Chapter 123
The brothers, Abhishek, Aditya and Arush were sitting in the room. Their faces were etched in anger and their postures were stiff like a rock. Shreya was sitting in front of them. Her lips were pressed in a thin line. The atmosphere of the room was tense and heated.
"Bhaiya ko unhe ghar me rehne dene ki kya jarurat thi, bhabhi?" Abhishek asked, his voice was clipped.
"Unka accident hua hai, Abhi....
"To?" Aditya cut her off, "Unka accident ho ya wo mare humein koi farak nahi padta." He said with hatred.
Arush's eyes got wide in horror, "Unhe jyada chot lag gayi?" He asked.
Abhishek and Aditya snapped their heads towards his direction, "Tujhe unki fikar karne ki koi jarurat nahi hai." Abhishek said sharply.
Arush quickly nodded his head.
"Wo theek hote hi yahan se chale jayenge aur wo jab tak yahan par hain koi unse kuch nahi bolega. Mujhe ghar me ladai jhagda nahi chahiye. Advait already bohot stressed hain, aisa koi kaam mat karna jisse unka stress badhe." She strictly made them understand.
"Mai unhe iss ghar me ek second bhi bardaasht nahi karunga, bhabhi. Unse jaa kar kahiye abhi nikal jayein warna mai dhakke maar kar bahar phek dunga." Aditya said, standing up from his place.
The others also stood up from their places. Shreya walked to his side and gently placed her hand on his arm, "Hum me se koi unhe is ghar me rehne dena nahi chahta, baccha. Par dadu ne Advait ko majboor kar diya unki baat maanne ke liye." She said.
"Dadu aaj tak kabhi nahi bole aur jab nahi bolna chahiye tha tab bol pade." Aditya said in irritation.
"Mujhe uss insaan ko dekh kar hi gussa aayega, bhabhi. Mai nahi reh sakta unke saath ek chath ke neeche." Aditya said stubbornly.
"Maine kaha na baccha wo thode din me chale jayenge. Bas thode dino ki baat hai please mere liye maan jaa." She said softly.
Aditya looked away. Abhishek was controlling himself from bursting out in anger and Arush was tensed listening to the word 'accident.'
"Bhaiya kahan hain?" Abhishek asked.
"Subah se apni study me lock hain." She replied.
The brother's heart ached for Advait. They couldn't even imagine how much he was suffering from inside.
"Islie mai tum teeno ko samjha rahi hoon please apne gusse ko control me rakhna. Unhe aur pareshaani nahi honi chahiye." She added, gently.
They nodded their heads in understanding, "Hum dhyan rakhenge, bhabhi." Abhishek said.
"Mai bhaiya ke paas jaa raha hoon." Arush said and left the room.
Aditya was still standing, his fists were balled at his sides.
The heat was radiating from his body. He could never forget Angad no matter what had happened.
On the other hand, Abhishek hated that man to his core.
He could never forget how his bhaiya had to take responsibility for three children at such a young age because of that man.
He could never forget the sacrifices his bhaiya had to do because of that man.
~________________________________________~
Arush was standing outside the Advait's study room.
He was worried for his brother, he softly knocked on the door twice.
Advait's voice came from the other side and he allowed him to enter the room.
Arush slowly pushed open the door and there Advait was seated on the couch, leaning against the backrest. His head was slightly tilted upwards and his eyes were closed in but a frown was visible on his forehead.
"Kuch chahiye?" Advait asked without opening his eyes.
Arush walked to his side and sat down beside him, leaning against his side. Advait quickly wrapped his arm around his back. He opened his eyes and looked down at his kid.
"Kya hua, baccha?" He asked softly.
"Aap theek ho, bhaiya?" Arush asked, burying his head in Advait's chest.
"Mujhe kya hua hai? Mai to theek hoon. Mere bacche ka din kaisa gaya aaj?" He asked to change the topic.
Arush looked up at him with a glare, "Topic mat change kijiye, bhaiya. Maine aapse pucha aap kaise ho aur aap ulta mujhse hi mere baare me puchne lag gaye." He complained, "Aap apni problems humare saath share kyun nahi karte, bhaiya? Ab hum bade ho gaye hain." He chided him softly.
