Family Bonds (pt. 2)
Chapter 24: Family Bonds (pt. 2)
The second leg of their family visits brought them to a more modest but equally welcoming home—Raitha's brother Rohan's apartment. As a manager at an animation company, Rohan had a creative flair evident in the decor of his home. Posters of animated classics adorned the walls, and a bookshelf brimming with artbooks and novels lined one corner of the living room.
Rohan greeted them at the door, his usual composed demeanor softening into a warm smile when he saw Raitha.
"Raitha, Shyam, welcome," he said, pulling his sister into a hug before shaking Shyam's hand firmly. "I've been looking forward to this."
"Same here, Rohan," Shyam replied with a smile.
"Come in," Rohan said, stepping aside. "Ananya is in the kitchen, making tea. She's excited to meet you both."
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The aroma of freshly brewed chai filled the air as Ananya, Rohan's wife, emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray. She was a cheerful woman with a kind face and an easygoing demeanor that immediately put Raitha and Shyam at ease.
"Finally, I get to meet the famous Raitha and Shyam!" Ananya exclaimed, setting the tray down on the coffee table. "Rohan talks about you two all the time."
"Hopefully all good things," Raitha said with a grin.
"Of course," Ananya said, laughing. "It's wonderful to have you here. Make yourselves at home."
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As they sipped their tea, the conversation flowed naturally. Rohan and Shyam discovered a shared interest in books, quickly diving into a discussion about their favorite authors and genres. Meanwhile, Ananya took the opportunity to get to know Raitha better, asking about her life, her work, and her hobbies.
"Shyam's lucky to have you," Ananya said at one point, her tone sincere. "It's clear how much he cares about you just from the way he talks about you."
Raitha's cheeks flushed slightly, but she smiled. "I'm lucky to have him too. He's been my anchor through everything."
Rohan, overhearing this, chimed in. "It's good to see you happy, Raitha. You deserve it."
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After lunch, which featured Ananya's delicious homemade biryani, Rohan suggested they visit the animation studio where he worked. The idea excited both Raitha and Shyam, and within an hour, they found themselves standing in a vibrant workspace filled with sketches, storyboards, and computers running animation software.
"This is where the magic happens," Rohan said, leading them on a tour. "Every frame, every character, every scene—it all comes together here."
Shyam was particularly fascinated, asking questions about the process and marveling at the sheer creativity on display. Raitha, too, was in awe, her admiration for her brother's work growing with each passing moment.
"You've built something incredible here," she said, her voice filled with pride.
"Thanks, Raitha," Rohan said, smiling. "It's a team effort, but I'm glad I can be a part of it."
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The day ended with a quiet dinner back at Rohan's apartment. As they sat around the table, laughter and stories filled the room, creating a sense of togetherness that lingered long after the plates were cleared.
Before they left, Rohan pulled Shyam aside.
"Take care of her," he said, his voice steady but warm. "She's been through a lot, and I'm glad she has you now."
"I will," Shyam replied, his sincerity evident.
Raitha hugged her brother tightly before they said their goodbyes, her heart full as they made their way home.