Shadows of control

21. Brothers!

Author's pov:

Ansh was furious and punching the boxing bag with all his might. He wasn't wearing gloves, and his knuckles were bleeding, but he didn't care. He just wanted to let out his anger.

Suddenly the gym door swung open and vijay entered.
Their relationship was a complex tapestry of love and rivalry. Despite an unspoken bond they can die for each other but never show it.

Vijay with a mix of concern & amusement halted Ansh's rentless assault on himself, giving him a smirk
"Save something for later"
He said, his voice cutting through the air.

He gently guided Ansh to a nearby bench in the gym, his gaze fixed on the injured knuckle of Ansh. He tended to his wounds.

He sat beside Ansh.As they both sat together a strange sense of peace settled between them.

Vijay senses the situation that something had happened between him and Sofia

He began,
"When the younger brother is lost, it's the elder brother's responsibility to show him the right path, isn't it?"

"Brother?"
Ansh scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt.
"The one who hires spies to watch my every move or unfold my secrets.That fucker can't be my brother!"

Vijay mocked him.
"That's so unexpected. I'm shocked."

This time Ansh didn't bother to reply. He stayed quiet because he knew they both were equally stubborn he stared at the ground surface thinking about his acts towards Sofia he knew this time he crossed his limits.

Vijya's voice brought him to the world
"I warned you,"
he began, his gaze fixed on Ansh.
"She's not your type. She belongs to another world, and now you've dragged her into yours. It's your responsibility to protect her."

He continued
"I thought she would open her mouth in front of dad about you"
Vijay knew the way how Ansh treats people after being betrayed so,of course he also knew for what reasons he married Sofia and how he will be treating her.

Vijay said, his voice low
"But if she respects you enough to keep it a secret, then you need to be her strength, be her fucking savior"

Ansh pondered, a wave of complex emotions washing over him.
"Yes, she could have spoken up. She could have freed herself from the darkness I've cast upon her. But why did she choose silence? For what reason? Yet, she respected my dignity. Saved from being humiliated from the family members" he said in his mind.

Vijay began,
"Give this relationship a chance, Ansh. It's better than making her a puppet. Mark my words, she'll never truly betray you."

Vijay got up patting Ansh's back reassuringly.

It was 2 AM. Ansh went into the bedroom, his heart heavy. Sofia lay asleep,her back was upwards and she was sleeping on her stomach , a silent testament to the pain she endured. A wave of pity washed over him as he witnessed the physical toll his actions had taken.

He grabbed a bottle of oil and climbed onto the bed. Assuming she was in a deep slumber, he gently pulled her t-shirt up, revealing the tender, bruised skin. His heart ached as he carefully massaged the injured areas, the oil soothing the pain. Tears Espaced her closed eyes, she was stalk Awaken.

Another day dawned, and Ansh arrived at the office early. His mind was occupied with Sofia's well-being. He planned to grant her a few days of leave, hoping it would provide her with much-needed rest and recovery.

It was an important meeting day, and Sofia's presence was crucial. However, Ansh had managed to arrange things so she could rest. As the meeting commenced, the door swung open, and Sofia entered. For the first time, she radiated a powerful aura, as if the meeting revolved around her.

The meeting commenced. Her presentation was flawless, her insights sharp, and her confidence unwavering as usual.Yesterday's incident and a great impact on her mental and physical state but she didn't let it show it's affect on her work . As she spoke, a hush fell over the room, each member captivated by her brilliance. Whispers rippled through the crowd, "Damn, she's so... impressive."

Sofia sat in her cabin, lost in thought, replaying the note she'd seen on the mirror which had written "You're on leave, Don't come". A soft knock interrupted her reverie. The door swung open and Ansh entered.

Ansh leaned against her desk, his expression stern.
"I left a clear note. You weren't supposed to come in today, you're on a leave"

For the first time Sofia raised her voice on Ansh
"And for what reason I was supposed to take a leave?

"I can work. I'm feeling much better. You should mind your own business Boss."
Sofia said, her voice stern.

Ansh was taken aback by her sudden outburst. He could see the hurt in her eyes.
"This will be the first and last time you'll talk to me like that "
he said, his voice flat.
"You're going home"

Sofia, her voice laced with irritation, retorted,
"Are you done with your assumptions, so I can get back to work?"

"Sofia, I'm fucking serious. Get home and rest,"
Ansh growled, his voice low and intense.

Sofia laughed bitterly.
"Rest? So you can repeat your actions once I'm healed?"
she scoffed.

Ansh remained silent, his expression unreadable. Sofia, her voice filled with disappointment, spoke up, "If you truly cared, you would have thought twice before doing something so reckless."

Tears welled up in Sofia's eyes, but she blinked them away, refusing to let him see her vulnerability. Ansh, unable to bear the tension, placed a handkerchief on the table and left the room.