The Silent Bond

✨Chapter - 32✨

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Completing their conversation, Arjun and Anu made their way to the hall where Arohi had asked them to join. From morning till now, the family had been confronted with one unpredictable truth after another. Everyone was drained, their hearts heavy, their minds restless. More than food, they needed peace.

As soon as they came down, Abhi noticed the two brothers walking together. He gave a small smile and said, "I guess everything is sorted between you two."

Arjun shot him a sharp look in response.

Aru leaned forward curiously. "Apne isko maaf kar diya kya, bhaiya?"

Arjun exhaled and replied dryly, "Haan, betaji... maine maaf kiya apne baby bro ko. Aur haan, maine isse pita bhi nahi. Ab khush?"

Aru quickly nodded, looking slightly embarrassed.

Before anyone else could add to it, Arohi clapped her hands softly. "Chalo guys, dinner karte hain. And remember—no masti during dinner."

Everyone settled into their chairs. Around the long dining table sat Arjun, Abhi, Aru, Anu, Shivansh, Kabir, Rey, Rishi, Ishan, Aish, Jiya, and Arohi. The clinking of plates and serving spoons filled the silence, though the air still felt heavy.

Anu, however, wasn't eating. He kept glancing at his phone, as if waiting for something that wouldn't come. Arjun, who had been observing quietly, finally asked, "Kisi ke call ka intezaar kar rahe ho kya?"

Anu quickly shook his head, but Arjun's piercing glare made him lower his eyes. "Kasturi ne call nahi kiya abhi tak," Arjun stated bluntly.

The mention of her name made everyone look at Anu. But Aishwarya's face twisted with irritation.

"Abhi bhi hum uske baare mein kyun soch rahe hain?" she snapped. "Usne dhoka diya hai humein—"

Arjun cut her off instantly, his voice stern and commanding. "Aishwarya! Usne humein dhoka nahi diya. Aur rahi baat sach chupane ki, toh Anu ne bhi sach chupaya. Agar usse hum sab maaf kar sakte hain, toh Kasturi bhi uss mafi ki haqdaar hai."

The table fell silent, tension thick in the air.

Shivansh's voice joined in, calm yet firm. "And Aish... don't forget, you are already in enough trouble. I am not at all appreciating the way you spoke to Kasturi. Maine tumhe yeh sab kabhi nahi sikhaya. You've disappointed me."

For the first time in her life, Aishwarya lowered her head in shame. Shivansh's words stung more than any punishment could.

Arohi turned her gaze toward Anu, her tone soft yet meaningful. "Aaj jo bhi hua, woh nahi hona chahiye tha, Anu. Usse thoda samay do."

The room fell into a thoughtful silence again. Everyone knew the truth: Kasturi's absence was a wound they all felt, but none more than Anu.

Anu was not convinced but nodded his head. Suddenly, Anu's phone rang, the sharp sound cutting through the quiet. Without even glancing at the caller ID, he answered.