Chapter - 61
Hello, beautiful people! ??
The morning light slowly filled the room, but Siya was still sleeping. Her face looked calm now, not like last night when she woke up crying and sweating, haunted by that nightmare.
I didn't want to disturb her, so I quietly got out of bed and went to take a quick shower. Got ready for the day.
Usually, this time I'd head to the gym. My daily routine. Discipline.
But not today.
I couldn't leave her alone—not after last night. What if she wakes up and I'm not there?
What if she panics? What if that damn nightmare returns?
No. I'm not taking that chance.
So I sat beside her again. Just... watching her. Her face looked calm now, but I knew the storm inside her hadn't settled yet.
Last night kept playing in my head.
I clenched my jaw.
Last night's nightmare... her screams... that bastard's name on her lips.
It's haunting me too.
I already spoke to Anaya. She was anyway planning to come back for our reception, but I told her to come earlier. Told her everything that happened. At first, she was furious.
"Bhai! Why didn't you inform me before? She's my bhabhi—no, she's like my sister!"
But after that anger, she understood.
"Don't worry, I'm coming. I'll be there before breakfast."
I arranged a private jet for her. I know Siya will be happy. She needs people who love her... people who make her smile.
And now... there's something else I need to do.
Something I should have done yesterday.
I stepped onto the balcony and took out my phone. I dialed his number—Mr. Dev Rajput.
It rang a few times. Then he picked up.
"Hello? You called this early, Rana Sa? Is Siya okay?"
I didn't waste time with greetings.
"She's fine now. But she needs her brother." My voice was cold. Sharp.
"And if you don't have the courage to face her—then forget you even have a sister."
He went silent.
I didn't care.
"If you don't come here, if you don't stand in front of her and speak to her like a brother, then I swear—I will never let you see her again."
"You failed her once. You don't get another chance."
I didn't wait for his reply.
I cut the call.
Yes, I know. He's feeling guilty. I get it. His parents—Siya's so-called Taiji and Tauji—treated her like she was nothing. And when he found out, it broke him.
But guilt doesn't fix anything.
And not showing up makes it worse.
Siya's tears... her silence... her fears—he's part of the reason for them.
If he wasn't her brother, I would've made sure he paid for every drop of pain she ever felt.
But because she still calls him Bhaiya...
I'm giving him a chance.
Just one.
The moment I heard that name... I just knew.
Bhaiya... and Bhabhi.
Without thinking, I ran to the living room. And there he was—Bhai—sitting beside Bhabhi. My feet moved on their own, and I threw myself into his arms.
"Bhai..."
I didn't realize I was crying until I felt the tears roll down my cheeks.
I missed him.
More than I ever said. More than I ever showed.
But then... suddenly, a wave of pain hit me.
I remembered...
He ignored me.
He didn't pick up my calls.
He wasn't there when I needed him the most.
He promised... but he wasn't there.
I slowly pulled away from the hug. My heart felt heavy.
Why? Why did he leave me alone?
Without saying a word, I turned and ran. I could hear him and Bhabhi calling me,
"Siya! Please, wait! Listen to me!"
But I didn't stop.
I ran to my room, shut the door, and collapsed on the bed.
Tears kept coming. I tried to stop, but I couldn't.
Bhai was the only person from my childhood who made me feel like I was still loved.
Even in all the darkness, I always believed—he is there.
That was enough to keep me breathing.
But now... even he turned away.
I felt like my heart had cracked open.
I don't know how long I cried. But suddenly, someone gently pulled me into a hug.
It was Avi.
He said nothing at first. Just held me close and rubbed my back softly. His warmth was the only thing grounding me.
After some time, when I calmed down a little, he whispered,
"Angel... you should talk to your brother."
I shook my head quickly,
"No, I'm not talking to him. I'm very angry, Avi."
He gave me a small smile and cupped my face.
"I know, jaan. You have every right to be angry... But at least listen to what he has to say.Like you need him... maybe he needs you too."
He just kissed my forehead and said,
"You'll understand when you hear him out. Just give him that chance."
I stayed quiet for a moment, then nodded slowly.
Maybe he was right.
I needed to ask.
Why did he ignore me?
Why did he break his promise?
Avi stood up and held my hand. We both walked to the private living room on our floor, where Bhai and Bhabhi were waiting.
Before I could say anything, Avi looked at me gently and said,
"Go on. I'll wait outside."
He gave my hand one last squeeze before walking out, leaving me with Bhai and Bhabhi. My heart was beating so fast. I didn't know what to expect... but I walked slowly toward them.
The moment I reached close, Bhabhi stood up and hugged me tightly.
"I missed you so much, Siya..." she whispered softly.
But... I couldn't say anything. My lips didn't move. I just stood still in her arms. Maybe a part of me still felt hurt. So, I stayed quiet.
Bhabhi slowly broke the hug and made me sit on the couch. She sat beside me and held my hand gently.
Then Bhai came... and instead of sitting next to me, he sat on the floor, near my feet.
"Bhai, what are you doing? Please get up," I said, shocked.
But he looked up at me with teary eyes and said,
"Please, baccha... just listen to me once."
He held my hands and started speaking—his voice shaking.
"Why didn't you tell me all these years?"
"I knew Mom and Dad never gave you the love you deserved... but I never imagined they would treat you so cruelly."
His voice broke.
"I'm sorry... I know 'sorry' is too small a word. I... I don't even know how to ask for your forgiveness. I don't think I even deserve it."
