The evening in the Desai mansion was warm and quiet. Mukul sat comfortably in the grand living room beside Shreya, sipping on tea while listening to his mother, Nandini, and father, Raghav, talk about their recent business and government work. The air was filled with laughter and the comforting scent of fresh flowers from the veranda.
Mukul felt at peace. After ten long years, he had found his family — his parents, Shreya, and Sanya. The bond was slowly being rebuilt, one smile, one conversation at a time.
Just as Mukul was recounting his day in college, a sudden sound of the front door opening echoed through the mansion. The footsteps were fast, excited, and unmistakable.
"Who could that be?" Nandini asked curiously, setting her tea aside.
Before anyone could answer, the door swung open, and in walked Sanya Desai. Her presence was like a breeze carrying sunlight; she looked radiant in a smart blue outfit, her hair neatly tied, and her confident, warm smile immediately caught everyone's attention.
"Mukul!" she exclaimed, running toward him with tears of happiness sparkling in her eyes.
Mukul froze in surprise, his heart pounding. "Di! You're home!" He jumped from his seat and ran to her, hugging her tightly.
Raghav and Nandini rose immediately, their eyes wide with amazement. "Sanya!" they exclaimed together, rushing forward to embrace their daughter.
Shreya, sitting beside Mukul, laughed and clapped her hands. "You really know how to make an entrance, Di!"
Mukul couldn't stop smiling. He hadn't expected Sanya to come home so suddenly. Seeing her after college, after so many years apart, brought a rush of emotions. Relief, happiness, and nostalgia all collided inside him.
They all sat down in the living room, talking and laughing, catching up on everything they had missed. The warmth of family filled every corner of the room.
Mukul leaned slightly against Shreya, still holding Sanya's hand, and smiled. Shreya gave him a teasing look, brushing his shoulder lightly.
But then, Sanya noticed how Mukul and Shreya were sitting together. Her eyes widened, and without warning, she jumped to Mukul's other side, wrapping him in a tight hug and planting a kiss on his cheek.
Mukul blinked, shocked at the sudden double affection. Shreya's eyes narrowed playfully, and she, too, leaned in and kissed Mukul on the other cheek, holding him firmly in her hug.
"Di! What—?" Mukul stammered, utterly embarrassed. His face turned red as both sisters held him tight, trying to assert their claim over him in their playful but serious sisterly way.
Sanya pouted. "He's mine! I saw him first today at college!"
Shreya shook her head firmly. "No way! I brought him home, and I've been his protector. He's obviously mine!"
The sisters began a playful tug-of-war, each trying to hold Mukul closer. He squirmed, embarrassed, and whispered nervously, "Didi! Di! Stop! Please, you're hurting my shoulders!"
Nandini laughed, shaking her head. "You two… always competing for him. Mukul, how did I raise such mischievous daughters?"
Raghav chuckled deeply. "Let them be, son. This is what it means to have two loving sisters."
After several minutes, the sisters finally loosened their grip, but their playful rivalry didn't end there. Shreya looked at Mukul seriously. "Listen, Mukul. I'm going to take you to the Desai Group office tomorrow. I want to introduce you to everyone there, and you can start learning the ropes of our business. You'll be my right hand."
Sanya immediately interjected, crossing her arms. "No! He's coming with me to Desai Medical Center. Everyone there needs to meet him. You know how important it is for him to see the family in every sphere. Plus, I want to show him my projects!"
Shreya laughed, a competitive sparkle in her eyes. "Oh please, Sanya. Business comes first! He needs to know the company, the employees, the strategies — not just hospitals and surgeries!"
Sanya rolled her eyes. "You're all about money! This is about life-saving work, research, and real people!"
Mukul, caught between the two, rubbed his temples nervously. His face was bright red, and his voice came out small. "Didi! Di! Please! Can't we… go together or… I don't know… take turns?"
Both sisters paused for a moment, glaring at each other, then burst into laughter at Mukul's embarrassed expression.
Nandini shook her head, smiling. "I think you're going to need a bodyguard for the both of them, Mukul."
Raghav patted Mukul's shoulder. "Don't worry, son. You're loved by everyone here. Even if it's a bit overwhelming."
Mukul laughed nervously, finally relaxing a little. He looked at Sanya and Shreya, both smiling playfully at him, and thought: This is my family… my sisters. And somehow, life just got even more complicated… but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
The evening ended with the sisters still playfully arguing over Mukul, while Mukul sat quietly in the middle, overwhelmed but happy. He knew this was only the beginning of a lifetime of laughter, rivalry, and unbreakable family bonds.
And deep inside, he promised himself: no matter what, he would always protect his family — and especially these two sisters who now claimed him as their own.