𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆

PART-3

Bhaiya = Elder brother
Beta = Son
Beti = Daughter

-*-*-

The girl was lost in thought, the piece of paper still clutched in her hand, and a gentle smile playing on her lips. The dusty morning air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, while the soft lapping of the water against the bank created a soothing melody. But her mind was a thousand miles away, replaying the stranger's words, when a familiar voice pierced her ears—

"Ira!"

Nakul, her 24-year-old brother, stood a short distance away, panting heavily as though he had been running for ages. He bent forward, his body forming a bow from sheer exertion. Drenched in sweat, he took a moment to catch his breath before approaching her, his footsteps firm on the grassy bank.

"What is this, huh?! Do you have any idea how worried we were?!" His face contorted, eyes narrowing as he continued lashing out, "And here you are, wandering in town alone like it’s some garden?!"

Ira’s gaze dropped to the ground, her fists clenched, lips pressing tightly.

Nakul inhaled deeply and unclenched his fists. "Listen, Ira, I understand you’re going through a tough time, but that doesn’t mean you storm out of the house like this."

Her fingers tightened around the paper. Lifting her gaze, she looked directly into his eyes. "Get out of my way. I’m not in the mood to fight," she said in a flat, emotionless tone.

Nakul’s eyes narrowed, and a scoff escaped his throat. "Huh? Like you’ll win."

Ira clenched her jaw, throwing him a sharp glare. "Shut up."

Scowling, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Okay. Let’s not fight. Come home with me. Maa and Papa are worried for you."

Jerking his hand away, Ira snapped, "No! I won’t!"

"Really? Then what will you do here? Catch fish and sell them for a living?" Nakul quipped, widening his eyes.

Ira turned her head to the side, her expression contorting.

Sighing, Nakul reached out again, stroking her hair slowly. "Ira, c’mon, let’s go. I promise, no one will say anything to you."

Ira’s eyes wandered back to the river.

The water shimmered with the sun’s warm rays, sparkling like scattered diamonds. A gentle breeze played with her hair, carrying the fragrance of the morning air. The clear blue sky above, so soothing, seemed to mock the turbulence inside her. Nature’s calm was far more satisfying than the chaos of home.

Nakul’s lips twisted. Abruptly, he yanked her hair, making her yelp.

"What the hell?!" Ira jerked her face, rubbing the crown of her head. "Are you planning to make me bald?!"

"Why are you ignoring me?!" Nakul retorted, his face twisting.

"Isn’t it simple?—" she shook her head once— "Cause I want to ignore you, duh."

"Shut up!"

"You shut up!"

The silence that followed was heavy, neither willing to speak.

Ira finally exhaled, raising her hands near her chest. "Listen, you go. I’ll come…"

"Shut up and come with me!" Nakul snapped, fingers curling firmly around her wrist, ready to drag her along.

Ira yanked her hand away. "No!" The word burst out like a storm long held back. "They don’t want a daughter! They want a robot! They want results but won’t let you study. A garden left unwatered, yet expected to bloom—wow." Her mocking voice trembled beneath the sternness she fought to keep there, eyes brimming.