Author pov..

Banaras...

“Divya, hold your brother’s hand and walk. And Rahul, Don't let go of your sister’s hand,” Rahul’s father said firmly, his voice strained under the weight of exhaustion.

Both his hands were occupied with two heavy bags, while Rahul’s mother walked beside him, carrying two more.

Divya thirteen years old and still burning with anger from the fight she had with Rahul earlier that morning shot him a furious glance.

Rahul, only seven, stubbornly refused to hold her hand.

His small face was tight with defiance, unaware of the worry silently surrounding him.

The family was weaving through the narrow, crowded lanes of Banaras.

They had arrived from Lucknow that very day.

Rahul’s father, Devnath Pathak, a government school teacher, had been transferred here.

The transfer had not been easy months of trouble, paperwork, and uncertainty and now there was no time left to rest.

He had to join his new school starting tomorrow.

Today, they were strangers in a city that never seemed to slow down, searching for a rented house that still felt impossibly far away.

The lanes were cramped, overflowing with people, noise, and movement.

Every turn looked the same, every street crowded, every moment heavier than the last.

Amid the chaos of Banaras, with bags weighing down their hands and  pressing on their hearts.

The Pathak family kept walking lost in the city, yet bound together by the quiet hope that soon, somehow, they would find a place to call home.

At last, after asking countless people and wandering through unfamiliar lanes, Devnath Pathak found a house.

The moment he did, a quiet wave of relief washed over him.

He stepped inside and put down his bags, his tired arms finally free.

Then he gently took the bags from his wife, Rani Pathak.

The moment she looked around, she too felt a small sense of peace nothing grand, nothing perfect, but at least it was a place they could rest.

“Divya, beta, you can put your bag down as well,” Devnath said softly.

Divya nodded and placed her bag on the small cement platform near the entrance.

Rahul stood there with a pout on his face, unmoving.

He didn’t like Banaras at all. He had never wanted to come here.

His room, his friends, his school everything had been left behind. Nothing about this new place felt right to him.

And as if that wasn’t enough, his father had scolded him that morning because of Divya.

That hurt still sat heavy in his chest, twisting into anger and sadness.

Devnath unlocked the door.

The house wasn’t very good old cement walls, peeling paint, signs of wear everywhere.

There was a small veranda in front, where a lone tulsi plant stood quietly, as if watching them arrive.

Inside, there was a kitchen and three rooms.

Excited, Divya quickly chose a room for herself.

One room was kept for their grandmother, who would come later from Lucknow Devnath didn’t think it was right to bring her just yet.

Rahul’s grandfather passed away a year ago. Rahul had been deeply attached to him;

His grandfather had loved him more than anything.

Leaving behind that house meant leaving behind his memories too the last pieces of warmth that still remained.

Everything he loved was gone now.

The final room that remained was taken by Rahul’s parents.

Rahul stood silently, his small heart aching in ways he didn’t yet have words for, feeling as though he had lost far more than just a home

Divya, bubbling with happiness, began placing her belongings neatly inside her new room, her excitement filling the house with a sense of movement and noise.

Rahul, however, stayed behind in the veranda.

He stood there quietly, staring at the unfamiliar walls, his feet unwilling to move forward.

The house felt too big, too strange nothing like the home he had left behind.

Seeing him still standing there,

Devnath called out, his patience already thin, “Why are you still standing there? Go inside. The room where Divya is that’s your room too.”

Rahul’s chest tightened.

His sadness twisted into stubbornness. “I don’t want to stay with that witch,” he blurted out, his voice shaking with hurt. “I want a separate room.”

The words hung heavy in the air.

Devnath’s anger flared instantly.

Turning to Rani, he said sharply, “Is this what you’re teaching him? Look at him. Ever since Babuji passed away, he doesn’t listen to anyone. And listen to the language he’s using don’t push me to the point where I raise my hand.”

The moment Rahul heard this, his fragile courage collapsed.

His eyes filled up, and before he could stop himself, tears began to fall.

His small face crumpled as he started crying softly, then harder, the pain finally spilling out.

Rani rushed to him and pulled him into her arms, holding him tightly against her chest. “Please don’t scold him like this,” she pleaded gently. “He’s just a child. He’ll understand.”

