Without a word, she lifted his head with practiced care and laid it softly on her lap.

“Maa…” Diya whispered with a grin. “You look young like Rina-yenge. But still—” she pointed teasingly, “isn’t that just a boy sleeping on his granny’s lap?”

Tanvika smirked without even glancing at her. “So what? Do I look like a granny? No, right?”

She stroked his hair gently, her fingers brushing aside the stray strands sticking to his cheek.

“I didn’t even see him cry when he came to the checkpoint,” she murmured, almost to herself. “This morning they showed up suddenly… and now, again, just quietly lying here like this. I didn’t think they’d even speak to you in between.”

A thin thread of drool slipped from the corner of his mouth.

“Still not grown out of that habit, huh?” Diya sighed, shaking her head.

Nearby, Rezu was giggling. Her tiny arms stretched out, trying to reach Ren.

Diya leaned down quickly. “No, Rezu. Uncle is sleeping,” she whispered.

Suddenly, Ren’s fingers gripped Tanvika’s wrist tight.

His lips moved, barely audible, fragile, broken:

"Nozo..mi… k..e.pt.. i..t…"

The room stilled.

Tanvika and Diya exchanged a glance.

“Who?!” Diya mouthed, eyes wide.

His brows furrowed, and slow tears trailed from the corner of his closed eyes.

“He’s… crying?” Diya breathed, voice barely there.

Tanvika placed her palm over his heart, rubbing slow circles. “Maybe… her name? His wife?” she whispered. “I never saw her around here. Don’t ask him anything when he wakes, okay?”

Diya nodded softly, just as Rezu tumbled forward with a tiny, “tun-kel!” falling right onto Ren’s chest.

“Ah, Rezu, no!” Diya gasped, reaching out in panic.

But the little girl had already grabbed his finger with her small chubby little hands.

“Ahg!” Ren flinched slightly, face scrunching as if he’d been pinched in a dream.

From behind, Yuna turned, watching the scene unfold in silence.

“Um… Aunty?” she asked Rina, tilting her head. “Why is Granny holding him in her lap like that?”

Rina chuckled. “Well, he brought your mother and is tired, right? That’s why.” But inside she thought, ‘He came back after all that… she missed him.’

Yuna frowned slightly. “But… wait…”

Her voice softened. “Aunty, I didn’t tell you something before.”

Rina’s eyes shifted sharply. “Hm? You mean?”

Yuna cast a glance at Sakuragi, who was quietly drying a plate beside.

“I wore the mask,” Yuna whispered, her voice low. “I didn’t even use my ability… and still, he asked me straight, ‘Are you a cursed child?’”

She shook her head slowly. “I asked him again and again how he knew, but he never answered. He only said, ‘Trust me. I won’t tell anyone.’ But then he told all of you.”

“He figured it out… without you even using it?” Rina asked, brows knitting.

Yuna nodded firmly. “Even after I used it… he should’ve gone blind, right? But no, he attacked me, even put his katana on my neck!”

“You didn’t tell me this part before. So… you did hide things?”

“N-no!” Yuna waved her hands quickly, flustered. “That’s all… just those three things.”

Rina turned toward the resting Ren, her brows furrowed. ‘How did he know?’

Then suddenly, a thought clicked in her mind.

‘Wait. Maa said he can’t see. But… could he have trained his senses so deeply… that he’s used to darkness?’

She placed a calming hand on Yuna’s shoulder. “You don’t need to worry,” she said softly. “We know him. He’s a good guy.”

Then she smiled gently. “He’s like your mother’s brother, you know?”

“I mean both your mothers… not just one.”

“Huh? Even Maa?” Yuna blinked in surprise.

Rina nodded with that quiet, gentle smile of hers.

****

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Tanvika whispered to Rezu, brushing the little one’s hair back. “Rezu-bujji, uncle is sleeping, right? Don’t disturb him.”

