Ekansh was making his way out of the mansion, exhaustion etched into his features. Dark circles shadowed beneath his eyes, a clear sign of sleeplessness, and his usually sharp, confident gaze seemed dimmed by the weight of frustration. His jaw was clenched, lips pressed into a thin line as if he were holding back the storm of emotions brewing inside him. His neatly combed hair, usually a symbol of his composed demeanor, was slightly tousled-an indicator of his restless night.
When Misha called out to him, Ekansh forced a polite smile, though it never quite reached his tired, bloodshot eyes. His face twitched slightly, betraying the frustration he was trying to mask.
"Ekansh!" she called, her voice carrying a slight edge of concern. He stopped in his tracks and turned around, offering her a polite smile.
"What about breakfast?" Misha asked, frowning at him.
"I donât want breakfast, Bhabhi," he replied, his voice unusually curt, yet trying to remain respectful. His smile faded as quickly as it appeared, and without waiting for her response, he turned away, his broad shoulders tense, as if every step out of the mansion was an attempt to escape the suffocating weight of his troubled thoughts.
Misha watched him leave, her brows furrowing in concern. Just then, Arthi approached, her own expression a mirror of Mishaâs concern.
Misha watched him leave, her brows furrowing in concern. Just then, Arthi approached, her own expression a mirror of Mishaâs concern.
As Arthi appeared, noticing Mishaâs frown. "Whatâs up with Ekansh?" she asked, her own brow furrowed in confusion.
Misha shrugged as they walked toward the garden, their usual place for morning chats.
"These brothers are so unpredictable," Misha said with a laugh, though there was still a hint of frustration in her tone. Arthi nodded in agreement.
"Arthi, you know Abhimanyu is such a jerk," Misha added, her frustration resurfacing. Arthi glanced at her, frowning slightly.
"Misha Di, I donât think Jijuâs that bad," Arthi replied, her tone gentle but defensive. "Look how he behaves with everyone else."
"For heavenâs sake, donât defend him!" Misha groaned. "His brothers are all fine, but he-heâs impossible! He doesnât even talk to me properly."
"What has my Abhimanyu Bhai done this time to make my Misha Bhabhi so angry?" came Ishaâs playful voice as she approached, her curiosity clear in her wide smile. She sat down beside Arthi, eager to hear the story.
Misha huffed. "Ask what he hasnât done. He knows exactly how to drive me crazy."
Arthi and Isha exchanged a quick look, and despite Mishaâs irritation, they both started chuckling.
"You two think this is funny?" Misha shot them a glare, her eyes narrowing.
"Bhabhi, donât worry," Isha said with a soft laugh. "Abhimanyu Bhai can be difficult sometimes, but if you get to know him better, youâll start to understand him."
Misha sighed in exasperation. "Iâve been trying to understand him, but itâs like heâs a puzzle with missing pieces. Heâs not just frustrating sometimes-heâs frustrating all the time."
Ishaâs smile softened. "Give it time, Bhabhi. The more time you spend together, the more things will start to make sense."
Misha sighed again, nodding slightly, though her frustration lingered.
Arthi, her frown deepening, suddenly spoke up. "Isha, whatâs up with Ishani? Sheâs been so distant since she got back. She barely talks to us."
Misha nodded in agreement. "Yeah, sheâs been avoiding us lately."
Ishaâs expression grew thoughtful. "Give her some time, Bhabhi. Ishaniâs going through a lot. Sheâll open up eventually."
Both Misha and Arthi nodded, though their concern for Ishani was still evident.
They spent time talking about Isha's brothers and soon went inside as Dadi Ma called them.
Misha received an urgent assignment from her office, forcing her to rush out after hastily getting ready. The day passed in a blur as she moved through her tasks, juggling calls and meetings. By the time she finished, the sun was already sinking, casting long shadows over the streets.
As she returned to the mansion, the soft glow of the evening light greeted her. Heading straight to the bedroom, and Abhimanyu hasn't returned yet. Misha quickly glanced at him but said nothing, the atmosphere between them heavy with tension.
Without a word, she changed into something more comfortable and, feeling the weight of the day's exhaustion, quietly made her way downstairs, her mind still distracted by the work but also faintly aware of the growing silence between them.