A New Day

The sun lazily stretched over the Mumbai skyline, painting the city in a golden hue. A distant honk of a train from Mazgaon Dock echoed through the crisp morning air. The Kumar residence, standing tall on its three floors, was bathed in the soft glow of dawn.

Aarav stood on the rooftop, his usual spot, hands tucked in the pockets of his black hoodie. His deep blue eyes scanned the horizon, void of expression, lost in thought. The steel fence cast long shadows as the wind played with his perfectly messy, spiked hair.

A familiar presence approached.

Anna.

Dressed in a soft beige sweater and jeans, her chestnut hair loosely tied in a low ponytail, she carried a steaming cup of tea. Her hazel eyes, warm and perceptive, softened as she looked at him.

"You're up early again."

Aarav didn't turn, simply replying in a neutral tone. "I never really slept."

Anna sighed, stepping beside him. "Overthinking?"

Aarav remained silent for a moment before speaking. "It's quiet up here."

She glanced at him, reading between the lines.

"And yet, you still hear too much."

Aarav didn't deny it. His mind was a storm, always processing, always calculating. The world moved too fast, yet too slow.

Anna took a sip of her tea, gazing at the cityscape. "You should at least try to rest. Even a genius needs sleep."

Aarav exhaled, barely a scoff. "Sleep is inefficient."

Anna shook her head. "Spoken like someone who's never had a full eight hours."

Aarav finally glanced at her.

"Have you?"

Anna hesitated, then chuckled. "Touché."

A comfortable silence settled between them.

Anna, being the only one who could reach him, was also the only one who never tried to. She didn't push, didn't pry—just existed beside him, and that was enough.

The wind rustled through their hair.

Aarav shifted, finally breaking the silence.

"Breakfast?"

Anna smiled. "Amy's making dosa today. Emma will probably steal the chutney again."

Aarav gave the smallest nod, the closest thing to amusement on his face.

Anna turned to head downstairs. "Come down before your food gets cold."

He lingered for a few more seconds, letting the wind carry the weight of his thoughts away, before finally following her inside.

The scent of crisp dosa and freshly brewed coffee wafted through the Kumar residence as the family gathered around the dining table. The kitchen, visible from the table, was a flurry of activity—Amy gracefully moving from the stove to the counter, flipping dosa with expert ease. Anna stood nearby, arranging plates, a soft domestic hum around her.

The dining table was already occupied.

Arun sat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes scanning a newspaper while casually sipping his morning coffee. Next to him, Emma was scrolling through her phone, barely holding back a yawn.

Aarav entered the dining area, his expression already done with the day.

Anna had insisted he come down for breakfast. He obeyed—reluctantly.

Emma barely glanced up from her phone before smirking. "Wow, look who decided to join the mortals."

Aarav ignored her and took his usual seat across from her.

Anna placed a plate of dosa in front of him, the only reason he tolerated this morning routine. His food was simple—no unnecessary flavors, nothing excessive. Just the right balance of nutrition and taste, made by Anna's hands.

Emma, meanwhile, was already stealing the coconut chutney.

Amy, flipping another dosa, didn't even turn. "Emma, don't hoard the chutney."

"But Mom—"

"No buts. Pass it around."

Emma sighed and slid the bowl toward Aarav, but not before taking one last greedy spoonful.

Aarav, staring at her with his usual unreadable expression, simply took what was left and resumed eating in silence.

Arun finally folded his newspaper, looking toward Aarav.

"How's the student council work going?" he asked, his tone casual, but Aarav could sense the underlying expectation.

Without looking up, Aarav answered, "Fine."

"That's it?" Arun raised a brow.

"That's all there is to say."

Silence.

Arun sighed, sipping his coffee.

Amy, ever the peacekeeper, smoothly changed the topic. "Emma, did you finish your economics assignment?"

Emma blinked, nearly choking on her food. "Uh… right. About that—"

"No excuses," Amy cut her off. "I'm checking it after breakfast."

Emma groaned, slumping into her chair. "Ugh. I should've eaten on the rooftop like Aarav."

Aarav, still eating, barely reacted.

"You're not allowed to run away from responsibilities like him," Amy added.

Aarav's fork paused mid-air.

He slowly turned his sharp blue gaze toward Amy.

