"No matter how old you grow, your family will always think you need one more sweater, one more snack... and one more reminder to be careful."

Nearly a week had passed since Aadhya's fever.

She had completely recovered.

The cheerful laughter had returned to Rathore Mansion.

Her appetite was back.

She was sketching again.

Reading again.

And most importantly...

Smiling again.

Monday morning at St. Xavier's International School was buzzing with excitement.

Students whispered across classrooms.

Teachers struggled to begin lessons.

Something important was clearly happening.

As soon as the first period ended...

The principal's announcement echoed through the speakers.

"Good morning, students.

We are delighted to announce a three-day educational picnic for Classes IX and X next month.

The trip will include visits to historical monuments, museums, science centres, adventure activities, and team-building sessions.

Consent forms will be distributed today.

We hope everyone participates."

The announcement barely ended before the entire classroom erupted.

"Yes!"

"Finally!"

"This is going to be amazing!"

Siya immediately turned to Aadhya.

"We're definitely going."

Kiara grinned.

"I'm already planning my outfits."

Dev dramatically stood up.

"I volunteer as the official photographer."

Kabir adjusted his glasses.

"I just hope you remember we're going on an educational trip."

Dev looked offended.

"Education begins after breakfast."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Arjun leaned back in his chair with a smile.

"So..."

"Who's sitting with whom on the bus?"

Dev raised his hand instantly.

"I call the window seat!"

Kabir sighed.

"You called it before we even have bus numbers."

"Planning is important."

Siya nudged Aadhya.

"You'll come, right?"

Aadhya smiled.

"I'd love to."

Kiara clapped happily.

"Then it's decided."

"We're all going together."

Vivaan, who had just entered the classroom after returning from the office with the consent forms, waved one excitedly.

"Twinny!"

"We're going on a picnic!"

"I know."

"I can't wait!"

The entire day passed in excited discussions.

Who would bring snacks.

Who would carry board games.

Which historical monument would be the most interesting.

Even Kabir eventually joined the planning.

Though he insisted someone should also revise the itinerary.

That afternoon...

Aadhya and Vivaan returned home with their consent forms.

The moment they entered the living room...

Vivaan shouted,

"Papa!"

"We're going on a picnic!"

The newspaper slowly lowered.

Vikram smiled.

"Oh?"

"Three days."

Aadhya handed him the consent forms.

"It's an educational trip."

Within minutes...

The rest of the brothers gathered in the living room.

Advik looked excited.

"A picnic?"

"That sounds fun."

Vihaan smiled.

"Where are you all going?"

Vivaan proudly began reading from the brochure.

"Amer Fort."

"Jantar Mantar."

"Albert Hall Museum."

"Science Centre."

"Nature Camp."

"And lots of activities!"

Advik nodded dramatically.

"I want to go."

Vihaan laughed.

"They're not taking overgrown children."

"I object."

Vivaan suddenly looked at everyone seriously.

"I've decided something."

"What?" Aryaveer asked.

"I'm coming."

Everyone blinked.

Advik stared.

"Vivaan..."

"It's your picnic."

"I know."

"So obviously I'm coming."

"You were already going."

"No."

"I mean..."

He pointed dramatically toward Aadhya.

"I'm staying with Twinny every second."

"If she goes somewhere..."

"I go too."

Aadhya laughed.

"We're in the same class, remember?"

"I know."

"But I'm making it official."

He folded his arms proudly.

"I'll be her bodyguard."

Advik immediately raised his hand.

"I support this plan."

Vivaan grinned.

"See!"

Aryaveer looked at both of them.

"No."

The room fell silent.

Vivaan blinked.

"No?"

Aryaveer sighed.

"You're going on a school picnic."

"Not a security mission."

"You'll let your sister enjoy time with her friends."

Vivaan pouted dramatically.

"But what if she gets lost?"

Aadhya smiled.

"I have a map."

"What if someone bothers you?"

"I have teachers."

"What if—"

She laughed.

"I'll survive."

Vihaan chuckled.

"I feel sorry for whoever has to sit behind you two on the bus."

Vivaan proudly replied,

"They'll get free entertainment."

Until now...

Veeransh had remained silent.

He looked at the brochure carefully.

Then calmly asked,

"Teachers are going?"

Aadhya nodded.

"Yes."

"The principal, our class teachers, the sports teacher, and two female teachers."

He read the list himself.

Then asked another question.

"Separate accommodation for boys and girls?"

"Yes."

"Medical facilities?"

Kabir's father had apparently already asked the same thing at school, so Aadhya answered confidently.

"There's a doctor assigned to the trip."

Veeransh gave a small nod.

"Good."

That was all he said.

But everyone understood.

That had been his way of making sure she would be safe.

Advik couldn't resist teasing him.

"Look at Mr. Serious conducting an investigation."

Veeransh calmly replied,

"It's called being responsible."

"It's called interrogation."

"I prefer responsible."

Aadhya looked around at all of them.

Then burst into laughter.

"You all worry too much."

Six pairs of eyes turned toward her.

Together...

Almost in perfect synchronization...

They answered,

"We're your brothers."

"As if we have a choice."

The entire room filled with laughter.

That evening...

The consent forms were signed.

Vikram handed them back to Aadhya.

"You'll go."

She smiled brightly.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"You deserve to enjoy your childhood."

She hugged him happily.

"Thank you, Papa."

As she walked upstairs with Vivaan...

He whispered,

"Twinny?"

"Hm?"

"I'm still sitting next to you on the bus."

She giggled.

"I figured."

"And if anyone takes the window seat..."

"I'll negotiate."

She laughed.

"Negotiate?"

"Politely."

"And if they still don't agree?"

Vivaan thought for a moment.

"...Then I'll ask Dev to help."

Aadhya laughed so hard she had to hold the railing.

Behind them...

The brothers smiled.

The sound of her laughter echoed through the mansion once again.

And to every Rathore...

It was still the sweetest sound in the world.

To Be Continued...