Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-28: Meeting His Friends

We are two pieces of a puzzle forced together, but no matter how hard the world tries, we don’t quite fit—yet.

Prisha's POV,

The door to our room slammed shut with a force that made me jump. I turned away from the mirror, startled, to see Rudraksh pacing furiously. His brows were furrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his fists clenched by his sides.

I sighed. I’d seen this storm brewing ever since Nandini left. “Rudraksh,” I said softly, walking over to him. “What’s wrong?”

He stopped mid-step and turned to me, his eyes blazing with frustration. “What’s wrong?” he repeated, his voice a low growl. “Everything is wrong, Prisha. Everything.”

I placed a calming hand on his arm, but he shook it off, resuming his pacing. “She’s unhappy with this marriage,” he said abruptly, almost shouting. “And she’s not even trying to hide it.”

I frowned. “Nandini?”

“Who else?” he snapped, gripping his hair. “Why else would she come up with that ridiculous condition for a secret marriage? She doesn’t want this, Prisha. She’s being forced into it!”

I stepped closer, forcing him to stop and look at me. “Rudra, calm down,” I said firmly. “You’re upset, but yelling isn’t going to help. Let’s talk about this rationally.”

He scoffed. “Rationally? How can I be rational when my sister is being pushed into something she doesn’t want?”

“I understand you’re angry,” I said, keeping my tone even. “But you’re not being fair right now. Sit down. Please.”

Reluctantly, he sank onto the edge of the bed, though his posture remained tense. I sat beside him, taking his hand in mine.

“Talk to me,” I urged gently.

He exhaled sharply, his voice shaking with emotion. “It’s not that I’m unhappy with this marriage, Prisha. Manik seems like a good guy. They work together; he’s responsible, successful, and from a respectable family. I should be thrilled that she’ll finally settle down with someone who can care for her.”

I nodded, encouraging him to continue.

“But she’s not happy,” he said, his voice breaking slightly. “She doesn’t want this. I can see it, Prisha. She’s trying to act strong, but she’s miserable. That’s why she put forward that condition. She’s desperate to keep it at arm’s length as if it doesn’t even matter to her.”

I squeezed his hand, my heart aching for both of them. “You’re right,” I admitted softly. “She’s not happy. But, Rudra, you can’t just abandon her now. She needs us—she needs you—even if she doesn’t show it.”

He looked at me, his eyes full of anguish. “I feel so helpless,” he admitted. “I want to stop this marriage, but she gave me her swear. I can’t go against that. I failed her once, Prisha. When Dad sent her away to New York, I couldn’t protect her. I was too young, too clueless. But now…”

I placed a hand on his cheek, forcing him to meet my gaze. “You’re not failing her,” I said firmly. “You’re here for her now, and that’s what matters. You don’t have to fight her battles for her, but you can stand by her side while she fights them herself.”

He shook his head, his voice bitter. “She doesn’t even want me by her side. Did you hear her tonight? She practically pushed me away.”

“She’s scared,” I explained gently. “She’s trying to protect you in her own way. She doesn’t want you to get hurt, Rudra. You know how stubborn she is—just like Dad.”