chapter 46

Vikrant put his hand on Ranvijay's shoulder and he took a moment to turn around." Bhai?"Vikrant narrowed his eyes, catching shine in his eyes. Not due to any stars, but tears..He swore." What are you doing here?"He removed his hand from Ranvijay's shoulder." Uhm, I was feeling suffocated. You guys go. I'll follow you soon."" No, you are coming. Right now," Vikrant ordered.Ranvijay stared at his brother's face only to feel a lump in his throat. His emotion became high and he quickly turned his back at him, not wanting to break down." I'll be.. coming. You guys go."The pause in his sentence deepened Vikrant's suspension and he realised that something was terribly wrong. He tucked his hands in his pockets." Ranvi?"He called him but Ranvijay gave no response. His expression stiffened and he called with a little cold voice this time." Ranvijay. Turn around!"Ranvijay gulped, fluttered his eyelashes down, feeling water gathering in his eyes." Look at me, Ranvi-"Vikrant was interrupted in the middle when Ranvijay suddenly turned around and threw himself in Vikrant's arms. He was taken back for a second but soon gave in when Ranvijay broke down on his shoulder.Vikrant stood frozen for a breath, stunned by the sheer weight of his brother's sudden collapse. Ranvijay clutched his shirt tightly, burying his face in his shoulder as sobs tore out of him like a dam had cracked open."I... I'm sorry, bhai," he choked, words tumbling out between gasps, " I didn't mean to ruin everything... I should have died... shouldn't have tried to be part of your life... I.. I brought trouble... for you... for Prena..."Vikrant's chest ached as he tightened his hold, one hand protectively cupping the back of Ranvijay's head, the other clutching his back like he was holding together the pieces of a broken boy no one else ever tried to mend." I was always the mistake. I brought shame. I brought pain. I'm sorry for asking for a place. I'm sorry for being your brother..." Ranvijay whispered, hitching with every breath." Ranvi-"And he interrupted Vikrant again." You did the right. You did totally right."He tightened his hold around his elder brother and his voice cracked even more." I gave... burden to maa. I do not belong here. You did right... I am... Just a mistake.."He whispered the last sentence, breaking into heart wrenching sobs. Vikrant clenched his jaw, feeling his heart heavy with pain." Shut up-"" I swear I will leave. I will go.."Even though he talked about separation, his grip only tightened around his brother." Ranvi-"" I will go far-"" Shut up, Ranvi! Just shut up!"Vikrant's voice cracked like thunder, slicing through the night air as his hands gripped Ranvijay's shoulders, shaking him just enough to make him stop, to make him listen." Just shut up!" he shouted again, breathing heavily, face twisted in anguish.Ranvijay slowly broke the hug. His eyes were wet with tears. Vikrant's eyes were full but he was trying hard not to shed tears." Bakwas band karo apni aur ghar chalo. Bahut deri ho gayi hai pehli hi."( Stop your nonsense and let's go home. It's already very late.)He grabbed Ranvijay's hand to take him out from the woods but Ranvijay did not even budge from his place.His feet felt rooted in the ground, like if he left this spot, the fragile dam holding him together would collapse again. Vikrant tugged his hand gently, then looked back at him, brows furrowed."Ranvi?" he called, softer this time.Ranvijay swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's strange, bhai... I used to run to you. Every time I was scared, or alone, or... just wanted you. But you..." He gave a shaky smile. "You used to push me away. Every single time."Vikrant's grip faltered for a second." And now," Ranvijay chuckled brokenly, "now you're the one pulling me close. And I-" his voice cracked, " I'm the one thinking about going far. Isn't that funny?"" Not funny. Just don't fucking waste my time and come with me. Our sister's waiting-"" Your sister."Vikrant knitted his eyebrows and Ranvijay removed his hand from Vikrant's grip.He continued, " your sister. Not mine. I am not your blood. That's your family, not mine."Vikrant clenched his jaw and moved closer to him." Shut the fuck up, Ranvijay before I smack your head!"Only if he knew gentle ways to calm someone..Ranvijay scoffed, looking away, eyes blazing with pain. "Good. Maybe it'll knock some sense into me, remind me again how I don't belong, how I was just... thrown into your world."Vikrant's fists clenched at his sides. His breathing was ragged now, not from anger but from the storm churning inside him. He closed the