The winter morning sun was soft and golden, spreading a gentle warmth across the old courtyard of the haveli. A thin mist still hung in the corners, but the open space was already alive with the sound of children.

Yagya-now almost six-was running around with a wooden toy horse, his laughter echoing. Behind him, little Yashaswi, barely two, was toddling as fast as his tiny legs would allow, trying his best to catch up to his elder brother. Every time Yagya turned a corner, Yashaswi squealed and followed, stumbling adorably.

On the woven cot near the doorway, Vamika sat wrapped in her shawl. She was massaging warm mustard oil onto the chubby legs of their youngest-nine-month-old Yatharth. The baby was all giggles, his tiny feet kicking in the air, hands waving as if he wanted to grab the sunlight itself.

He squealed louder when she rubbed his belly. His laughter echoed across the courtyard like little bells.

After finishing his massage, Vamika laid him gently on the cot, covering him lightly to keep him warm.

Then she looked towards her older boys.

"Yagya! Beta yahan aao!"

["Yagya! Son, come here!"]

But Yagya was too lost in the thrill of running away from his little brother. He didn't even turn.

Vamika tried again, raising her voice this time.

"Yagya!"

This time the boy froze, then turned and ran towards her at full speed. Behind him, Yashaswi came running in his tiny uneven steps, determined not to be left behind.

Panting slightly, Yagya stopped near the cot.

Vamika tapped the space beside her.

"Mere paas aao."

["Come to me."]

Yagya stepped forward obediently.

She lifted his woollen sweater and pulled off his little shirt, exposing his thin, soft chest to the chilly air.

"Idhar aao ab... baitho chup chap, tel maalish karne do."

["Come here now... sit quietly, let me give you an oil massage."]

Yagya gave her a small, shy smile-the kind that always melted her heart.

As she began rubbing warm mustard oil on his arms and shoulders, Manorama walked out of the kitchen veranda. She scooped up little Yashaswi in her arms and placed him on another cot with practiced ease.

Manorama clicked her tongue and smiled at the toddler.

"Arre, chal... ab tere bhi maalish ka time ho gaya."

["Oh come one... it's your turn for a massage now."]

Then she began massaging him while he babbled happily, kicking and trying to grab her bangles.

It was deep winter-when mustard-oil massage was a morning ritual.

Every child in the house, from the oldest to the youngest, was massaged thoroughly before a warm bath. It kept their skin soft, strengthened their limbs, and protected them from catching cold.

Three children, three cots, two women, and one courtyard glowing in winter sun— simple, warm, domestic picture of life that Vamika cherished deeply.

Time passed and it was early afternoon, the winter sun warming the courtyard just enough to make it perfect for lunch.

The entire family gathered downstairs-Manorama, Vamika, the kids.

Manorama sat with little Yashaswi in her lap, feeding him from a small steel thaali of sabzi and roti. He kept swinging his legs, his cheeks flushed from running around earlier.

Vamika sat beside her with another thaali, feeding Yagya, who was now hungry after all the morning play.

Little Yatharth-barely nine months-lay peacefully in his crib placed near the courtyard wall, where sunlight touched him lightly. He didn't fuss, didn't cry... he simply watched the world with big calm eyes.

Unlike Yashaswi, who used to scream the moment he couldn't see his mother.

Manorama lifted a small spoonful of suji halwa and tried to feed Yashaswi.

"Ab... muh kholo babu."

["Come on... open your mouth, baby."]

But Yashaswi twisted away and pointed at the cat strolling near the tulsi plant.

Manorama sighed.

"Arre! Billi baad mein dekh lena... pehle halwa kha le."

["Arre! Look at the cat later... first eat your halwa."]

She tried again, this time slipping the spoon into his mouth.

He made a cute annoyed face as he chewed.

Next to them, Vamika tore small pieces of roti and sabzi before holding it to Yagya's mouth.

"Yagya, jaldi muh kholo beta."

["Yagya, quickly open your mouth, son."]

He opened his mouth obediently, even though he kept looking towards his baby brother.

Between bites, Yagya asked curiously,

"Maa, Yatharth bilkul nahi rota?"

["Maa, doesn't Yatharth ever cry?"]

Vamika smiled, glancing at the peacefully kicking baby.

"Woh shant bachcha hai... tum logon ki tarah hungama nahi karta."

["He's a calm baby... doesn't create noise like you two."]

Manorama chuckled loudly.

"Wo bilkul apne baap pe gaya hai, Yudhveer bhi bachpan mein shant tha."

["He's exactly like his father. Yudhveer was also a very calm baby."]

Yagya puffed out his chest proudly.

"Main bhi apme baba pe gaya hoon!"

["I'm also like my father!"]

Vamika laughed and tapped his nose.

"Haan haan... bilkul. Ab ek aur niwala."

["Yes yes... exactly. Now one more bite."]

From the crib, a soft cooing sound came.

Yatharth had clasped his toes and was giggling at nothing, content in his little world.

Manorama watched him and shook her head in fond disbelief.

"Dekho toh sahi... kitni der se chupchap leta hai. Bilkul shor nahi karta."

["Just look at him... lying so quietly since so long. Not a sound."]

Vamika's gaze softened with warmth.

Her noisy Yagya, her dramatic little Yashaswi, and her silent angel Yatharth.

All downstairs together, filling the afternoon with life.

The perfect winter lunch.

Lunch was over, and the winter afternoon had settled softly over the house.

Vamika was now sitting in her room with her three little musketeers.

Yatharth was in her arms, breastfeeding quietly-his eyes half-closed, fingers curling into her pallu.

Yagya sat on the floor with his colouring book, crayons spread everywhere, completely focused.

And Yashaswi...

well, he was doing nothing and everything at the same time-touching random things, running in circles, poking his brother, then jumping on the bed.

The usual.

Suddenly, Yagya stopped colouring.

He looked up with serious curiosity and asked,

"Maa? Aaj Somvar hai na?"

["Maa? Today is Monday, right?"]

Vamika already knew what was coming.

She smirked and nodded.

"Haan, aaj Somvar hai."

["Yes, today is Monday."]

As expected, Yagya's eyes widened.

"Matlab aaj Baba humein mele mein le jayenge, hai na?"

["That means Baba will take us to the fair today, right?"]

Vamika smiled softly.

"Haan, Baba aaj aap dono ko mele mein le jayenge."

["Yes, Baba will take both of you to the fair today."]

Immediately, Yagya frowned.

"Dono ko matlab? Aap nahi aa rahi?"

["Both of us means what? You're not coming?"]

Vamika adjusted Yatharth in her arms and explained gently,

"Nahi babu, Yatharth abhi chhota hai na... abhi usko leke bahar nahi jaaungi. Tum dono bhai ghoom ke aana."

