𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 [𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡]

ＣＨＡＰＴＥＲ 61

She felt sad, very very sad and she did not know how to deal with it.
She went with the classic way. She went to the grocery store on her home and bought, Chocolate, mango and vanilla ice cream for the Brownies that she was going to make.

Baking could take her kind off of things.

"Good evening," she greeted the watchman who nodded her way, happy by the respect she always has him. He wished her back. She sighed and went inside the lift, pressing the button to her floor she rubbed her neck as she held all the weight in one hand and instantly regretted it.

She was tired and now she couldn't even hold weight due to the pain she felt in her entire body.

Coming in front of her door she once again held the weight in one hand and opened the door with her keys happy that this time she had taken them out in the car.

Closing the door shut, she locked it as well. She kept the things on the counter and sighed as the weight was finally off of her.

"Put it in the fridge directly."

"Ah!" She screamed and jumped up at the sudden sound. Turning around, she glared at him and yelled, "What the fuck are you doing here?!"

"Tsk, Tsk, Tsk," he sighed, "You have a foul mouth again."

She glared at him but then noticed something. "Wha—How'd you do that to Oscar?" She pointed at her dog who sat near his feet as if he was the master.

He shrugged and gave her an obvious expression, "I command well."

She sighed and rubbed her hands on her face roughly. "Arman, how the hell did you get in?" She asked in a calm voice while breathing heavily. "The guard just does not let anyone enter if you are not verified by the resident you are here to meet."

He patted on the couch twice and the dog jumped up on it. He then patted Oscar as if he was the owner.

"The MLA that built it knows me well. Now, so does the watchman and the society secretary." He answered. "Anything more you would like to know or would you like to use your brain?" He taunted and then smiled mischievously. "I don't think a dusted brain would be sold for a good price."

She gasped at the comment. "Arman!" She stomped her foot.

He waved it off. "Just the truth darling."

She sighed and narrowed her eyes at him. "What you do want?" She spat. "Get out!" She pointed to the door.

"No."

She growled in frustration. "Is that the only word you know?"

"No."

She stared at him incredulously. She scoffed and then shook her head and took the ice creams. She placed them in the freezer.

She went ahead and took out two mixing bowls. She got started on the Brownies. She had taken out her recipe book and exactly followed it till the end where she placed the mix in the glass bowl and then into the preheated oven.

She sighed and placed everything in the sink.

She moved to her room and took out a good quality cotton Kurta and pyjama. Locking the door from inside, she turned on the showerhead after taking her clothes off. The shower was much needed and she scrubbed off the dirt and sweat off of her body.

Fully dressed and refreshed, she stepped into the living room to see that the brownies were done. She took them out and upturned them on a plate, let them cool before cutting them into pieces.

She heard a sigh and a lazily drawled out voice, "Are you some ignoring me?"

"Are you done with those answers?" She threw back at him without turning around.

He sighed again and then stood up. Walking to where she was, he turned her around and let her lean against the counter as she tried to create space between them.

"What's wrong?" He said and took her hands in his. "Alia, running from it all is going to get you nowhere."

She shook her head and tried to hold her tears back. She didn't want to be the black or the white. The shade of grey was comfortable.

He kissed both of her hands and she let out a whimper. "Baby, I'm here for you. I can never comprehend how it is to lose a mother but I am here for you, today, tomorrow and always.

A tear came out of her eye and she shook her head and sniffed. "There's no guarantee to that. What if you leave?" Her feelings and insecurities took over. She was not ready to lose anyone now.

She was barely holding herself together for her brother.

He smiled at that. "I won't. It's going to be death with us." He promised. "Death is a part of life, love. You need to move on. It's been five years."

She shook her head and closed her eyes that withheld her tears. The image of her mother lying dead on a metal stretcher flashed into her eyes immediately.

She couldn't just move on. She had no idea how to.

She felt him pull her close and hug her. "Cry Baby, let it all out. It's just me and you." He whispered while holding her tightly and with strength that promised that they could take her weight if she let go.

And she did. Her knees buckled and his hold tightened. For the first time in five years, Alia cried without thinking of anyone else. No one mattered more and he made her aware of it.