Cousin suddenly frowned.
"…Wait."
Everyone looked at him 👀
"If he's comfortable enough for a lip kiss," he said slowly,
"then eventually he'll… you know."
The room reacted instantly 💥
Maya choked.
"STOP THAT SENTENCE."
Candy covered her ears 🙉
"TOO FAR."
Father stood up.
"I am leaving this conversation." 🚶♂️
Mother closed her eyes, exhausted.
"He will do nothing."
Her voice was steady 🫖
Cousin raised an eyebrow.
"And why are you so sure?"
Mother replied calmly ✔️
"Because he stops when asked."
"And thinks before touching."
Father cleared his throat firmly 🧱
"Mochi," he said,
"today you sleep with us."
The room froze ❄️
Mochi blinked.
"…With you?"
Mother nodded immediately 🛏️
"Yes."
Maya burst out laughing.
"PROTECTIVE MODE ACTIVATED." 🚨
Candy jumped onto the sofa.
"GROUP SLEEP."
Cousin leaned back, relieved 😮💨
"Good. Boundaries stay intact."
Mochi glanced at the stairs once.
"…Okay." 🌸
Mother placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Just for tonight."
The decision held 🧡
Night — The Test
Laddu came downstairs, hair messy.
Half-asleep, but alert.
He scanned the room 😐
"Wife," he said simply.
"Come. I'm waiting."
The room went still 🛑
Mochi froze.
Mother stood up immediately.
"Laddu," she said calmly 🫶
"She's sleeping with us tonight."
Laddu blinked.
"…Why?" 🤔
Father answered steadily.
"Everyone needs rest."
"You included." 🧠
A long pause followed.
Laddu nodded once.
"…Okay." ✔️
He turned to Mochi.
"Good night."
His voice softened 🌙
Mochi swallowed.
"…Good night."
He went upstairs quietly 🚪
As soon as he was gone—
Maya exhaled loudly.
"That was terrifyingly mature." 😅
Candy whispered.
"He listened."
Cousin nodded 🧠
"Every time."
Mother sat back, relieved.
"He doesn't push." 🤍
"That's why this works."
Laddu paused near the door upstairs.
Looked back at everyone 👥
"…My family is weird," he said honestly.
Maya nodded.
"Yes." 😐
Candy agreed.
"Very."
Mother didn't argue 🌸
Laddu shook his head.
"Everyone wants to be grandpapa and grandmother."
No one corrected him 👴👵
He smiled faintly.
Waved once.
And left the room 🚶♂️
The door closed softly.
No one spoke.
Then Father said quietly 🧊
"…No talking."
Mochi heard it clearly.
Her cheeks warmed 🔥
Then her ears.
She looked down at the pillow.
A shy smile escaped 😊
The lights were off.
Blankets settled.
Breathing slowed 🌌
Late Night — Almost Sleep
Mochi shifted carefully.
Sat up just a little.
Slipped her feet toward the floor 🦶
Mother's voice came instantly.
"…Too early."
Mochi froze ❄️
Mother's eyes were open.
Gentle but firm.
"Sleep." 🫶
"Morning will come."
Mochi nodded, embarrassed.
Lay back down 😳
The room went quiet again.
But her cheeks stayed warm.
For a long time 🌸
Mochi lay still.
Eyes open.
Smiling into the pillow 😊
Mother opened one eye.
"…Sleep."
"Or I will file for divorce." ⚖️
Mochi panicked instantly.
Shut her eyes tight.
"Yes. Sleeping." 😱
Mother turned over.
Satisfied.
Silence returned 🌙
Mochi got up quietly.
"Where are you going?" Mother asked.
"To the washroom," Mochi replied 🚿
Mother followed her.
They returned together.
The room settled again 🛏️
Mochi closed her eyes.
The smile stayed.
Unmoved 😊
Morning — The Comfort Shift
Morning light crept in.
Laddu walked in fresh and awake.
Routine already online ☀️
"Good morning, family."
Before anyone reacted—
He kissed Mochi's cheek 💋
And walked straight to the washroom.
Like habit.
Door closed 🚪
Silence exploded inward.
Mochi sat frozen.
Cheek warm 🫠
Maya stared at the door.
"…He is getting out of hand."
Mother sipped tea calmly 🍵
"No. He's getting comfortable."
Candy clapped softly.
"Progress." ✔️
Mochi hid under the blanket.
Smiling.
Cousin rubbed his forehead 😩
"…What will we do when he tries husband things?"
The air shifted.
Mochi blushed instantly 🔥
"…I have no problem," she said softly.
SPLASH.
Father spat coffee ☕💥
"—HEY!"
"WHO RAISED HER?"
Candy protested dramatically 😭
Mother stayed calm.
"But he will have a problem."
Maya blinked 😐
"…What problem?"
Mother sipped tea slowly.
"You don't need to know." 🫖
Right on cue, Laddu returned.
Towel on shoulder.
"…Talking about what?" 🧻
Everyone froze.
Mochi covered her face.
Maya smiled 😇
"Nothing."
Laddu nodded.
"…Okay." ✔️
"…But everyone looks guilty."
He walked past them.
Mochi blushed again 🔥
After Breakfast — Care Installed
Mother spoke firmly.
"You cannot be physical with Mochi."
Laddu stopped chewing 🛑
"…Why?"
He looked at Mochi.
"What happened, wife?" 😟
Mother answered first.
"She needs rest."
"Her health is not okay." 🩺
Laddu nodded once.
"…Sure."
No hesitation ✔️
"I won't touch her."
He continued eating.
Mochi stared, overwhelmed 🤍
After breakfast, Mochi stood.
"I'll wash—"
Laddu stopped her ✋
"You won't."
He took the plates.
"Rest." 🧱
The family exchanged looks.
Maya whispered.
"He listens too well." 😅
Cousin nodded.
"Rules installed."
Father smiled approvingly ✔️
Mochi sat back down.
Defeated.
Smiling warmly 😊
She wasn't being controlled.
She was being taken care of.
And she felt it 💞