["No, baby, Yatharth is still small... I won't take him outside right now. You two brothers go and enjoy."]

Yagya's face fell just a bit.

His shoulders dropped.

"Theek hai..."

["Alright..."]

He paused, then looked at her again with a seriousness far beyond his age.

"Maa, aapko mele se jo bhi kharidna hai, aap mujhe bata do. Main le aunga."

["Maa, whatever you want from the fair, just tell me. I'll bring it for you."]

It melted her heart instantly.

This boy... so small, yet already so responsible, so full of love.

Vamika extended her free hand towards him.

"Arey mera bacha... tu Maa ke baare mein kitna sochta hai."

["Oh my child... you think so much about your mother."]

Yagya walked to her, and she leaned forward to kiss his forehead.

Her fingers brushed through his hair lovingly.

"Tu to mera sabse achha bacha hai."

["You are my best boy."]

Yashaswi, who had been doing his usual chaos, suddenly froze.

His little eyes widened.

His Bade Bhaiya was getting kissed...

His Chota Bhai was in Maa's lap...

He was getting none.

Immediately, he rushed to her and tugged at her arm, making a tiny complaining sound.

The moment Vamika looked at him, he spread his arms wide-demanding his share of love.

And Vamika gathered all three of her sons in her arms

_____________

Evening settled over the Chaudhary haveli with a soft orange glow.

Yudhveer walked upstairs after finishing his work and paused the moment he reached the door.

There they were-

Vamika asleep against the pillow,

Yagya curled on her left side,

Yashaswi tucked into her right shoulder,

And little Yatharth peacefully lying inside the crib beside them.

A perfect picture of his world.

A slow, warm smile spread across Yudhveer's face.

He stepped inside quietly, bent down, and gently touched Vamika's shoulder.

"Chand... dono ko utha de. Warna phir rona macha denge agar mele mein nahi le gaya toh."

["Moon... wake both of them. Otherwise they'll cry if I don't take them to the fair."]

Vamika blinked awake, nodded softly, and began to wake their excited little monkeys.

She shook Yagya lightly, "Beta... utho. Mela jaana hain."

["Son... wake up. We have to go to the fair."]

Yagya sat up instantly, eyes sparkling.

Then she tapped Yashaswi's cheek, "Utho baba, mela chalna hain."

["Wake up baby, we're going to the fair."]

Yashaswi jumped up too, half-asleep but fully excited.

Soon both boys were chattering non-stop as Vamika got them ready-

clothes, hair, wiping their faces, oiling their little heads.

They kept talking over each other-

"Maa main lattoo lunga!"

["Maa I'll buy a spinning toy!"]

"Aur main jalebi khaaunga!"

["And I will eat jalebi!"]

Once ready, both boys ran to Yudhveer, who lifted one in each arm with ease.

He carried them outside towards the jeep.

Since they were still small, the two of them easily fit in the passenger seat together.

The jeep's engine roared to life.

Vamika stood near the jeep, holding baby Yatharth in one arm.

"Dhyan se jaana sab!"

["Go carefully, all of you!"]

She bent down to Yashaswi's level.

"Baba... aur bhaiya ka haath bilkul mat chhodna. Ek baar ghoom jaoge toh... Maa nahi milegi tumko."

["Baby... don't let go of your brother's hand at all. If you get lost even once... you won't find Maa."]

Little Yashaswi's eyes widened in fear.

He immediately clutched Yagya's shirt tightly.

Yagya hugged him protectively.

"Kuch nahi hoga tujhe. Tu mere saath rehna, theek hai?"

["Nothing will happen to you. Stay with me, okay?"]

Yashaswi nodded quickly.

Both parents smiled proudly at their eldest.

Yudhveer ruffled Yagya's hair with pride.

"Kitna bada ho gaya hai tu."

["You've grown so big."]

Yagya beamed.

And just like that, the jeep rolled forward towards the mela.

The two boys leaned out a little, waving with both hands.

Vamika waved back at them with her free hand until the jeep disappeared from sight-

two little heads still waving madly

until she was no longer visible.

Her heart swelled.

Her boys.

Her little world on wheels.

___________

The jeep slowed as it entered the brightly lit village mela. Lanterns swung from ropes, music echoed from the rides, and children ran everywhere with cotton candy in their hands.

Inside the jeep, both boys were practically bouncing.

The moment Yudhveer parked the jeep, both of his sons hopped down, still holding his hand tightly.

As they walked further inside, Yagya suddenly tugged on his father's kurta.

"Baba udhar chalo na,"

["Dad, let's go there."]

Yudhveer followed the direction of his tiny finger-

It was pointing to a colorful stall decorated with earrings, bangles, and necklaces.

Yudhveer raised a brow.

"Wahan kyu jana hain?"

["Why do you want to go there?"]

Yagya looked up with that small serious face he made whenever he felt responsible.

"Maa ke liye haar kharidunga."

["I want to buy a necklace for Maa."]

Those words hit straight into Yudhveer's chest.

His tough expression melted immediately.

He gently placed his hand on Yagya's head, admiration softening every line of his face.

"Chalo," ["Let's go,"] he said quietly, and took both boys to the stall.

Yagya walked slowly, scanning each necklace with the concentration of a jeweler.

His tiny brows were knitted, lips pursed, as if this was the biggest decision of his life.

Finally-

He found the one.

A simple blue-beaded necklace with a small silver locket.

Perfect for his Maa.

He held it delicately, like treasure.

For a second, Yudhveer waited for him to call- Baba, paise do. [Baba, give me money.]

But instead...

Yagya dug his tiny hand into his pocket.

He took out all the coins he had been saving for weeks.

Small coins. Old coins.

He placed them all on his palm... and began counting earnestly.

One... two... three...

Then his face fell.

He didn't have enough.

He looked devastated.

Yudhveer's heart twisted painfully.

He smiled softly.

"Beta, tum rakho... main de raha hoon paise."

["Son, keep your money... I'll pay."]

But Yagya shook his head, determined to pay himself.

He turned to the shopkeeper and said in the saddest little voice:

"Kaka... paise thode kam pad rahe hain."

["Uncle... the money is a little less."]

Yudhveer, standing behind him, quietly made a gesture to the shopkeeper-

a small nod saying I'll pay the rest. Let him think he bought it.

The shopkeeper instantly understood.

A kind smile appeared on his face.

"Le lo beta," he said warmly, handing him the necklace wrapped inside a tiny folded paper bag.

["Take it, child."]

Yagya's entire face lit up like a lantern.

He stared at the packet as if it held the universe.

Meanwhile, Yudhveer smoothly slipped the extra money into the shopkeeper's hand without letting Yagya see.

The little boy hugged the paper packet to his chest.

He had bought a gift for his mother.

All by himself.

