The Sibling Saga

17) Storm - I

Karan landed a sharp slap across Aarav's face before he could react.

“Bhai… Bhaiya?” Aarav stammered, his voice trembling with fear.

Karan struck him again, harder this time, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared straight into Aarav’s soul.

Karan had never been this angry before. He was literally shaking with rage. He despised smoking and drinking to his core—his father had almost lost his lungs to smoking years ago, and Karan couldn’t bear the thought of anyone in his family going down the same path.

“Five months, Aarav? You’ve been doing this for five months?” Karan demanded answer , grabbing Aarav’s arm in a grip.

“Bhaiya, please… not here,” Aarav pleaded, tears brimming in his eyes.

Karan released him roughly and ran a hand through his hair, trying—but failing—to calm himself.

Aayu stood frozen in place, his heart racing. He didn’t know why he was so scared, but he could feel his legs trembling. He felt terrible for Aarav and knew the aftermath wouldn’t be easy—Aarav probably wouldn’t be able to sit properly tomorrow.

“Where are your car keys?” Karan barked, his tone more of a command than a question.

Aarav hesitated but eventually handed the keys over with shaky hands.

The guy who had been with Aarav stood off to the side, completely silent and too terrified to intervene.

“Sit” Karan said curtly before storming off toward the car.

He climbed into the driver’s seat while Aarav and Aayu sat in the back. No one dared to sit next to Karan.

After a few minutes, Karan’s phone buzzed. Avinash’s voice came through the speaker. “Karan, did you find Aarav?”

"Han, mil gaya," Karan said, taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. "Aajao tum log ghar pe, main ja raha hoon iske saath" he added before ending the call.

He shot a glare at Aarav and Aayu through the rearview mirror, noticing their silent tears streaming down their faces.

"Utro," Karan commanded firmly once they reached home. Both Aarav and Aayu quickly obeyed without a word.

Aarav went straight to Karan's room, knowing exactly where this confrontation was heading. Aayu followed him hesitantly.

“Aayu, stop crying. Tum jao apne room mein,” Aarav said, taking a deep, shaky breath to steady himself.

“Par bha—”

“Aayu,” Aarav interrupted, his tone firmer this time.

Reluctantly, Aayu nodded and left, glancing back once before disappearing down the hallway.

A few moments later, Karan entered the room. Aarav sat nervously on the edge of the bed, his eyes damp and as soon as he saw Karan he instantly stood.

“Who the hell gave you permission to enter my room?” Karan thundered, his voice echoing in the otherwise silent space.

“Bhaiya...” Aarav murmured weakly, his voice barely audible.

“Do you even realize what you’re doing? Smoking? Nashedi ban gaya hai tu? Seriously, Aarav?” Karan barked, his fury escalating with every word.

He stepped closer, his tone cutting and sharp. “Bhul gaye tum? Bhul gaye woh din jab Papa hospital mein admit the? Jab tum ro-ro kar apni haalat kharab kar rahe the? And look at you now? Tum khud wahi galti kar rahe ho?” His eyes locked onto Aarav’s, blazing with anger and sheer disappointment.