Lockdown

Brother

PARI POV

" You aren't the only one who left their house in order to reach their dreams. That was my brother," his face told me that he wanted answers, " Like my twin brother... He left home because he didn't want to continue taking care of papa's enormous business and wanted to be an animator... My parents haven't seen or heard from him for the past 7 years. Nothing. Papa believes that he's dead at this point," he sighed as I myself sighed. Yes, my twin did that and honestly, now I think that if I had gone with him when he asked me to come, I would have probably been much happier than I was with my parents and sister. 
" He stole mumma's jewelry, got a seat in RISD and I don't know how his life has been since then. I only met him for the first time 3 years ago when my company had a tie-up with Disney and they needed an interior decorator for their new set... He did make it big in animation. But he has still never tried to contact either me or my parents so... I kinda let him be. I mean, at least one of us was doing what their heart wanted to do," I smiled softly at him and he just hugged me almost immediately as well as kissed me on the forehead. 

" You should have told me this before. Pari! I would have called him inside," 
" What called him inside? He would have killed you if he found out that we were dating. My idiot twin is very overprotective of both me and Prachi. It's just that he hasn't been around for a few years or else, I would have never had dated anyone till now," I giggled and kissed his cheek when I found his face turn pale
" Is that why he was staring at me!?" 
" Don't worry! He only has a black belt in Taekwondo and nothing else," and what would I be if I wasn't scaring him by taking my brother's name? 
" Don't scare me!" 
" Pch. Don't worry. He can't come in. Covid precautions... Social distancing. Sohit!" I caught his chin and moved his head a little while he just sighed and closed his eyes 
" You fucking scared me!" 
" Wait. I should give papa a heads up," I knew that he was going to rant about how it was not a good joke and I just wanted papa to know that Pranav was going back home. So, I picked up my phone and dialed my dad's number on a video call. After all, I wanted to see his face na! I was so excited. 

" *Cough* *cough* Pari?" but when I was welcomed with a series of coughs... 
" Why are you coughing? Did you go out?!" 
" Ha? No. It's just the normal*cough*-"
" Of course, we went to Baba Ji's Satsang yesterday. I tell you. It was divine-"
" You went into a Satsang and sat between like 50 people!?" I screamed at them because it was just too irresponsible of my parents. They were old, well-educated. I could at least hope that they understood the seriousness of the situation! People were dying, in masses out there! Besides, weren't public gatherings banned in India for the time being!? 
" Arre! So what!? It was God's gathering and God will take care of us! So don't you talk bad about God at all,"
" People are dying mumma! Aren't you a doctor?! Don't you know the risk!? What if you get Covid and have to be hospitalized. HUH!? For once, get that stupid Dhongi baba out of your brain and think like a rational person, would you!? And where the hell is Prachi!? Wasn't she supposed to take care of the both of you?! And didn't I tell you to not go out of the house no matter what?! Jas could take care of everything that you need in the house!!!!!" It's like an every single time story at this point. These people just don't listen to me even if I only mean good for them! 
" I tried to telling them-"
" TRIED!? Are you kidding me?! You tried!? Aren't you a medical student!? Don't you know the stakes at all!? They can die of it!!" I screamed at her the moment she came over the call and felt a hand over my shoulder 

" Calm down," he whispered to me and that was the only thing that made me sigh and calm down my blaming streak. 
" You people better be getting a Covid test by tomorrow. Papa," 
" Huh? Yeah. Yeah. Tomorrow," although I would have really loved it if they hadn't gone out and we could have the talk about Pranav coming home at that moment, I was just too angry to continue talking so, I just threw the phone on the sofa and crossed my arms in anger. 

" This is their everyday's bullshit. Just because I said no na, these people will do anything! Especially that mother of mine. She toh has to go against me in every single thing na," I ranted at him and he sighed as he turned me around and kept his hands over my cheeks
" Chill. Nothing would happen to them. Just think positively,"
" It's not that easy. My parents are old and dad is already even coughing. The risk is to their life at this point," but I just had this hot head. So, I pushed his hands off my cheeks and just walked towards my room in anger. 

" Di!? Are you still there?!" 
" Uh... She isn't there. But honestly, uncle auntie. Don't think bad about her behavior this time. She is only worried about your health," and I heard him "EXPLAIN" to my parents from inside. It really wasn't all that great to listen to, actually. But I just sighed it all away when I found him walking to me and especially when he hugged me on the bed. 

" It'll all be good... Don't worry,"