And to Yudhveer...

this tiny act, this tiny heart, this tiny responsibility...was the most beautiful sight in the world.

_____________

The jeep stopped in front of the house, its headlights cutting through the evening shadows.

Before Yudhveer could even switch off the engine, both boys jumped down-tiny feet hitting the ground with excitement.

They sprinted inside the house.

"Maa!!" both screamed in unison-

Vamika instantly hushed them, placing a finger on her lips.

"Chup bachon... Yatharth so raha hai."

["Quiet kids... Yatharth is sleeping."]

She carefully placed the sleeping baby inside the crib, adjusted his blanket, and whispered a soft kiss onto his forehead.

Then she turned to her two overexcited boys.

"Chalo, neeche chalte hain," ["Let's go downstairs,"] she said, and gently guided them downstairs.

In the living room, Manorama and Yudhveer were talking.

The moment the boys arrived, they exploded into excited chatter, showing everything they had bought from the mela-

the toy car, the wooden whistle, colorful spinning tops.

Their little faces were glowing

and Vamika couldn't stop smiling-first at the toys, then at her sons who looked even happier than the toys themselves.

Amid all this excitement, Yagya slowly stepped closer to her.

His little hand went into his pocket.

He pulled out the small folded paper packet.

Vamika looked at him curiously.

"Yeh kya hain babu?"

["What is this, baby?"]

Yagya swallowed, shy but proud.

"Yeh aapke liye hain."

["This is for you."]

Before she could react, Yudhveer pulled Yagya onto his lap, ruffling his hair lovingly.

"Tera laadla tere liye haar le kar aaya hain."

["Your darling has brought a necklace for you."]

Vamika's eyes widened in pure surprise.

She quickly opened the paper packet.

Inside was the blue-beaded necklace.

She gasped.

"Yeh to bohut sundar hain, mera laddoo!"

["This is so beautiful, my sweetheart!"]

She cupped Yagya's face with both hands, squishing his cheeks affectionately.

"Lekin tu to isse bhi zyada sundar hai, mera raja beta."

["But you are even more beautiful than this, my son."]

Her eyes softened... then shimmered with tears.

She walked closer to Yudhveer-who was still holding their little hero-and leaned in to kiss Yagya's cheek.

"Maa ko bohut acha laga... yeh mere liye sabse keemti taufa hain."

["Maa loved it very much... this is the most precious gift for me."]

And it wasn't just something she said to make him feel good.

It truly was the most precious gift she had ever received-

because it was bought... not with money...

but with her small boy's big heart.

While Vamika hugged and kissed Yagya, little Yashaswi-who had been watching all this very seriously-suddenly ran forward.

He grabbed the end of her saree and pulled it with his tiny fists, puffing angrily like a baby bull.

His round eyes were full of complaint.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Vamika immediately bent down.

"Arey, mere chhote babu... aa jao tum bhi."

["Oh my little baby... come here."]

She lifted him into her arms, and he immediately wrapped both arms around her neck, claiming his place.

Manorama chuckled.

Yudhveer shook his head with an amused smile.

"Isko to ek pal bhi bardasht nahi hota jab koi aur pyaar le jaaye."

["He can't tolerate even a moment when someone else gets the affection."]

Yagya giggled, patting his little brother's back as if reassuring him.

Soon after, the two boys ran out to the courtyard, carrying their new treasures bought from the mela.

The courtyard filled with their laughter-spinning tops whirling, whistles blowing, feet pattering on the ground.

Inside the house, Vamika watched them from the doorway, her heart overflowing with warmth.

It was peaceful.

Beautifully peaceful.

But that peace...

that gentle stillness of the evening...

was about to break.

Very soon.

Yatharth suddenly broke into a loud cry from upstairs.

Vamika immediately stood up.

"Aap dono baithiye... main dekh ke aati hoon use."

["You both sit... I'll go check on him."]

She quickly climbed the staircase and went upstairs to their room.

Downstairs, the courtyard was still full of laughter.

Manorama and Yudhveer continued talking on the verandah.

Yagya and Yashaswi remained busy with their toys.

While spinning his brand-new wooden top, little Yashaswi hit it a little too hard.

The top slid across the courtyard, rolling all the way towards the back of the house-right near the servant quarters.

Yashaswi looked worried.

Before he could run, Yagya stopped him.

"Tu yahin ruk... main le kar aa raha hoon."

["You stay right here... I'll go bring it."]

He ran off, determined to fetch his little brother's toy.

But the moment he neared the servant quarters-

he slowed down.

Two maids were talking just around the corner.

Their voices were clear.

Too clear.

He didn't want to eavesdrop...

but when he heard his name, his feet froze.

"Tujhe pata hai, Thakur ji pehle kehte the ki woh shaadi nahi karenge... Yagya ka dhyan rakhenge. Lekin ab dekh... kaise woh bhi fisal gaye. Unhone bhi shaadi kar li aur ab to unke khud ke do bete bhi hain. Mard to hote hi hain aise."

["Do you know, earlier Thakur ji said he wouldn't marry... he would look after Yagya. But see now... even he slipped. He married and now he has two of his own sons. Men are always like this."]

The new maid gasped.

"Matlab? Kya keh rahi ho tum? Yagya unka beta nahi hain?"

["Meaning? What are you saying? Yagya isn't his son?"]

The older maid immediately hushed her.

"Nahi pagli... Yagya unka beta nahi hai. Woh unki behen ka beta hai."

["No, silly... Yagya isn't his son. He's his sister's son."]

Yagya felt something cold grip his chest.

His breath stopped.

The maid continued, lowering her voice:

"Suna hai wo ab iss duniya mein nahi rahi..."

["I heard she's no longer in this world..."]

A beat.

Then another.

And the words that followed...

cut deeper than any blade ever could.

"Ek bache ke liye maa-baap bohot zaruri hote hain, Vimla. Dekh na... bechare Yagya ke paas na maa hai na baap. Isliye uspar koi dhyan deta hi nahi. Thakur ji aur Thakurain ji dono apne dono beto par hi dhyan dete hain... Yagya ko to koi poochta bhi nahi."

["For a child, having parents is very important, Vimla. Look... poor Yagya has neither his mother nor father. That's why no one pays attention to him. Thakur ji and Thakurain ji only care about their own sons now... no one even asks about Yagya."]

The world spun in front of him.

His tiny fists tightened so much that his nails dug into his palms.

His throat burned.

His eyes stung.

But he didn't cry.

Not Yagya.

Never Yagya.

He took one step back.

Then another.

Every word echoed in his head-

like someone striking a bell over and over again.

Not their son.

Not theirs.

Not important.

He felt anger rising-hot, shaking, uncontrollable.

He wanted to run to those women.

Shout at them.

Tell them they were wrong.

