GROWING UP WITH ELDER BROTHER

Ice-cream 2

"Yes?" Dev asked, turning back to face Tej, his heart skipping a beat as he met his brother's gaze. Tej's eyes seemed to bore into his soul, as if daring him to lie.

"Been to the doctor for the first time, it seems," Tej said, his tone cold and detached, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Dev felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized he was in trouble.

Dev hesitated, "No...I mean, yes." He looked at the assistant, confusion etched on his face. The assistant's expression was neutral, but Dev could sense a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Tej's expression remained stern, "Hmm...500." He stated, his voice firm, his eyes never leaving Dev's face. Dev's mind raced as he tried to understand what was happening.

Dev suddenly remembered, "Oh, the fees!" He whispered to Ansh, his eyes wide with realization. Ansh cupped his hand over his mouth, realizing his voice had risen, and whispered back, "What?" His eyes darted between Dev and Tej, confusion and fear written across his face.

Dev's tone turned questioning, "We have to?" He asked, his voice laced with uncertainty. Tej's response was curt, "Yes, of course. Like why not?" His expression remained cold, his eyes fixed on his brothers, daring them to argue.

Dev approached Tej and whispered, "Bhai, we only have money for the cab."

Tej teased, "Who's bhai?" Dev made an apologetic face, realizing his mistake. He glanced at Ansh, who was watching the exchange with wide eyes.

"Bhai, please, we don't have enough to return home," Dev pleaded, his voice low and urgent. Tej's expression remained stern, his eyes fixed on Dev.

"I don't think you need money to walk, do you?" Tej asked, his tone firm and unyielding. Dev's eyes widened in surprise, and he took a step back, his mind racing.

"Huh?" Dev exclaimed, before understanding dawned on him. He reluctantly took out the money to pay and Tej gestured for him to give it to the assistant, which he did. As Dev handed over the money, Tej's expression softened slightly, and he signed the prescription with a flourish.

"Here you go," Tej said, handing the prescription back to Dev. "Get the medicines and take care of YOUR BROTHER." Dev nodded, relief washing over him, and turned to leave with Ansh.

At home!

As soon as they reached home, Ansh collapsed onto the couch, exhausted. "Ahhh, bhai, I am so tired," he said, his voice dripping with relief. Dev sat down beside him, stretching his arms and legs out. "Me too, Ansh. Take your medicines, the only reason we did this drama," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Ansh looked at the medicines in his hand and nodded. "Oh yes, I feel quite better though," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice. Dev raised an eyebrow, teasingly. "Already? Don't tell me this, I had to walk only because of you!" he said, laughing.

Ansh shook his head, "I'm not kidding, Bhai. I really do feel better." He took the medicine and sat down beside Dev, who put a comforting arm around his shoulders.

As they sat there, Ansh's expression turned serious. "What do you think will happen when Bhai returns?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"We're gone." Said Dev.

Ansh was feeling quite well till the evening though he had taken a single dosage of the medicine.

In the evening, almost the time when Tej returns home, both hovered around the door and suddenly they heard the sound of the bell and their heart raced with possibilities. Dev opened the door with trembling hands and Tej entered without wasting a second, his face void of any expressions.