The Sun & the Stars Aligned

44: I Love You

ADITYA

"Why are you sweating so much?" I asked, noticing Rohan loosening his tie in the living room.

I've gotten so used to sleeping next to Tara that I can't fall asleep without her. And now, instead of being with my love, I'm stuck here with her brother. 

What have I got myself into?

"Nothing, Bhai," Rohan replied, his voice shaky as he fumbled with his tie. "It's just gotten hotter in here."

"It's 2 AM, and you still haven't changed? Planning to stay up all night like an owl?" I shot back, raising an eyebrow.

"You're awake too," he mumbled under his breath, clearly trying to avoid my gaze.

"Excuse me?" I asked, my tone sharp.

"You're excused. No, I mean I was just wondering why you're still up. Why haven't you gone to bed?" he said, trying to sound casual, but failing miserably.

"I needed to talk to Tara, so I'm heading to her room," I replied, already making my way toward the door.

"You're going to see Bhabhi?" he blurted out, his voice suddenly loud and panicked. "Why... uh... why do you need to talk to her now? Can't it wait until morning? She's probably asleep."

"Why wouldn't she be awake? I spoke to her ten minutes ago." I said, narrowing my eyes at him. 

Why the hell was he trying to stop me from seeing my own wife?

"Why couldn't she be asleep by now?" he stammered, his eyes darting around like he was hiding something. I raised an eyebrow, suspicion creeping in. "I mean, it's so late... it's not right to disturb a girl at this hour."

"She's my wife. And why are you getting nervous? It's not like I'm not going to see your girlfriend."

"Girlfriend? Bhai, I don't even have a girlfriend. Why would I be nervous?" he said with a forced laugh, his smile looking more like a grimace.

"Step aside, Rohan. I need to see Tara," I said firmly, moving toward the door again. But he jumped in front of me, blocking my path with his arms spread wide.

He let out a heavy sigh under my glare. "Bhai, please, just go to bed. Live and let live. Why don't you just take a break for once?"

"If you don't move out of my way in the next five seconds—" I started, but he cut me off.

"Bhai, please, I beg you. Why is everyone trying to get me into trouble?" he said angrily. Why is he so worked up?

"Fine," I said, rolling my eyes. "then I need to see Maa Maa."

The color drained from his face. Before I could take another step, he suddenly blurted out, "They're not at home!"

"WHAT?" I roared, my voice echoing.

"Nothing." he blurted out again.

At that exact moment, I heard footsteps behind us. Turning around, I saw Papa and Chachu standing there.

"What do you mean they're not at home?" Papa asked sternly, his gaze drilling into Rohan, who was now sweating bullets.

"I... I... well, you see..." Rohan stammered, looking like he was about to faint.

Papa crossed his arms, his brows furrowing. "Rohan, where are they?"

Rohan looked at me for help, but I was too angry to even consider anything. "Rohan," I said, my voice low and dangerous, "if you don't start talking right now, I'll make sure you regret it."