Tell them his Baba loved him the most.

Tell them his Maa cared for him always.

But instead, he swallowed it all down.

He turned around with stiff shoulders, jaw hard, eyes blazing.

He knew what he had to do.

He would go straight to Yudhveer.

And he would tell him everything.

He wanted them fired.

Thrown out.

Because no one-

NO ONE-

was allowed to speak like that about his parents.

Yagya wiped his eyes fiercely, determined not to cry.

He marched towards the hall, ready to complain...

ready to tell Yudhveer everything the maids said.

His little footsteps echoed on the marble floor.

He was seconds away from entering-when Manorama's trembling voice stopped him in his tracks.

He froze behind the curtain, breath caught.

Manorama's voice cracked.

"Yashodhara ko gaye hue paanch saal ho gaye..."

["It has been five years since Yashodhara passed away..."]

Her chest heaved.

"...lekin tune aur bahu ne Yagya ko jaise sambhala, waise shayad koi nahi sambhal paata."

["...but the way you and Vamika have taken care of Yagya, no one else could have."]

Yagya blinked.

Once.

Twice.

His heartbeat stumbled...

then slammed painfully against his ribs.

He wasn't imagining this.

They were talking about him.

Yudhveer lifted his eyes toward his mother silently.

Manorama continued, voice thick with emotion.

"Mujhe shuru mein Vamika pasand nahi thi..."

["I didn't like Vamika in the beginning..."]

She wiped her tears.

"...lekin uss ladki ne mera dil jeet liya hai. Jis tarah se woh Yagya ka khayal rakhti hai..."

["...but that girl has won my heart. The way she takes care of Yagya..."]

Yagya felt a strange numbness spreading inside him.

"...koi bata hi nahi paayega ki woh uska apna beta nahi hai."

["...no one would ever be able to tell that he is not her biological son."]

Something shattered inside him.

A soundless, invisible break.

The kind that destroys innocence.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

But Manorama continued mercilessly, unknowingly stabbing him deeper.

"Teri behen bohot khush hogi yeh dekh kar..."

["Your sister must be so happy seeing this..."]

"...ki uske bhaiya aur bhabhi uske bete ka kitna khayal rakhte hain."

["...seeing how her brother and sister-in-law care for her son."]

That was it.

That was the moment his world tilted.

The truth didn't creep in.

It crashed into him-

heavy, brutal, unforgiving.

He didn't wait for what Yudhveer would say.

He couldn't.

Not when every breath hurt.

He turned and ran.

Not like a child who tripped or played-

but like someone escaping a nightmare.

He ran until he reached the courtyard.

Then he stopped.

Chest heaving.

Eyes burning.

His tiny hands were trembling.

He felt... hollow.

The people he loved the most-

the ones he called Baba... Maa...

the ones he trusted more than his own life-

they weren't his.

He sat on the cot slowly, staring blankly at nothing.

A world without colour.

A heart without anchor.

A moment later, Yashaswi came running with a giggle, tugging at his shirt.

"Bhaiya... mera lattoo?"

["Brother... my top?"]

Yagya didn't answer.

He just stared at him.

Eyes empty.

Lost.

Yashaswi nudged him again.

This time, Yagya blinked back to the present.

He swallowed hard, forcing his voice steady.

He couldn't go back near the servant quarters.

He couldn't risk hearing anything else.

So he lied.

"Tera lattoo nahi mila... tu mera wala le le."

["I couldn't find your top... take mine."]

Yashaswi happily ran off with it-

completely unaware of the storm inside his big brother.

Meanwhile Inside...

Manorama wiped her tears when Yudhveer placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

He looked away, eyes misty.

Manorama sobbed softly.

Yudhveer pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Maa... Yagya humara hi beta hai."

["Ma... Yagya is our son."]

His voice shook.

"Woh meri behen ki aakhri nishaani hai...."

["He is my sister's last memory... yes."]

A lone tear slid down his cheek.

"lekin woh mera aur Vamika ka pehla santaan hai."

["but he is mine and Vamika's first child."]

His voice broke completely.

"Uske bina humara jeevan adhoora hai, Maa."

["Without him, our life is incomplete, Ma."]

He pressed his forehead against hers, both crying silently.

"Bhagwan uss bache ka hamesha khayal rakhe..."

["May God always protect that child..."]

"...aur usko iss bhayanak sachchai se door rakhe."

["...and keep him away from this terrifying truth."]

Little did he know-

The child they prayed to protect...

The child they adored like their own heartbeat...

had already heard everything.

And at that very moment-

outside in the courtyard-

Yagya sat alone.

A six-year-old

with a broken identity,

a wounded heart,

and a truth far too heavy

for his tiny shoulders to bear.

Minutes passed before Vamika finally came downstairs, wiping her palms on her saree. She called out softly:

“Yagya! Yashu! Aao beta, khana taiyyar hain!”

["Yagya! Yashu! Come inside, dinner is ready!"]

She assumed both boys were still in the courtyard, lost in their never-ending play.

But no one came.

She frowned and walked toward the courtyard, calling louder:

“Yagya! Yashu! Jaldi andar aao—khana nahi khana kya tum logo ko? Saara din bas khelte rehte ho!”

["Yagya! Yashu! Come inside quickly—don’t you want to eat? All day you two just keep playing!"]

Little Yashaswi came running immediately, clutching his spinning top…

But Yagya still sat on the cot—silent, unmoving, head bowed.

Vamika’s steps slowed.

“Yagya? Beta? Khaana nahi khana? Chalo andar.”

["Yagya? Son? You don’t want to eat? Come inside."]

He didn’t look at her.

Didn’t respond.

He simply stood up stiffly and walked inside like a little robot.

A cold wave went through Vamika. Something was wrong.

During dinner, when she tried feeding him, he whispered:

“Main khud kha lunga.”

["I’ll eat by myself."]

Her eyes narrowed in worry.

This wasn’t like him.

She leaned closer, asking:

“Beta kya hua tumhe?”

["Son, what happened to you?"]

Yagya shook his head.

“Kuch nahi hua hain… main ab bada ho gaya hoon na.”

["Nothing happened… I’ve grown up now, right."]

Vamika’s chest tightened.

“Maa ke liye bacha kabhi bada nahi hota, tu mere liye mera chota sa bacha hi hain.”

["For a mother, her child never grows up. You will always be my little baby."]

He didn’t answer.

He only opened his mouth obediently and ate what she fed him, though he tasted none of it.

Dinner ended. Everyone went to their rooms.

Vamika wanted to go to Yagya, to hold him, to ask again…

But before she could take a step, a shrill cry erupted.

Yashaswi had been hanging from the bedpost, pretending to be a monkey—

He slipped and fell, splitting his lip. Blood pooled at the corner.

He wailed.