Advait amusingly raised his brow, "Abhi kuch din pehle hi dadi ko bhoot ban kar dara rahe the aap. Aaya bada bade ho gaye hain." He taunted lightly.
Arush pouted, "Bhaiyaaaa." He whined, "Abhi dusra topic chal raha hai na, aap mujhse apni problem share kariye. Mai sab theek kar dunga." He said confidently.
Advait chuckled, "Jab tak tu mere paas hai, sab theek hi hai." He said.
Arush ignored him and stood up before going behind him. He started massaging his head, "Ab aap thodi der relax karo." He muttered.
"Iski jarurat nahi hai, beta." Advait said but cut off by Arush's glare which was not even a percent scary but was cute and innocent.
Arush's hands were slowly working on his head.
He was gently applying pressure on Advait's head.
Advait's eyes were closed in relaxation and an amused smile was there on his lips.
He didn't know when his little Alu became so mature.
His eyes were closed in peace and a memory from the past came back flooding into his mind.
Arush was six years old and the little troublemaker picked up a new habit of poking his tongue out at everyone who tried to scold him or reprimanded him.
Now, he was sitting on Advait's lap and eating his dinner while sulking.
He hadn't wanted to eat bhindi but Advait was forcefully feeding him.
Advait forwarded a morsel in front of his mouth but Arush didn't open his mouth.
"Open your mouth, Aru." Advait said gently.
Arush shook his head ear to ear.
"Ab nahi khana." He mumbled.
"You barely eat two morsels." Advait told him.
"Bhaiya, ye gandi hai." Arush said, pointing at the bhindi.
"Khane ko aise nahi bolte, baccha." Advait made him understand, "Abhi bhai aur Adi bhai bhi to kha rahe hain na." He said, pointing at them.
"Unka taste khalab hai." Arush replied bluntly.
Abhishek and Aditya made an offended face listening to Arush's words.
"Aise nahi bolte chalo khana khao." Advait said but Arush quickly hopped down off his lap and ran into the living room.
Advait gasped and stood up to run behind him but Abhishek spoke up, "Bhaiya, aap kha lijiye. Usey baad me khila dena."
"Tum dono khao. Mai uske saath hi kha lunga." Advait replied and went to catch the little one.
Arush was hiding behind the sofa. He was covering his mouth with his hands to hide his giggle.
He was thinking Advait could never find him from there but the next moment Advait was standing in front of him breaking his delusion.
Arush's eyes went wide like a fish and his little feet again started padding across the room.
Advait shook his head and ran after him but the little hurricane was way too faster than him.
"Aru, idhar aao." Advait said sternly.
Arush stopped in his track making Advait sighed in relief but the next moment he poked out his tongue at Advait making him gasped audibly at the little one's audacity.
"Did you.. Did you just poke out your tongue at me?" He asked incredulously.
Arush giggled and started running again but this time Advait was fast. He caught him by his arm and stopped him. Arush started struggling in his hold but Advait hold him firmly yet gently in his place.
"Khana khao chal kar." Advait said.
"Nahi khaunga." Arush said stubbornly and poked out his tongue again.
Advait glared at him, "Kahan se seekha hai ye?" He asked.
Arush giggled, "Nahi bataunga."
Advait palmed his face and picked him up in his arms, "Bilkul chup ab." He said and took him back to the dining room. He made him sat down on his lap and started feeding him. Arush reluctantly ate his dinner.
Now, Advait was washing dishes in the kitchen and Arush was seated cross legged on the couch in the living room. His face was set up in a pout.
"Kya hua, bandar?" Aditya nudged him.
"Mai bandal nahi hoon. Alu naam hai mela." Arush said, raising his voice in irritation.
"Don't raise your voice at me. Ek thappad me aalu se aalu ka bharta bana dunga." Aditya warned sharply.
Arush made a crying face. His eyes started watering listening to his sharp voice. But he poked out his tongue at Aditya with his teary eyes and trembling lips making Abhishek chuckled.
"Kya hua, mere Aalu ko? Kyun ro raha hai?" Abhishek asked gently, taking him in a side hug.
