Aashna POV :

Warm sun rays hit my face and I opened eyes slowly, "What is the time?" I asked no one but understood its too late. I checked my watch and saw its 10:00 A.M, "Great! Now get ready to face your mother" I said to myself looking in mirror. I got ready in ten minutes and went down with full preparation to face my mother's class and my brothers taunts. 

But my home is empty!  All of them left me alone. Well they are busy in their works unlike me who is on vacation or break for few months from my work.

My dad Abhinav Khurana is a business man, he owns one of the largest and popular watch brand. No! We don't own Tissot but our watches are also popular after all  my mom is the design head.

Aditi Khurana, my mom and love of my father's life. She became a designer out of passion but her real intention is to support my father. This is a secret which she shared only with me not even her lovely sons know this.

My brothers are my life, my elder brother is my idol and I worship the land he walks on. My little brother is my partner in fun and I am his savior. With these thoughts I went near dining table but there was no food making me sad.

I found a note on the table and I know its for me. We have this habit from my childhood as there were no mobile phones at that time and we continue writing notes like this at times.

Late risers do not get food, either cook yourself or stay hungry.

-Written by
Your little soldier
P.s. I wrote this on mom's insistence. I love you di 😘

I read the letter and imagined how my little soldier would have whined not to write this but my mother would have threatened him to reveal about his girlfriend to me which I already know.

I am possessive about Ayaan as his heart melts easily and these girls just play with his emotions. I can't see him heartbroken so I warn him to be aware. He shares every detail about his life with me but he is hiding about a girl recently.

I called my dad to inform I was going out but he didn't attend the call. I left a message and started towards shopping mall to buy gifts for my future sister in-law.

Yes! My elder brother got engaged two days ago to Arshiya and I forgot to gift her. Now I don't want to be in bad books of her, already her parents do not like me as I was the reason Aarush-Arshiya's wedding got postponed.

I entered the mall and automatically my legs moved towards my favorite place, The Book Shop. Last time I came it was under renovation so I started roaming towards all corners and picked as many books I can. Before buying I just go through and there is no place for me to sit as all seats were occupied.

"Come here dear!  We can adjust" one aunty called me and I gladly accepted. She seemed very friendly and gave me enough space unlike few who just do it to show off. "Seems you like books very much" she asked me warmly. "Books are my oxygen" I said keeping books near my nose and inhaled the fragrance of book in my hand. Heaven!

"Even my sons like books but not more than me. Can you suggest me which one to buy?" She asked me showing few and I easily picked few. "These are the best, you can buy all if you want" I winked at her. "You are a bookworm" she said laughing making my jaw drop. "Even my brother calls me that" I said pouting. She pulled my cheeks and went for billing, I drowned myself in reading after aunty left.

After sometime my stomach started making weird sounds and I checked the time, its past lunch time and I am still reading! I hurriedly paid the bill and went towards exit.

Arshiya's gifts?

I banged my head hardly and went back to do shopping. I bought a dress for her and all accessories which she likes. Then I started searching for a perfect gift which will remain memorable for her. After so much of brain storming I bought a chain with two A' s engraved on the dolphin and heart shaped pendant.

I am sure she will never forget this gift as we all are obsessed with letter 'A' and Arshiya will pass this chain as legacy to her kids. I laughed at my thoughts and started coming down, I saw few people gathered around a woman.

I was shocked to see the aunty in bookshop trying to breathe. All her shopping bags fell down and she started to collapse. No one helped her but kept on staring as if a movie is playing.

"Move! Move!" I shouted and went near her, "If you people surround like this how will she get air?" I shouted and few people left. "Try to keep her conscious and you all can leave" one lady helped me and shooed the crowd.

"Aunty! Let's go to hospital" I said and smiled looking at me. "Bookworm? You are here?" She asked me in surprise. "Yeah! Can you walk? I am not superwoman to carry you and these all shopping bags" I tried to divert her mind and she is better now.

I supported her in walking carrying all the bags. "Madam! Are you fine?" One man came near us. "She is not well, let's take her to hospital" I said understanding he is aunty's driver. He took all the bags and placed them in car, meanwhile I sat beside aunty and held her hand tightly.

"We will go home" driver uncle said, "but .. " I tried to talk but aunty stopped me. "I feel better at home and I am Tejaswini" she introduced herself. I was spellbound by her grace and manners even in that situation.