Vamika, who was about to go to Yagya to check on him, had to rush to her Yashaswi.

She picked him up and then spanked him twice on his bumb and said:

“Mana karti hoon na badmaashi karne se? kyu karta hain?”

["I tell you not to be naughty, don’t I? Why do you still do it?"]

“Ruk tere baba ko aane de phir batati hoon unhe sab. Dekh kaise hoth pe chot lag gaya.”

["Wait till your father comes, I’ll tell him everything. See how your lip got hurt."]

Yashaswi was still crying.

Vamika got up from the bed and went to their dressing table; in its drawer was ointment.

Yashaswi was crying and tucked her saree and followed her.

She then took out the ointment and put it on his cut. He winced a bit, then Vamika said:

“Ab maza aa raha? Ab kar aur badmashi.”

["Enjoying it now? Go do more mischief."]

Meanwhile Yagya wanted personal space so he lied to his grandmother and said:

“Dadi main aaj maa baba ke saath sounga,”

["Grandma, today I will sleep with maa and baba."]

Manorama's brows wrinkled but then she thought that maybe the child genuinely wanted to sleep with them because he keeps doing this.

She said,

“Theek hain so le, lekin unhe pareshan mat karna zyada.”

["Alright, sleep with them, but don’t trouble them too much."]

Yagya in a low tone said,

“Nahi karunga.”

["I won’t."]

And went out — but the truth was that he wanted personal space, he wanted to run away and absorb the truth.

Even if he was small, he had emotions too.

So he went to the terrace and latched the terrace door from inside.

Meanwhile Yudhveer went into his room and saw his son's lip smeared with ointment.

He laughed and asked:

“Yeh kya kiya tune?”

["What did you do now?"]

Vamika then said:

“Sambhaliye apne bete ko, do minute main yatharth ko kya sambhaalne lagi yeh bistar se latak ke gir gaya. Ladka nahi bandar paida kiya hain maine.”

["Handle your son! The moment I went to take care of Yatharth for two minutes, he hung from the bed and fell. I haven’t given birth to a boy, I’ve given birth to a monkey."]

Vamika was ranting and Yashaswi was crying, his mouth paining.

Then she said,

“Abhi sone bol rahi hoon to so bhi nahi raha, abhi keh raha hain ki isko dard ho raha hain aur nind nahi aa rahi....main to kehti hoon isko boarding school mein bhej do tab samjhega.”

["When I’m telling him to sleep, he still won’t! Now he says it hurts and he can’t sleep. I say send him to boarding school, then he’ll understand."]

On hearing boarding school, he immediately hushed and said,

“Nahi main so jaunga... main pareshan nahi karunga.”

["No, I’ll sleep… I won’t trouble anyone."]

Soon he closed his eyes and Vamika patted him to sleep.

The terrace was cold, but not colder than the ache spreading inside his tiny chest.

Yagya sat with his knees pulled to his chest, chin resting on them, tears slipping silently one after another.

He wasn’t crying loudly.

He didn’t even have the strength to.

His thoughts were stumbling over each other—small, confused, hurting.

His mind whispered to ttself…

My real mother… died?

The thought alone twisted something inside him.

I never saw her… not even once…

I don’t even know how she looked… if she smiled… if she ever held me…

His little throat tightened.

And Maa and Baba… the ones I love the most… they aren’t really mine? They’re my mama and mami…?

His chest hurt more.

Then whose am I?

Who do I belong to?

His breath shook.

Was I… unwanted? Is that why my real mother left me alone? Or maybe… maybe she didn’t want to… maybe she just—

He sniffled hard, wiping his face clumsily.

But if Maa and Baba aren’t mine… then what if they… stop loving me someday?

That thought terrified him beyond anything.

What if… one day… they decide I’m not their real child and… they send me away?

A sob escaped him before he could stop it.

They’ll always love Yashaswi and Yatharth more, right? Because they’re their real sons… born from them… part of them…

His heart squeezed painfully.

Why wasn’t I born to them? Why couldn’t I be their real son too? Then… I wouldn’t have to be scared of losing them…

He hugged his knees tighter, as if holding himself together.

Do they love me because they want to… or because they have to?

What if someday… they don’t need me anymore?

A small hiccupped breath left him.

If my real mother was alive… would she have loved me? Held me? Kissed me goodnight? Called me her baby?

He looked up at the sky, searching for something—someone.

Do you miss me, Maa?

Do you even know your son is here… alone… crying for you?

His voice cracked inside his own head.

I just want someone to call me theirs… truly theirs… not out of duty… but out of love…

More tears slipped down his cheeks.

I just want Maa to hug me… I just want Baba to hold my hand… I just want to know I’m not… alone…

He swallowed hard, breath trembling.

If they knew I wasn’t their real son… would they still love me the same? Would they still pick me up when I fall? Feed me? Kiss my cheek? Call me their little boy?

His tiny heart broke again.

What if they don’t…? What if someday… they stop?

He buried his face in his arms.

I’m scared… so scared… I don’t want to lose them… even if I’m not theirs, they’re mine… they’re my Maa and Baba…

A soft cry escaped him.

Please don’t leave me…

Once Yashaswi finally fell asleep, his tiny hand still rested on Vamika’s chest.

She carefully lifted it, placing it beside him, and slowly rose from the bed.

Yudhveer, who was unbuttoning his kurta’s cuff, frowned.

"Kaha jaa rahi hain?"

["Where are you going?"]

"Yagya se baat karne."

["To talk to Yagya."]

Yudhveer sighed.

"Abhi itne raat ko? Kal mil lena."

["You’re going now at night? Meet him tomorrow."]

Vamika shook her head immediately.

"Nahi Yudhveer ji… mujhe kuch gadbad lag raha hain."

["No, Yudhveer ji… I feel something is wrong."]

He straightened.

"Gadbad matlab?"

["What do you mean by wrong?"]

"Pata nahi… wo kaafi chup chap tha neeche."

["I don’t know… he was very quiet downstairs."]

Yudhveer nodded slowly.

"Haan, mujhe bhi kaafi chup laga. Mujhe laga shayad thak gaya hoga khelte khelte."

["Yes, he looked quiet to me too. I thought he must be tired after playing."]

Vamika’s voice turned soft but tense.

"Kaash aap jo keh rahe hain wahi sach ho… lekin mujhe usse abhi milna hain."

["I wish what you’re saying is true… but I need to see him right now."]

Yudhveer exhaled deeply.

"Theek hain, main bhi aata hoon."

["Alright, I’ll come too."]

Both walked to Manorama’s room and knocked.

"Andar aa jaa."

["Come inside."]

Vamika stepped in quickly.

"Maa ji… Yagya kaha hain?"

["Maa ji… where is Yagya?"]

Manorama looked surprised.

