Chapter 66: A Shift in the Wind

Next day,

In the morning:

(The morning sun peeked through the curtains as Kiaan and Kiara sat at the dining table, hurriedly packing their school bags.

Their tiffin boxes, carefully prepared by Vikram, were the final items to go in.)

Kiaan: (grins) wow!!! Papa ke special sandwiches! School mein toh sab mujh se jealous hone waale hain.

Kiara: (teases) kuch bhi!!! aaj toh star of the day main hi rehne waali hoon!!!!

(They both laughed, playfully nudging each other. Kiara zipped up her bag and stood to place it near the door.)

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Then,

(Her eyes fell on the dustbin by the corner of the room, and she froze.

Peeking out of the top was a crumpled piece of newspaper. Curious, she walked closer and pulled it out.

As she smoothed it out, her heart sank. It was the front page with her victory news-the photo of her holding the trophy with pride now wrinkled and discarded.

Her smile faded, replaced by a look of hurt. She turned silently, holding the paper in her hands.)

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Then,

(Vikram, who had just entered the room with a cup of chai, noticed her expression immediately.)

Vikram: (softly) Kiara...

Kiara: (voice trembled slightly) Papa, yeh... dadi ne daala hoga, hai naa??

(Kiaan, sensing the shift in mood, paused and looked between his sister and their father.

Vikram set his tea down and walked toward Kiara.

He gently took the crumpled paper from her hands, smoothing it further, and then pulled her into a warm hug.)

Vikram: (reassures her) Beta.... Yeh sirf ek paper hai... okay? no one can crush your ambitions and your dreams!!!! I will make sure of that!!! Main aaj shaam mein, tumhaari dadi se baat karunga!!

(Kiara rested her head on his shoulder, taking comfort in his words.)

Kiara: (softly) Par Papa, yeh mera moment tha... aur...

Vikram: (cutting her off gently) beta.... you have a lot of photos of that moment... and rahi baat paper ki... toh I'll get another newspaper... theek hai?

Kiara: (softly) That's fine Papa... but, dadi neeche bhi nahi aayi... warna toh she's always up by 5:30.

(Her voice held a tinge of hurt. Kiaan, who had been adjusting his bag, looked at her and sighed.)

Kiaan: (trying to lighten the mood) Matlab, aaj toh record hi tod diya, unhone!!!!

(Kiara didn't smile. She looked at Vikram, her eyes searching for reassurance.)

Kiara: I know she's really angry at me... isiliye...

(Vikram sighed, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.)

Kiara: (cuts in, shaking her head) I won such a huge race, papa!!!! toh kam se kam ek baar neeche aake mil toh leti, dadi!!!!

(Vikram didn't push further. He knew Kiara wasn't wrong to feel this way. Instead, he just squeezed her shoulder gently.)

Vikram: (softly) Tumhe apni jeet ka celebration kisi aur ke reaction se define nahi karna chahiye, Kiara. Tumne jo achieve kiya hai, uspar proud hone ka haq sirf tumhara hai.... baaki hum sab secondary hain!!!!

(Kiara took a deep breath and nodded. Kiaan gave her a playful nudge.)

Kiaan: Haan, chalo ab rona dhona bandh. Warna school wale trophy ki jagah tumhe tissue box de denge!

(Kiara let out a small chuckle. Vikram smiled, relieved that at least Kiaan could lift her spirits.)

Kiaan: (grins) Just be happy yeh soch kar, ki school mein tumhaara kya hi shandaar swaagat hone waala hai! (dramatically)  Imagine karo... tumhaare liye red carpet bicha hoga, They will shower you with rose petals!! Aur school ka marching band? Woh toh special congratulations tune bajayega sirf tumhaare liye!

(Kiara chuckled despite herself, wiping a tear from her cheek. Vikram smiled, patting Kiaan's back.)

Vikram: Tumhaara bhai, tumhaare papa aur tumhaari mumma, hamesha tumhaare saath khade hain.... okay? chalo.... go finish your breakfast jaldi... mujhe bhi jaldi nikalna hai, hospital ke liye. I have a lot of pending cases as well!!!

(Kiara glanced at Kiaan, who gave her a thumbs-up, and the siblings walked towards the dining table to grab a quick bite)

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later,

(As Kiara and Kiaan finished their breakfast, Vikram checked the time on the clock and then got up from his seat.)

