Samarth

"Dad aap smjh kyu nhi rhe h, ye kitna khatarnak h uske liye. She's just a kid" Laksh bhaiya exclaimed. The guy has been riled up about her safety. 

"Laksh lower your voice,"  Dad said in his calm tone, "Talking about her security, you shouldn't be concerned about it. I have made the arrangements for that."

"Par Dad-"Laksh bhaiya was harshly cut off by Dad. In matters of Aadhira, Dad doesn't even listen to Mom, why is he even trying? This will only earn him a strict punishment for not going into the basement for a month or so.

"Enough Laksh, apni beti ka khayal kaise rkhna h mai jaanta hoon" Laksh bhaiya just huffed and stormed out of Dad's office. He's been grumpy since Aadhura's arrival. I know he doesn't wanna let her go now, that's why he's concerned about her safety. Even that's the case with me as well.

Dad had called an urgent meeting regarding Aadhira's arrival. Everyone is here except Mom, she is in the kitchen making Aadhira's favourite dishes. She is thrilled about her return. She doesn't want to give her any chance for complaints.

"Dad wo humari bhi behen h, aapko at least Laksh ki baat Sunni toh chahiye thi. " Aaditya bhaiya came forward for Laksh bhaiya's defense.

"Aaditya, I know what I am doing." Dad declared in an 'end of discussion tone. I told you he won't listen to anyone. Sometimes I feel that I am the only one with some brain cells here!

Even I felt hurt when my sister refused to acknowledge me as her 'bhaiyu'. I wished she called me that, it always provided me with an unknown peace. A serene feeling.

I wish she might someday again accept me as her 'bhaiyu'.
Her 'Shortie'.
                              -×-

Aadhira

I was just about to end my project file. Samarth came and called me for dinner. I told him, I was coming in 5 minutes. He looked like he wanted to wait but I told him that he could go.

He half-heartedly went away, closing the door. A smile appeared on my lips, he's still the same. That's why he's always been my favourite out of all of them. He used to be my cuddly bear.

So childish, it feels now. I practically hate cuddling now except with my pillow.

"You done?" Samarth came in again after exactly 5 minutes. I looked at him with an 'Are u kidding me' look. Did he wait for me?

I nodded and kept my laptop aside, not before closing it. Don't want anyone snooping around my things.

"Chale?" He forwarded his hand for me to hold. I was surprised at first but still composed myself. I opened the door fully and moved out, ignoring his hand.
I could practically sense him sulking. He walked with me, keeping his head down and the smile had already vanished from his face.

"Aapko wait krne ki zarurat nhi thi!" I said as we were walking downstairs. As I looked at him, I caught a smile forming on his lips as his eyes lightened up. A feeling of contentment took over my heart, I felt relieved.

But why? I should be happy that I was able to hurt him at least.

"It's okay Ira, tum kaafi time se aayi nhi yahan toh mujhe laga tum rasta bhool gyi hogi toh I just wanted to help," He said with a pale smile.

"First of all, it's Aadhira for you" I snapped agitated, why the fuck are they hiding their true bastard selves? The self who doesn't care when they throw a toddler away from themselves.

"Secondly, you don't need to help me again. Aapke bina mai pehle bhi mai khud ka dhyaan rkh leti thi aur ab bhi rkh skti hoon" I didn't wanted to snap at him but it was all riled up. I understand that he didn't have a say in whatever happened before.

"Aadhira, tum meri behen ho aur chahe tumhe ye pasand aaye ya na aaye par mai tumhare liye kuch bhi krne se peeche nhi hatunga" His voice was stern to my shock. To be honest, I was speechless. I didn't expect such a reaction from him. I thought he might just shrug it off. His voice was determined but his eyes reflected...hurt?

He just walked ahead of me, not even glancing at me once. He was hurt but why do I care? Might be because he was nice to me. It's better if remains the same way and keeps his fucking distance from me.

As we went into the dining room, I noticed everyone already sitting. Some are chatting, more like arguing, and some are on their phones.

Samarth sat on one side and I sat on the only seat left that was far away from the head of the table. Which I was glad for. I don't want to bear the annoying presence of Mr. Rathore.