"Wo tumhare kamre mein nahi hain?"

["Isn’t he in your room?"]

Both Vamika and Yudhveer shook their heads.

"Nahi."

["No."]

Manorama’s face wrinkled with concern.

"Lekin usne to mujhe kaha tha ki wo tumhare saath sone jaa raha hain."

["But he told me he was going to sleep with you both."]

Now all three felt panic rising.

Where was Yagya?

Vamika rushed out.

"Aap aangan mein dekhiye, main usko rasoi mein dekh aati hoon!"

["You check the courtyard, I’ll check the kitchen!"]

Manorama searched nearby rooms, storerooms, even the verandah.

Yudhveer checked outside the main door.

They began shouting his name—

but Yagya sat on the terrace, lost in his emotional storm, too drowned in his own little world to hear anything.

Vamika’s heartbeat was hammering in her ears.

“Main chhat par dekhti hoon.”

["I’ll check the terrace."]

Manorama nodded, fear already rising in her eyes.

Both of them hurried up the staircase. When they reached the terrace landing, Vamika’s breath hitched—

The latch of the terrace door was open.

But she remembered she had latched it herself.

Her fingers trembled as she tried to push the door.

It didn’t move.

“Maa ji… Yagya andar hai…”

["Mother… Yagya is inside…"]

Manorama’s eyes widened. Panic exploded in both their hearts.

They immediately started banging the door.

“Yagya?!”

“Beta, tu chhat par hai na?”

["Son, you’re on the terrace, right?"]

“Beta, darwaaza khol!”

["Open the door, son!"]

But inside, Yagya stayed curled up, silent, shattered, not ready for the truth to be spoken aloud.

Vamika’s voice cracked.

“Yagya! Beta, please darwaaza khol… dekh maa aayi hai… maa ke liye khol de… tu dar mat… hum daantenge nahi… bas ek baar khol de… maa ko aise mat sata…”

["Yagya! Son, please open the door… look, your mother is here… open it for your mother… don’t be scared… we won’t scold you… just open it once… don’t trouble your mother like this…"]

Her tears streamed down her face now.

“Yagyaaa!”

Hearing the commotion, Yudhveer came running up the stairs.

“Kya hua?!”

["What happened?!"]

Vamika turned to him with panic in her voice.

“Darwaaza nahi khol raha hai…”

["He’s not opening the door…"]

Yudhveer’s face paled instantly.

He stepped closer to the door.

“Yagya?! Beta, kya kar raha hai tu akele chhat par? Darwaaza khol… Baba yahan hai…”

["Yagya?! Son, what are you doing alone on the terrace? Open the door… your father is here…"]

Silence.

Nothing.

Vamika felt like she couldn’t breathe.

“Yudhveer ji… yeh darwaaza kyun nahi khol raha…?”

["Yudhveer ji… why isn’t he opening it…?"]

Yudhveer looked at her terrified eyes and made a decision.

“Aap dono yahin raho. Main andar jaata hoon.”

["Both of you stay here. I’ll go in."]

Vamika’s eyes widened.

“Par aap kaise?!”

["But how will you?!"]

Without blinking, he said,

“Humare kamre ke balcony se.”

["From our bedroom balcony."]

Both women gasped.

Manorama whispered:

“Beta… woh bohot khatarnak ho jaayega… gir jayega toh?”

["Son… that will be very dangerous… what if you fall?"]

But Yudhveer shook his head.

“Maa… mera beta wahan akela hai. Main usko aise chhod nahi sakta.”

["Mother… my son is alone there. I cannot leave him like that."]

He placed a trembling hand on Vamika’s shoulder.

“Aap dono usko pukarte raho… taaki usse yeh na lage ki so akela hain ..woh akele mein na dare.”

["Both of you keep calling him… so he doesn't feel alone, doesn’t feel scared."]

Vamika nodded, fear choking her.

Yudhveer turned and ran towards the balcony, ready to climb.

And in the darkness, his silhouette disappeared—

A father risking everything

for his little boy crying alone behind a closed door.

He disappeared inside before either woman could stop him.

His heartbeat thundered as he climbed onto the balcony railing. His palms burned against the concrete as he pulled himself up. One wrong step… one slip…

No. My son is on the other side. Nothing else matters.

With a harsh exhale, he swung himself up and over—landing onto the terrace with a thud.

He winced but pushed the pain aside.

“Yagya!” he whispered urgently.

Vamika banged on the door, voice cracking.

“Yagya? Beta, tu chhat par hai na? Darwaaza khol…”

["Yagya? Son, you’re on the terrace, right? Open the door…"]

But the silence only made her panic harder.

Manorama placed her hand on the door, praying under her breath.

“Bhagwan, Yudhveer ko kuch na ho…”

["God, keep Yudhveer safe…"]

Vamika’s voice broke completely.

“Beta dekh… maa aayi hai. Dar mat. Ek baar darwaaza khol de…”

["Look, son… your maa is here. Don’t be scared. Just open the door once…"]

Both women kept calling, pleading, knocking—and praying in the same breath.

Yudhveer moved quickly across the terrace and finally spotted him—Yagya curled in a corner, trembling.

Relief punched him in the chest.

He rushed forward, scooped the boy into his arms, holding him tight against his shoulder.

“Main aa gaya, beta…”

["I’m here now, son…"]

With one hand, he reached to the terrace door, slid the latch open, and pulled it free.

The click echoed—a lifeline for the women waiting outside.

As soon as the women heard the click of the latch, both of them pushed the door open in panic.

Vamika rushed in first.

Her eyes instantly scanned Yudhveer from head to toe—checking if he was hurt, if the climb had injured him, if he was steady. Only when she saw he was alright did she drop to her knees in front of Yagya.

She cupped his tiny, trembling face.

“Kya hua tha beta? Tu yahan akele kya kar raha tha?”

["What happened, my child? Why were you here alone?"]

Yagya didn’t say a word.

Yudhveer gently put him down.

Vamika pulled the little boy into her arms, hugging him tightly.

“Maa ko nahi bataiyega?”

["Won’t you tell your maa?"]

Silence again.

Her voice broke slightly.

“Maa se kuch nahi chupate beta, bata kya ho gaya tha tujhe?”

["You don’t hide things from your maa, tell me what happened to you?"]

Yagya pushed her slightly away.

His little lips trembled.

And then—

“Aap meri maa nahi ho.”

["You are not my mother."]

Vamika froze.

“Yeh kya keh raha hain tu?”

["What are you saying?"]

His chin wobbled as tears spilled.

“Mujhe sab pata hain… aap mere maa baba nahi ho.”

["I know everything… you are not my parents."]

He looked at Yudhveer with devastated clarity.

“Aap mere maa ke bhaiya ho.”

["You are my mother’s brother."]

