The Pricking Love

Unfolding Truths

Anusha's POV .

I moved to the living room, where the remnants of our picnic scattered across the coffee table-a leftover plate of sandwiches, half-empty bottles of sparkling water, and a deck of cards Karan had insisted we play with. I could still hear the echoes of laughter from earlier, the carefree moments that had made me feel like I belonged. But with Ansh's message, that sense of comfort felt fragile, teetering on the brink of a revelation that could shatter it all.

I glanced out the large window, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The beauty of the moment seemed at odds with the turmoil inside me. What would happen if Ansh came here? What if he confronted Ekant? I couldn't bear the thought of a confrontation that might reveal the darkness of my past.

My thoughts drifted back to Ekant-his calm demeanor, the protective way he'd held my hand. I had seen glimpses of warmth and vulnerability in him today, and it made me wonder if we were building something real. I couldn't allow my brother to come between us, yet the desire to see Ansh after so long was nearly overwhelming.

As I paced the living room, my mind raced. I needed to think of a way to manage this without causing chaos. I pulled my phone out again, scrolling through my contacts until I found the number I hadn't called in years.

Me: "Ansh, I need time. It's complicated. Can we talk later?"

Ansh: "Anu, please. Just tell me where you are. I'm worried about you."

A part of me longed to spill everything-the pain of the last twelve years, the darkness that had followed me, the way I felt trapped in a marriage that had started with a promise of safety but was shrouded in fear. But I couldn't.

Me: "I'm okay. Just... let's talk tomorrow?"

I hit send, heart racing, then paced back and forth, waiting for his reply. Seconds felt like hours, and my mind raced with possibilities.

Ansh: "Fine. But I'm coming to see you, Anu. I can't wait any longer."

The message sent a jolt of anxiety through me. I couldn't let him show up here unannounced. I had to be prepared.

---

Ekant's POV

I leaned against the door to my study, staring into the darkness of the hallway. Something had changed in Anusha the moment she received that message. I could sense it in her demeanor, the way her smile faltered and her gaze shifted. Whatever she was hiding, I needed to know.

The thought of Ansh nagged at me like a persistent itch, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow linked to whatever turmoil lurked beneath Anusha's surface. He was more than just her brother; he was part of her story-one that I didn't fully understand.

As I settled back at my desk, I couldn't focus on work. Instead, I found myself staring at the photos of my family and my own past, memories mingling with the present. I picked up my phone, contemplating whether to call Vikram. He might have some insights into Ansh-after all, they were both part of the same social circles, and Vikram had always been well-connected.

Before I could dial, my phone buzzed again. It was a message from Vikram.

Vikram: "Hey, I heard some rumors today. Something big is happening with Ansh. You might want to keep an eye on things."

The unease that had been simmering within me boiled over. What did that mean?

Me: "What kind of rumors?"

Vikram: "He's been making moves in the business world. Some people are saying he's planning to come back home. Just keep Anusha safe. You know how family dynamics can get messy."