I was laying on my bed, wrapped tightly in my blanket, my mind tangled in the complicated maze of memories and questions. I kept thinking about how cruel fate had been to us — how we, who once lived as a happy family, were now playing roles of strangers for the sake of survival. The pain of separation was deep, unbearable. We had the bond of eternal love, yet we were acting like we didn't even know each other. All for safety… all for protection. Uncle Devendra Rajput and Aunty Shraddha Rajput pretended to be divorced just to keep us hidden from the eyes of danger. And we, the children — Ayus, Attya, Aryan, Alisha, and I — were the most precious part of their lives. They never wanted harm to even touch us.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I thought of everything we had gone through. I didn't even realize when I drifted into sleep.
Scene: A Few Hours Later – Before Dawn
Brother Dr. Zixianxia Mishra slowly walked into my room. He looked at me with warmth in his eyes. He gently covered us three — me, Aryan Singh Rajput, and Alisha Sharma — with the blanket. Then he walked closer to me, ran his hand lovingly over my forehead, and whispered, "When the time comes, little sister, we won't need to hide anymore. We'll live freely, without fear… but for now, we're helpless. We have to do what's necessary."
He kissed my forehead, turned off the lights, and quietly left to sleep in the guest room.
Scene: 5:40 AM – The Alarm Army Strikes
BZZZZZ!! BZZZZZ!! BZZZZZ!!
The three legendary alarms went off like angry bees. We all — Aryan, Alisha, and I — sat up on our beds like confused zombies. We didn't even set the alarms last night.
Aryan grumbled, "We didn't even touch the alarm… did you?"
Alisha groaned, "Nope, it's the work of the devil doctor…"
I shouted, "Brother Zixianxiaaaaa!!"
The door creaked open, and there he stood like a smug villain from an early-morning horror drama. "Freshen up fast. Or I'll help you with a freezing tub of water on your faces," he said casually, twirling the toothbrush in his hand like a weapon.
We chorused, "Brother, why are you like this??"
He smirked. "Because I'm the doctor you all fear and love."
We whined, "We hate you when you act like the hygiene mafia!"
Brother Zixianxia replied, "Then go and freshen up. I'm preparing your punishment — I mean, your breakfast."
Scene: The Bathroom Battle
Our room was massive — a dorm-style hall with three beds in a neat row. To the side were our personal bathrooms, three stylish cubicles equipped like mini spas. Our glass windows opened up to a long balcony lush with plants, perfect for gardening. We had a comfy couch, cozy corners with built-in bookshelves, study desks facing the balcony, and an entire section for our shoes and accessories. It was less of a room and more like a private world.
We barged into our individual bathrooms together, brushing and gossiping as always.
Aryan asked, "Why is Brother Zixianxia so strict about everything — studies, hygiene, safety? He's like our University Director!"
Alisha added, "Yeah, that spectacular old bastard who sticks his nose in everyone's business. Why does Brother act like him!?"
I said, "True… two months in this school and we already know whose character is how complicated. May God send that Director to hell, full of disrespect!"
We burst out laughing. Our laughter was like a wave, crashing through the bathroom walls.
Suddenly, the annoyed voice echoed, "SHUT UP!!!"
"Ahhh, Brotherrrr!!!" we yelled.
Brother Zixianxia grunted, "Come out quick for breakfast or I'll eat all the fruit-milk mixture and veg sandwiches alone."
We moaned, "Brother, can't you make something else for breakfast? This is criminal!"
I teased, "Now I get why Senior Yizhenxia doesn't live with you."
Aryan added, "Brother, please… add some spice to your life. Why are you so boring!?"
He said with a devilish grin, "Come now or I'll lock the door and release cockroaches and mice to make things interesting."
"STRANGE! WE HATE YOU, BROTHER!" we shouted together, running out.
Scene: Kitchen – Breakfast Drama
As we sat at the table, Brother Zixianxia was pouring juice with the most bored face on earth. But I noticed something — he was thinking. Deeply.
He walked into the hallway, pulled out his phone, and called Aunty Shraddha Rajput.
"Aunty, how are you raising these dangerous little monsters alone?" he asked.
Aunty laughed from the other end, "Because I know my precious little demons are with you. Once I come back, I'll show them some real discipline. Their stuff is scattered across Bangalore like mini spies!"
He chuckled. "No, Aunty… let them be. They're just playful. After what they've been through — Adda nearly died… Aryan had that car accident, and baby Attya… he was just eight months old when that all happened. He had no chance to even start being naughty. He doesn't even talk much now. You know how introverted he became."
There was a pause.
Then he said softly, "Aunty… let them live this childhood. Let them laugh. Let them break the rules. We'll protect them from everything. Yizhenxia and I lost our childhood to these secrets… we won't let them do the same."
Aunty sighed. "I trust you. Let them enjoy. But don't forget to tell Adda the truth when the time is right."
Brother Zixianxia looked toward our room, eyes gentle but determined. "I will, Aunty. When it's safe — and when she's ready."