Vikram: (calling out) Chalo, kids! Time to leave!

(Kiaan slung his bag over his shoulder, while Kiara took one last glance at the crumpled newspaper on the table before nodding and following them.)

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Then,

(Just as Vikram opened the main door, hurried footsteps echoed from the staircase.

Anuradha came rushing down, clearly flustered. She adjusted her saree, as she stepped into the dining area.

Her eyes darted around, landing on the front door just as it clicked shut behind Vikram and the kids.

Anuradha: (out of breath) aaj hi ke din mujhe late ho gaya!!!!

(She exhaled sharply, her shoulders dropping as she stared at the closed door.)

Anuradha: (muttering to herself) ek minute aur ruk jaate, toh main Kiara se bhi baat kar leti!!!

(She sighed and ran a hand through her hair before making her way to the kitchen.

As she entered, her eyes fell on the dining table and then to the counter, where a cup of tea sat, carefully covered with a small lid.

She stopped in her tracks, her lips curving into a small smile.

She picked up the cup, warmth spreading through her fingers—not just from the tea but from the silent gesture behind it.

Vikram had made it for her. Even in his rush, he had thought of her.

Shaking her head with a soft chuckle, she walked over to the microwave, placed the cup inside, and pressed the button to heat it.

As the timer ticked down, she leaned against the counter, her smile lingering as she waited for the beep, savoring the rare moment of quiet in the house.)

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Later,

At School:

(The morning assembly at Kiara's school was abuzz with excitement.

Whispers filled the air, as students exchanged the news that had been all over the papers.

The principal, a dignified man in his sixties, stepped forward to address the gathering, his voice steady but laced with pride.)

Principal: Good morning, students and teacher and the staff members. Today is a moment of great joy and pride for our school. One of our own has achieved something extraordinary. Our very own Sports Vice- Captain, Kiara Sabharwal of 12 B, has made history by winning the National Motorcycle Championship!!!!

(The announcement was met with thunderous applause.

Cheers erupted across the courtyard as students stood on their toes to catch a glimpse of Kiara, who was standing among her classmates, her face a mix of surprise and shyness.)

Principal: Kiara, please come onto the dais!!!

(Kiara's classmates nudged her gently, urging her to go.

Kiaan, standing a few rows behind, clapped so hard his palms turned red, grinning widely.

Beside him, Mihika joined in enthusiastically, her cheers loud and unrestrained.

Kiara took a deep breath and walked up to the stage, her heart racing.

As she climbed the steps, the applause grew louder, and she could feel the eyes of the entire school on her.

The principal handed her a small, elegant memento engraved with the words - 'Pride of Our School: Kiara Sabharwal)

Principal: (warm, encouraging tone) you have shown us all the power of passion, perseverance, and courage. You didn't just win a championship; you've inspired an entire generation to chase their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

(The students erupted into another round of applause, a few even letting out cheers of-)

Students: (cheering) 'Kiara!!!! Kiara!!!! Kiara!!!'

(Overwhelmed, Kiara clutched the memento tightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

She stepped up to the mic, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke.)

Kiara: (smiling) A very Good morning to the Principal, the teachers the students and my dear friends. It feels amazing to be standing here, not just as a student but as someone who has lived her dream. (smiles) You know, a year ago, if someone had told me I'd win a national championship, I would've laughed. It felt impossible... like a dream too big for someone like me. But today, I'm here to tell you that no dream is too big if you're ready to work for it. It doesn't matter where you come from or how many people doubt you. What matters is that you believe in yourself and never give up.

(The room was silent, every word of hers resonating deeply.)

Kiara: (her voice softening) I won't lie-this journey hasn't been easy. There were moments when I wanted to give up. But in those moments, I remembered the people who believed in me, who supported me- my family, and my friends and all of you!!! (smiles through her tears) So, today, I want to dedicate this win to all of them... and to every single one of you. This win isn't just mine-it's ours!!!! And at last, but not the least... I would like to tell everyone to go chase your dreams. No matter what others say. Your dreams are valid, and they are worth fighting for!!!!

(As Kiara concluded her speech, the thunderous applause echoed through the school.

She smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed with pride, and stepped off the stage to rejoin her class in the assembly line.

Her classmates greeted her with soft pats on the back and whispered congratulations, their faces beaming with admiration.)