"You already named me" I winked at her. "Ms. Bookworm! Thanks for helping me" she said formally and I didn't like it. "Here I thought you are my friend and by thanking you are making feel like a stranger" I whined.

What happened to you Aashna? Why are you behaving like a immature?

I don't know why but I am feeling very comfortable with this lady beside me who is talking about all the things in the world. "Are you a potterhead?" She questioned me, "Yes" I said proudly. "Even Rohan is a potterhead" she said and I grinned thinking someone has same tastes like me.

Meanwhile we reached Tejaswini Aunt's home, the exterior of the mansion was enough for me to know they are freaking rich. I entered inside holding her as she is still feeling difficult to balance.

"Mom"

"Di"

"Tejaswini" 

I heard three shouts at a time when we entered, even though her family members held her she did not leave my hand. So I too went along with them to her room, "Mom! She is the one who saved me. I did not even take medicines" she said like a child to the old lady. "Thank you so much dear" the old lady kissed my forehead and I came out along with the guy.

"Thank you so much" he said holding my hand, "I just helped her Ronny" I said recognizing him. Just then I saw three men entered and got shocked to see Mr. Vikranth Chauhan with his brother. So this is Chauhan mansion!

Obviously! Ronny is Rohan Chauhan and he called Tejaswini Aunt as his mother. This explains but why did I take this much time to realise? What if they think I helped as she is rich, no I cannot let anyone think low about me. 

Suddenly I felt suffocated staying there, "Are you fine?" Ronny asked me and I just nodded. "May be I should leave" I blurted out, "Can you stay for some more time? Mom's doctor will come, if he wants to know what happened . ." Ronny explained and I agreed. I too want to know she is safe before I leave this place.

One guy came running along with doctor, then I saw he too has the white coat. He looked very handsome even with a worried look on his face, those eyes had some spark. His patients are lucky to have a visual treat of this doctor.

When did I start observing guys? Just now! Finally I am behaving like a girl

"Why are you laughing?" Ronny asked poking my arm, "This is the first time I am drooling over a guy, see that assistant doctor" I pointed out and immediately he frowned. "I am sorry for praising some other guy before you" I said with a smile and he started smiling mischievously. 

"We are going to be very good friends" he said and introduced me to his family members. They were all very nice and simple proving my thoughts before were wrong. "Excuse me! Ms. Bookworm can you come with me?" Mrs. Tara Chauhan called me.

"Hello Mrs. Tejaswini! Feeling better?" I greeted her, "Better than ever, Your smile and words worked on me" she said with a wink. "I never saw her smiling like this since years" Mrs. Tara said in a sad tone, "I could not bear if someone taunts you Tara, you are like my sister. All of them were saying I am just showing off by making my sons treat you and Jayanth as their own parents. You know me right?" Tejaswini aunt said and started crying.

I felt odd being there when they were discussing their personal lives, "I cannot have my own kids, so Di made her both sons treat me like their mother. That did not go well with her friends and society, their only aim was to break our bond. They could not break our bond but her health started deteriorating, cruel people" Mrs. Tara explained.

"No one from our family knows this except we two and our mother in-law, it occupies my mind and then I get these attacks. I don't know why but I felt like sharing with you" Tejaswini aunty and they both kissed me. This is so emotional and I wanted to help her in reducing her pain.

"When your sons get married bring their wives as daughters of Mrs. Tara. What others say should not effect us aunty, now your whole family is worried for you, I hope you will try" I said and came out along with Tara Chauhan.

"I can see Tejaswini is thinking about your words, We tried to explain but she never listens to me or Tara. Thank you so much! Can I ask you one more favor?" Mrs. Leena Chauhan asked sweetly. "You are just like my grand mother, so you can order me" I said playfully, "Can you come here daily? Your presence will help my daughter to recover soon, that is what doctor said and I too feel the same" she asked and I did not know what to respond. 

"How can I come here daily without any relation? I do not want others or anyone from your family to think bad about me" I said in my defense. I think in all possible ways, that is my work and I cannot stop my brain working like this. "If you want we can hire you as employee or caretaker, you can decide your salary" the old lady offered.

What? Aashna Abhinav Khurana working for someone like a caretaker or whatever?? IMPOSSIBLE.