Emma snickered.

Anna, sensing the brewing storm, smoothly intervened, placing a fresh cup of coffee in front of Aarav. "Drink this. It'll help with your patience."

Aarav accepted the coffee without a word.

But internally?

Patience for what? The circus I live in?

Arun checked his watch. "Aarav, Emma, you two should get going soon."

Aarav finished the last of his meal and stood up wordlessly. He had no interest in prolonging this madness.

Emma, on the other hand, took her sweet time.

"Relax, we have plenty of time—"

"I'm leaving in five minutes," Aarav cut her off.

Emma jumped up from her seat. "Wait, wait—let me pack my stuff first!"

She bolted upstairs.

Aarav, rubbing his temple, muttered under his breath, "…Every single morning."

Anna chuckled softly, watching him from the kitchen.

Aarav sighed, adjusting his bag.

A new day, same headache.

Just as Aarav slung his bag over his shoulder and turned to leave, Arun's voice cut through the morning bustle.

"Wait."

Aarav stopped, already feeling the impending annoyance creep in. Emma, halfway up the stairs, froze mid-step.

Arun set down his coffee cup and leaned back in his chair.

"It's the beginning of the month. Time for your pocket money."

Emma teleported back to the dining table with the speed of a seasoned scam artist. "Oh! Right! I totally forgot!"

Aarav, on the other hand, didn't move. He adjusted his bag strap and deadpanned, "I don't need it."

Arun raised an eyebrow. "And yet, you take it every month."

Aarav sighed. He hated when Arun was right.

Amy, now done with cooking, placed another plate of food on the table. "Emma, don't waste all of it on clothes this time."

Emma gasped in deep offense. "Excuse me, mother, but fashion is an investment."

"So is saving," Arun cut in, pulling out two envelopes from his pocket. He held them up like they were winning lottery tickets.

Emma snatched hers immediately. "Yes! Financial independence!"

Aarav took his envelope more slowly, still unimpressed. He barely spent any money anyway.

"Try not to hoard it like last time," Arun added, eyeing Aarav knowingly.

"I spend when necessary," Aarav replied flatly, tucking the envelope into his bag without checking the amount.

Emma, on the other hand, definitely checked.

Her eyes widened. "Wait. Why does Aarav get more than me?"

Arun sipped his coffee. "Because he won't blow it on overpriced boots and limited-edition perfumes."

Emma groaned dramatically. "Unfair!"

Aarav was already heading toward the door.

"Aarav, Emma," Anna called out softly, stepping forward. She placed a small extra tiffin in Aarav's bag. "In case you need it."

Aarav paused, his blue eyes flickering with something softer. He gave a small nod before stepping out.

Emma—grumbling about favoritism—followed after him, still counting her money.

As the door shut behind them, Arun exhaled. "Well, that went smoother than last month."

Anna smiled, watching the door for a moment longer.

Amy, now clearing the plates, muttered, "We'll see how long that money actually lasts."

As Emma dramatically shoved her envelope into her bag, still grumbling about the "great injustice" of pocket money distribution, Amy casually wiped her hands on her apron and turned to Arun.

"By the way, did you know Aarav still hasn't spent the last four months of his pocket money?"

Arun blinked. "What?"

Anna stifled a small laugh as Amy continued, "I checked the house safe last week. All four envelopes are still there. Unopened."

Emma, who had just stepped out the door, poked her head back in like a nosy neighbor. "What?! He's been hoarding money like a dragon?!"

Arun frowned slightly, setting down his cup. "Why doesn't he use it?"

"Because he doesn't need anything," Amy answered simply.

Anna added, "He's always been like this. He only spends when absolutely necessary."

Emma stomped back inside, dramatically placing her hands on her hips. "Meanwhile, here I am, struggling to keep up with modern fashion on a budget."

Amy rolled her eyes. "That's because you spent two months' worth on a limited-edition perfume that you don't even like anymore."

Emma gasped. "It smelled better in the store!"

Arun ignored their banter, still focused on Aarav's spending habits. "So what does he do with all the money?"

Anna, still calm as ever, gave a small shrug. "Nothing. It just sits there."

Arun rubbed his temple. "That boy... Does he think I give him money for fun?"

Amy smirked. "Well, technically..."