She glanced at Ren’s peaceful face, then turned to Diya. “He’s dreaming… means he’s in deep sleep. Let’s not wake him now. We can feed him later.”

But just then a soft movement.

His hand reached up in his sleep, clutching at Diya’s lap. His lips moved, voice barely audible.

“Maa… do–n’t l–ea–ve me… I wo–n’t cry… when you will… talk with me… next time… ple–ase sa–y…”

Tanvika’s breath caught, her eyes glistening.

“He’s missing her,” she muttered. “When she left… he cried and for days, he didn’t speak with us. I doubt you remember, Diya… you were only five.”

“I… I do remember. Aunty, she used to play with me, but…”

Sakuragi, Rina, and Yuna drifted closer, drawn to the hushed voices like moths to a candle.

Yuna opened her mouth loudly, “M—”

“Shhh.” Diya held a hand out gently to Yuna. “Don’t raise your voice. He’s still asleep.”

“Maa.” Rina leaned close, whispering near Tanvika’s ear. “I made his favorite fritters. But…”

Yuna, curious, asked in a whisper, “Aunty, how do you even know his favorite food?”

Rina rolled her eyes, flicking a finger against Yuna’s forehead. “You’re in the middle like a lump in a drink. We just asked and found out!”

“Hm…” Yuna scrunched her nose. “Aunty, I want it too.”

Rina cupped her chin teasingly. “Then go take them. But don’t eat them all, okay? Today is his birthday. We all cooked for him.”

Tanvika smiled, then waved her hand like a shooing fan. “Okay okay, now all of you go from here. He’ll wake if you crowd him.”

But… too late.

He stirred, lashes fluttering. Blinking up through fuzzy vision, he saw them, women gathered all around, and a giggling baby reaching tiny hands toward him.

“You idiots, now he’s awake.”

Little Rezu toddled forward, eyes locked on him. She plopped down right in front of him, and with a bright grin, declared, “Un-kel… happy birthday!”

He blinked. And then smiled softly.

He sat up, still dazed, and gently pulled her into his lap. “Chi-chi…” she giggled, grabbing a lock of his hair like a prize.

(*Chi-Chi is not a name, it’s to play with babies, like chi-chi, chu-chu…)

Tanvika wiped the drool from Ren’s mouth with the edge of her saree, brushing his forehead as he tried to sit straighter.

“Now you slept in the middle of the kitchen like a prince, huh?” she muttered, but her smile was full of affection.

Ren stammered, rubbing his eyes, “T-That’s… I got drowsy, maa…”

She threw a glance toward the door. “Those two idiots still haven’t come back. Hmph!”

His eyes drifted to the far end of the kitchen. There, Yuna was quietly nibbling at her food.

He leaned closer to Tanvika, lowering his voice. “Maa, please… don’t tell anyone about us. If it slips from someone’s mouth, there might be trouble.”

She raised an eyebrow, sharp and motherly. “Is there any problem? Should I talk to pa? You don’t have to worry, he’ll take care of anything.”

Ren’s mind was already spinning. ‘If everyone knows… then definitely the chief will know… but there might be some others who inform secretly… we can’t be sure, not even with those three supporting us.’

He stayed silent, and she noticed.

With a soft sigh, she waved her hand in front of his dazed eyes. “Hey, I’m not asking to make you uncomfortable. If you don’t want to talk, fine. But if there’s even a little thing you can share without trouble to you, tell me.”

He gave a tired smile. “There’s nothing serious. Just… please don’t say anything for now.”

She sighed. “Alright,” Turning toward Rina, she added, “Take all three dishes, serve them up.”

****

On the other side, Yuna quietly munched her noodles. She scanned the kitchen, no one was looking.

Quickly, like a squirrel with treasure, she snatched two fritters, slipped them into her pocket, and turned to the wall with a perfectly innocent expression.

Rina arrived a second later, carrying the rolls dish and stopped short.