As I sat everyone turned to their silent modes. It's not like I am going to punish them for just speaking around me.

"Aadhira, maine tumhare pasand ka khana banaya h. Umeed krti hoon tumhe accha lagega" I gave her a stiff nod before going back on my phone, and checking some important mail.

At least she considered doing that, I appreciate it.

I took a bite from the food kept on my plate, it was heaven. However, an insight of recollections hit me as I remembered that one month when I was here. The food was the reminder of the motherly affection, I used to miss during my childhood. This food was a reminder of the love I lost.

"Kaisa bana h?"Mrs. Rathod asked in a tone reflecting her excitement about my reaction. I masked my feelings before anyone could comprehend my giddiness about having this delicious meal. It feels so well to be able to eat this after a long time.

I replied, "It's good". I thought she would sulk at my short yet curt reply but to my dismay, she beamed with happiness, "Tum nhi jaanti tumhari isss baat ne mujhe kitna relief diya h. I was so worried ki tumhe yeh bilkul pasand nhi aayega. Aur lo na thoda" I shook my head in no. I would burst if I took even a bite more than I already had on my plate.

"Zarurat nhi h, Mrs. Rathore. I am fine" I could see her mood visibly saddened when I called her Mrs. Rathore. She just nodded before going back to her food.

Author

"Ye kya Mr. Rathore aur Mrs. Rathore laga rkha h Aadhira? parents h wo Humare. Maaa, papa bulao unhe" Neel reminded Aadhira though he knew she did it on purpose. Deep down everyone at the table knew that she would never be able to forgive them for what they did irrespective of the reasons they had.

They had lost the Aadhira, their only ray of hope. They had failed her as a family. The broken trust will take a long to be restored or what they feared was that it might never be restored.

"Meri marzi mai chahe kisiko kuch bhi bulau, maine aapse aapki rai nhi maangi ki kaun mera ka kya lgta h!"

All the eyes widened upon hearing how bluntly she spoke it that too with an emotionless face. Shaurya chuckled uttering, "A rebel in devil's house" but soon ceased on Neel's one glare. No one ever dared to talk to Neel like this and here was his sister talking to him in such a manner.

Aditya cleared his throat before speaking: Aadhira, you should not talk to anyone like this. He is your elder brother-

She cut him off saying:- He isn't my brother nor do you guys mean something to me so just get that clear in your heads. Tumlogon ka aur mera koi rishta nhi h. Smjh jao, aage ke liye aasan hoga.

Her words were enough to pierce through their chests and hit directly on their cold-stoned hearts. Her words were blunt and clear. She didn't even bother to sugarcoat them, thinking about the depth of hurt she could cause.

The once well-behaved girl was a rebel now. A worthy rebel.

Aditya who was about to scold her for cutting him off in between was no longer in a state to speak any words further. She sounded damn serious about it. Not even using her sarcastic tone. He was furious at her but more at himself. How the heck can she just say that they have no right on her anymore? How can she just deny their relation? He is her eldest brother and she is his darling, and will always be.

Aadhira took her finished plate to the sink and washed her hands. She moved back to her only safe place here, her room.

"Aadhira!"Dev said in a cold tone, halting Aadhira's steps. "Tomorrow you are going to spend time with your mother, she'll be taking you out with her"

Aadhira turned back to say a sarcastic reply when Dev left no room for discussion, "I want no arguments on it or I'll be talking out this with your mamu. Aur mujhe pata h wo tumhe mana lenge"

Aadhira sighed, she knew she couldn't win from her mamashri. He'll be able to coax her into going out. There's no harm in doing so, even she wanted to go out of this hellhole.

Aadhira casually said: Fine

Dev opened his mouth to say that she'd be going out with everyone in the name of spending some time before she starts school but she had already walked away.

Dev was frustrated by her ignorant behavior now, this disrespect was intolerable to him. If it was someone they would be 6 feet below the ground but that's his daughter. Who is upset with him and as a father, he'll do everything to convince her.

Little did he know that this wasn't her anger anymore but it had turned into her hate.

-×-