A Web of Love and Deceit

Whispers of Betrayal

Ram's POV

As I led Shivada, silent and trembling, down the hall to her bedroom, I could feel her barely holding herself together. Her hands clutched fiercely to a pendant hanging from her neck, her fingers turning white from the grip. The pendant glinted faintly—a gift, perhaps, from Aadhi. My heart tightened, understanding at once what this meant. I closed the door softly behind us and wrapped her in my arms, feeling her dissolve into heavy, broken sobs. She wept with a force that seemed to shake her very bones, and I felt the painful sting of helplessness in my chest.

All this time, I'd sensed the quiet love between her and Aadhi—the stolen glances, the small, tender gestures, the way she softened whenever he was near. But Shiva, my moon, my gentle, stubborn Shiva. He hadn't seen it. How could I blame him, though? He'd only ever wanted to escape the pressure of the marriage proposals, unaware of the depth that lay in Shivada's heart. Now, things had spiralled, leaving all of us caught in a storm that none of us had foreseen. But if there was one thing I knew, it was this: Shiva and I would do whatever it took to mend what was broken, to clear the path for Shivada and Aadhi. We would set things right, even if it meant facing a world of opposition.

After a while, her sobs quieted down, and her breaths evened out. Only the occasional hiccup broke the silence.

"You okay, Shivada?" I asked softly, nudging her shoulder. "Wanna talk? I'm here, dummy. You can talk to me."

She hesitated, wiping her cheeks, then looked at me with those teary eyes. "I'm sorry, Ram. I should've told you, but... Aadhi and I, we're in love. I can't imagine anyone else in my life."

I squeezed her hand and grinned. "Hey, no need for apologies. I totally get it." I couldn't resist adding with a smirk, "So when did all this happen, huh? How'd you manage to win over Aadhi? I swear, I thought the only things he knew were hunger and sleep. But the way he went all-out defending you today? Shivada, that man is completely whipped. I'm proud of you, sis."

For the first time that day, a faint smile tugged at her lips, and I felt a surge of relief.

She took a deep, shuddering breath, and then, as if a dam had broken, the stories began to spill out.

Shivada's eyes softened as she spoke of Aadhi, each memory brightening her face despite the lingering tears. She described the night he first confessed, how he'd surprised her, his usual guarded expression melting away into vulnerability. She told me about their secret dates in Bangalore, tucked away in cozy little cafes, or walking under the city lights, just the two of them in a world of their own.

With a shy smile, she talked about the day she finally said yes to him and the way his face lit up in a way she'd never seen before. Each word she spoke seemed to carry a piece of her heart—every laugh, every sigh, like a love letter. She even mentioned his last birthday—how she'd given him a gift she knew he'd treasure forever—his gift , a beautiful pendant on her birthday, something meaningful and private, just for the two of them.

Listening to her, I could feel the depth of what they shared—a love that ran far deeper than I'd imagined. To her, Aadhi wasn't just someone she loved; he was her other half, her safe place, her home. And from everything she described, it was clear he felt exactly the same. In that moment, I understood—this wasn't some fleeting romance. They meant the world to each other in a way that felt unbreakable, undeniable.

"Wow," I said, feigning a dramatic sigh. "So he's been in love with you since he was just 13, huh? That explains why he was always hanging around our place, always taking your side! Here I was, thinking it was just because of our epic friendship." I paused, pretending to wipe an imaginary tear. "I see it all so clearly now..."

Shivada burst out laughing, grabbing a pillow and launching it at me. "Oh, stop it, Ram!" she managed between giggles, but her face was beaming, the heaviness finally lifting.

I scratched the back of my neck, feeling the heat rise to my face. "So, um... about that whole promise-breaking thing... you know, when exactly did you two..." I stammered, tripping over my own words. "Oh, God, this is embarrassing. How does a brother even ask his sister about her... uh... sex life?" I groaned. "Oh, no, that came out wrong!"

Shivada's face turned a lovely shade of pink as she bit her lip, clearly amused. "It happened a while ago, Ram. Let's just say... Aadhi could probably "paint me like a French girl" with his eyes closed by now."(Titanic reference... IKYK)

I practically choked. "That's... enough! Way more than enough." I coughed, quickly waving my hands. "Okay, okay, I get it!" 

"Are you really planning to stop calling Aadhi, just like your mom said?" I asked gently, concern lacing my words.

She took a shaky breath. "Yes, Ram. Amma must've been deeply hurt by what Padma aunty said. So, for now, I'll hold back. But... I don't know how long I can do this." Her voice broke, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Just thinking about not being in touch with him makes me feel like I can't breathe."

I wrapped her in a reassuring hug, pulling her close. "I'm here, Shoebill," I whispered softly. "And I promise you—you'll get your Aadhi. Don't worry, okay?" I smiled, hoping to give her a glimmer of hope. Because deep down, I knew one thing for certain: their love was too strong, too pure. Not even the heavens could stand in its way.

Shivada's POV

I took a deep breath as I walked into college, forcing myself to appear normal. I'd even taken the time to put on a bit of makeup, trying to hide the swollen eyes from yesterday's chaos. But the second I stepped into the classroom, a strange hush fell over everyone. Conversations trailed off, and people turned, glancing at me with that look that says they know something. Some leaned in, whispering behind their hands, trying not to stare too obviously.

Confused, I moved to a chair in the far corner, putting my bag down quietly and sitting, hoping they'd all just go back to whatever they were talking about before I arrived. But I could still feel their gazes, the quiet murmurs that filled the silence. My heart clenched a little, wondering what they knew and why everyone seemed so interested in me all of a sudden.

As I sat there, trying to ignore the whispers, a girl I hardly spoke to slipped into the seat beside me, casting a hesitant glance my way. Her sidelong look was enough to break the last of my patience. I turned, meeting her gaze directly. "What's the matter?" I asked, my tone sharper than I intended.

She flinched, but after a pause, she asked softly, "Are you... okay?"

The question caught me off guard. "Why wouldn't I be?" I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

Her face filled with uncertainty, but she spoke anyway. "I heard... that you and Mr. Aadhi broke up."

I stared at her, my mind reeling. "What?!" My voice came out louder than expected, turning a few heads. "Who told you that?"

She glanced down, fidgeting with her hands. "Well, there's a rumor going around. People are saying that you... two-timed Aadhi and his older brother, and that their mom found out. Supposedly, she lashed out and warned you to stay away, and... well, that Aadhi ended things."

Her words echoed in my ears, but I could barely believe what I was hearing. "No... none of that is true," I managed, my voice thick with shock. "Aadhi and I... we didn't break up, and I would never two-time the brothers. Where did this even come from?"

"It's Lilly's friends saying it," she admitted quietly, eyes darting away. "Apparently, Lilly was at your house yesterday, so... people took her word for it. But I didn't believe it—I know you're not that kind of person. That's why I wanted to ask you directly. I'm sorry if I overstepped."

I took a deep breath, anger simmering beneath my skin. "Thank you for coming to me first and not adding to the lies," I said, a fierce determination burning in my chest. "I'll handle it." I glanced across the room, spotting Lilly surrounded by her friends, whispering as though she held the most valuable secrets in the world. She seemed to be reveling in the attention, entirely unaware of the fire she'd ignited.

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