𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩.♡

PART 2

Vihaan entered the family mansion, heading straight to the living room, where he knew his family would be gathered. As he walked in, his youngest brother, Aarush, 16 years his junior, exclaimed dramatically, "Where were you, big brother? I almost starved to death! Mommy, look, your lovely son is home. Can we eat now?"

Their mother, Ananya, shook her head affectionately and welcomed Vihaan with a warm hug. "I missed you, beta. You've lost weight. Come, let me feed you. I even visited the temple today, praying for your well-being. You need all the blessings."

Aarush whined again, "Mom, I'm still hungry!"

Vihaan teased, his expression straight, "I'm fine, Mom. Let's eat before he actually faints."

Their father, Arjun, chuckled, and Aarush protested, "Moooom!"

........

They settled into the dining room, and Vihaan glanced around, searching for Kabir, his 18-year-old brother. "Where's Kabir? I haven't seen him."

Ananya's expression turned concerned. "We don't know, beta. He's been spending a lot of time with new friends since university started. I'm worried; he's not taking his studies seriously, comes home late, and his friends seem questionable. Can you talk to him? Your father tried, but Kabir doesn't listen. He only listens to you, son."

"I'll speak with him about his friends, but won't force him, Mother. He'll learn eventually," Vihaan replied.

Arjun nodded in agreement. "Time will teach him. We shouldn't force him."

Vihaan asked, "When will Grandfather return from Delhi?"

Aarush chimed in, teasing, " He'll take a while, he's there to find the perfect bride for you!"

Vihaan's expression remained neutral. "He knows I don't want to marry."

Arjun countered, "He won't listen; he's stubborn. But perhaps it's time you settled down, son."

Vihaan chose not to respond, his thoughts hidden. He loved his grandfather but felt trapped by his expectations. His own desires didn't matter; only the family business did.

.........

Vihaan entered his penthouse, still reeling from the marriage discussion. He dialed the one person he trusted - Aaruv.

"Hey, man! What's up?" Aaruv slurred, sounding tipsy.

"You're drunk," Vihaan observed.

"Yeah, a bit," Aaruv admitted.

Vihaan sighed. "Come here now; we need to talk."

"I don't think I can drive," Aaruv protested.

"Tell the club staff; they'll arrange something."

"What if they kidnap me? You're heartless!" Aaruv joked.

Vihaan rolled his eyes. "No one would dare kidnap you."

Aaruv's tone turned serious. "My dad's watching me. He wants me to take over his underground business. I want to run away."

"I'm coming," Vihaan said.

At the club, Vihaan spotted Aaruv and someone else caught his eye - Kabir.

"Kabir!" Vihaan shouted firmly.

Kabir looked up, fearful, releasing the girl he held. "Bhaiya, I was just-"

"Now, Kabir! Get in my car."

Vihaan eyed Kabir's friends warily. "If I see you with him again outside campus, you're gone."

They nodded hastily.

Vihaan turned to Aaruv, now fully drunk. "Arjun, get up; we're leaving."

Aaruv stood, swaying.

"Stop shouting; I have a headache."

Vihaan guided Aaruv into the car.

In the backseat, Kabir sat silently.

"What are you doing with your life, Kabir?" Vihaan asked.

           ✥END OF THE CHAPTER✥