After a long day filled with surprises, hugs, and laughter, Mukul finally retreated to his room. The mansion was quiet now, only the soft hum of the air conditioner and the occasional sound of the night outside breaking the silence. Mukul took a deep breath, feeling the exhaustion from the day. He had met Sanya, reunited with Shreya, and finally embraced his parents — it had been an emotional rollercoaster.
He decided to take a shower to wash away the sweat and lingering tension. The warm water relaxed his muscles, and for a moment, he allowed himself to think about how different his life had become since he found his family. He smiled to himself, remembering Sanya's surprise at college, Shreya's teasing, and the playful rivalry between them.
After drying off, he walked back to his bedroom, expecting peace. But what he saw made him freeze in shock. Both Shreya and Sanya were already in his room — each on separate beds, looking relaxed and playful. Mukul's eyes widened, and his face immediately flushed red.
"D-Didi? Di?" he stammered, completely embarrassed. "I… I didn't expect…"
Sanya grinned, standing up and walking toward him. "Relax, little brother. We thought we'd make it a fun night. We're watching a movie together. You can't sleep alone in this mansion; it's too quiet."
Shreya chimed in, teasingly, "And we need you here too! Don't look so shocked. You're part of the family now. We're sleeping together, that's it. Nothing weird."
Mukul's mind was racing. Sleep together? Watch a movie together? How is this normal? His heart beat faster, but he knew arguing would be pointless. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and quietly sat down on his bed.
The sisters immediately pulled him toward the space between them, laughing softly as they made room. "Come on, Mukul, don't be shy," Shreya said, nudging him playfully. "Pick a movie already!"
Sanya sat on the other side, leaning slightly toward him. "Yes, hurry up. We've got popcorn and snacks ready. You know, just like a proper movie night with family."
Mukul finally managed to catch his breath and choose a movie. The three of them settled into a comfortable arrangement — Mukul in the middle, Sanya on his right, Shreya on his left. The room was filled with laughter as the movie began. Shreya kept whispering jokes into Mukul's ear, while Sanya occasionally nudged him to react to funny scenes. Mukul couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth he hadn't felt in years.
As the movie progressed, their conversations turned quieter. Shreya leaned back and asked, "So, Mukul… tomorrow, what do you want to do first? Should we go to the Desai Corporation office or the hospital with Sanya?"
Mukul froze for a moment, thinking carefully. He knew both places were important — the company for understanding the family business, and the hospital for reconnecting with Sanya and seeing her world. He glanced at Sanya and Shreya, who were both looking at him expectantly, their eyes full of hope and anticipation.
After a long pause, Mukul finally smiled, sitting up slightly. "I'll go to the Desai Corporation office in the morning," he said thoughtfully. "It's important to learn about the business and how things work there first. Then in the evening, I'll go with Sanya to the hospital. That way, I can spend time with both of you properly."
Both sisters' faces lit up immediately. Sanya clapped her hands excitedly. "Perfect! That way, I can show you my projects without rushing."
Shreya nodded approvingly. "Good choice, Mukul. You're smart. And yes, in the evening, I'll come with you too, just to keep an eye on you." She winked playfully, making Mukul blush again.
The movie continued, but the atmosphere had changed. It was no longer just a fun movie night; it had become a moment of bonding, understanding, and quiet anticipation for the days ahead. Mukul found himself laughing freely, teasingly, and even letting the warmth of the sisters' company sink in without overthinking it.
After the movie ended, they sat together quietly for a while. Mukul leaned back, feeling the weight of the past years finally lift just a little. He looked at Sanya and Shreya, their faces glowing in the soft light from the TV screen, and felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before.
"Thank you," Mukul said softly, his voice almost a whisper. "For everything… for being here, for making me feel at home again."
Sanya smiled warmly, resting her head slightly on his shoulder. "You're our brother. You always have a place here."
Shreya nudged him gently. "And don't forget, we'll fight over you every step of the way, little brother. That's family."
Mukul chuckled, finally closing his eyes, feeling both exhausted and happy. In this mansion, with his sisters beside him, he could finally rest — at least for the night. Tomorrow would bring new adventures, challenges, and decisions, but tonight, he allowed himself to simply be a part of the family he had searched for all these years.
And as he drifted into sleep, Mukul's last thoughts were filled with gratitude and determination. No matter what comes next, I'll protect them, I'll learn, I'll grow… and I'll never be alone again.