Species Of Life

36. Hidden Storms 🌩️🕯️(Updated)

Sid's voice rose again, sharp with anguish. "By saying sorry, you're not doing me a favour!"

"What is your problem?!" Abhi shouted back. "I'm trying to end this, trying to say sorry, but you're dragging it on like a never-ending fight!"

Siddharth turned his face away, refusing to give more words to a wound that had already bled too much.

That pushed Abhi past his limit.

"You know what?" he spat angrily. "Just go to hell."

A few steps away, Samiridhi watched it all unfold with quiet satisfaction. A smirk on her lips, she messaged Shekhar: The plan's working. Then she walked away, leaving chaos behind.

Abhisek was about to storm out when Sid's hand gripped his wrist, stopping him mid-step. Abhisek turned sharply, but before he could utter a word, Sid pulled him into a tight, unexpected hug. For a few stunned seconds, Abhisek stood frozen, then slowly, his arms wrapped around his younger brother in return.

"I'm sorry," Sid whispered as he pulled back. "I never meant to speak to you like that."

Abhisek looked at him, confused. "Ashu, what are you saying?"

"Just a minute." Sid glanced around and walked to the edge of the terrace to make sure Samiridhi had truly left. Once certain, he returned and took a breath.

"Dada, I'll explain everything from the beginning."

Abhisek listened in stunned silence as Sid laid it all bare—the return of Shekhar, Samiridhi's betrayal, the lies, and the shadows that had crept into their home unnoticed. Each word seemed to thicken the air between them.

"Oh God..." Abhisek whispered when it ended. "I don't even have words."

Sid gave a faint nod. "We won't let him succeed this time."

Abhisek placed a firm hand on Sid's shoulder. "I know, Ashu. I trust you."

"But..." Sid hesitated. "Dada, I think someone else inside this house is helping them."

Abhisek's brows furrowed. "Who?"

"I don't know. But I'm sure they're one of us."

"How will we find out?"

Sid's eyes narrowed with purpose. "Let's spy on Samiridhi. If we do that, we'll figure out who's with her."

Abhisek agreed, and for a moment, silence settled. The brothers stood side by side, looking at the moon suspended like a question above them.

Then Abhisek spoke, his voice softer. "Ashu?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry... for the things I said earlier. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. I don't know what came over me."

Sid turned to him with understanding in his eyes. "Dada, there's no need to say sorry. I know you were hurt. Abhinav didn't tell you because he wanted to surprise you, not hurt you."

"I know," Abhisek nodded slowly. "He told me."

Sid paused, as if weighing the next words. "Dada, can I ask for a promise?"

"What kind?"

"Please... let Abhinav follow his passion for acting. I saw something in him when he auditioned. He's born for it."

Abhisek thought for a moment. "Okay... but only if his handsome also starts following his passion too."

Sid's eyes dropped. "Dada, I—"

"Ashu, please. I don't know why you gave up the dream you once fought so hard for."

Sid turned away, guilt pressing on his shoulders. "It's too late, Dada. Let's go."