HeartStrings Entwined:A Tale of BrotherHood✅

Chapter Ten: The Truth Hurts

A few months passed, and life began to settle into a new rhythm for Aarav. He had slowly come to terms with Meera's feelings for Vivaan, and though it still hurt, he had made peace with the situation. The business, however, was a different story. The family company had been going through a turbulent phase, and the board meetings were becoming increasingly tense.

Amid all this, Kabir Mittal, a long-time rival of the Sharma family, had been circling like a vulture. He had always harbored a grudge against Aarav and Vivaan, their success a thorn in his side. But lately, Kabir had found a new way to exploit Aarav’s vulnerability—his heart condition.

Aarav had tried his best to keep his health issues private, but somehow, word had leaked. Kabir, being the shrewd businessman he was, seized the opportunity to spread rumors about Aarav’s weakened state. He began feeding the corporate world with subtle whispers: *Aarav Sharma was no longer fit to lead. His heart couldn't handle the pressures of business. The company was in danger under his leadership.*

At first, Aarav dismissed the rumors, focusing on his work and recovery. But slowly, the damage began to show. Investors started to pull back. Clients grew wary, fearing instability in the company. And even some of the board members—those who had always stood by Aarav—began to question his capacity to lead.

One afternoon, during an important meeting with key stakeholders, Aarav sat at the head of the table, going over the latest quarterly reports. The room was packed with executives, investors, and board members, all anxiously waiting for Aarav to present his strategy to counter the growing concerns. Vivaan sat to Aarav’s left, his gaze flicking between his brother and the restless faces in the room.

The tension in the air was palpable.

As Aarav spoke, his voice remained calm and steady. He was outlining a new strategy for the company, one that he believed would help them regain the trust of their investors. But even as he talked, he could feel the weight of the room pressing down on him, the constant stress gnawing at his insides.

Suddenly, mid-sentence, a sharp pain shot through Aarav’s chest. He paused, his breath catching, but he pushed forward, trying to ignore it.

*Not now*, he thought, swallowing hard. *Not in front of everyone.*

But the pain intensified, spreading like wildfire. He glanced at Vivaan, who noticed the shift in his brother’s expression immediately.

"Aarav, you okay?" Vivaan whispered, leaning in.

Aarav nodded stiffly, but his chest was tightening by the second. Sweat began to bead on his forehead, his vision blurring slightly. His heartbeat, usually steady, now pounded erratically in his ears.

"I’m fine," Aarav said through gritted teeth, trying to maintain control.

But then, the world seemed to spin. His breath became shallow, and his hand gripped the table for support. Before he could say another word, his body gave out, and he collapsed onto the floor.

"Aarav!" Vivaan shouted, leaping from his chair and rushing to his side.

Panic erupted in the room. Chairs scraped against the floor, people shouting, while Vivaan knelt beside his brother, shaking him lightly. Aarav’s face had turned pale, his eyes fluttering open and shut as he gasped for breath.

"Call an ambulance!" someone yelled, but Vivaan was already taking action.

Vivaan knew this was serious, far worse than anything Aarav had faced before. His heart condition had been kept under control for months, but the immense pressure of the business, Kabir’s relentless scheming, and the internal stress had taken its toll.

"Aarav, stay with me," Vivaan said, his voice urgent but calm as he checked his brother’s pulse. It was weak, far too weak.

The room descended into chaos, with executives crowding around, unsure of what to do. But Vivaan remained focused. He couldn’t let his brother slip away—not again.

Within minutes, paramedics arrived, and Aarav was quickly placed on a stretcher, his condition critical. Vivaan followed closely, his heart pounding in his chest, but not out of fear for the company’s future. Right now, all he cared about was saving Aarav.

As they rushed to the hospital, Vivaan’s mind raced. Kabir Mittal’s name lingered in his thoughts. It was no coincidence that Aarav’s collapse had come on the heels of Kabir’s manipulations. His heart was already fragile, but the mental strain Kabir had caused had pushed Aarav over the edge.

When they arrived at the hospital, Aarav was whisked away into emergency care. Vivaan stood outside the operating room, his fists clenched, helplessness gnawing at him. It was like reliving Aarav’s surgery all over again—the same uncertainty, the same fear.

Hours passed, and Vivaan couldn’t stop pacing. He knew how dangerous it was to operate on Aarav’s heart again, but there was no other option. If they didn’t act fast, Aarav might not make it.

Eventually, one of the doctors emerged, looking grim.

"Mr. Sharma," the doctor began, "we’ve managed to stabilize Aarav, but his heart is in a delicate state. We’ll need to monitor him closely over the next few days. He’s not out of danger yet."

Vivaan nodded, though his chest felt tight with anxiety. He couldn’t bear to lose Aarav—not after all they had been through.

Hours later, Vivaan found himself sitting by Aarav’s bedside in the ICU. His brother was hooked up to multiple machines, his face pale and gaunt. The rhythmic beep of the heart monitor was the only sound in the room.

Vivaan reached out, grasping Aarav’s hand. "I’m so sorry, Aarav. I should’ve seen this coming."

Aarav’s eyes fluttered open, his voice weak but steady. "It’s not your fault, Vivaan."

Vivaan shook his head, guilt weighing heavily on his shoulders. "Kabir did this to you. He used your heart condition to bring you down. I swear… I won’t let him get away with it."

Aarav managed a faint smile. "You’ve always had my back, Vivaan. I know you’ll take care of it. Just… don’t let this consume you."

Vivaan’s jaw clenched. Kabir had crossed a line, and Vivaan wasn’t going to stand by and let him destroy what they had built. But for now, all that mattered was Aarav’s recovery.

As Aarav drifted back into a peaceful sleep, Vivaan made a silent promise to his brother. Kabir Mittal would pay for what he had done. And the Sharmas would rise again, stronger than ever.

But first, Aarav needed to heal—and Vivaan would be by his side every step of the way.