25. A Brother's Keeper

Author's POV

Ishika stood in the kitchen, her hands moving mechanically as she sliced the vegetables with precision, but her mind was elsewhere. The rhythmic sound of the knife cutting through the carrots echoed in the quiet house, Her thoughts were clouded, a swirling mix of uncertainty and resignation. The fragrant aroma of the simmering curry filled the air, but it did nothing to soothe the tightness in her chest.

Once, she had cooked for him with joy, her heart singing with the thought of his smile as he took his first bite, the glint of admiration in his eyes. Cooking had been an act of love, a way to connect, to show him that she cared without needing to speak. But now, as she plated the food, carefully arranging the dishes on the table, there was no warmth in her touch. She felt as though she were preparing a meal for a stranger, a necessity rather than an offering. This isn't about love anymore. This is survival, she thought bitterly, setting the plates down with deliberate slowness.

She sighed deeply and wiped her hands on a dish towel, her movements stiff, mechanical. You're doing this because you have to, she reminded herself. You're doing this for your brother. For his safety. The words felt like a mantra, but they did little to ease the tightness in her chest. Her brother's well-being depended on it, even if that meant swallowing down her own feelings, burying them under layers of duty and sacrifice.

She glanced up at the clock, her gaze lingering on the ticking second hand, each moment that passed heightening the sense of urgency in her.

***

The low rumble of a car engine outside broke Ishika's reverie, pulling her out of the haze of her thoughts. Her heart skipped a beat, the familiar sound of his arrival stirring something deep within her. Moments later, the front door creaked open, and Sahil stepped inside, his presence commanding as always. There was no mistaking him-his silhouette in the doorway, tall and confident, filled the space with an undeniable energy. His footsteps echoed through the hall, purposeful and steady, as if nothing had changed, as if everything was just as it always had been.

Ishika's breath caught for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. She moved toward him, her steps measured and deliberate, her eyes not quite meeting his. Without a word, she reached out, gently taking his coat from his shoulders, her fingers brushing against the fabric, cold from the outside air. The gesture was automatic, something she had done countless times before, yet it felt foreign now-like a routine she was merely going through the motions of, disconnected from the warmth it once held.

Sahil glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable, before he shrugged out of the coat, He didn't say anything either. There were no pleasantries, no casual remarks about the weather or how his day had gone. It was as if the distance between them had already been established, and words no longer had the power to bridge it. Ishika turned away, her movements stiff, and placed his coat neatly on the couch, trying to ignore the heavy weight of silence that settled in the room.

"Shall I serve dinner?" she asked quietly.

He gave a brief nod and headed upstairs to freshen up. Ishika watched him go, her nerves fraying with each passing second. Just get through tonight, she told herself.

Half an hour later, Sahil returned and took a seat at the dining table. His eyes scanned the spread before him-an array of dishes meticulously arranged. For a brief moment, something softened in his gaze.

Without a word, Ishika began serving him. The room was filled with an almost oppressive silence, broken only by the clinking of utensils. Both were lost in their thoughts, worlds apart despite sitting at the same table.

After dinner, Sahil moved to the living room, reclining on the couch with his phone. Ishika hesitated before joining him, sitting in a chair across from him. She watched him for a moment, gathering her courage. Finally, she cleared her throat, hoping to get his attention.

Sahil didn't look up.

In a low voice, she began. "Sahil... three days ago, my uncle called me."

At that, Sahil's eyes lifted, his expression unreadable. He waited, giving her no indication of his thoughts.

"He... he asked if you could give him some shares in your upcoming project," she continued, her voice trembling slightly.

Sahil chuckled, a bitter sound that cut through the tension. "Of course. So that's why you made dinner." He shook his head, the disdain clear in his tone. "Why am I not surprised?" he muttered to himself, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. "You're such a dutiful niece, Ishika. Always running to me whenever your dear uncle needs a favor."

His words stung, each one a reminder of how low she'd fallen in his eyes. Ishika lowered her gaze, feeling a deep sense of shame but knowing she had no choice. Her uncle's grip on her life was suffocating, and Abhi's safety was on the line.

After a long pause, she spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not asking you to do it for free. In return, I'll do anything you ask."

Sahil's expression remained cold and unreadable. The answer was clear in his eyes-he wasn't going to agree. Desperation clawed at her, and she knew she had to try something else.

"We have to live together for six months," she continued, her voice steadier now. "We don't have to go back to living like husband and wife after the divorce. But if we're going to get through these six months peacefully, we should live like partners-just helping each other and staying out of each other's personal affairs. What do you say?" Her eyes searched his, holding onto a fragile hope that he would agree.

Sahil's eyes snapped to hers, sharp and calculating. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing. "Oh, really? You want to be partners?" he repeated, as though testing the word's meaning.

Without hesitation, Ishika nodded. "Yes."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The room seemed to grow colder, the stakes higher than ever. Ishika held her breath, waiting for his response, aware that she had crossed a line she could never uncross. But she knew she had no choice-staying on his good side was the only way to protect herself and her brother from her uncle's schemes.

Sahil leaned back and said calmly, "Alright then, I'm giving you a chance to prove yourself."

Ishika nodded, her determination unwavering.