Devnath let out a tired sigh, frustration etched into his face. “If we let children be, they slip out of our hands,”

He replied. “Tell him to sit there. He’ll stay in Divya’s room. Get his things arranged. I’m exhausted, and I still have work to do. Divya is a child too, yet she doesn’t create drama like this.”

With those words, he turned away and walked into his room, leaving the tension behind him, and began unpacking his belongings.

Rahul remained in his mother’s arms, clutching her tightly as if she were the only thing keeping him from falling apart.

He cried silently now, his tears soaking into her dupatta.

Rani stroked his hair again and again, her voice soft and comforting.

“Shhh… don’t cry, my child,” she whispered. “Your father spoke like that because he’s tired. Adjust for now.

Later, we’ll talk to him and get a separate room made for you, okay?”

Rahul pulled back slightly, his eyes red and swollen, his voice trembling with longing.

“I don’t want to stay here,” he said. “I want to go back to Lucknow.”

And in that moment, it wasn’t just a place he was asking for it was his home, his memories, and the life he had lost.

Rahul’s mother looked at him with tender eyes, her voice filled with warmth and affection. “Beta, I am here, aren’t I? If you go to Lucknow, I won’t be able to stay there.Akele rahoge kya Lucknow mai kya meri jarurat nahi hai tumhe kya Rahul Lucknow may be beautiful, but… my love for you is even greater. Don’t you think so?”

Hearing this, Rahul felt a rush of emotions.

Without a word, he pulled his mother into a loving embrace. “No, Maa… I want to stay with you,” he whispered softly, holding her close.

His mother smiled, her eyes sparkling with pride and affection. “Ah, my dear Rahul… you are truly the best boy,” she said lovingly.

Rahul blushed slightly and nodded. “Yes, Maa… I am good,” he replied, a hint of shyness in his voice.

Just then, Divya stepped out of her room, her eyes widening at the touching scene before her. “Wow… what a heartwarming mother-son moment,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “It almost makes me want to cry.”

Rahul, slightly embarrassed, turned toward her. “Maa, tell her to be quiet… No, if she keeps talking, mai isko marunga chudail kahiki

Divya giggled, teasing him she says "ohh acha maro frr papa tumko marenge bada aaya maa rotlu bacha"

Rahul’s mother angrily says . “Divya, hush now. Don’t trouble him. He’s still young, and you are older… you should understand.”

Divya pouted slightly. “Then what am I supposed to do? He’s so stubborn about everything just because he’s younger!”

At that moment, Devnath’s deep voice rang from the hallway. “What’s going on here?”

Everyone instantly fell silent. Divya, realizing she had stayed too long, quietly slipped back into her room,

Just then, a woman approached with a warm, welcoming smile on her face.

Walking a step behind her was a young girl, almost the same age as Divya.

The girl was smiling too, her innocence visible in her bright eyes.

She was wearing a frock that reached just below her knees, and her hair was neatly tied into small braids that swayed gently as she walked.

The woman greeted warmly

“Namaste, behenji,” addressing Rani Pathak.

Rani Pathak noticed them and, moving away from Rahul, walked toward the woman with a polite smile. “Namaste,” she replied respectfully.

The woman introduced herself gently. “My name is Malini Awasthi. I am your neighbor. I saw you all arriving today. This house had been empty for a long time, and when I saw new people moving in, I thought I should come and meet you.”

Rani smiled kindly, her tiredness fading behind her hospitality. “Oh, yes. We arrived just today. Please come in and sit. I’ll bring something for you to eat,” she said, turning slightly toward Divya.

Malini quickly waved her hand politely. “Oh no, please don’t worry. I just came to meet you. I’ll come properly tomorrow. You should first arrange your bags and settle in.”

Rani replied warmly, “Oh, there’s no problem at all.”

Rani calls "Divya.”

Divya stepped forward and said, “Yes, Maa?”

Rani looked at her and said gently, “Go and make some tea.”

Divya hesitated and asked, “Where is the milk, Maa?”

Hearing this, Malini smiled kindly and said, “Please don’t bother, sister. I truly just came to say hello. Don’t trouble yourself.”

Rani laughed softly. “Trouble? Not at all. Tea has to be made anyway. You sit comfortably. I’ll tell them to bring the milk.”