Tears started filling my eyes. I didn't want him to feel this much pain. I never wanted to tell him everything because I knew he would blame himself... and that's the last thing I ever wanted.
Bhai continued,
"When I found out what they did... I didn't have the courage to face you. I saw your missed calls... your messages... and every time I thought of answering, I felt like a coward."
He lowered his head.
"Every Raksha Bandhan... you tied rakhi on my wrist... and I promised to protect you. But I failed, Siya. As a brother... as a human... I failed."
He looked at me again, his eyes filled with pain.
"How could I not see the truth behind your smile? How didn't I see the sadness in your eyes, baccha?"
Bhabhi moved closer and held Bhai's shoulder. She too had tears in her eyes.
"Siya... we're so sorry. We should've known. I should've noticed something... anything..."
I couldn't take it anymore. I leaned forward and hugged Bhai tightly.
"Don't blame yourself, Bhai... please." I whispered, holding him.
"It wasn't your fault. I chose not to tell you... I hid it from you."
He shook his head,
"Still, Siya... I couldn't protect you when I should've. I should've been there."
I pulled back slightly and held his face.
"Bhai... I don't want to talk about the past anymore. I'm happy now. And I want you to stop blaming yourself. Please, for me."
His eyes softened, and he nodded slowly.
Bhabhi also hugged me tightly and whispered,
"I promise... from now on, I'll always stand by you, Siya."
And just like that... we all hugged each other. There were so many emotions, so many unsaid words—but in that moment, we just held each other and let it all out.
After so long...
I felt like I had my Bhai back.
And this time, I knew he wasn't going anywhere.
After I convinced Siya to talk to her brother and bhabhi alone, I stepped out. I knew she needed them. We all are here for her, yes—but some wounds only her bhai can heal.
I walked back to my study and sat down to focus on work. But my mind kept drifting back to her. Is she okay? Is she crying again? No. She's strong... and she needs this.
About an hour later, there was a knock on my door.
"Come in," I said, not looking up from the file.
It was Dev Rajput.
He stepped in slowly, a little hesitant, and I gestured for him to sit.
He sat down and said quietly, "Thank you, Rana sa... for pushing me to meet Siya. I... I don't know if I deserved it, but I'm glad I did."
I closed the file and looked at him.
"I didn't do it for you. I did what was best for my wife," I said flatly.
He nodded, understanding my tone. He wasn't here for sympathy, and I had none to offer.
"You chose Siya over everything—even after knowing what your parents did, even knowing the condition they're in right now. That's why I allowed you to meet her," I said, locking eyes with him. "But this doesn't end here."
He looked confused.
"There's something you should know," I added. "Siya's parents' accident... wasn't an accident. It was planned."
His eyes widened, and for a moment, he didn't say a word.
"What?" he whispered.
"Yes. I don't know who did it yet, but I will find out," I said coldly. "And I want you to find out the real reason why your parents hated Siya's parents. Something happened in the past—and we need the truth."
He swallowed hard.
"You... you think my parents had something to do with the accident?"
I looked him dead in the eyes.
"I'm not saying they did it. But everyone who could benefit from their death is on my doubt list. That includes your parents."
He didn't argue. Just looked down, guilt eating at him.
"One more thing," I added. "Siya doesn't know any of this. And I don't want her to know. Not now. She's already been through enough."
He nodded quickly.
"I won't say a word."
There was a long pause.
Then I looked at him again and said, "Also... I want you to stay here. In the palace."
He looked surprised. "No, Rana Sa... I think it's better if we stay at a hotel—"
"I didn't ask," I cut him off. "I'm telling you. Stay for two days at least. Siya misses you. She never really had the chance to live as your sister. Don't take that from her now."
After a pause, he finally nodded.
"Alright. We'll stay... for two days."
"Good."
He stood up, and without another word, he left.
As the door closed, I leaned back in my chair and exhaled deeply.
I'll protect my Siya... no matter what.
And now, it's time to uncover the truth.
Today was such a beautiful day. I spent all of it with Anaya and Bhabhi. We laughed, talked, and even tried on the dresses she brought. For the first time in a long time, I felt light... like maybe, just maybe, everything was falling into place.
Bhai had gone out for some work, but he came back by evening.
And when we all sat down for our evening tea, Aarav also joined us.
I smiled to myself seeing him there. He has so much work—so many things that need his attention—but still, he sat with us.
Just because he knows how much it means to me to have my tea with Bhai. That one small gesture filled my heart.
After dinner, I was lying on Aarav's chest in our room. His arms wrapped around me so gently, like he wanted to keep me safe forever. His heartbeat was steady under my ear, and it made me feel calm, warm, loved.
I closed my eyes for a moment, and then something came into my mind.
"Avi..." I whispered softly.
He ran his fingers through my hair. "Hmm?"
"You know when Trisha and Karan came to meet me today... I felt something's not right between them. Even in the hospital, I noticed it. But back then I thought maybe it was just the stress of the place. But now..." I trailed off.
He listened quietly and then said in a low voice, "They are mature enough to solve their own problems, jaan. You don't take stress over it."
"But they are my friends," I said with a pout, "and I don't like seeing them like that—"
Before I could finish, he shifted slightly and hovered over me. His eyes were serious, but there was a little teasing in them too.
"And I don't like when I'm right in front of you, but someone else is on your mind," he said, brushing his thumb along my cheek.
My heart skipped a beat.
I opened my mouth to say something—but then—