The Sibling Saga

19) STORM - III

After reaching home, Akash parked the car and closed the door with a thud without saying a word to Aryan. That child was scared for his life. He has activated the dangerous mode of his brother and cannot stop imagining of the consequences.

Aryan came out of the car, and muttered a short prayer to God

"Madhav, bas last baar mujhe Hitler ji se bacha lijiye please mein itne jaldi nahi marna chahata" he said and left.

Aryan stepped into his room, as he opened the door his breath caught in his throat. His feet froze as if glued to the ground. Sitting on his bed was the one person he feared the most right now-Akash. His elder brother's eyes blazed with quiet fury, and in his hand was the scariest thing Aryan could imagine at that moment: the leather belt.

Aryan's face turned pale, and his hands started trembling. He couldn't move, couldn't speak. His heart pounded in his chest so hard it felt like it might burst anytime. His eyes filled with tears as panic took over.

"Close it," Akash ordered, his voice low but carrying an authority.

Aryan obeyed, shutting the door with shaky hands.

"Come here," Akash said, his tone sharp

Aryan hesitated but took a tentative step forward, "B-Bhai... I can explain-"
The next moment was hazy for Aryan as he found himself on the bed with a stinging pain on his cheeks. Akash laid a tight slap on his cheeks

"Stand up" he yelled so loudly that he flinched badly, but the impact was so bad that he wasn't able to stand so Akash pulled him up by his arms

"Explain?" Akash interrupted, standing up and towering over Aryan. His voice was dangerous, and the storm in his eyes was terrifying.

"What exactly do you think you can explain, Aryan? Sneaking out? Attending some night party where kids are drinking and smoking?Dragging others into your foolishness?"

Aryan's heart raced, and tears pricked his eyes. "Mera idea nahi tha" he blurted out. "I swear, it was Anvi's idea! I didn't want to go, but she insisted-"

Before he could finish, Akash's palm connected with his cheek in a loud, sharp slap again. Aryan stumbled back, clutching his face, tears spilling over.

"Don't you dare blame anyone else!" Akash thundered, his glare like fire. "You're my brother, and I expect you to act responsibly. I don't care whose idea it was. You knew better, and you still went along with it. That makes you equally guilty."

Aryan's mouth opened, but no words came out. His already pale face turned ghostly white.

"Speak!" Akash snapped, his voice echoing through the room.

His already pale face turned ghostly white as he stammered, "B-Bhai... I... I didn't mean to-"

Akash stood, unfolding his towering frame with deliberate slowness. The belt in his hand swayed ominously as he took a step forward. "You didn't mean to what, Aryan?" His tone was calm, but the fire in his eyes made Aryan's stomach churn

Aryan's tears spilled over as he shook his head frantically. "Mujhe nahi Jana tha par-"

Akash's hand shot out, grabbing Aryan's arm and pulling him closer. "Par phir bhi tum gaye. You disobeyed me." Aryan started crying

You sneaked out in the middle of the night for a party where kids were drinking and smoking. Do you even realize what could've happened?"

"I-I wasn't drinking or smoking!" Aryan sobbed, his voice barely audible.

"Thankyou so much nawab, mein aarti ki thali lekar aata hu. Such a big achievement you've made. Do you really think that makes it any better? Do you think that excuses the fact that you lied to me, broke my rules, and put yourself in danger?" he growled, his voice low but full of power.