She then called out, “Ae ji… ae ji…”

Hearing her voice, Devnath came out from inside the house.

Seeing the unfamiliar woman and the young girl, he folded his hands politely. “Namaste ji.”

Malini returned the greeting with equal respect. “Namaste.”

Rani explained, “She lives next door. She came to meet us. We don’t have milk at home right now could you please bring some?”

Devnath nodded immediately. “Alright. Please seat them. I’ll bring the milk.”

Rani smiled with relief. “Yes.”

Malini and her daughter sat down, the air filled with warmth and quiet friendliness, marking the beginning of a gentle bond between neighbors in a house that had finally come alive again.

Rani Pathak gently introduced her children to Malini Awasthi.

“Behen ji, this is my daughter, Divya Pathak,” she said with quiet pride, resting her hand on the girl’s shoulder. “And this is my son, Rahul Pathak.”

Malini’s face lit up instantly. “Oh, what lovely children you have,” she said warmly.

Then, smiling just as proudly, she added, “And this is my daughter, behen ji Ishani Awasthi.”

Ishani sat quietly beside her mother on the sofa, calm and reserved, her hands folded in her lap.

She observed everyone with shy eyes and offered a soft, polite smile.

Divya noticed her and smiled back, a gentle, curious smile, as if an unspoken connection had already begun to form.

Rahul, however, sat close to his mother with a sulky expression.

His lips were twisted into a stubborn pout, his face clearly showing his displeasure.

Unlike the others, he did not smile at all.

Rani turned to Ishani kindly. “Which class are you in, beta?”

“In seventh,” Ishani replied in a low, almost hesitant voice.

“Oh,” Rani said with a hint of excitement, “my Divya is also in seventh this year. That means, Divya, you’ve found a new friend.”

Divya’s face brightened immediately, happiness shining in her eyes.

Ishani, too, smiled small but sincere.

Malini then glanced at Rahul and asked playfully, “And why is this cute little boy sitting here looking so angry? What happened to him?”

Rani sighed softly. “Oh, he doesn’t like it here. He loved Lucknow very much. He was crying earlier because he misses it. And on top of that, his sister fought with him, so now he’s even more irritated. He’ll be fine later.”

Malini laughed lightly and leaned toward Rahul. “So you’re missing Lucknow?”

She said teasingly. “Stay in Banaras for a few days and you’ll forget Lucknow completely. You’ll turn into a true Banarasi and roam around just like us.”

Everyone burst into laughter at her words.

Everyone except Rahul.

He remained seated with the same pout on his face, his small heart still stuck in memories of Lucknow, unwilling to be comforted just yet.

After a little while, Devnath arrived, carrying a packet of milk.

He handed it to Divya and said gently, “Go on, make some tea.”

Divya nodded and went into the kitchen. Seeing this, Malini turned to

Ishani and said, “You should go too, help Divya with some work.”

But Rani immediately intervened, smiling politely. “No, behen ji, she will manage on her own. You both sit here.”

Ishani shook her head softly. “No, aunty, I’ll go. You all talk here,” she said in her calm, respectful voice.

Rani watched her leave and said with affection, “What a sweet girl she is.”

In the veranda, Rani, Devnath, Malini, and Rahul sat together, talking casually.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Divya and Ishani were preparing tea side by side.

As they talked, Devnath asked Malini, “Behen ji, what does your husband do?”

Malini replied quietly, “He is in the army. He doesn’t stay at home much. We have a son too Vaibhav. He is in the twelfth class this year. And then there’s only Ishani. We are a family of four.”

Devnath smiled and nodded. “That’s good,” he said warmly. “A nice family.”

Just then, Rahul stood up and walked into the kitchen to drink some water.

Divya and Ishani were laughing softly, chatting as they worked.

Ishani suddenly noticed Rahul standing there, his face twisted in anger, his brows drawn together, clearly upset and sulking.

Ishani had always been that kind of girl someone whose presence quietly filled people with warmth.

Whoever came near her felt lighter, happier.

Through her gentle nature, the softness of her words, and the sincerity of her affection, she unknowingly wrapped people in her care.

She walked over to Rahul and knelt down beside him, bringing herself to his level.

With a bright, friendly smile she said,

“Hii, my name is Ishani. What’s your name?”

