Niyati: Their Destiny

31. Distance

Roop's pov

I laid down on the bed, trying to forget everything that just happened. It's been a long time since i am lying on the bed tossing and turning, trying to get some sleep in a hope to clear my mind.

I continued staring at the ceiling when i heard a knock on the door.
It must be Raj.
I didn't reply. Instead, I just shut my eyes and turned my back towards the door, pretending to be asleep.

I don't think we can have any sort of conversation right now. So it's better not to speak at all.

I felt the bed dipping from the other side. I felt him covering me with a quilt as he laid back on the bed.

He then wrapped his hand around me and pulled me into himself. His chin rested on my head.

He seemed sad.
I don't know how, but something felt off with his touch.

I stayed wide awake as i heard him sniffle.

He's crying.
I wanted to ask why, but i know it was about something that happened downstairs and.... and it's their family matter.
But i can't just let him cry.

His hold around me tightened as he started sobbing, and i couldn't hold myself and turned to face him and engulfed him into a hug.

He buried his head into my neck as he continued sobbing, holding me for his dear life. I kept patting his back, not knowing what else to do.

"Just let it all out. Don't hold anything in your heart." I said, still patting his back.

"I am sorry. I am sorry. I am very, very sorry." He kept murmuring while sobbing as a few tears escaped my eyes watching him crying.

"I didn't want to hurt her. I could never. She... she's my little sister.... how can I!" He said in between his sobs.

"You could never hurt anyone." I said softly.

"I have hurt you, and i am sorry for that and.... and i hurt Avu, too." He murmured.

"You didn't. In fact you couldn't. Hurt is not the word I'd use for anything i felt with you and about Avu, you can't hurt her either. You'd never." I said as he snuggled closer to me.

"Maa didn't mean what she said." He said softly, and i just hummed in response.

I know.
But the damage is done.

After a few more minutes, i felt his breath calming down a bit, followed by soft snores indicating he was fast asleep. I wanted to switch off the lights so he could sleep better, but i couldn't, i am still scared. Soon i fell into deep slumber.

A loud noise woke me up. Rubbing my eyes, i looked around, looking for the source of noise.

"I am sorry i disturbed your sleep." Raj said, picking up the files that were lying on the floor and i shook my head in denial.

"Are you okay?" I asked, unsure if i am overstepping my boundaries.

"Perfectly fine. Thank you for last night." He said nervously, and i nodded.

Walking downstairs for breakfast had never been more awkward before today. There's an unsaid distance between us. Not just us, between me and his entire family.

I sat down on my usual unassigned seat, but what was unusual was the silence. No one spoke a word. They barely ate.

"Is everything okay?" I asked Raj as he looked at me for a moment and nodded his head with a small smile.

He lied.
I can see it in his eyes.
But why?
Did Mr. Goenka, do anything?

"I... I am going to Radhika's place." Avu said, getting up, leaving the breakfast plate untouched.

"I'll come with you." Raj said almost immediately.

"I want to go alone." She replied, looking at her father.

"Let me drop you at least." Raj said, almost pleading.

He was talking something about hurting Avu. What had happened yesterday?

"I'll go by myself. I am not a kid." She replied sternly.

"Avu, you can't fight your family for someone who didn't even choose you!" His mother said softly.

"It's not like he is the only one who didn't choose me. Not that i am blaming anyone." She said, glancing at Raj before she left.

Raj dropped the spoon back on the table and left. I just sat their not knowing what am i supposed to do.

Who didn't choose her!?
What the hell is happening?
Stop it, Roop.
It's their family matter.

But it's Avu and Raj.
How does it even matter!?

They are important to me.
But they aren't family.

They are the closest i have ever been to one.
But they have a real one. They don't need you.

Stop loathing yourself. It's disgusting.
That's who you are, Roop.

A moment of attention, and you thought you had everything?

I really needed to hear what Aunty said yesterday, or I'd have started believing that i was a part of this family.

Forget about it. Can i do anything for Avu or Raj?

After debating with myself, i went towards Avu's room and was about to knock on the door when it opened itself.

"I.. I actually wanted to ask if you are okay?" I asked nervously, second guessing my decision.

She looked at me with a small smile perfectly fabricated to hide the real emotions. I know it very well.

"Don't worry, okay? I know you are confused. But it'll be fine." She said as she hugged me.

"I am at Radhika's place. If you need anything just call me." She added, breaking the hug.

"Is everything okay between you and Kartik?" I asked, gulping.

"There's nothing left to be okay between us." She smiled sadly and turned to leave.

I stood their trying to process what she had just said.
Nothing left?
It... It can't be what i am thinking.
Of course it isn't.

It was only yesterday she showed me the lehnga she was supposed to wear next to next week on her wedding and now there's nothing left.

I might have misheard her.
Or i might have misinterpreted her words.

No.
No.
This can't happen.

But why?

"We got into a huge fight and we decided to end things." She said taking a deep breath and finally left.

♡♡♡

So the plot twist is on the way, so tighten your seat belts, and here we go✨️

Things are going to get messier, duh, but now we'll get the revenge part.

So hold tight.
Love
Star♡