through thick and thin

Chapter 4

Flashback continues
_________________________________________

Aaryan felt as if he had failed. He couldn't shake off the feeling that unintentionally, he had neglected his siblings. After their parents' passing, he had tried his best to provide Aaira and Aarav with love, support, and care, but somehow, he had fallen short. Despite his efforts to make it home on time, have dinner with them, and give them the time they needed, he knew he had failed.

In this moment of desperation, Aaryan sought guidance from the one person he trusted: their elder cousin, Siddharth. He reached for his phone and immediately called Siddharth.

"Hello?" came Siddharth's voice.

"Bhai, please come over," Aaryan said, his tone urgent.

"Of course, Aaryan. What's wrong?" Siddharth's voice was laced with concern.

Aaryan hesitated, unsure how to articulate his emotions. "I'll explain when you get here, Bhai. Please come quickly."

Siddharth's prompt response reassured Aaryan. "I'm on my way. Hang in there."

Twenty minutes later, Siddharth arrived, his expression calm and reassuring.

"Aaryan, what's troubling you?" Siddharth asked, settling into the couch beside him.

Aaryan took a deep breath and poured out his heart, sharing his feelings of inadequacy and fear of failing Aaira and Aarav.

Siddharth listened attentively, his expression empathetic. When Aaryan finished, Siddharth placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Siddharth's expression turned thoughtful. "Aaryan, you're being too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes."

Aaryan shook his head, his eyes welling up. "No, Bhai, if I had done my best, they would have never felt neglected."

Siddharth's voice was gentle. "Aaryan, you are doing your best, and both of your siblings know it. As for feeling neglected, you must have a talk with them and try to understand where you're going wrong."

Aaryan's face twisted in anguish. "But what if I've damaged them forever? What if they can't forgive me?"

Siddharth's expression softened. "Aaryan, forgiveness isn't always the issue. Sometimes, it's about understanding and growth. You're willing to learn and improve, that's what matters. Besides you are everything to your siblings they would never hold offence for you they are just trying to make you understand. Theey care for you way to much and are worried because of your work habit."

Aaryan's tears flowed freely now, releasing pent-up emotions. Siddharth pulled him into a comforting hug.

"Aaryan, you're not alone in this. We'll face it together," Siddharth whispered.

After a few moments, Aaryan's sobs subsided. He pulled back, wiping his tears.

"You're right, Bhai," Aaryan said, his voice shaking. "I need to talk to them."

"Remember they are not mature enough, often acting on impulse.If they ever say something or do something which you find wrong,  talk to them try to understand them and do not impose your decisions on them. Let them realise where they went wrong." said Siddharth

Aaryan took a deep breath, a glimmer of determination flickering to life within him.

_________________________________________

On the other hand Aaira and Aarav where also going through their emotional turmoil and had called Mayra for guidance.

"What happened.? would you please explain in detail." asked Mayra, concern etched in her voice.