Shadows of control { Under Editing }

29. Family meeting.

Author's pov:

The whole Oberoi family was gathered in the living room. Devika was sitting on the queen chair as she is, looking like she owned the place. Vikram and Malaika were on the couch, with Kiara beside them. Vijay and Alina were sitting together, and Naira was sitting alone on another couch, looking a bit on edge. It seemed like everyone was there to talk about her.

They were deep in a serious conversation when Ansh and Sofia descended the stairs. Everyone's eyes immediately turned towards the couple.

Vijay, Kiara, and Naira were stunned to see Ansh and Sofia together. As siblings who knew the harsh reality of their brother's relationship, they were surprised to witness this sudden change in his behavior. A chuckle escaped Vijay and Naira as they exchanged a knowing glance. They could hardly believe that their brother, once so ruthless, could now treat a woman with such tenderness. Kiara, too, couldn't hide a small smile, quickly masking it before anyone noticed.

Ansh, seemingly uninterested in the family gathering, turned to leave without even glancing at them Sofia, however, gently held his hand, urging him to stay and greet his family.

"Ansh,"
Devika's voice, sharp and commanding, cut through the room.
"Your sister is getting married"

Ansh was stunned, his voice echoed in the room
"Married? To whom?"
He said in disbelief while turning to face her.

"Have a seat you two. We need to talk."
Devika, gestured both of them towards the couch.

Ansh and Sofia sat down in front of Devika. Ansh, still a bit bewildered, asked
"Why am I the last one to know about this?"

"As if you've ever cared about me before,"
Naira retorted, her voice laced with bitterness.

"Care? You think you're safe on your own?"

He leaned in slightly, his tone dark.

"Take away my men, and let's see how long that lasts."

Ansh sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Naira remained silent, a flicker of fear in her eyes. She knew her brothers, especially Ansh, were fiercely protective. Their men were always watching, ensuring her safety. She understood the undertone of his words, a warning disguised as a taunt.

"Whom has she chosen to marry?"
he asked Devika, his voice laced with a dangerous undertone.

"It's Leo."
Devika replied, her voice filled with pride.

Ansh was stunned. Leo, his trusted right-hand man, was the one Naira had chosen A wave of disbelief washed over him. He never imagined his sister would choose someone so close to him, someone he considered family.

Ansh was stunned, his face a mask of disbelief and anger. He felt a surge of betrayal, a sense of violation. He stood up abruptly, ready to storm out, but Sofia caught his hand trying to calm him down.

Vikram's voice, firm
"Don't be too quick to react"
Vikram warned,
"Take Your seat, You might regret it again"

Ansh was taken back by Vikram' words.
Yes, he always Regret his too quick actions.
He took his seat.

"Naira loves him and he loves her.
That's enough... what else you want."
Vikram said firmly.

"Not everyone is as heartless as you, Ansh. Some people actually believe in love."
Kiara, braver than the rest, spoke up.

Ansh turned to Vikram, his tone dripping with contempt.
"And you think love will protect her when bullets start flying?"

"Ansh,"
Malaika said, her voice soft and maternal,
"Leo is like a family to us. Whenever any problem has caused he was always there for us, ready to sacrifice his own life . Yes, he doesn't belong from our world but he's capable enough to protect Naira. And If they love each other, we should support them."

Malaika's words made Ansh think.
He knew Leo's capabilities and his sharp intellect. He had always been impressed by Leo's dedication and strength. Perhaps, he thought, Leo was indeed the right man for Naira.

"And the most important thing,"
Kiara added, her voice dripping with venom,
"He's not from your rivals.
So this time, you can't use these excuses. Would you?"

Everyone's gaze turned towards Kiara, surprised by her sharp remark.

Ansh simply smirked, his eyes cold and calculating. He didn't need to say anything. His silence, more than any words, spoke volumes about his true feelings.

"Leo is a capable man for naira, no doubt. But he's also a man with enemies, only I know with how many men he's dealing daily. Many people want him dead. I can't risk Naira's safety by letting her marry into that world," Ansh explained, his voice heavy with concern.

"And what about us?"
Vijay interrupted, his voice was sharp
"Aren't we married? Aren't our wives safe with us despite having enemies?"

Ansh jaw clenched
"Oh really? You think your wife is safe with you?
You forgot the time Thakur's men kidnapped her and you were going crazy like a psycho"
Ansh scoffed .

"Leo is strong enough to handle them."
Devika said firmly.

"Enough Ansh!"
Naira snapped while standing up.
"Who the hell do you think you are, trying to control us?"
she shot, her words laced with disdain.
"I won't let you control my life....never...I won't let you do what you did with Kiara and Sofia."

Ansh's gaze snapped to her
"Sit down."
His voice was a dark whisper.

She hesitated, but the authority in his tone left no room for argument. Reluctantly, she sat, her jaw clenched in frustration.

Malaika and Devika exchanged shocked glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and confusion.

"Malaika, did you know about this?"
Devika's voice trembled with a mix of anger and concern.
"You forced Sofia into marriage?"

"Ansh, you... you made her marry against her will? How could you do that?"
Malaika, visibly shaken, leaned forward, her voice sharp with disbelief.

The room went still as their questions cut through the silence. Ansh remained silent, his face impassive as they waited for an answer.

"We asked something..."
Devika shouted.

"If Naira knows about this, then it's obvious all of you knew too!"
she spat, her eyes burning with fury.
"You all stood by and let this happen, didn't you?"

"Why didn't any of you tell us about this?!"
Devika shouted, her eyes scanning the room.

"Is this what we call a family?"
she asked, her words laced with hurt.
"Where loyalty means nothing, and no one stands up for each other?"

Devika shook her head in disbelief.
"We're not even valued in this place, are we?"
she murmured, her voice full of pain.

"You think controlling everyone is love? Ansh?"
Mallika said looking at ansh in hateful glare.

Malaika and Devika, overwhelmed with hurt and disappointment, turned and stormed out of the room without another word.

Ansh also stormed out of the room, his anger palpable. Sofia, sensing the storm brewing within him, followed closely behind.

Now, only time would reveal the fate of their love.