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(A few rows away, Kiaan was standing in the line with his class. He watched his sister with pride swelling in his chest.

For a moment, the strict discipline he always upheld as the head boy faded into the background.

Overcome with emotion, he broke ranks and walked briskly, almost running towards Kiara.

Before Kiara could react, Kiaan reached her and pulled her into a tight hug. The crowd gasped softly, some smiling at the unexpected display of sibling love.)

Kiara: (surprised, laughing softly) Kiaan!!!! Assembly chal rahi hai!!!!

Kiaan (ignoring the stares, whispering) Who cares about assembly rules? You deserve this hug, champ!!!! (smiles) what a speech, Kiru!!! Main toh tumhaara fan hi ho gaya!!!!

(Kiara smiled and hugged him back.

A teacher walked over and cleared her throat loudly, bringing Kiaan and Kiara back to reality.

Kiaan stepped back sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck, but his grin didn't fade.)

Teacher: (sternly but with a hint of amusement) Kiaan... you are the Head boy!!! Please maintain discipline.

Kiaan: (nodding quickly) Sorry, ma'am. I couldn't help it!!!

(The assembly broke into soft laughter, and even the teachers couldn't help but smile at the heartfelt moment.)

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Later,

In the afternoon,

At home:

(Kiara headed upstairs towards her room, she hummed softly, still basking in the compliments she had received at school.

But the moment she stepped inside her room, her smile disappeared. Her National Championship trophy, the one she had proudly placed on her study table the night before, was missing.

Her heart sank, and she froze for a moment before rushing to check her desk, her bedside table, and even under her bed. The trophy was nowhere to be found.

Frowning, she stepped out and called out loudly.)

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Outside her room:

Kiara: (shouts) Sheetal didi! Jaldi aaiye!!!

(Sheetal, the house help, emerged from the laundry room, wiping her hands with her dupatta.)

Sheetal: Haan, Kiara baby? Kya hua?

Kiara (urgently) Didi, meri trophy? Maine study table pe rakhi thi... woh kahaan hai? aapne dekha kya?

(Sheetal shook her head, looking genuinely confused.)

Sheetal: Nahi, beta... Maine toh nahi dekha. Aapne kahin aur rakha hoga shayad?

Kiara (frustrated) Nahi didi.... Itni important cheez main idhar- udhar rakh ke, kaise bhool jaaungi. Maine kal hi, yahaan rakhi thi.... aaj koi mere room mein gaya tha kya?

Sheetal: (tries to recollect) Haan.... Woh... maa ji gayi thi.... Unhone aapka luggage khola tha. Kapde nikal ke mujhe diye thay, laundry ke liye.

(Kiara's heart clenched. Kiara's eyes filled with tears, but her face was flushed with anger. She stormed out of her room and made her way downstairs.

The joy she had felt all day evaporated in an instant.

She wiped her tears angrily, her jaw tightening as she decided she would confront Anuradha about this.)

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In the dining room:

(Kiara stormed into the dining room, her eyes still misty with unshed tears and her chest heaving with frustration.

She found Anuradha setting the dining table with the dishes that were prepared.)

Kiara: (firmly) Dadi!!!

(Anuradha glanced up, slightly startled by Kiara's tone.)

Anuradha: Kya hua, Kiara? Tum itni gusse mein kyun ho?

Kiara: (demands) Mera trophy kahaan hai? Aapne liya na?

(Anuradha set the dish on the table and turned towards her. Her face bore no expression.)

Anuradha: (calmly) Haan, maine li hai.

Kiara: (her voice rises) Toh phir kahaan rakha? Kahaan hai meri trophy?

(Anuradha looked at her granddaughter with an unbothered expression, her voice as steady as ever.)

Anuradha: Jahan uski asli jagah hai.... wahin rakha hai, maine.

(Kiara's breath hitched. Her mind immediately jumped to the worst conclusion. Her voice broke as she shouted.)

Kiara: (tears streams down) Kya?! Aapne... aapne, meri trophy ko dustbin mein daal diya, hai na??? Kyun, Dadi? Kyun??

(Anuradha frowned, visibly surprised by Kiara's accusation.)