Sahil's gaze hardened. "This is about business-business that involves your uncle. If you can handle this task, then we're partners," he said, his tone serious and deliberate.

The weight of his words made Ishika's stomach twist with anxiety, but she forced herself to stay composed, even as nerves crept in.

She met his gaze. "Let me make this clear. We still have six months left on the contract, and it's just begun. I can't do anything too extreme for you. If I offend my uncle to the point of no return, I won't be able to survive."

"I've got your back," he said casually. "They won't lay a finger on you."

She hesitated before responding. "Go ahead. I'm listening."

Sahil leaned forward. "Your family owns an old factory on the eastern side of the city. It's currently in your uncle's hands. I want that factory."

Ishika frowned. "Why? It's just a run-down property."

"Yes," he replied firmly.

Even though Ishika had no interest in the family business, she had a basic understanding of their assets. The business had started in industrial manufacturing before shifting focus to clothing and household appliances.

"Do you want to buy it or get it for free?" she asked warily.

"I'll pay the market price," Sahil said.

"Then why don't you deal with my uncle directly?" Her confusion deepened.

"Your uncle's holding onto it to consolidate power. He's using it to gain leverage with the board and tighten his control over the family."

Ishika's eyes narrowed. "How much would selling it at market price hurt my family in the future?"

Sahil hesitated, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face.

She caught it instantly. He knows something. "There's something you're not telling me," she pressed.

Sahil exhaled. "There are changes coming-policies that will make this factory a goldmine. If your family keeps it, they'll squander the opportunity. In capable hands, it could thrive."

Ishika was speechless. After a pause, she finally said, "My uncle won't agree to this. He won't even listen to you."

"If you can't do this," Sahil said flatly, "then why would I need you as my partner?"

Silence fell between them. Ishika mulled over the dilemma. If I refuse Sahil, my plan falls apart. But if I cross my uncle, he'll ruin me.

"I need time to think," she said eventually.

"Fair enough," Sahil replied, standing up. "Let me know when you've decided." He headed upstairs to his study, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Ishika felt trapped, torn between conflicting loyalties. Pushing aside the mounting pressure, she packed a change of clothes and decided to focus on what she could control-visiting her brother at the hospital.

***

Ishika rushed into the hospital, her pulse racing as Aditi's words rang in her ears: "Abhinav has regained consciousness." Relief swept over her like a tidal wave, but fear lingered in its shadow. She bolted down the corridor, her footsteps echoing in the sterile silence.

When she reached his ward, she paused at the door, her heart pounding. Peeking inside, she saw him-Abhinav was awake, propped up against the pillows. His eyes, though tired, lit up when he saw her. Without a second thought, Ishika rushed to his side and enveloped him in a tight hug, her body trembling as if letting go of the fear she had been holding in.

"How are you feeling? Is there any pain? Any discomfort? Are you okay? Tell me if you need anything!" Her words poured out in a frantic rush, giving him no chance to answer. She didn't even realize tears were streaming down her face until Abhinav reached up, his fingers gently brushing them away.

"Di," he whispered softly, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance, "I'm fine. Don't worry. I'm not going to leave you anytime soon." He smiled, trying to ease her worry.

Ishika let out a choked laugh, a mix of relief and lingering fear. "Don't joke about that, Abhi," she whispered, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead. "You really scared me. Please take care of yourself. You know I can't afford to lose you."

Abhinav nodded, his eyes softening as he gave her a reassuring smile. "I promise."

Still holding his hand, Ishika felt the tension in her chest ease. She stayed by his side, feeding him small bites of food, fussing over him like a mother hen. They slipped back into their usual banter, light-hearted and teasing.

"You're so bossy, Di," Abhinav teased, making her roll her eyes.

"And you're still a brat," she shot back, but her smile didn't falter.

They spent the next hour talking and laughing, their voices filling the room with warmth. For a while, it felt like everything was normal again.

***

Later, Ishika stepped out of the room and found Aditi waiting in the hallway. Her best friend's eyes were kind, a comforting presence after the whirlwind of emotions.

"Aditi," Ishika began, her voice trembling with gratitude, "thank you so much. For everything. For being here when I couldn't. For taking care of him..." Her words faltered, but her emotions were clear.

Aditi shook her head, a gentle smile on her lips. "Ishi, you don't have to thank me. What are best friends for, right? Besides, Abhinav is like my brother too. Don't make me feel like an outsider. We're family. Or have you forgotten that?"

Ishika's eyes filled with fresh tears, but this time they were tears of gratitude and love. She stepped forward and hugged Aditi tightly. "I don't know what I'd do without you," she whispered, her voice breaking.

"Well," Aditi chuckled, "you'd probably be a mess."

They both laughed, the sound easing the weight in Ishika's chest. For the first time in days, she felt a sense of peace.

"I'm so lucky to have you," Ishika said softly, her voice full of emotion.

"And I'm lucky to have you too," Aditi replied, squeezing her hand.

In that moment, surrounded by the quiet hum of the hospital, Ishika felt whole again. Surrounded by love, family, and friendship, she knew they would get through anything-together.

__________________________________

End of the chapter.

👉Don't forget to vote ⭐ comment and share the book.

👉 Target: 50 Votes for early update.

👉Want to know when the next chapter of my story will be out? Follow my account for updates!!