"Adi bhai ne bola Aalu ka bhalta bana dunga." Arush complained with the little hiccups.
Abhishek tried to hide his smile and dramatically narrowed his eyes at Aditya who rolled his eyes in return.
"Chup ho jaa. Hum dono mil kar Adi ki complain karenge bhaiya se." Abhishek said to coax him.
"Nahi, bhaiya ne mujhe bhindi khilayi. Baat nahi kalunga unse." He replied, wiping off his tears with the back of his hands.
Advait came out of the kitchen and Arush turned his face away from him. Advait walked to his side and stood in front of him.
"Kya hua mere bete ko?" Advait asked in a gentle voice.
Arush glanced up at him for a moment before poking out his tongue.
Advait's eyes hardened at that, "Ab jyada nahi ho raha hai, Aru?" He asked firmly.
Arush sank into his place.
"Agar maine ek baar ignore kar diya to iska faida mat uthao." He scolded.
Arush glared at him through watery eyes and again poked out his tongue at him making Advait sucked a sharp breath.
Advait picked him up in his arms and made him stand on the table. Arush was still glaring at him through tears.
"Bohot ho gaya ab aapka." Advait said, "Hold your ears." He commanded.
Arush started crying when he realized Advait was punishing him.
"Ho gayi notanki shuru." Aditya muttered under his breath.
"Hold your ears. Now." Advait repeated sternly making him obeyed quickly.
"Aise hi khade raho jab tak ye aadat na nikal jaye." Advait said and sat down on the couch, placed in front of the table.
Abhishek and Aditya slowly made a safe distance with Advait as he was not in a good mood and they hadn't wished to join Arush on the table.
Arush was standing with his head bowed, his little frame was slumped down cutely.
His fingers were tightly clutching his ears and a pout was formed on his lips.
Advait internally chuckled at the sight of him but remained firm from outside.
Advait turned on the TV to pass the time and started watching it but in reality his whole attention was on Arush.
After three minutes, Arush spoke up, "Dald hola hai."
Advait didn't reply.
Silence.
"Mai gil jaunga." He mumbled again to get Advait's attention.
Advait still didn't say anything.
Arush looked down with a defeated sigh, "Solly bhaiya, ab se nahi kalunga. Plomiss." He said, trying to sound sincere.
Advait looked up at him with a smile. He quickly picked him up in his arms before showering kisses on his face. He couldn't even make Arush stand for five minutes. His heart had always softened for the little one.
"Mera baccha." Advait mumbled.
"Aap ab gande ho gaye ho, mujhe itni del tak punish kiya." Arush muttered with a sad pout.
"You hardly stand there for five minutes." Aditya said the fact.
Arush scoffed and buried his face in Advait's chest, clinging to him like a monkey.
Advait protectively wrapped his arm around him.
Abhishek and Aditya narrowed their eyes at him in unharmful jealousy making Advait chuckled.
He opened his arm for them and they threw themselves in Advait's arms. Advait pecked their heads softly.
They shared a warm hug, engulfed in his bhaiya's embrace.
Advait's eyes were closed, he was smiling remembering the little Aru's antics. Arush looked at him and raised his brow in curiosity.
"Kya soch rahe hain, bhaiya?" He asked.
Advait opened his eyes, "Tere bachpan ki shararatein yaad kar raha hoon." He said with a soft chuckle.
Arush pouted.
Advait chuckled, "Itna bada ho gaya par tera har choti baat par muh banana band nahi hua." He said in a teasing voice but the warmth and softness in his eyes were clearly noticeable.
~________________________________________~
Vanya was at her friend's house. She hadn't informed Aditya about this but she was scared of his reaction.
She shook off her thoughts and got ready for the party.
She wore a pink thigh-length dress, the dress was perfectly fitting on her body and defining her curves.
She did her makeup and applied a lip gloss on her lips before kissing on the mirror.
She wore high golden heels matching with her dress and kept her hair open naturally.
She was ready for the party. She and Janvi together made their ways outside.
They booked a cab and reached to the club in which the party was organised.
They both entered the club. Janvi made her way towards her boyfriend leaving Vanya alone.
