Best Gift of God

Elder sister

Neeya POV

"It's her brother's death anniversary. She must be in the cemetery. You must look after her so carefully today. She won't be in a good condition," Doctor Uncle warned me.

"Got it." I cut the call and left the college. I hopped on a cab and reached there in 25 minutes. I only hope that Maya is okay until I get there.

I roamed my eyes around the cemetery. But there was no one—not even a single person. I searched for her, walking down the narrow pathway. And then I spotted her. Her head was bent down, and her figure seemed motionless from a distance.

Worry and panic surged through me. Has she passed out? I thought, walking toward her. As I got closer, the muffled cries grew louder. I breathed in relief. I slowly approached her. She was so engulfed in her grief that she didn't notice me sitting beside her.

I looked up at the nameplate, 'Milo Stanley,' her brother's name was curving on the stone. He was only two, when he died. I feel sorry for this kid. I felt sorry for Maya.

I placed my hand on her shoulder. She snapped her head toward me. Then I saw it—her eyes were crimson red. Her cheeks and nose turned a bright shade of red. She was on the verge of losing consciousness.

"Do you want to cry until you pass out?" I asked her, removing her tears.

"Why are you here? And how do you know I will be here?" She threw question after question at me.

"Doctor Uncle told me. And I am here to accompany you," I answered.

"I don't need your company. Just leave me alone." There she goes, pushing me away again.

"I don't think Milo wants that. He doesn't want her sister to be alone anymore," I stated, and she turned her face away from me. "Maya, do you think he wants you to come every year and cry your heart out? Do you think he wants you to drown yourself in grief every single day? No, Maya, he doesn't want this for you," I continued, forcing her to look at me. "He wants you to lead a happy life outside the darkness. He wants you to smile every single day. He wants you to let him go and get over your grief," I added, but she shook her head continuously.

"I took his life. He couldn't even lead his own life because of me. Then how can he want a happy life for me? He hates me. I know he hates me," she croaked.

"No. He doesn't. He loves you. I would have if I were him. You are the best sister anyone could have ever asked for." I tried to convince her. But she was stuck in that time period and didn't even want to escape from it.

"No, you are wrong. No one wants me as their sister, not even Milo. Who wants a sister who takes her little brother's life?" She cried out, gasping for air.

"Snap out of it, Maya! It was an accident. It wasn't your fault. And I want you as my sister!" I yelled at her, shaking both of her shoulders, trying to put some sense into her.

"It wasn't an accident. And you don't know anything—anything," she screamed back. Tears were continuously pouring from her eyes.

"Then, tell me. Tell me everything and let me decide what I want!" I snapped at her. I was tired of her continuously blaming herself. Her lips trembled as she tried to form words.

"I can see; you are here this year as well." We both snapped our heads toward the source of the voice. It's her mother. Not again!

I felt Maya stiffen against me. She gripped my hand tightly. Her breathing increased rapidly.

"Neeya... I... I am... feeling sick. Can you take me home?" She breathed out.

Taking my cue, I wrapped my hand around Maya protectively. I helped her stand up. Her mother tried to talk to her. But I ignored her, led Maya out of the cemetery, and took her home. She was silent all along. Didn't utter a single word.