Sin

Chapter 19

Pov: Ehaan 

Numb. That would be an understatement. I had been navigating endless meetings, official calls, and shareholder discussions, all while trying to reclaim what was rightfully mine from Ezaan bhai. "You know nothing about me. What's there to talk about, huh?" Her words kept echoing in my mind, a relentless reminder of how she never bothered to understand me, despite my efforts to connect. 

The constant comparisons within this so-called home were suffocating. My mother never allowed me to be part of her pride; it was always reserved for the other, better, more responsible brothers.

Three months ago, after the chaos with Ayat had settled, my mother called me to meet Ezaan. "Ezaan is ready to take over the company, so you can leave now," Father said, his face lit up with a grin, adoring Ezaan bhai as he placed his hands on Ezaan's cheeks. "What?" I asked, my voice filled with disbelief.

"Ehaan, just because you're good at this doesn't mean it's yours." Good? I had always been led to believe I was destined to build this business from the ground up, to take over the company while the others pursued their dreams. I was the one burdened with orders.

"But you and bhai always said, I was made for this, that I was destined to be the chairman." The words spilled out of my mouth as my rage drowned out all reason. "You will be the Chief Director from now on, and it's not like you did any better anyway." Was that a taunt? I had elevated the company to new heights, achieved impressive sales, and maintained an impeccable workflow. Yet, here I was, pushed into a corner once again.

"What about the shareholders?" I asked, hoping they would choose me, the current CEO.
"They will all agree, I am sure," my father said dismissively. With that, they left the room, leaving me surrounded by the remnants of my shattered dreams. I had always been their last choice. I felt like a pawn—neglected, undervalued, left out. More like an adopted child, though even they seemed to receive more care than I ever did.

When I was six, I asked, "Mom, may I play football?" "No, go and study. You're going to manage our company." 

When I was thirteen, I pleaded, "Mom, may I go to the party too?" "Of course not. Focus on your studies," she said, dismissing me. "Ezaan, the driver will drop you off at the party." Again, I was denied. 

When I was twenty, I asked, "Mom, I really like baking. May I join the classes?" I wasn't even facing her, bracing myself for her response while looking towards Ezaan bhai. "No, Ehaan, you can't. And drop Ezaan at his studio, please," she replied. 

"Stop with these desires. We've already spent a lot on your studies." I couldn't take it anymore. "I never asked you to spend anything on my studies. I never wanted to study abroad!" I shouted, my voice breaking from the intensity of my frustration. "How dare you talk to me like that?" Mother glared at me, her words cutting through the air.

"I did everything you told me to do. I want to be a painter, not a puppet in your company!" I cried, my heart breaking. "Why can't you see my happiness? You let bhai do everything he wanted, but what about me? WHAT ABOUT ME?" I lost it completely.

"Go to your room at once. You're grounded, and I don't want to see you with those loser friends of yours again!" Dad's words were final as he dragged me from the hall to my room. From then until today, they had never allowed me to be myself. With this chaos swirling in my mind, I decided to stay away from Ayat. The moment I saw her eyes filled with disappointment because of me, I knew I had to give her the space she had always wanted.

The past three months had been excruciating. "Collen!" I shouted in my cabin. "Ehaan, for the last time, stop shouting at me," Collen retorted angrily, his frustration evident. 

"Get your act together and please talk to Ayat. Staying away from her is driving you insane," he said sternly. "And after everything you've done for this company, I know the shareholders would think twice before going against you," he added. "Just stop worrying." With those words, realization hit me like a freight train. She had never said she liked me or not. I had enough chances, but what if? No, I would never give up. I finally had a chance to follow my dreams. The possibility of her being mine seemed better than the reality of being with anyone else. I needed to explain my actions towards her today.

An hour into the meeting, "Sir, there is a problem," Collen said, his face pale.
What kind of problem could halt my meeting with the shareholders? The meeting was crucial to secure my position as chairman. "Miss Ayat," I looked at my department head, Ivy. "Cancel all my meetings, Ivy. Tell everyone to go home, shut the building down, and Collen, I WANT DETAILS." I grabbed my car keys and stormed out of the room. "There is a rumor going around that a man, who is apparently a gangster, is courting Miss Ayat, and she got suspended from the hospital because of him." Those were the last words I heard from Collen before I drove off, my mind racing with anxiety and fear.

Hey lovelies I am back with more chapters, there will one more chapter today or tomorrow for legal reasons I don't know where you live. Hope you do get a background check on Ehaan my poor guy is too delulu. I posted late because my country's wifi was gone for 5 days, hope you all are safe and sound, and have a great day.