SHADOWS OF THE BLOODLINE

Chapter 13

Hardik waited for Rahul's reply, but it never came. Bumrah approached him, trying to offer some comfort.

"Do you know why he decided to abandon me?" Hardik asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

"I don't know, but I'm sure he had his reasons," Bumrah replied gently.

"Do you think he still loves me?" Hardik's voice cracked with vulnerability.

"I don't know, but I do know that hope can be a dangerous thing. Please don't get too involved in unnecessary thoughts. You're about to start a new life. You should focus on that. It's not just you involved—there are two families in this," Bumrah said, trying to steer Hardik towards a more practical mindset.

"I know," Hardik sighed. "Will Ishan be present for the wedding?"

"No," Bumrah answered.

Hardik looked at Bumrah, concern etched on his face. "He's fine. I think he doesn't want to be there."

"He's my brother. He loves me more than anything. I expected it. So, who's the bodyguard for him?" Hardik asked with a faint smile.

"I'll be with him," Bumrah said. "Leaving Ishan and Siraj together is catastrophic. It'll be better if I'm there with Ishan."

"Okay," Hardik nodded. "Is he in his room?"

"Yes."

"I'll see him now."

Hardik walked to Ishan's room and knocked softly. "Are you okay, Ishan?"

"Yes, bhaiya. Happy married life, bhaiya," Ishan replied, trying to sound cheerful.

"Thank you, my love," Hardik said, his heart heavy with unspoken emotions.

Before leaving, Hardik paused. "Did Rahul call you?"

Ishan smiled sadly. "No, bhaiya."

"It seems fate is decided," Hardik said with a forced smile. He gave Ishan one last look, full of love and resignation, and then he left the room, his heart aching for what could have been.

Rahul was deep in thought when Athiya walked in. She gently touched his arm, noticing his red, tear-streaked eyes.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, his voice betraying his emotions.

"Should we go out today?" Athiya suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

"No, not today. You go on if you want," Rahul said, trying to put on a brave face.

"I am not leaving you behind. I know what's going through your mind. I'm sorry for bringing you into this mess," Athiya said, her voice filled with guilt and concern.

"It's not your fault," Rahul said, shaking his head. "Today is Hardik's marriage, and you have to move on. He's going to be with somebody else."

"Don't worry, I'm fine," Rahul insisted, though his voice was unconvincing. He took a towel and headed to the bathroom.

Once inside, he switched on the shower. The water droplets mixed with his tears, washing away the physical evidence of his pain but doing little to ease the emotional burden. As the water cascaded over him, he leaned against the cool tiles, letting his silent sobs meld with the sound of the running water. Today marked the beginning of Hardik's new life, and Rahul knew he had to find a way to move forward, no matter how difficult it seemed.

The atmosphere was both festive and heavy with unspoken emotions as the marriage between Hardik and Natasha took place. The grandeur of the wedding could not entirely mask the sadness in Hardik's eyes and the subdued joy in Natasha's demeanor.