Chapter 1
The narrow roads of Dehradun curled like quiet rivers, shaded by age-old trees and lined with sleepy homes whose walls had stories painted in faded memories.
The afternoon sun wasn't too harsh, just warm enough to cast a golden hue over everything it touched.
A single tempo-traveller curved into one such quiet lane, humming low against the uneven stones,
And came to a slow, coughing stop in front of a pale-blue bungalow.
Curtains fluttered behind windows. A curious squirrel darted up a tree. A dog barked somewhere far.
The new family had arrived.
Aarav Malhotra stepped out first.
Thirteen years old, thin like he hadn't eaten well in days, eyes dark like they'd seen too much too soon.
His right leg was bound in a metallic brace, firm, clunky, and far too big for someone with dreams of flying.
Every step he took was careful. Calculated. Not just because of the pain… but because of the stares.
Behind him came his elder brother and sister-in-law , warm, patient people who had taken Aarav in after fate had left him alone.
They were simple folks. Not rich, not poor. Just... survivors of what life had handed them. And today, they were looking for a fresh start.
Before they could ring the bell or unload the luggage, the gate of the neighboring house creaked open.
And out came sunlight with two ponytails.
Meher Khanna , eleven, maybe twelve, in a pink frock with paint stains and scraped knees.
She walked with the confidence of someone who didn’t know what fear meant. And she didn’t knock.
She didn’t ask. She just entered barefoot and beaming.
She said, wide-eyed and excited.
Young Meher
You’ve moved into that house?
The brother nodded politely. The bhabhi smiled.
Her smile softened only slightly. She leaned forward, hands on her hips, inspecting him the way one would a puzzle.
Young Meher
I’m Meher. Your neighbor
She said, eyes fixed on him now.
Young Meher
What’s your name?
He hesitated. His lips barely moved
Young Meher
What’s with the leg thingy?
She asked next, pointing at his brace with brutal honesty only kids are capable of.
Aarav flinched, as his bhabhi tried to intervene.
Aarav's Bhabhi
He had a problem since birth, beta. He’s recovering.
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Comments
nickki
oh wow it's looking good author
2025-07-06
1
nickki
i want more
2025-07-06
1