NILAH's THAMBI, RAAGU

Nilah’s younger brother and Malar’s twin, Raagu is a burst of energy packed into a mischievous little body. He’s always looking for trouble—or as he likes to call it, “adventure.” No tree is too tall, no wall too high for him to climb. He loves racing Malar to the top of mango trees, hanging upside down just to scare Amma, and then grinning proudly when he gets a scolding. But like his Tatha, Raagu has an incredible talent for laziness when it suits him. Ask him to sweep the floor or help clean up, and he will somehow disappear faster than a rabbit. He’ll claim he’s “too tired” and flop dramatically on the nearest chair — until he hears that snacks are ready.

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Food is Raagu’s true weakness. He can smell Amma’s dosas from a mile away and can name every jar of pickle in the kitchen without even looking. If there’s a meal, Raagu is the first one at the table — and somehow, always the last one to leave. He’s the king of second helpings and secret late-night munching. But he’s also a generous eater; he’ll split the last banana with Malar, or sneak an extra sweet into Nilah’s school bag just to make her smile later. His love for food has even inspired some of his biggest “inventions,” like the time he tried to build a flying machine using banana leaves and kitchen string just to reach the jackfruit tree faster.

He often turns everyday problems into silly games, making even boring chores feel like treasure hunts. When caught in the middle of some mischief, Raagu has mastered the art of throwing Malar under the bus with a perfectly innocent look, only to later confess and apologize with a sheepish grin. Deep down, he’s a loyal brother who would do anything to protect his sisters, even if he never says it aloud.

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At heart, Raagu is the heartbeat of the family’s laughter. He’s rough, noisy, full of life — but when it really matters, he shows his softer side. He listens carefully to Thatha’s old stories, sneaks pebbles into Paati’s pickle jars just to hear her laugh, and proudly guards Amma’s spice tins from nosy squirrels. He may leave a trail of half-finished projects and muddy footprints wherever he goes, but he also leaves the house a little warmer, a little louder, and a lot more fun. Life with Raagu is never neat, never quiet — and nobody would have it any other way.