Arun sighed heavily. "Next time, I should just transfer it directly into his bank account."

Anna chuckled softly. "You could, but he might still not touch it."

Emma shook her head in disbelief. "Meanwhile, I am living paycheck to paycheck."

Amy smirked, crossing her arms. "That's because you spend like you're a celebrity and not a student."

Emma groaned dramatically and turned back toward the door. "You all just don't understand the struggle."

Arun leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. "I'll talk to him about it later."

Anna tapped her chin thoughtfully before turning to Arun. "Actually, he did spend his pocket money five months ago on something."

Arun raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Anna nodded. "It was some Einstein book... What was it called again? Ah, right—Relativity."

Amy paused mid-pour while refilling Arun's tea. Emma, who was about to step out, froze with one foot in the doorway.

"Wait, wait, wait." Emma spun around dramatically. "Are you telling me that the only time my genius stepbrother spends money is when he's buying—" she made exaggerated air quotes, "—light reading on theoretical physics?"

Anna chuckled softly. "Seems like it."

Arun sighed, rubbing his temples. "Of course, he did."

Amy smirked. "Well, at least it wasn't another book on quantum mechanics this time. Progress?"

Emma scoffed. "No! That's worse! Do you know what I bought five months ago? A cute handbag. Something normal! Like a normal person!"

Arun took a slow sip of tea. "And yet, you're still asking for more pocket money."

Emma gasped. "That's because being fashionable is expensive! Meanwhile, Aarav is out here living like an immortal sage who doesn't need material things!"

Anna smiled. "I think he just buys what truly interests him."

Emma grumbled, adjusting her bag. "Tch. Nerd."

Amy laughed lightly. "Says the girl who still asks him for tutoring every exam season."

Emma pouted. "That's different!"

Arun, shaking his head, looked toward the door. "Where is he, anyway?"

Anna glanced at the clock. "Probably waiting outside. You know he doesn't like being late."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Of course, he doesn't." She sighed dramatically before turning back to the door. "Fine, fine, I'm leaving before he ditches me and goes full lone wolf again."

Arun watched as Emma stomped off before exhaling deeply. "That boy... I really don't understand what goes on in his head."

Anna smiled. "No one does. But that's just how he is."

Arun let out a long sigh, rubbing his forehead as he watched Emma leave. "What do I do… worry or be proud?"

Anna, standing beside him with a knowing smile, tilted her head. "Says who?"

Arun frowned, turning to her. "What do you mean?"

Anna leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "Says the same man who used to lock himself in his room for days, studying formulas instead of playing cricket with his friends."

Amy chuckled as she stirred the tea. "Sounds familiar, doesn't it?"

Arun huffed, crossing his arms. "That's different. I was preparing for something."

Anna raised an eyebrow. "And Aarav isn't?"

Arun opened his mouth, then closed it. A flicker of realization passed through his eyes, but he quickly masked it with another sigh. "Still… he's too isolated."

Anna smirked. "Says the man who needed a certain best friend to drag him outside like a caveman being introduced to fire."

Arun groaned. "Must you bring up Rohan now?"

Anna shrugged. "It's relevant. Maybe Aarav needs his own Rohan."

Arun ran a hand through his hair. "If that's the case… I'm doomed."

The cool morning air wrapped around Mazgaon Hill, carrying the scent of damp earth and fresh chai brewing in distant stalls. The golden glow of the early sun bathed the quiet streets, casting long shadows as Aarav and Emma walked side by side, heading toward college.

Aarav, as always, was clad in black—black coat, black shirt, black jeans. His dark, perfectly messy spiked hair barely moved in the gentle breeze, and his sharp blue eyes held no interest in the world around him. Hands buried in his pockets, he walked with his usual unbothered grace, the kind that made him look as if he were gliding rather than walking.

Emma, in contrast, was the picture of refined elegance. Her long, wavy dark hair swayed as she walked, and even in a simple outfit, she exuded the kind of effortless beauty that turned heads. Yet, despite the attention she always got, her focus remained elsewhere.

A comfortable silence stretched between them as they walked, the sound of their footsteps blending with the distant hum of the city waking up. Emma had long since given up trying to make small talk with Aarav during their morning walks. He rarely spoke unless necessary, and she had come to accept that.