Yudhveer’s eyes widened, breath catching in his throat.

Vamika tried to step in, to cover it somehow—but Yudhveer placed a firm hand over hers.

A silent message: No lies. No hiding. He deserves the truth.

Then Yagya whispered the wound tearing him apart—

“Meri asli maa mar gayi hain isliye aap log mujhe paal rahe hain…”

["My real mother died, that’s why you’re raising me…"]

The terrace fell into a haunting silence.

And then he burst, voice cracking from the deepest corner of his small heart—

“Main kyu aap logo ka beta nahi bana Yashaswi aur Yatharth jaise?!”

["Why didn’t I become your son like Yashaswi and Yatharth?!"]

Vamika’s heart broke open.

She held his face between her palms and made him meet her eyes.

Her voice shook with love—

“Tu humara hi beta hain Yagya, aise kabhi mat sochna ki tu humara apna bacha nahi hain.”

["You are our son, Yagya. Never even think that you’re not our own child."]

But Yudhveer knew emotions wouldn’t be enough.

This wound needed truth—simple, logical, clear.

He took Yagya’s tiny hand and guided him towards the cot on the terrace.

The boy followed, shoulders small and shivering.

Vamika and Manorama followed too.

Yudhveer gently brushed Yagya’s hair.

His voice was soft but steady—

“Yagya beta ek sach baat bata… kya tujhe kabhi bhi mehsoos hua ki tu humara apna beta nahi hain?”

["Yagya, tell me honestly… have you ever felt that you are not our own son?"]

“Kabhi tujhe humare pyaar mein fark dikha?”

["Did you ever see any difference in our love?"]

“Kya kabhi laga ki Yashaswi aur Yatharth tujhse alag hain?”

["Did you ever feel Yashaswi and Yatharth are treated differently than you?”]

Yagya slowly shook his head.

Yudhveer’s voice deepened with emotion—

“Jaise unki tabiyat kharab hoti hain to main aur maa raat bhar nahi sote, waise hi tujhe kuch hota hain tab bhi hum raat bhar jagte hain na?”

["Just like when they fall sick, your maa and I don’t sleep all night, the same way when something happens to you, we stay awake too, right?"]

“Tujhe kabhi mehsoos hua ki tujhse hum pyaar nahi karte?”

["Did you ever feel that we don’t love you?”]

Silence.

So he pressed gently—

“Bata mera bacha?”

["Tell me, my child?"]

Yagya shook his head again.

Then Yudhveer leaned closer.

“To tujhe aise kyu lagta hain ki tu dusre ka beta hain, hum tujhse pyaar nahi karte?”

["Then why do you think that just because you are someone else’s son, we wouldn’t love you?"]

He continued, voice breaking for the first time—

“Beta yeh sach hain ki tu meri behen ka beta hain… lekin usse bhi badi sachai yeh hain ki tu humara beta hain.”

["Son, yes it’s true that you’re my sister’s child… but a bigger truth is that you are our child."]

Manorama sat beside him, touching Yagya’s cheek tenderly.

“Yagya, jaise aapki mummy aapse pyaar karti thi, theek waise Vamika bhi tumse pyaar karti hain.”

["Yagya, the same way your mother loved you, Vamika loves you too."]

“Aapki do-do maa hain—ek prithvi ke uss paar rehti hain aur dusri tumhare saamne khadi hain.”

["You have two mothers—one lives on the other side of this world, and the other stands right in front of you."]

“ Yashaswi aur Yatharth ke do maaein hain kya?”

["Do Yashaswi and Yatharth have two mothers?"]

Yagya shook his head.

Vamika gently wiped his tears.

His voice came out broken, scared, small—

“To matlab aap log mujhe kabhi nahi chhodoge?”

["So… that means you will never leave me?"]

Vamika gasped, eyes instantly welling up.

“Pagal ho gaye ho kya? Maa baba apne bache ko kaise chhod sakte hain?”

["Are you crazy? How can parents ever leave their child?"]

He sniffed.

“Main bada ho jaunga tab bhi nahi chhodoge?”

["When I grow up, you won’t leave me then?”]

Vamika cupped his face again, her voice trembling.

“Kya kaha tha maine neeche? Bache kabhi apne maa baap ke liye bade nahi hote… wo humesha chote hi rehte hain.”

["What did I tell you downstairs? Children never grow up in their parents’ hearts… they always remain small."]

She gulped and stood up.

“Chalo abhi neeche… upar bohut thand hain, mere bache ko thand lag gaya to?”

["Come downstairs now… it’s too cold up here, what if my child catches cold?”]

She lifted Yagya in her arms.

He wrapped his arms around her neck, clinging tight.

But before they left, Yudhveer gently stopped them.

“Yagya beta, promise karo ki tum kabhi yeh cheez apne dimaag mein nahi laoge?”

["Yagya, promise me you’ll never think this way again?"]

His small voice came out timid—

“Promise.”

Vamika kissed his cheek softly.

“Beta, maa baba se kuch nahi chupate. Abhi aap yahan itne raat ko akele baithe the… aapko kuch ho jata to maa baba ko acha lagta?”

["My child, you don’t hide things from your parents. You were sitting here alone so late… if something happened to you, would your parents feel okay?"]

He shook his head.

“To aise kyu kiya aapne?”

["Then why did you do this?"]

His lips quivered.

“Maine darr gaya tha… mujhe laga tha aap log mujhe chhod denge.”

["I got scared… I thought you would leave me."]

Vamika’s tears finally fell.

“Pagal ladka… tujhe kaise chhod sakte hain? Tu to mera pehla bacha hain.”

["Silly boy… how could we ever leave you? You are my first child."]

And holding him tight, they carried him back toward their room—

their family whole again,

their hearts stitched together with truth,

and their love bigger than blood.

They reached the room, still shaken from the terrace incident.

Yudhveer gently placed Yagya on the bed, smoothing the pillow beneath his head. His hands trembled a little—not from the climb, but from the fear of almost losing his child emotionally.

He sat beside him and softly asked,

“Yagya, beta tujhe yeh baat kaha se pata chali?”

["Yagya, my child, where did you learn this?"]

Yagya blinked slowly, his lashes wet.

“Jab main khel raha tha tab Vimla didi aur Rani kaki aapas mein baat kar rahe the…”

["When I was playing, Vimla didi and Rani kaki were talking…"]

His voice shrank with every word.

“Rani kaki keh rahi thi ki aap pehle kehte the ki aap kabhi shaadi nahi karoge… lekin aapne shaadi bhi kiya aur aapke apne do bache bhi…”

["Rani kaki was saying that earlier you used to say you’d never marry… but you married and now you have your own two children…"]

He swallowed.

“Wo keh rahi thi ki shaadi ke baad aap mujhe bhool gaye hain.”