distance between them in one long stride and grabbed Ranvijay by the collar."You think blood makes a family? Then what the fuck do you call every moment I spent missing you, hating myself for pushing you away? What do you call this-" he slammed his own fist against his chest, "—this fucking ache that hasn't let me breathe since I saw you cry!"Ranvijay's lips parted slightly. "Bhai..."But Vikrant's voice only softened now, cracking, trembling. " Don't you dare call her my sister. She's yours too. She's always been. And if you say you don't belong one more time, I swear-" his voice broke," I swear.. I will kill you."That's the typical Vikrant Agnihotri. Always talking about violence."Bhai, I will seriously leave-" Ranvijay's voice was calm, but laced with pain. He took a tentative step back, keeping his eyes on Vikrant.Vikrant's jaw tightened again. His eyes flared as if a switch had flipped inside him. He marched forward, pointing a furious finger at Ranvijay. "Say that again. Just say it again and I'll bury you right here, Ranvijay. Try me."Ranvijay blinked, taken aback. "I'm not threatening-""Don't you fucking explain yourself!" Vikrant snapped. "You talk about leaving like it's some joke? Like you didn't just wreck my fucking soul five minutes ago?""I'm just saying-""You're just saying bullshit!" Vikrant growled, eyes wild now. " You think this is the solution? Running away like a coward? What the hell are you even trying to prove?""I thought maybe... I don't know, you all would be better if I wasn't around," Ranvijay mumbled, shoulders slumping.That was it.Vikrant's entire body jerked forward like he'd been electrocuted. "You know what? Say that again. Just once. One more word about leaving, or not belonging, or being a damn burden-""Bhai-"" I will slap the life out of you. I swear on Maa, I won't even regret it!""Bhai, I will seriously leave-" Ranvijay tried again, voice low.But before he could complete the sentence, Vikrant's fist flew straight to his jaw."OW!" Ranvijay hissed, clutching the spot. "That hurt!"Vikrant stepped back, eyes burning as he glared. "Good. You may leave now!"Ranvijay blinked, confused. "Bhai-"He took a step closer. "Aap to naraaz ho gaye. Hum to... bas..."(You got angry. I was just...)Vikrant clenched his jaw, voice sharp. "Aage se ye behuda harkat kahin aur karna. Na ki kisi jungle mein."(Next time, do this idiotic drama somewhere else. Not in the middle of a damn forest.)"O... oh," Ranvijay fumbled, voice small. He hesitated for a second, then took a hopeful step forward and tried to hug him again, but Vikrant had already turned, storming off."Bhai!" Ranvijay called, chasing after him like an obedient child. He caught up with him, a grin tugging at his lips despite the ache in his heart." You could've explained it with a little love. There was no need to be that violent."Vikrant didn't even turn. " Shut up. Don't show me your face for two days."Ranvijay chuckled under his breath. " Bhai, are you... shy?"That was it."Shut the hell up, Ranvijay!" Vikrant snapped again, striding ahead faster, ears slightly red.Ranvijay laughed louder this time." I will tell, bhabhi!"" I dare you," Vikrant shouted back and got into his car while Ranvijay took his own car.Vikrant frowned when he found his sister already asleep. He looked at Gautam who was using his phone." She slept while glaring at me."" Why?"Vikrant closed the door and asked the driver to drive now." Well, I was just teasing her and.. she was really jealous."" Jealous?"" Yep. Of Ranvijay."Vikrant chuckled and leaned closer to his sister, leaving a tender kiss on her head. Prena mumbled some words in her sleep and shifted to her place.Vikrant wrapped his arm around her and made her place her head on his shoulder." Drive slowly," he ordered the driver and glanced behind.His men and Ranvijay's car were following them.Sometimes, it's hard to be an elder brother. He already felt tired.His phone vibrated and he picked the call up." Yes, Pari?"He caressed his sister's hair tenderly and smiled." Where are you? Maa's not sleeping. She's stressed. Vijay bhaiya is not picking up calls."His smile turned wide, " keep maa awake. I am on the way."" Hm?"" Yes. I have a surprise for her."He earned pause from Pari for ten seconds before he uttered some unsure words." Okay.. be fast."She disconnected the call and he put the phone aside.As they reached the mansion gates, the guards stood straighter, quickly opening them. The cool night breeze swept past, but Vikrant's face remained unreadable, weighed down by exhaustion more emotional than physical.Vikrant carefully woke his sister