Then, the unmistakable putt-putt-putt of a scooty engine broke through the quiet.

Emma frowned. That sound didn't belong in this neighborhood. The roads here were usually graced with luxury cars—Audis, BMWs, Mercedes—not… whatever this was.

As the scooty came closer, her eyes widened in surprise.

There, casually riding the ancient-looking two-wheeler, was Dr. Rohan Dutta, one of the most successful neurosurgeons in the city, a man who had enough money to buy a fleet of luxury cars if he wanted. And sitting behind him, clutching onto his shoulders like she was on a high-speed race bike, was his daughter—Sophia.

Sophia, as always, had the energy of a human firecracker. She was dressed in her usual casual tomboyish style, her short, messy hair framing her grinning face as she spotted them.

"Morning, losers!" she called out cheerfully, waving with both hands, almost making the scooty wobble.

Emma didn't bother responding. Instead, she turned to the actual question at hand.

"Doctor Uncle?" she called out, raising an eyebrow. "What happened to your Audi?"

Rohan didn't even blink. Without slowing down, without changing his deadpan expression, he replied with a straight face:

"Says who? Your dad is a millionaire, and you guys are still walking to college."

Emma opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it again.

She turned to Aarav, expecting—something, some kind of reaction. Maybe a sarcastic comment, maybe a sharp retort, maybe just a glance.

Nothing.

Aarav kept walking, completely unbothered, his expression as neutral as ever.

Sophia, from the back of the scooty, smirked. "He's got a point, you know."

Emma groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "Ugh, whatever."

Sophia burst into laughter, and even Rohan's lips quirked slightly in amusement as the scooty sped ahead, leaving the two behind.

Emma sighed, shaking her head. 'I swear, this family is impossible.'

Aarav, finally, broke his silence. In a voice so quiet she almost missed it, he muttered, "Took you long enough to realize."

Emma whipped her head toward him, glaring. "Excuse me—"

But he had already walked ahead, leaving her grumbling as she hurried to catch up.

Emma was still lost in thought, trying to calculate how she could spend her untouched pocket money. She wasn't like Aarav, who blew his on Einstein's Theory of Relativity like it was some thrilling novel. No, she wanted to spend it wisely. Maybe some new books? Some clothes? A gift for Amy?

Before she could settle on an answer, an ominous rustling from above snapped her out of her thoughts.

Aarav, walking a step ahead, let out a sharp exhale through his nose. His already irritated expression deepened into a full-blown scowl.

Emma felt it too. That familiar presence.

And then—

THUD.

A human body landed right beside them from an absurd height, kicking up dust from the road.

Emma flinched. Aarav simply stopped walking. Both of their moods instantly turned from mild annoyance to full-fledged exasperation.

The cause of their misery?

Karan.

This absolute menace of a human had just jumped down from a 23-foot tree, rolling his shoulders like it was a casual morning stretch.

Emma's eye twitched. "What. The. Hell."

Aarav crossed his arms, glaring down at the madman before them.

Karan, completely unbothered, dusted himself off and grinned. "Sup? You guys walk too slow, so I took a shortcut."

Emma deadpanned. "A shortcut? You were literally tree-hopping like some ninja!"

Karan smirked, jerking his thumb back at the towering trees lining the road. "I calculated the trajectory. Why waste energy walking when I can just jump?"

Aarav pinched the bridge of his nose. He had long since accepted Karan's existence as a chaotic force, but that didn't mean he had to tolerate it. "You're an idiot."

Karan gasped, clutching his chest. "Rude. I prefer 'innovative risk-taker.'"

Emma scoffed. "I prefer 'walking lawsuit.'"

Karan ignored her, stretching his arms behind his head. "Anyway, I got bored. Walking is boring. Might as well add some thrill to life, right?"

Aarav stared at him like he was looking at a particularly annoying insect. "One day, you're going to break your spine, and I'm not wasting my time at the hospital."

Karan grinned wider. "You say that now, but I bet you'll visit me out of guilt."

Aarav turned, already walking away. "No."

Emma followed, rolling her eyes. "We need a restraining order on you."

Karan jogged after them, still grinning. "You love me, don't lie."

Neither responded.

But Karan? He just saw their silence as proof that he was, indeed, their favorite source of irritation.