When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch 45. Unspoken Connections

As they savored the snacks, Aarush turned to Om with a curious smile. "So, Om, when are you planning to tie the knot with Ishana?"

Om and Ishana exchanged startled glances, unsure how to respond.

Sneha swiftly intervened, "Aarush, they won't be getting married anytime soon."

Aarush's curiosity piqued, he asked, "Why can't they get married soon?"

Annika chimed in, "Because Om has an elder brother, and until he gets married, Om can't."

Aarush's eyes widened in surprise.

Annika continued, "Vaise, Om, you've never introduced us to your elder brother. I've met your grandmother and sister, but not him."

Shivay's eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling.

How did Annika meet his grandmother and sister without him knowing?

What other secrets had Om kept hidden?

Shivay's thoughts swirled.

Ishana's hand brushed against Om's.

A silent understanding passed between them.

Aarush's curiosity deepened. "Oh, so you have an elder brother? What does he do?"

Om's response was cautious. "Uh, he's a businessman."

Aarush's eyes lit up. "A businessman, that's interesting! Where does he work, and what's his name?"

The room fell silent.

Om's eyes darted to Shivay, whose intense gaze awaited his response.

If Om revealed the truth, Shivay's identity would be exposed to Annika.

Shivay's expression remained impassive, but his eyes conveyed a warning.

Om's mind raced.

How could he deflect Aarush's question without arousing suspicion?

Rudra, sensing Om's discomfort, shifted uncomfortably.

Ishana's eyes locked onto Om, concern etched on her face.

The air was thick with anticipation.

Om's hesitation hung in the air, but before he could respond, Annika chimed in, her words slicing through the tension.

"Aarush, let's not discuss his elder brother," Annika said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "You don't know how arrogant he is, always prioritizing work over family. His work is his wife; he's always busy with it."

Her candid remarks sparked a mix of reactions.

Shivay's eyes widened, stunned. How could Annika describe him so accurately?

Aarush chuckled, oblivious to the undercurrents.

The others—Om, Rudra, Ishana, and Sneha—suppressed their amusement, their faces mirrors of restrained smiles.

Their thoughts, however, betrayed their straight faces:

"What will Annika do when she realizes the elder brother she's describing is none other than Shivay?"

Their eyes darted to Shivay, witnessing his reaction.

His expression revealed a tumult of emotions: shock, embarrassment, and a hint of curiosity.

Annika continued, unaware of the bombshell she had dropped.

"I'm just saying, work-life balance is essential. Someone should tell him that!"