Two Brothers: Shadows of Deception

Chapter 61

Into the Shadows

Siddharth

I realized tears were streaming down my cheeks as I felt their warmth. Looking at the girl in front of me, sobbing and huddled in a ball, my heart broke for her. It was unimaginable what she had endured. I struggled to come to terms with the fact that while I couldn't even bear the loss of my father, she had witnessed the murder of her own parents right before her eyes.

Her body trembled, and her cries grew louder. Taking a deep breath, I wiped away my tears and moved closer to her. I gently lifted her into my arms and settled her on my lap. Holding her tightly against my chest, I began to rub her back in a soothing manner.

There were no words that could take away her pain. I was willing to do anything to make her feel better, but there seemed to be nothing I could do. She had suffered an unimaginable loss. My eyes welled up with tears once again.

We remained in that embrace for a long time. The sound of waves crashing on the shore echoed around us. The sun had set hours ago, leaving the night even darker without the moonlight. The faint glow from a distant street lamp was the only source of light that allowed us to see each other.

Her sobs gradually subsided, but we continued to sit there, holding each other tightly. She rested her head on my chest, and I gently ran my fingers through her hair.

"So Aami is your nickname?" I asked, hoping to break the silence that enveloped us.

She nodded with a small smile. "My mom gave me that name. I'm not sure why, but she loved it." Her voice was soft, and I sensed a hint of a smile on her lips. It made me smile too.

"My dad initially didn't like that name. But my mom was determined, and she always called me by that name. When I started responding to it as a baby, my dad finally gave in," she said, chuckling.

"I love that name," I said, smiling at her. She shyly returned the smile.

"My dad used to tease my mom about it, but in the end, he always gave in to her. Riya di would tease him, saying he was scared of my mom," she said, reminiscing about those days before letting out a heavy sigh.

"We were so happy, Sid. I couldn't have asked for more. I was their little princess. But now... I... I don't have anyone. I'm all alone," she sobbed again.

"Shhh... Aami, no, don't say that. You're not alone, sweetheart," I said, cupping her face in my hands.

"You have me, okay? I won't let anything happen to you. I'll never leave you alone. I'll always be there for you. Please, trust me," I pleaded, looking into her teary eyes.

"I know, Sid. I know you'll never leave me alone. I knew it the moment I saw you desperately searching for me all over the railway station that day, with worry written all over your face," she said, a small smile forming on her face as a tear rolled down her cheek.

I was taken aback, my mouth wide open in surprise. "You were there? You saw me searching for you?" I asked, amazed.

She nodded. "I'm sorry I didn't come to you. I... I was scared and... and..." Her sobs resumed as she clutched onto my shirt tightly.

All these months, I had been angry at her for running away that day, but now I couldn't blame her. I understood the fear she must have felt after everything she had gone through. All my anger melted away like butter.

"Shhh... It's alright, baby. I understand. You don't have to apologize," I said, pulling her closer. I ran my palm through her hair, hoping it would bring her some comfort.