The dim color changing lights were everywhere.
The loud music was playing in the room and people were unconsciously swaying their bodies on the music.
Some were drinking while some were enjoying the dry night.
Everyone there was engulfed in the high energy of the room.
Rocky saw Vanya and waved his hand at her from the distance before making his way to her side.
"Welcome." Rocky said, "Mujhe laga tum nahi aaogi." He said with a fake smile.
Vanya ignored him and wished him, "Happy birthday."
"Thank you, miss khurana." He replied slyly before stopping a waiter. He picked up a glass from him and forwarded it towards Vanya, "Enjoy the party." He said in a cheering voice.
Vanya made a face before replying, "I don't drink." She said flatly.
"What?" Rocky said over dramatically, "Tumne abhi tak alcohol try nahi ki." He made fun of her.
Vanya looked away.
"Koi baat nahi ab karlo. Bina alcohol ke kaisi party." He said and forwarded the glass.
Vanya reluctantly took the glass from his hand and took a small sip. She fought back with the urge to gag at the taste. She shoved back the glass in his hand, "I don't want to drink." She said.
Rocky smirked, "Oh right, I forgot alcohol is not for kids. Let me order a virgin juice for you." He said deliberately to push her.
Vanya gritted her teeth, "I'm not a kid." She said in anger and snatched the glass from his hand before gulping it down in one go.
"One more?" Rocky asked, in a challenging manner.
Vanya nodded her head despite of the burn she was feeling in her throat. She hadn't wanted to back off from the challenge and proved herself to him.
Rocky ordered a one more drink for her and she again gulped it down in a go.
She started feeling dizzy but held herself together.
Rocky's eyes glinted dangerously looking at her vulnerable state.
Vanya stomped away from there with her shaky steps and slumped down on a couch.
Her head started throbbing badly. She wasn't feeling right.
She thought to call Aditya but her dizzy state was not helping her.
"Vanya, tum yahan?" A voice reached to her ears.
She lazily looked back and squinted her brows together as if trying to recognize the person. The boy was Varun, him and Aditya shared a good bond with each other but they didn't talk much.
"Tum yahan kya kar rahi ho aur kiske saath aayi ho?" Varun asked in concern, looking at her drunken state.
Vanya pouted and looked away from him with a huff. Varun looked at her in concern, he understood she wasn't in her senses. So he pocketed out his phone and called Aditya.
Aditya was frustrated from all the fuss happening in his house.
He hadn't even eaten properly in anger. Now, he was in the gym and venting out his suppressed anger on the punching bag.
He was brutally fisting the bag, his face was sweating but he didn't stop.
His phone started ringing making him stop, he glanced at the wall clock.
It was past 12 at night. He walked to the pressing bench where his phone was placed and picked up the phone.
His brows were knitted together looking at the caller I'd but he picked up the call.
"Hello Adi, tu kahan hai?" Varun asked from the other side.
"Kya hua? Sab theek hai?" Aditya asked him.
"Mai Rocky ki birthday party me night club aaya tha. Mujhe yahan Vanya mili and she's drunk." Varun informed him.
"What?" Aditya asked in disbelief, "You must be mistaken. Koi aur hoga. Vanu to apne ghar par hai." Aditya replied.
"Nahi Adi, wo mere saamne hi baithi hai." Varun said, "Wait, mai tujhe video send karta hoon." He said and put the call on hold before taking Vanya's video.
He sent it to Aditya.
"I have sent you a video. Check it." Varun said.
Aditya checked the video and his eyes widened in shock, she was his Vanya and by her swaying body anyone could clearly say she was consumed in alcohol. Aditya's jaw clenched in anger and hurt but he kept himself calm because at that time his first priority should be Vanya's safety.
"Send me your location and do one thing. Please jab tak mai wahan nahi aa jata Vanya ka dhyan rakhna." He told him.
"Don't worry, tu aa jaa. Mai dhyan rakhunga." Varun said assuringly.
Aditya hurriedly went out of the room without wasting a moment. On the other side, Varun turned back to look at Vanya but she wasn't there. Varun panicked and roamed his gaze over the room but she wasn't anywhere.
~________________________________________~