up." Wake up, Prena. We are home."He uttered sweet words. Prena squeezed her eyes and slowly rubbed them before sitting straight. Vikrant fixed her hair and got out of the car.Gautam headed to his own home. Vikrant opened Prena's side of the door and grabbed her hand, pulling her out.Both of them walked inside the mansion.Inside, the mansion was dimly lit. Familiar warmth clung to its walls, but tonight, everything felt more fragile. As they entered, Vikrant walked ahead while Prena stayed beside him, her fingers nervously fidgeting.Vikrant frowned seeing his wife and mother with full concern staring at Ranvijay's jaw bruise." Who did this?" Akansha asked." Bhai," Ranvijay replied.Vikrant immediately turned his head, shooting him a glare so sharp it could cut steel.Akansha and Pari's eyes widened." Vikrant? Let him come. I'll see him-"Akansha stopped in the middle when her eyes landed on Vikrant. She parted her mouth to call out to him but frowned when she found Prena. Pari's best friend.Even Pari got confused. She walked toward them." Prena? What are you doing here at this time? Is everything okay?"Pari's voice laced with worry as she stood before her, looking up and down at her. Prena forced a smile and looked at Akansha from time to time." Maa," Vikrant walked toward his mother and Pari looked at him." Come with me," he pulled Akansha to the couch.." No, first tell me why did you hit Ranvi? Is that how an elder brother should behave?"She blabbered and Ranvijay chuckled. Vikrant made her sit on the couch. He knelt before her and grabbed her both hands."Calm down, Maa. What I'm about to tell you... will make you forget all about Ranvi's injury," Vikrant said gently.Akansha frowned, clearly unconvinced. "Don't try to change the topic. Just tell me, why did you fight with Ranvi?""It's my sister's birthday today," Vikrant said, cutting her off.Akansha went silent. Her lips parted slightly as realization struck. Yes, today was her long-lost daughter's birthday. The clock had already passed midnight."Vikrant..." she whispered, taking a deep breath, her voice trembling, "What are you trying to say?"Pari looked between them in confusion. Her gaze shifted to Prena, who stood quietly, her eyes fixed on Vikrant and Akansha with growing intensity."That maybe... we can celebrate her 23rd birthday," Vikrant said, his voice soft but certain.Akansha's frown deepened.Vikrant then turned to Ranvijay and gestured with a nod. Ranvijay immediately handed over his phone after unlocking it.Vikrant opened the first picture in the gallery, the very first proof that Akansha's daughter was still alive.Akansha took the phone and stared at the screen. Her eyes widened. The ground felt like it shifted beneath her feet."This..."She looked up at her son, her heartbeat racing."This report... it says my daughter is alive?"Pari gasped softly, her eyes going wide. Her lips parted in disbelief.And as Akansha stood frozen in shock, a faint smile appeared on both Vikrant and Ranvijay's faces.Vikrant nodded, not saying a word. He simply swiped to the next picture.Akansha's eyes remained locked on the phone.A photograph filled the screen, a baby girl, around six months old, crying uncontrollably. Her tiny fists curled, her face red, her tear-streaked cheeks tugging at something deep within Akansha.Akansha instinctively reached out, her fingers brushing the screen as if she could comfort the child through it.Her lips trembled. "She looks just like..."Her voice faltered, and a single tear slid down her cheek.But Vikrant didn't stop.He swiped again.A new photo appeared. The same girl, now older, maybe five years old. Her hair was slightly unkempt, her expression timid. She was sitting on a bench with a man beside her.Angad Agnihotri.Akansha gasped softly. Her breath hitched in her throat as she brought her hand to her mouth.Pari slowly stepped closer, drawn to the screen. Her brows furrowed in confusion and awe as she leaned in.Vikrant's fingers swipe the screen again.Another image.This time, the girl appeared to be about twelve years old. She stood in front of a small cake, a forced smile on her face as she wore a paper crown. Angad stood behind her with a protective arm resting on her shoulder, his expression unreadable.But what caught Akansha's eye wasn't the birthday decorations, nor the girl.It was the woman sitting beside her. Rajeshwari.On her phone.Not even glancing at the girl.Akansha blinked, her heart thudding painfully against her ribs. Her vision blurred with fresh tears.Was.. was she her daughter? Her own daughter? Are the reports not fake?Vikrant looked up at her, eyes soft