Anuradha: Kiara, ek minute-

Kiara: (cutting her off, furious) Aapko mera passion samajh hi nahi aata na? Aapko toh hamesha lagta hai ki mera racing karna galat hai! Par trophy ka kya kasoor tha? Aapko pata bhi hai ki maine kitni mehnat ki thi usko jeetne ke liye?

(Anuradha's face stiffened. She simply grabbed Kiara's hand and led her away from the dining area, towards the living room.)

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In the living room:

(Kiara was confused but quietly walked along with her dadi. Anuradha led her to the wall where the family's achievements were proudly displayed.

Kiara's eyes widened as she took in the sight.

The wall was adorned with framed degrees and medals-the medical degree of her great-grandfather, her dadaji's gold medal from college, and her father's framed MBBS certificate.

There was even her bhua's engineering degree certificate and a science medal that Kiaan had won for the Olympiad.

And then her gaze fell on her National Championship trophy, gleaming brightly on a central shelf. It was displayed with as much pride as the other accolades.)

(Kiara turned to her dadi, her face a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Anuradha was smiling through tears, her eyes glistening with emotion.)

Anuradha: (smiles) maine kaha tha.... maine tumhaari trophy wahaan rakhi hai... jahaan ussay hona chahiye!!!

Kiara: (voice trembles with emotion) dadi... mujhe toh laga tha ki aap.... (she trails off) I am so sorry dadi. maine galat samjha!!!

Anuradha: (sighs, her voice laden with regret) nahi beta.... maafi toh mujhe maangni chahiye... maine tumhe bahut hurt kiya!!! (teary) Maine, tumhe samajhne ki kabhi koshish bhi nahi ki.... Mujhe lagta tha ki doctor ya engineer banna hi ek 'decent' profession hai. Par tumne mujhe galat saabit kiya. Tumne mujhe dikhaaya ki sapne aur passion kisi bhi field mein ho sakte hain.

(Kiara's eyes welled up as she looked back at the trophy.)

Kiara: So... now, are you not ashamed? Because I am a racer?

(Anuradha shook her head, her own eyes shimmering with tears.)

Anuradha: Ashamed??? Nahi beta!!!! Aaj mujhe, tum pe sirf garv ho raha hai. main tumse dobaara maafi maangti hoon. Maine tumhaare racing ke liye tumhe bahut kuch sunaya... shayad tumhara sapna samajhne ki koshish hi nahi ki. Par aaj... aaj main kehti hoon, I am so proud of you. Yeh trophy, yeh sirf tumhaari nahi hai, yeh poore parivaar ka maan hai. beta,

(Kiara sniffled, a tear slipping down her cheek.)

Kiara: Dadi... kahin main sapna toh nahi dekh rahi?

(Anuradha smiled through her tears, pulling Kiara into a tight embrace.)

Anuradha: (laughs softly, cupping Kiara's face) Nahi beta, yeh sapna nahi hai. Yeh sab sach hai!!!!  Aur tumhaari trophy, hamesha yahaan rahegi.... Tumhaare dadaji aur papa ke gold medal ke paas!!! (smiles) dheere- dheere aur shelves banwaa lenge.... For more trophies!!!!

Kiara: (wipes her tears, smiling yet confused) Yeh sab??? kya ho raha hai yeh??? Kaise ho raha hai yeh??? (shakes her head, still in disbelief) I can't believe this. Abhi tak toh aap, mere bilkul against mein thi... ab achanak yeh badlav kaise?

Anuradha: (smiling) Lambi kahani hai, beta. Baad mein sunaaungi... abhi, kya main tumhe apne galle lagaa sakti hoon?

(Unable to hold back any longer, Kiara threw her arms around her dadi, hugging her tightly.

As they stood there, surrounded by the family's legacy)

A while later,

(Anuradha and Kiara pulled apart from the hug. Anuradha looked at Kiara with her eyes full of love and pride.)

Anuradha: Chalo... ab jaldi jaake kapde badal lo... aur Kiaan ko bhi keh do ki jaldi neeche aa jaaye. Lunch ready hai. (smiling) Aur maine besan ke laddu bhi banaye hain... mandir mein rakhein hain... khaana khaane ke time pe, woh bhi le aana!

Kiara: (face lighting up) Laddu?? Seriously???

(Just then, Kiaan walked into the living room, stretching lazily.)

Kiaan: Kya ho raha hai yahaan? Koi laddu-waddu ki baat ho rahi hai?? aur Mujhe kisi ne khabar tak nahi ki??

