Estranged lovers

Chapter 38

SIDDHARTH'S POV

Siddharth sat in the dimly lit living room, the weight of the conversation with Shaym settling on him. He had always known that Shaym, had a way of seeing through him. Growing up, their bond hadn't been conventional. Their families hadn't always been perfect, but over time, Shaym had become more of a confidant than just a stepbrother. And as Siddharth had gotten older, he had come to rely on Shaym's blunt honesty more than he would have ever admitted.

Tonight, though, it felt different.

Shaym wasn't just being his usual straight-talking self. There was something deeper in his eyes, a concern that Siddharth hadn't expected.

"I'm just saying, man," Shaym started, his voice thoughtful but firm. "I know you think you're all fine now, with Annika and everything. But you've got to be real with her. You can't keep carrying that stuff from your past around and act like it's not going to affect her... affect you."

Siddharth leaned back in his chair, trying to hold onto his composure, but something inside him shifted. Shaym was right. He'd been trying so hard to be the perfect person for Annika, to help her with her fears and her past, but he hadn't once stopped to think about his own.

"I know it's not that simple, Shaym," Siddharth said quietly, rubbing his forehead. "But I don't want to hurt her. I don't want her to look at me like... like I'm broken."

Shaym's expression softened, and he shifted in his seat, giving Siddharth the space to open up. "You've got to stop thinking you're broken. Just because you've got scars doesn't mean you're unworthy of love, Siddharth. You've always had your walls up, but Annika... she's different, man. You can't keep her at arm's length forever."

Siddharth exhaled slowly, the weight of his brother's words pressing down on him. For years, Siddharth had built walls around himself, unwilling to let anyone in completely. He had told himself that it was better that way.

Better to keep his darkness buried, to protect the people he cared about from the things he couldn't change. But Annika had seen through those walls. She hadn't given up on him, and in her eyes, he saw something he had longed for.... acceptance.

But there was still a part of him that was afraid of what that meant. Afraid of what his past might do to the fragile connection they were building.

"I just... I don't know if I'm ready," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "What if she sees the real me and can't handle it?"

Shaym shifted forward, his tone becoming more insistent. "You'll never know unless you give her the chance. You're not the same person you were when all that stuff happened. You've changed, Siddharth. And Annika, she's changing too. You guys are good for each other, man. Don't let fear ruin something that could be really amazing."

Siddharth met Shaym's eyes, the familiar weight of his past and all its mistakes threatening to pull him under. But deep down, he knew Shaym was right. If he wanted to have something real with Annika, he couldn't keep hiding. He had to let her in..... past the walls, past the pain.

"I know, Shaym. I'm just... scared."

Shaym gave him a small, reassuring smile. "That's normal, bro. But you've got this. And you've got me. You always have."

Siddharth leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath. "Thanks, man. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Shaym chuckled, giving his stepbrother a playful shove. "Yeah, you'd probably still be brooding alone in that fancy mansion of yours. Now go talk to Annika. I know you want to.

That evening......

Siddharth sat on the balcony, the cool evening breeze brushing past him. His mind was a swirl of thoughts. He had been careful with Annika, trying to be the safe haven she needed, but he knew there were parts of him he couldn't share. Not yet, maybe not ever.