Yaara

16) Unseen Battles

The morning light filtered through the curtains of Shiv's room, bringing with it a new sense of calm. After the stormy emotions of the previous day, Shiv was beginning to feel more at ease. The comforting presence of Rudra and Shaurya had eased some of the tension that had weighed heavily on him, and for the first time in what felt like ages, his heart felt just a bit lighter.

Shaurya was sitting beside Shiv, his hand on his pulse, checking his vitals with careful attention.

Shaurya: "You're doing better today, Rockstar. But I'll say it again—you need to reduce the stress. It's not good for you, physically or mentally."

He handed Shiv a few tablets, his voice calm but firm.

Shaurya: "These will help, but the real remedy is taking care of yourself. You've been through too much already."

Shiv nodded silently, grateful for Shaurya's support. There was something about Shaurya's steady presence that made him feel safe, almost like the brother he never had. And with Rudra there as well, hovering protectively nearby, Shiv felt a little less alone. But the weight of his dilemma still hung over him.

Rudra, standing by the window, was staring out at the garden, lost in thought. His fists clenched and unclenched as he struggled with the growing anger that was simmering just beneath his calm exterior. He didn't know exactly what his brothers had said to Shiv, but he was certain it wasn't something good. The anxiety attack, Shiv's reluctance to share his feelings—it all pointed to something deeper. And Rudra was terrified of losing Shiv, just like he feared losing Ishu and Rey. He was caught in the middle, torn between his best friend and his brothers.

Rudra: softly but fiercely "I don't want to lose you, Chiku. But I can't lose them either. I... I don't know what to do."

Shiv felt a pang of guilt hearing Rudra's conflicted voice. He hated being the cause of this tension. He had always been Rudra's anchor, not the one causing turmoil. The bond they shared, forged over years of friendship, meant everything to him. But this situation was suffocating him. He couldn't keep staying here, knowing he was causing pain to Rudra and his brothers. No matter how much hope he had, the reality was that his presence here was a problem.

Shiv: thinking to himself I can't be a burden to Kittu... I need to leave before I make things worse.

A few hours later, Rudra had finally had enough. He couldn't ignore the growing tension between Shiv and his brothers any longer. He found Ishu and Rey in the living room, chatting casually, pretending nothing was wrong.

Rudra: sternly "I need to talk to both of you."

His voice was sharp, catching both of them off guard. They exchanged a quick look, sensing something was wrong, but they remained silent.

Rudra: "I don't know what you two said to Shiv, but I know something's off. He's important to me. He's my best friend, and I expect you both to respect him."

Ishu shifted uncomfortably in his seat, while Rey's jaw tightened in frustration.

Rudra: "I mean it. If anything happens to Shiv because of you, I will not forgive either of you. I've already lost too much, and I won't lose him too."

His words hung heavily in the air, the tension between them thickening. Ishu and Rey nodded, but their resentment toward Shiv only deepened. In their eyes, Rudra's defense of Shiv felt like a betrayal. They had always been his priority, his closest family, and now they felt displaced, like outsiders in their own home.

As Rudra left the room, Ishu and Rey exchanged a dark look.

Ishu: "Did you hear that? He's choosing Shiv over us."