“…You!” Her eyes narrowed at once.

Yuna froze in place.

Rina set the dish down, raising her hand dramatically.

“Ahhhh! No, aunty, please—!” Yuna’s hands shot up like a caught thief.

Rina sighed long and dropped her hand. “At least you didn’t eat all of them. Now take them out. I saw that.”

“Hmph!” Yuna pouted, glaring in fake defiance. She pulled the fritters from her pocket.

“Take.” She shoved them out with a pout.

From beside Diya, Sakuragi watched, her heart full, slowly getting used to this new world.

Rina set the last dish on the table, and Diya shut the kitchen door with a gentle click. The kitchen felt like a soft bubble of warmth, the scent of rolls, curry, and spices floating in the air.

Tanvika sat beside Ren, holding a soft roti roll. “Open your mouth,” she said, as if feeding a toddler.

He obediently opened his mouth, and she popped it in. He chewed slowly, eyes half-closed in comfort.

Rina followed next. Without hesitation, she picked up a golden corn fritter and gently placed it into his mouth with her fingers.

From the other side, Yuna blinked.

“Aunty…” She tilted her head. “Why are you feeding him like that? Just give him the plate. Look how he’s staring at the food like a sad puppy! If you give it to me, I’ll eat without stopping!”

Rina smirked. “Exactly. That’s why I won’t give it to you.”

Tanvika raised her brows, giving Ren a side-eye with a subtle nod. ‘Should we tell her?’

He shook his head immediately. “Do you know? I saw how she acted earlier. She literally behaved like a child after I said I knew.”

“You cheater!” Yuna gasped. “I didn’t say anything!”

“See?” He crossed his arms. “She’s not even agreeing. Still lying with a straight face.”

He turned to Diya with a slight grin. “Diya-san, you raised her sooo well.”

“No need to flatter me.” She puffed up with pride.

He grimaced. “That wasn’t praise.”

Tanvika ignored their teasing and gently fed another bite into his mouth.

Yuna’s face wrinkled. “Ugh, I still don’t get it.”

Diya playfully swatted the air near her. “Hey, he’s your mother’s brother, so he’s important to all of us.” She picked up another roll and held it to his mouth.

“Hmph!” Yuna folded her arms with a pout. “I’m younger than him. And he’s already grown up like a tree, you all should be feeding me, not him!”

“Don’t compare yourself with him.” Rina leaned closer, raising an eyebrow. “But if you’re so eager, just say it clearly, we’ll feed you too.”

Sakuragi leaned forward and gently placed a spoonful of noodles in Ren’s mouth.

He chewed once and blinked, then mumbled with his mouth half-full, “Hey! just one item at a time… everything’s mixing.”

She giggled, hiding her smile behind her hand.

At the same time, Diya broke a small piece of soft roti, crushed it gently between her fingers, and popped it into little Rezu’s mouth. The toddler munched with glee, cheeks puffed out like tiny balloons.

Meanwhile, Yuna stood before Rina, mouth open like a baby bird.

“No. You already ate enough.” Rina folded her arms. “Go to Diya. She’ll feed you if you’re still hungry.”

Diya grinned. “Come, Little princess. Open wide.”

Tanvika fed him one after another, the gentleness in her hands matching the love behind her stern voice.

Sakuragi slipped in another mouthful of noodles between his bites.

“Hey, wait, my mouth’s full.” He groaned.

No one listened. He leaned down at last, eyeing the fritters longingly, and slowly moved his hand toward the plate.

Rina’s eyes narrowed. “Hey! What did Maa say? Today you're not allowed to touch anything. You're just the baby of the kitchen now.”

He let out a small helpless grunt as four women took turns feeding him.

Across the kitchen, Yuna scooped up Rezu and waddled away with her. “Come, Rezu. They’re ignoring us just because it’s his birthday. Let’s eat our own stuff.” She pulled out a small piece of kova sweet and offered it. “This melts in your mouth, neesan-style.”

