HeartStrings Entwined:A Tale of BrotherHood✅

Chapter Nine: The Night Passed after Long

Two weeks had passed since Aarav's near-death experience, and although his body was still recovering, his mind was sharp, restless even. The doctors had advised more rest, but Aarav couldn't remain confined any longer. He needed to return to work, to feel normal again, and more than anything, he needed to regain a sense of control in a life that had recently spiraled into chaos.

As Aarav stepped into the family business office, he felt a mixture of nostalgia and unease. Everything looked the same—the gleaming floors, the bustling employees, the quiet hum of industry—but nothing felt the same. He had faced death, and somehow, that had changed everything.

“Welcome back, Aarav sir,” the receptionist greeted him with a warm smile.

Aarav nodded politely, managing a small smile in return, but his heart wasn’t in it. His chest still ached, both physically and emotionally, as if the pain of the surgery had somehow seeped into his soul.

He made his way to his office, but before he could get there, he caught sight of Vivaan down the corridor. Vivaan stood by the large windows, talking to someone—Meera. She laughed at something he said, her head tilting back, her eyes lighting up in a way that tugged at Aarav’s chest.

Aarav stopped in his tracks, his pulse quickening. Meera. The woman he had fallen for, the one whose mere presence had once brought him a sense of peace. They hadn’t spoken much since the surgery, and he had been too wrapped up in his recovery to confront his feelings. But now, seeing her so at ease with Vivaan, a sickening feeling gnawed at him.

Vivaan must have sensed Aarav’s presence because he glanced over and smiled. "Aarav! Good to see you back, bro."

Meera turned, her smile faltering slightly as her eyes met Aarav’s. "Aarav, you’re here," she said softly, as if unsure how to act around him after everything that had happened.

“Yeah, I’m back,” Aarav replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “How’s everything been?”

“Busy, but good,” Vivaan said, walking over and clapping Aarav on the shoulder, his hazel-grey eyes filled with warmth. “The office has missed you. I’ve missed you.”

Aarav nodded, his eyes flicking between Vivaan and Meera, an uneasy feeling settling in his gut. There was something different in the way Meera looked at Vivaan. It was subtle, but now that Aarav was paying attention, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed.

"Meera’s been a big help while you were gone," Vivaan added casually. "She stepped up in a major way. I don’t know how we would’ve managed without her."

Meera smiled modestly, but Aarav could see a flicker of something in her eyes—something more than just professionalism.

"Thanks, Vivaan," Meera said softly, her voice laced with emotion that Aarav hadn’t heard before. "I’m just glad I could help."

Aarav’s throat tightened. He had always admired Meera’s dedication and kindness, but this… this felt different. There was an intimacy in the way they spoke to each other, a connection he couldn’t ignore. The truth was staring him in the face, and it hurt more than he expected.

He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady. "It’s good to be back," he said, but even he could hear the strain in his tone.

The conversation felt stilted after that, and Meera excused herself, sensing the tension in the air. Aarav watched her walk away, his heart sinking. He couldn’t ignore it anymore—Meera was in love with Vivaan.

Later that afternoon, Aarav sat in his office, staring blankly at the documents in front of him. His mind kept replaying the scene from earlier, the way Meera looked at Vivaan, the ease in their interactions. His feelings for her were still raw, but now he realized that he had been holding onto a hope that had never really existed. Meera had never been his to begin with.

A knock on the door broke through his thoughts. It was Vivaan.

"Hey, you okay?" Vivaan asked, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "You seemed a bit off earlier."

Aarav leaned back in his chair, rubbing a hand over his face. "Just… processing things."

Vivaan sat down across from him, his expression filled with concern. "Look, Aarav, I know it’s been a rough few weeks. But if there’s anything you need to talk about—anything at all—I’m here."

Aarav hesitated, the words weighing heavily on his chest. He wanted to ask Vivaan if he had noticed Meera’s feelings, if he felt the same way about her. But how could he? Vivaan had saved his life, stood by his side through everything. How could Aarav resent his brother for something so uncontrollable?

"Vivaan…" Aarav began, his voice barely above a whisper, "do you… do you think Meera feels something for you?"

Vivaan blinked, clearly caught off guard by the question. "Meera? I mean… we’ve always been close, but…"

Aarav’s chest tightened as he watched the realization dawn on Vivaan’s face.

"I never really thought about it like that," Vivaan said, frowning slightly. "I’ve always seen her as a good friend, but now that you mention it…"

Aarav closed his eyes, the weight of it all pressing down on him. He had fallen for a woman who had quietly given her heart to his brother.

"I think she’s in love with you," Aarav said quietly, the words tasting bitter in his mouth.

Vivaan’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. "Aarav, I—I didn’t know. I swear, I never meant…"

"It’s not your fault," Aarav cut in, his voice rough. "I can’t be mad at you for something you didn’t ask for."

Vivaan looked pained, guilt flickering across his face. "I don’t know what to say. I never wanted to hurt you."

Aarav forced a weak smile. "You didn’t. It’s just… one of those things, I guess."

The room fell into an awkward silence, the weight of unspoken words and tangled emotions hanging heavily between them.

After a long pause, Vivaan spoke again, his voice soft but firm. "You’re my brother, Aarav. Nothing will ever change that. If it means anything, I didn’t feel the same way about her. I didn’t even realize it. But if it’s going to cause problems between us…"

Aarav shook his head, his voice thick with emotion. "No, Vivaan. I’m not going to let this come between us. We’ve been through too much for that."

Vivaan exhaled slowly, relief washing over him. "I’m glad, bro. Because I can’t lose you—not after everything."

Aarav nodded, though his heart still ached. He knew he would need time to heal, to let go of the idea of Meera, but for now, he would put his brother first.

And somewhere deep down, despite the pain, he knew that’s what love truly meant.