The heartbeat of a gang leader-1✔

Part 9: I hate you

Episode #9:- (I hate you)

Sanskar entered his room, the usual commanding air around him softened by a slight wince that escaped his lips as he attempted to remove his shirt. His arm throbbed with pain—a stark reminder that he had prematurely removed the arm sling before the two-week recovery period was over. Not only had he done that, but he had also lifted Swara twice, further aggravating the injury.

The pain intensified as he struggled to get his shirt off. Despite being a feared leader, Sanskar had his fears, particularly when it came to his health. He knew that if the three closest to him—Rishi, RV, and Karan—found out he was neglecting his injury, they'd likely give him an earful and possibly string him up from the nearest roof for his carelessness.

With gritted teeth and lips bitten to stifle any more winces, Sanskar tried to remove his shirt. Just then, he felt a hand on his shoulder. The touch was firm yet gentle, and without turning around, he knew who it was. Karan silently helped him remove the shirt, his actions speaking louder than words.

Finally freed from the restrictive fabric, Sanskar turned to face Karan, who stood there with a neutral expression. Sanskar opened his mouth to say something, but Karan cut him off with a look, stopping him mid-sentence. Karan then helped him put on a fresh shirt and carefully rewrapped the arm sling around his injured arm. He handed him his medication without a word.

Sanskar quietly uttered, "Karan?"

But Karan, his face still expressionless, simply turned and left the room, not acknowledging Sanskar's attempt at conversation. Sanskar watched him go, a pang of sadness in his chest at the silent exchange. He hated seeing Karan upset, especially when there were no words exchanged.

Karan was usually a joyful and lighthearted person, bringing warmth to those around him with his infectious energy. But when it came to Sanskar, everything changed. He transformed into the most stubborn person in the world, fiercely protective of his elder brother. Despite being younger, Karan never hesitated to assert himself when it came to Sanskar's well-being. Even the slightest scratch on Sanskar's body was enough to tear Karan's heart apart, the pain too deep for words. He knew what Sanskar had done for him, raising him with the care and devotion of a father, and nothing could break the bond they shared.

As Karan reached the door, he paused, not turning back to look at Sanskar.

Karan, with a firm voice: "You are the only family I have, bhai. If you don't want to think about yourself, then at least take proper care of yourself for me." Without waiting for a response, he left the room, his words hanging in the air.

Sanskar smiled sadly after him: "Karan, it's because of you that I found the strength to escape that day. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to take even a single step away from that death."

Karan walked down the corridor, still lost in thought. As he moved further away, he suddenly paused. He was sure he had heard someone's footsteps. Turning around, he began walking toward the sound, which led him to Swara's room.

Peeking inside, Karan saw Swara fast asleep, her face peaceful and undisturbed. He scanned the area for anyone else, but the hallway was empty.

Karan, quietly to himself: "I'm sure I heard someone's footsteps... but no one's here. Maybe I'm just overthinking." He glanced one last time at Swara's room, feeling a strange unease. Just as he was about to leave, he heard the footsteps again. Turning quickly, he saw RV coming from that direction.

Karan, with curiosity: "RV bhai, what are you doing here?"

RV, casually: "Nothing, just walking around. What are you doing standing outside Bell's room?"