahi hai…
But rescue squad bhi banana padega shayad.”
Bela sighed, defeated.
Bela:
“Chai leke upar chalte hain…Warna poora ghar toot jayega. Yeh teen sambhal nhi rahe aur inhe cricket team khadi karni h.. Besharam aadmi.”
Mahir grinned.
Mahir:
“Mera bas chale toh tumhara pet kabhi khali na rehne du.”
Bela threw him that look.
He shut up instantly.
Bela:
“Aapke saath sona band karna padega lagta h.”
---------
To be continued..
Write a comment ...