Echoes Of Destiny | Multicouple ✓

45. WHISPERS OF RUIN

Till death do us part

Arhaan
(Six years old)

I stood in the garden, my bottom lip poking out as I clung to the swing. "I want to see Bhai. Where is he?" I asked, glaring up at Dadi.

I wasn't going to budge from my spot on the swing.

"Not again, Arhaan. We've told you, he'll be back soon. And you have Vrit Bhai with you," Dadi replied, her voice soft but firm.

She always said the same thing.

She wanted me to play with Vrit, but he was always off at school or buried in his books. He didn't want to play with me, and books were boring.

"No! I want to go where Hridhaan Bhai is. I want him!" I shouted, stamping my foot.

Hridhaan Bhai was the only one who understood me, he even let me join him in his room to play.

I missed him.

I want him to be safe. What if he's gone where Mom went? No, no, that can't be.

"Don't be stubborn, Arhaan. Stop throwing tantrums," Dadi scolded, her patience wearing thin.

Her eyes softened when she saw how upset I was, but I didn't want to give in.

She sighed, then suddenly her face lit up with a smile. "Okay, Baba. I have someone special for you to meet." Her eyes twinkled with mischief, making me curious.

"Special?" I asked, sniffling.

I don't want to meet anyone special!

"Yes! We have some guests coming. You could become great friends with her—" Dadi was interrupted by a maid who came to inform her that the guests were waiting. She told her she'd be there soon.

"Arhaan," Dadi said, leaning forward slightly, her eyes searching mine.

I didn't want to be sweet-talked into forgetting about my brothers.

I felt so alone without them, like there was a big empty space where they should be.

"Please, at least meet the guests," she pleaded, giving me one last chance to agree.

I shook my head, not wanting to move.

Dadi sighed and stood up from the bench. "Alright. But I've got your favorite dishes prepared for lunch." She said, a small smile tugging at her lips before she walked away.

I stayed rooted to my place.

It was late afternoon, and the summer air was warm and refreshing.

The garden was one of my favorite places; it was so alive and beautiful. Unlike the mansion, which always felt cold and empty.

As I was about to head back inside, I heard a sound—footsteps, followed by giggling.

I turned my head in curiosity and saw a girl stepping into the garden.