Rezu opened her mouth happily, “Ahhh, Neesan!”

Ren blinked, feeling full, happy, overwhelmed. “Okay, okay, enough! I’m done!”

“You’ve only eaten half.” Tanvika raised an eyebrow with a half-smile. “Who’s going to finish the rest, huh? There’s still food in the vessels.”

He gasped dramatically. “No, no, no, Tanvika-sama!”

She glanced at Yuna. “Yuna-bujji. Take whatever you want from there and go to your room.”

“Really, Granny?!” Her eyes glittered like she’d found hidden treasure.

“Not everything,” Rina added quickly.

Yuna pouted but grabbed a few bowls and skipped away with Rezu like she’d won a mini battle.

As the kitchen quieted down, Tanvika smiled softly. “Now that she’s not here, you can call me normally.”

“Nii, should we pack the rest?” Diya leaned in. “He’ll eat too. Ugh! Why didn’t you bring him too?”

She turned to Sakuragi with a mock accusation. “At least you could’ve dragged him.”

Sakuragi stumbled, a little flustered. “I-I was nervous to come at all… That’s why I begged nii to come with me to the gate. I didn’t expect… he’d actually enter the house.”

Rina walked over and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “We know. It’s okay. You were scared. But don’t worry now. We are family. You can talk to her every day. Give it time… she’ll warm up to you.”

Sakuragi’s eyes shimmered just a little. She nodded.

“Pack it for three, Maa,” He said, eyes already darting toward the doorway. “Sakura, Kazuma, Hisagi. There’s enough, right?”

“Three?” She turned to the stove, lips pursed. “Maybe two. Anyway, stay... or I’ll send more later. First take those.”

His gaze lingered on the exit.

“Stay here, Nii,” Diya muttered. “You can go in the morning. Go and bring Niisan. Sakura, and… that third… what’s his name, Hisa—”

“I didn’t even tell Sakura or Hisagi anything,” Ren said, half amused. “We told them we’re orphans. I can’t stay here.”

“Hmph,” Diya sulked, not even hiding it.

Rina’s fingers traced the rim of a bowl. “Then what? You’re planning to tell her? Or not?”

“No, not now.” His voice dropped. “I’m not ready. I’m scared how she’ll react.”

“Like me.” Sakuragi spoke from the front. “Or worse. You didn’t tell her even a little, right?”

“It’s your choice. But she’s the princess of this house,” Tanvika said, not turning from the stove. “Don’t forget that.” She flipped rolls, lifting lids. “Only noodles and rolls are there.”

He stretched his arm a little and nodded. “That’s enough. Just pack those, Maa. I’ve got food in my storage, don’t worry.”

“But that’s not maa’s food,” Diya muttered, flicking her hair behind. “Also… Wait. That stone. Why did it fall on me before, huh?”

“A-Ah… that…” Ren’s words dragged as he scratched his neck. ‘Yuna knows. Maybe she might tell them.’

“They’re my sisters. They have full control in that space. They saw our conversation. The whole room was an illusion, not even real. Even now… they might be listening in.”

All three women froze.

Sakuragi narrowed her eyes. “What place? I didn’t see that.”

Suddenly, the hilt of the katana at his side turned cold and gave a soft vibration.

“You want to talk?” A half-smile curled on his lips. “But you’re shy, right?” But he thought, ‘Or do you want me to come?’

“Bring me there.” Diya stepped forward, half-joking, half-serious. “I’ll punch them. That stone was personal.”

“I can’t,” Ren said with a helpless shrug. “Only four people ever saw them. Even Yuna didn’t see. But I told you because… Yuna already knows. If they agree, then you’ll be next.”

“Only four?” Tanvika’s dry voice floated from behind. “Then they’re even shyer than Amika.”

“That too they only started talking because I asked them to speak with Sakura the day before… until then they only talked to me.”