Kiara: (grinning) Kiaan!! Dadi ne mere liye laddu banaye hain!!!

Kiaan: (dramatic sigh) Bas, ek aur proof ki main is ghar ka adopted bachcha hoon. Mere liye toh koi special laddu nahi banta!

Anuradha: (laughing) Arre, nautanki band karo... tumhaare liye toh kaafi time banaaye hain!!! chalo... ab dono bhi kapde change karke aao.... tab hi laddu milenge!!!!

Kiaan: (grinning) Done! Dadi ke haath ke laddu ke liye toh main kabhi late nahi hounga!

(Kiara chuckled, feeling lighter than she had in days.

She glanced at Kiaan, who gave her a knowing look—he had seen her distress earlier and was silently assuring her that everything was okay now.

The siblings then ran upstairs, their laughter echoing through the house, as Anuradha watched them go, her heart filled with warmth and gratitude.)

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Later,

(Kiaan and Kiara sat at the dining table, their eyes lighting up as they spotted the container of besan laddus placed in the center.

Without wasting a second, both reached out and grabbed one each, taking a big bite.

Anuradha smiled, watching them enjoy their sweets.

But instead of joining them, she quietly walked over to the kitchen counter and returned with a bowl of warm halwa.

Steam rose from it as she carefully placed it in front of them.

Kiaan raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kiara.)

Kiaan: (teasingly) Kiara, tu toh lucky hai! Dadi ne do-do meethay banaye hain—laddu bhi aur halwa bhi!

(Kiara giggled, picking up her spoon, but she, too, found it odd.

Dadi usually didn't make two types of sweets at once.

Shrugging, both of them took a spoonful of the halwa and put it in their mouths.)

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And.....

(A second later, they paused mid-chew. Their smiles faltered slightly—not because the halwa wasn't delicious, but because it tasted... familiar!!!! In fact, it was too familiar!!

Kiaan frowned, looking at his sister, who seemed equally puzzled.

He took another bite, letting the taste settle on his tongue before his eyes widened slightly.)

Kiaan: (confused) Yeh toh...

Kiara: (slowly) Yeh toh bilkul Mumma ke banaye halwe jaisa lag raha hai...

(Anuradha, who had been watching their reactions closely, finally spoke.)

Anuradha: (softly) Yeh halwa Naina ne hi banaya hai.

(Both Kiaan and Kiara snapped their heads up to look at her, their eyes going even wider.)

Anuradha: Main kal raat, tumhaari mumma ke ghar gayi thi... uss se baat karne.... uss se maafi maangne.

(For a moment, there was complete silence. The only sound was the faint clinking of their spoons against the bowls.

Kiaan was the first to react. He almost choked on his next bite before putting his spoon down in shock.)

Kiaan: (gasping) Aap Mumma ke ghar gaye thay?!

(Anuradha simply nodded, her gaze calm but filled with emotion.

Kiara and Kiaan exchanged a stunned look, their minds racing with questions.

This was something they had never expected.)

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Author's Note 📖✨

Hey, amazing readers! 🤗 First of all, a BIG thank you for being part of this journey! 🌟

This chapter was an emotional rollercoaster, wasn't it? 🎢

From the warmth of family moments to the sting of unspoken words, and finally, the overwhelming pride of victory—Kiara's day was nothing short of a whirlwind! 🏆💖

I loved writing this chapter because it highlights something we all experience—seeking validation from our loved ones. 💭

Sometimes, even our biggest achievements can feel incomplete if someone close to us doesn't acknowledge them. 💔

But as Vikram wisely said, "Your success should never be defined by someone else's reaction." 💡💪

And let's talk about Kiaan!!! 🥹 What a supportive brother!!! His hug in the assembly? 🫂 Pure gold! Who else needs a Kiaan in their life? 😆🙋‍♀️

Now, let's address the biggest twist—Dadi placing Kiara's trophy in the Wall of Fame! 🏆✨

Was this her silent way of showing that she was proud of her? 🤔 Or is there more to it?

What's next? Stay tuned because drama, emotions, and some big revelations are coming your way! 🎭🔥

Drop your thoughts in the comments! 💬👇 I'd love to hear—

See you in the next update! Until then—dream big, believe in yourself, and never stop chasing your goals! 🚀💖