24. childhood

ABHIMANN MUKHERJEE'S POV

I've always felt like a ghost, invisible and insignificant.

My earliest memories are of darkness and silence, of being alone in a vast, empty space. I didn't know I had a twin brother, Ayaan, until much later. By then, it was too late.

My Father took me away from the hospital, away from Ayaan, and away from the world. He said it was to protect me, but I know now it was to protect himself.

He couldn't bear the guilt of losing Mother, of being responsible for her death.

I grew up in secret, hidden from the world. Father's penthouse was my prison, the walls closing in on me with each passing day. I had no friends, no siblings to play with, no mother to comfort me. Only Father, cold and distant, providing for my physical needs but neglecting my emotional ones.

I wondered why I was kept apart from Ayaan. Was I not good enough? Was I a shame to the family? The questions haunted me, fueled my anger and resentment towards Father.

But I learned to adapt, to survive. I became resourceful, intelligent, and determined. I devoured books, learned new skills, and waited for the day I could escape, find Ayaan, and uncover the secrets Father kept from me.

Now, I'm driven by a singular focus: to protect Ayaan from those who would harm him, including Yuvraaj, the mafia who thinks he can love him. I'll stop at nothing to keep Ayaan safe, even if it means keeping him captive

I was just a teenager when Father sold me to the Mafia. He said it was a business deal, a strategic partnership to further his interests. But I knew the truth - he wanted to get rid of me, to erase the reminder of his guilt and shame.

The Mafia boss, a ruthless and cunning man, took me under his wing. He taught me the ways of the underworld, how to navigate the shadows, and how to eliminate enemies. I learned quickly, fueled by my anger and resentment towards Father.

But I never forgot Ayaan. I always wondered what had become of my twin brother, if he was safe, if he was happy. And I vowed to find him one day, to protect him from the same fate that had befallen me.

Years passed, and I rose through the ranks of the Mafia. I became a formidable force, feared and respected by all. But my ultimate goal remained the same - to find Ayaan and keep him safe.

I found him when he was eleven,

When he was in danger, grouped by some fuckers who raped him but I couldn't do anything. The guilt, the shame it's killing me everyday.

When I got the power, i straight up went to those who did my brother wrong, killed them in the most merciless way.

And then, one day, I received a tip that Ayaan was in danger. That Yuvraaj, a rival Mafia boss, had set his sights on him. I knew I had to act fast, to protect Ayaan at all costs.

That's when I kidnapped him, took him away from Yuvraaj's grasp. I know it was drastic, but I had no choice. I had to keep him safe, even if it meant keeping him captive.

Now, I'll do whatever it takes to protect Ayaan. I'll fight Yuvraaj, I'll fight the world, to keep my brother safe. Because that's what family does - we protect each other, no matter what.

I don't know why ayaan believe that fucker love him, that mafia guy haven't even confessed yet.

Is he kinda delusional?

Maybe the trauma has something to do with it.

That guy never been into any serious relationship like ever.

Maybe that's why yuvraaj literally no efforts are affecting him.

Uff.

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I stood outside Ayaan's room, my heart racing with anticipation. I had so much to say to him, so much to explain. I took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.

"Ayaan, it's me, Abhimann," I said, my voice low and gentle. "Can I come in?"

There was a pause, and for a moment, I wondered if he would ignore me. But then, I heard the sound of footsteps, and the door creaked open.

Ayaan stood before me, his eyes wary, his expression guarded. "What do you want, Abhimann?" he asked, his voice neutral.

I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. "I want to talk to you," I said, my eyes locking onto his. "I want to explain everything."

Ayaan raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Explain what?" he asked, his voice dripping with doubt.

I took a deep breath, and began. "I know you hate me, Ayaan. I know you think I'm a monster. But I'm not. I'm just a man who's trying to protect you."

Ayaan snorted, his expression incredulous. "Protect me? You call kidnapping me protection?"

I flinched, his words hitting me like a slap. But I knew I deserved it. "I know it was wrong," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I had no choice. Yuvraaj would have hurt you, Ayaan. He would have used you for his own gain."

Ayaan's expression softened slightly, his eyes narrowing. "What do you know about Yuvraaj?" he asked, his voice cautious.

"I know he's a ruthless man," I said, my eyes locked onto Ayaan's. "I know he'll stop at nothing to get what he wants. And I know he wants you, Ayaan."

Ayaan's face paled, his eyes widening in fear. "What does he want from me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I took a step closer, my heart racing with urgency. "I don't know," I admitted. "But I know it can't be good. That's why I had to take you away from him, Ayaan. That's why I had to keep you safe."

Ayaan's expression changed, his eyes flashing with anger. "You had no right," he spat. "You had no right to take me away from him, to keep me prisoner here."

I flinched, his words hitting me like a slap. But I knew I had to make him understand. "I did it to protect you," I said, my voice firm. "And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, Ayaan. Whatever it takes."

Ayaan's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "Why?" he asked, his voice cold. "Why do you care so much about me?"

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "Because you're my brother, the only reason for me to see this cruel world every day. So one day I could give you the happiness that I couldn't have." I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Because I love you, Ayaan."

Just as I was about to convince Ayaan of my good intentions, I saw Yuvraaj sneaking into the room, trying to be stealthy but looking like a buffoon instead.

"Ah, perfect timing!" I exclaimed, my eyes rolling in exasperation.

Yuvraaj, still trying to be sneaky, tripped over his own feet and face-planted onto the bed. "Oof!"

I couldn't help but burst out laughing at the absurdity of it all. "Seriously, Yuvraaj? You're like a one-man circus! Are you sure you are what the call the mafia lord."

Ayaan, however, was not amused. "What is going on here?" he demanded, his voice stern.

I wiped tears from my eyes, still chuckling. "Yuvraaj here was trying to sneak in and...I don't know...kidnap you again?"

Yuvraaj stood up, his face red with embarrassment. "Shut up, you jerk!"

Ayaan's eyes narrowed. "You're not taking me anywhere, Yuvraaj. And Abhimann, you're not keeping me prisoner here."

I shrugged. "Oh, I don't know...I think I'll just keep you both here and start a reality TV show. 'Brothers and Rivals' has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

Yuvraaj and Ayaan both glared at me, but I could see the hint of a smile on Ayaan's face. Maybe, just maybe, we could get through this chaos together.

As I grinned mischievously, Yuvraaj's face turned beet red with rage. "You're impossible, Abhimann!" he bellowed.

Ayaan shook his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

I chuckled, unrepentant. "Guilty as charged. Now, shall we get started on our reality TV show? I have a few ideas for the first episode..."

Yuvraaj threw up his hands. "I refuse to participate in this farce!"

I shrugged. "Suit yourself. But you're missing out on all the fun. Ayaan, my brother, what do you say? Are you in?"

Ayaan's eyes sparkled with mirth. "Why not? It's not every day I get to see Yuvraaj make a fool of himself on national TV."

Yuvraaj's face turned purple with indignation. "I'll have you know, I'm a respected businessman!"

I snorted. "Respected? Ha! You're a laughingstock, Yuvraaj. And I'm going to make sure the whole world sees it and make sure they enjoy it well."

As the argument continued, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This was going to be the most entertaining reality TV show ever. And I was the mastermind behind it all.

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~ to be continued