Rahul looked at her with raised eyebrows, his expression stiff and guarded.

Then, in his small, unclear voice, he replied,“Tahul Paatak.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Ishani and Divya both burst into laughter.

Rahul’s face instantly turned red with anger.

Divya quickly explained, smiling, “Oh, he still can’t pronounce his name properly.”

Ishani laughed playfully and said, “So this cute little boy’s name is Tahul?”

That was enough to irritate him further. “Not Tahul—Rahul!” he snapped.

Divya and Ishani laughed again, unable to stop themselves.

Furious now, Rahul turned away and started to walk out of the kitchen.

Suddenly, Ishani caught his hand gently. Rahul tried to pull away, struggling.

“Leave me! Let go!” he shouted.

“Oh my God, such anger!” Ishani said quickly, pretending to be scared.

“Alright, forgive me. I made a mistake. I’m sorry, Rahul. Now it’s correct.”

Rahul glared at her, still fuming.

Trying again, Ishani softened her voice. “Okay, will you have some chocolate?”

“No,” Rahul replied stubbornly.

“Please don’t be angry like this,” she said gently.

Then, smiling sweetly, she held her earlobes and said, “Look, I’m apologizing properly. Please forgive me.”

Seeing her do that, Rahul’s anger slowly melted. “Okay… forgiven,” he finally said.

Divya, who had been watching everything, laughed and said, “Hey, don’t apologize to him, Ishani. He’s a very stubborn boy.”

That struck a nerve. Rahul shouted, “You keep quiet, you witch!”

Ishani immediately looked at him seriously. “Hey, you don’t talk like that.”

Rahul complained, his voice breaking slightly, “She’s always troubling me.”

His eyes began to fill with tears. Divya teased him again, “Look, now the river Ganga is flowing from his eyes.”

“Enough, Divya,” Ishani said firmly but gently. “He’s just a child.”

Hearing that, Divya finally fell silent, while Rahul stood there, blinking back his tears confused, embarrassed, and a little less angry than before.

“Okay,” Ishani said softly, her voice full of care, “I’ll say sorry on Divya’s behalf. Alright? I’m sorry. Please don’t cry.”

She gently wiped the tears from

Rahul’s eyes with her fingers and smiled at him. “Good boy don’t fight, and they don’t cry either,” she said sweetly. “Tell me are you a good boy or a naughty one?”

“I’m a good boy,” Rahul replied at once.

Ishani laughed lightly. “Yes, Rahul, good boys don’t quarrel like this. Stay here for a few days I’ll show you all of Banaras. Then you won’t miss Lucknow anymore.”

Rahul simply nodded, listening quietly.

“Here,” she said, pulling out a ten-rupee Dairy Milk from the pocket of her frock and handing it to him. “Take this.”

The moment Rahul saw the chocolate, his face lit up. Happiness returned instantly. He took it eagerly.

Before he could even react, Ishani cupped his face in her hands, kissed his cheeks, and playfully pulled them.

“You’re so cute,” she said affectionately. “Anger doesn’t suit you at all especially with such a tiny little nose.”

As soon as she kissed him, Rahul felt his cheeks grow warm.

Shyness rushed over him. He quickly placed his hands on his cheeks, eyes wide and embarrassed.

Without saying a word, he turned and ran straight to his mother, hiding beside her his heart racing, his face still burning with a shy, unfamiliar feeling he didn’t yet understand.

Divya and Ishani carried the cups of tea outside.

Everyone sat together, sipping their tea and talking quietly.

Rahul, however, stayed hidden behind the edge of his mother’s sari, peeking at Ishani again and again.

Each time she looked his way, he felt shy and quickly lowered his eyes.

When Ishani and her mother finally left,

After talking, Malini and Ishani leave.

They go back to their home.

After they leave.

Devnath said with a satisfied smile, “It’s good that we’ve found such nice neighbors. Otherwise, living in an unfamiliar city becomes very d

ifficult.”

Rani nodded in agreement. “Yes, truly. They are very good people. And Ishani what a sweet girl she is.”

The moment Rahul heard Ishani’s name, his heart began to beat fast thump, thump.

He didn’t understand why it was happening, only that something inside him felt strangely new and confusing, fluttering in a way he had never felt before.

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