with sympathy, but his jaw still tight with restrained emotion. He knew this wasn't even the worst part.He swiped again.A DNA test report appeared on the screen.Akansha's teary eyes scanned the lines quickly, and then again. Her breath caught.Paternal match: Angad Agnihotri.Pari looked at her husband and realised that he was really not kidding right now.Vikrant didn't stop.He swiped to the next image.A scanned page appeared, handwritten and signed.The statement of a nurse.I was bribed. I exchanged the babies on the night of September 28, when Akansha Agnihotri gave birth. I'm sorry. I was threatened. The girl was alive. I did what I was told.Vikrant gently placed the phone in Akansha's lap and grabbed her hands again."I told you, Maa," he whispered. "Today isn't a day for mourning. It's her birthday. Our sister. Your daughter. She's alive."Akansha shook her head at him, pleading him through her tears, " please.. don't lie, son.."" Bhai's not lying, maa."Ranvijay came forward." She's alive. Grown up. Beautiful. Just like you."Tears fell from Akansha's eyes as she found it hard to believe. She grasped Vikrant's hands tightly. She parted her mouth to speak but no word came out so Pari spoke from her side." W.. where is she now?"Vikrant smiled, " right behind you."Akansha's eyes widened as her breath caught mid-sob. Her fingers, which had just clutched Vikrant like a lifeline, went limp. Slowly, as if afraid the truth would vanish like smoke, she turned her head.Pari was already staring.Her best friend...?" Prena?" Pari whispered in disbelief.Prena's tear filled eyes stayed on Akansha. The world stilled for a brief second before Akansha stood up slowly along with Vikrant.Akansha's head tilted as she stared at the young girl as if she were some alien. Tears streamed down from Prena's eyes and she felt her fingers trembling, aching to wipe her mother's tears.The world held its breath.Prena stood frozen, her eyes never leaving Akansha. Each second stretched endlessly, her heartbeat a wild, uneven rhythm echoing in her chest. Her legs threatened to give way, but her heart... her heart stood firm.Akansha stared back. Her vision blurred with tears, her breath caught between sobs and disbelief. She trusted her sons. She knew they could never lie.Slowly, so slowly, she stepped closer, as though afraid a sudden movement would shatter the fragile dream standing before her.She moved as if time itself had slowed, her gaze fixed on the girl who had stood beside her all this time and yet... never known her. Akansha stopped just inches away, her eyes scanning Prena's face, the shape of her eyebrows, the gentle arch of her nose, the soft curve of her cheekbones.Then she looked down, at her hands, her posture, her stance, and up again, her breath catching when she saw the same nervous flicker in Prena's eyes that used to hide in her own.Prena trembled, her arms aching to move, her fingers curling into fists to keep herself from reaching out.Akansha's lips parted, a soft chuckle escaping through her tears. She raised a trembling hand, touched Prena's cheek with the gentlest brush and then gave it the lightest tap."Bilkul... hum par gayi hai," she whispered, voice cracking like brittle glass.( She looks just like me..)The words sank deep into Prena's chest.Her throat tightened. Her eyes spilled over. She tried to say something, tried to speak but it came out as a broken whisper, fragile and raw."Maa..."Just one word. One syllable.But it shook the air, broke something inside her, and healed something in Akansha all at once.In the next breath, Prena surged forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Akansha's waist, burying her face into her mother's chest, sobbing like the lost child she never knew she was. All the longing, all the dreams, all the quiet envy she once felt seeing other daughters with their mothers, it came rushing out, flooding the room with the emotion of a lifetime lost.Akansha held her. Tightly. Desperately. Her hands cradled the back of Prena's head, her fingers threaded through her hair."My daughter... my baby... " she chanted softly, rocking her back and forth like she had done once, twenty-three years ago, for only a few fleeting hours before she was taken away.Pari let her tears flow silently, covering her mouth, unable to hold back her tears. Ranvijay turned his back for a moment, swallowing the lump in his throat. Vikrant exhaled, eyes shimmering with quiet relief, pride after the fulfillment of a promise he had made to himself and to fate.⋆༺✷༻⋆To be continued..The full book is complete in scrollstack.Buy chapters on the website.