Chapter 45: No Thanks Between Family

That evening, Poornima climbed the stairs and stopped outside Yash's room.

She knocked gently.

Knock... Knock...

Yash: "Come in."

She opened the door.

Yash was sitting at his study table with a book open before him, while Aarav was lying on the bed scrolling through his phone.

Both looked up.

Poornima: "May I come in?"

Yash: "Of course, Mrs. Rathore."

She walked inside with a gentle smile.

For a moment, she didn't know how to begin.

Finally, she spoke.

Poornima: "I came to thank both of you."

The brothers looked at each other.

Poornima: "For helping Ayat and Aarhan today."

Aarav immediately shook his head.

Aarav: "Don't thank us, Mrs. Rathore."

She looked at him.

Aarav smiled.

Aarav: "They're our brother and sister."

He corrected himself with a grin.

Aarav: "Our siblings."

He continued,

Aarav: "It's our duty to look after them."

Yash nodded in agreement.

Yash: "And they should feel safe with us."

He looked at Poornima.

Yash: "No thanks between family."

Poornima's eyes softened.

A warm smile spread across her face.

Poornima: "Alright."

She nodded.

Poornima: "No more thank you."

There was a comfortable silence.

Then she smiled.

Poornima: "Come downstairs. Dinner is ready."

Yash closed his book.

Poornima looked around the room.

Poornima: "Where's Aadhya? I haven't seen her since morning."

Yash answered,

Yash: "She's gone to stay with Mom for a few days."

Poornima nodded.

Poornima: "Oh."

Just then Aarav grinned mischievously.

Aarav: "Mrs. Rathore..."

She looked at him.

Aarav: "Aarhan told us you make the best biryani."

Yash immediately looked at his younger brother.

Yash: "Aarav..."

Aarav scratched the back of his head.

Aarav: "Sorry."

Poornima laughed softly.

Poornima: "It's alright."

She smiled.

Poornima: "I can make biryani."

Aarav's face lit up.

Aarav: "Really?"

She nodded.

Poornima: "Yes."

She looked at Yash.

Poornima: "Yash, are you okay with biryani too?"

Yash gave a small smile.

Yash: "Yes."

Poornima folded her arms playfully.

Poornima: "One last question."

Both brothers looked at her.

Poornima: "Mild or spicy?"

Aarav answered instantly.

Aarav: "Spicy!"

Yash chuckled.

Yash: "Spicy."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Done."

She turned towards the door.

Poornima: "Then this weekend, spicy biryani it is."

As she left the room, Aarav looked at Yash with a smile.

Aarav: "You know..."

Yash raised an eyebrow.

Aarav: "She's actually nice."

Yash looked towards the door through which Poornima had just walked out.

A small smile appeared on his face.

This time...

He didn't disagree.