["She was saying that after getting married you forgot me."]

Yudhveer’s jaw clenched, a visible muscle twitching near his ear.

But Yagya wasn’t done.

“Main tabhi aapke paas aane wala tha unki shikayat karne… lekin phir maine aapko aur dadi ko baat karte sun liya tha.”

["I was about to come to you to complain… but then I overheard you and dadi talking."]

Yudhveer closed his eyes.

He internally cursed himself—How could he have been so careless? How could he let his child hear something so heavy?

Controlling his guilt, he stroked Yagya’s hair.

“Chalo ab un sab baaton ko bhool jao.”

["Alright, forget all of that now."]

Meanwhile, Vamika quietly picked up Yashaswi and placed him on her side of the bed. She raised the wooden railing so the boy wouldn’t roll off in sleep.

Then she gently helped Yagya settle between them.

Yudhveer lay on one side.

Vamika on the other.

Both of them curved protectively around their eldest child.

They held him—each with one arm around him—

and their hands met over Yagya’s small stomach, fingers touching, forming a silent, protective chain around him.

Slowly… painfully…

Yagya’s breathing steadied.

His eyes fluttered closed.

And he fell asleep, safe between the two people who loved him more than their lives.

Vamika, exhausted from fear and crying, soon drifted off too, her forehead resting on Yagya’s soft hair.

But Yudhveer…

He couldn’t sleep.

He stared at the ceiling, chest tight, heart bruised.

He had failed twice.

He couldn’t save his sister from death.

And tonight, he couldn’t even protect her son—his son—from a truth that shattered him.

Frustration simmered in his chest, guilt clawing at him. His fingers unconsciously tightened around Yagya’s small body.

Just then—

Vamika’s hand twitched and softly squeezed his, as if she could feel his pain even in her sleep-heavy haze.

Her voice was a whisper in the dim room,

“Yudhveer ji… kuch cheezein humare haathon mein nahi hota hain. Aap khud ko mat kosiye. Aap ek bohut ache bhaiya aur baba hain.”

["Yudhveer ji… some things are not in our control. Don’t blame yourself. You are a very good brother and a very good father."]

Yudhveer’s throat tightened.

He pressed his lips together, nodding faintly, though the ache in his eyes didn’t leave.

But one thing crystallized in his mind—clear, sharp, immovable.

Those maids.

Those careless, gossiping women who made his child doubt his place, his worth, his belonging.

He would fire them.

All of them.

No one—no outsider—would ever again plant fear in the heart of his son.

He lay back down, tightening his arm around Yagya.

Tonight had broken something inside him…

…but it had also made one thing stronger—

His resolve to protect this little boy with everything he had. Always.

Soft sunlight slipped into the room, brushing across the bed where the three slept tightly woven together.

Yagya stirred first.

For a moment, his little mind was blank…

then he realized—

He wasn’t sleeping alone.

He was sandwiched between them.

Vamika’s arm wrapped around his tiny chest.

Yudhveer’s arm curled protectively around his back.

Their hands still rested over his stomach, fingers touching… as if they never let go through the night.

Yagya blinked—confused… then relieved… then emotional.

He looked first at Vamika.

Her face was soft, peaceful, hair falling over her cheek.

Then he slowly turned and looked at Yudhveer, who was already awake, watching him with gentle eyes.

A small tear cracked down Yagya’s cheek.

Yudhveer immediately cupped his face.

“Kya hua mera bacha?”

["What happened, my child?"]

Yagya just buried his face into his chest.

Vamika woke with the movement and sat up, brushing his hair lovingly.

They both kissed him—

Yudhveer pressed a kiss to his forehead,

Vamika to his cheek—

showering him with all the love he was afraid he’d lose.

“Humara beta,” Vamika whispered.

["Our child."]

Yagya held them both tighter, soaking in the warmth he feared would disappear.

After a few minutes, Yudhveer gently pulled back and said,

“Main fresh hoke aata hoon.”

["I'll go freshen up and come back."]

He ruffled Yagya’s hair and went to the washroom.

While Yudhveer got ready, Vamika stayed on the bed.

Yagya lay beside her, holding onto her saree pallu like a security blanket.

Yashaswi slept curled in a tiny ball next to him.

Suddenly—

Yatharth cried from the cradle.

A hungry, urgent cry.

Vamika instantly picked him up and settled him on her lap. She adjusted her pallu and began feeding him, patting his back gently.

Yagya watched her with wide eyes.

She kissed his forehead and said softly,

“Tum teenon mere bachche ho.”

["All three of you are my children."]

That broke him a little more—in the good way.

Once ready, Yudhveer headed downstairs with a tightened jaw.

He called the head servant loudly:

“Rani aur Vimala ko bulao… aur baaki sab ko bhi.”

["Call Rani and Vimala… and all the others."]

Within minutes, the courtyard filled with maids and servants.

Nervous eyes shifted.

The air grew tense—everyone sensed something was wrong.

Rani and Vimala stood in front, trembling.

Yudhveer’s voice was sharp, controlled, cold:

“Rani aur Vimala—kal se tum dono ko kaam pe aane ki zarurat nahi hain.”

["Rani and Vimala—starting tomorrow, neither of you need to come to work."]

They froze.

“Par Thakur ji… humne kya kiya?”

["But Thakur ji… what did we do?"]

Yudhveer didn’t blink.

“Wo tum dono khud se sawal karo.”

["Ask yourselves that."]

Confusion and fear flooded their faces.

They tried again—

“Thakur ji, humein mat nikaliye…”

["Thakur ji, please don’t fire us…"]

But their excuses only irritated him further.

His voice dropped, low and dangerous:

“Chup chap 2 minute mein haveli se nikal jao…

warna gaon se nikalwa dunga.”

["Leave this haveli within 2 minutes…

or I’ll have you thrown out of the village."]

They gulped, tears filling their eyes.

“Thakur ji… aisa mat kijiye…”

["Thakur ji… please don’t do this…"]

His jaw tightened.

“Tumhare do minute shuru ho chuke hain.”

["Your two minutes have already begun."]

They knew they had no choice.

Shaking, crying, they gathered their belongings and left the haveli.

As soon as they were gone—

Yudhveer turned to the remaining staff.

His words were not an announcement.

It was a warning.

A threat.

A promise.

His voice carried through the entire courtyard:

“Agar maine kisi ko bhi apni ya apne parivaar ki niji zindagi par zara sa bhi muh chalate huye pakda—

to anjaam isse bhi bura hoga.”

["If I catch anyone speaking even a little about my or my family’s personal matters—

the consequences will be far worse than this."]

The servants bowed their heads, trembling.

But they understood one thing clearly—

Why those two were fired.

And something else:

Never again would they dare endanger Yagya’s heart.

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