"I am sorry to say Mrs. Chauhan, I do not need this job. I can help if you want but not as your employee" I said sternly emphasizing on each word, "Then you can come to your friend's home daily, who will stop you" she said with a smirk. Oh! So this was her plan to make me agree, very intelligent.

"I will let you know, I should ask my parents" I said and they asked Ronny to drop me. "Your shopping bags are placed in car, so lets go" he said igniting the engine. "I never expected Rockstar Ronny will drop me home" I said to continue out talk. "You want to be my friend?" he asked seriously, "Of course" I said promptly. "Then choose you want to be friend of Rockstar Ronny or Rohan Chauhan?" he questioned making me think, "What is the difference?" I wanted to know.

"With Ronny you will get fame, autographs, concert tickets and whatever you ask but if you want Rohan then you should hang out with me whenever I want and listen to all my bickering" he said and winked. "Then I choose Rohan as I too need someone to share my thoughts" I said and we shook hands. 

"You will be my first friend after my brothers as everyone want only Ronny not Rohan" he said with a sad smile. I saw everyone in this Chauhan family has some story to share but still they stay happy for each other. Great bonding and I am already loving this family.

"Hey stop! We reached" I shouted when we came near my home, "This is your home? " he asked in astonishment and got down from car. He came in and started admiring our cozy home built well in less space with all the facilities. "I have never seen such a beautiful house, I love this place" he said showing his excitement. "Wow! Why is 'A' engraved ? Its looking fantastic adding more beauty" he asked running his finger on the 'A' which is shining.

"Well all of our names start with 'A', my dad Abhinav, mom Aditi, Aarush my elder brother, Ayaan my younger brother and myself Aashna" I said with huge grin while he looked at me like I am some prized possession. "I will call you Aashu if you don't have any problem" he said, "You can" I permitted as all my loved ones call me that way. "Its good you accepted or else I would have called you Bookworm" he said to tease me.

"You started being my friend, come in" I invited, "Not now! next time" he said and sat in his car. "Come home tomorrow, I should say something very important" he said gaining my attention, "What is it?" I asked, "I know you cannot sleep without solving mysteries, so I will pick you tomorrow. Good night Aashu" he drove away ignoring me.

"Where were you till now? Do you know what is the time? Is this the way you misuse your freedom?" my brother questioned me. "I am too hungry to answer you" I pushed him and sat near dining table. My mom started filling my plate without questioning me, "Ayaan! Who are you to question my daughter?" my dad asked seriously making all of us smile.

"Well you all do not question her, so I do" he said sitting beside me and started eating. "Ayaan! How many times did I tell you not to wait for me. Is this the time to have dinner?" I asked in warning tone. "Then you should scold us all today" my elder brother Aarush sat on other side of me. All of us started eating and I explained them what happened since morning.

"Tejaswini is my best friend, I really want you to help her which I could not" Mom said, "Then I will tell them about you, I am happy I have a valid reason to go there" I said chewing food. "No Aashu! Do not give details as Tejaswini may not allow you near her if she knows you are Aditi's daughter" Dad warned me.

"Why Dad? Is there any particular reason?" Aarush asked, "Tejaswini used to be role model of many, she worked on women empowerment. There were few people who were jealous of her and they targeted her with the help of rivals of Chauhan's. She is used to be soul of her family, then slowly she avoided all her friends. I tried to talk to her but there was no use and I lost my friend" mom explained.

"I will not force you but I will be happy if you help her" saying that mom and dad went to their room. Both my brothers kept staring at me and we finished our dinner in silence. 

"Aashu! Now Rohan is your friend so you can visit them thinking you are helping his mother" Aarush suggested. "What if they think I am some gold digger who is after their son and family. I do not think Chauhan's will think like that but this society" I blabbered. "Di! Stop thinking like a lawyer and be a doctor for Rohan's mom for few days. I will give you few tips" Ayaan encouraged.

"Ayaan is right Aashu, you stop thinking and start working from tomorrow" Aarush advised, "What will I do without you both, come here" I hugged both of them. "I love you Aaru and Aayu" I never fail to say these words and they both started giggling hearing their nicknames. "Chauhan family here comes our sister" they both shouted.

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A/N: So here is Ms. Bookworm, She is Aashna and this is her family. 

Can any of you guess her profession? Who will be her partner out of three guys?

Thank you for reading

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