SHADOWS OF THE BLOODLINE

Chapter 22

Rahul and Athiya had settled in the outskirts of Mumbai, living a quieter, simpler life. Rahul had found work in a warehouse, doing his best to move on from the tumultuous events of the past.

Ishan was worried about his brothers. He stopped eating and became weaker day by day. Raina was worried about this, and even Gambhir, despite his stern demeanor, was concerned but didn't show his feelings as he wanted Hardik and Natasha to reconcile for their child's sake, and he saw Rahul as an obstacle to this.

The maid, Radha, who was taking care of Ishan, came out of his room, her face filled with worry. She looked at Raina with a hint of anger.

"He is not eating anything?" Raina asked her.

"No, from the day Rahul left, he has not eaten anything," Radha replied.

"Give me that. I will give it to him," Raina said.

"No need. It's already cold. I have made some kheer; I will bring that," Radha said.

Raina looked at Radha, concern etched on his face. "Is he taking his medicines?"

"No," Radha replied.

Raina sighed deeply and walked to Ishan's room.

"Ishan, come on, get up. How long will you lie down like this?" Raina urged him gently.

"I want to see my bhaiya. Bring him back," Ishan pleaded.

"No, Ishan, you know it's not possible. Your father doesn't want that," Raina said, her voice soft yet firm.

"It's his fault that it happened," Ishan muttered angrily.

"Ishan, please stop blaming your father," Raina said, trying to soothe him.

"Then who should I blame? Hardik bhaiya? Kunal bhaiya left, now my other bhaiyas have left this house. I am all alone," Ishan said, his voice breaking.

Just then, Radha brought the kheer. "Here, your favorite kheer is ready. Have some," she said, trying to cheer him up.

"I don't need it," Ishan replied stubbornly.

"Ishan, you are not taking your medicine and now not eating food either. You know what happens when you don't take your medicines," Raina said, her voice tinged with worry.

Ishan kept his head low, feeling defeated. "I don't need anything," he said, getting up and heading to the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Raina and Radha exchanged worried glances. Radha spoke first, her voice filled with frustration, "Raina, we can't continue like this. He needs help."

Ishan stayed inside the bathroom, and Raina and Radha left the room, both deeply concerned about him. As Raina walked down the hallway, he came face to face with Gambhir.

"Are you not going to do anything? Your son is not eating any food or medicines. I am taking him to meet Rahul," Raina said angrily.

Gambhir's face hardened with anger. "Sharing a bed with me doesn't give you the right to interfere in my decisions."

Raina was shocked. "I am just a bed warmer to you, right? You know that I love you, right? You are a monster who only focuses on money. You don't value love or affection. You used Rahul to gain control over your son Hardik, and now you don't need him, so you threw him out. Tell me, Mr. Gambhir, when will you throw me out?"

"Raina, you are crossing your limits," Gambhir warned, his voice low and dangerous.

"Yes, I am. For your son," Raina shot back.

"What do you want me to do? I can't bring Rahul back, and you know that," Gambhir said, his tone frustrated.

"Yes, I know. I just want you to let Ishan meet Rahul," Raina replied firmly.