BEYOND UNFINISHED✔️

Chapter 4. A House Divided, A Heart Undone

Song- Lies in the dark by Tove Lo.

Third Person POV

New day, new hope.

The soft London sun filtered through cream-colored curtains, casting a gentle glow over the calm face of Anaya Gill. Her room was a reflection of her—elegant yet simple. A queen-size bed took center stage, flanked by a walk-in closet and a modest bathroom. Books lined her shelf like old friends, and her study table stood quietly beside the open balcony—the spot she cherished the most, where the wind spoke in hushes and stories.

Sharp at 8 a.m., Anaya stirred. Her eyes fluttered open only to widen in surprise. Her brother, Dr. Veer Gill, stood beside her bed with his arms folded, an amused smile playing on his lips.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," he teased.

In that instant, the sleep vanished from her eyes. She shot up and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

"I missed you, Veerji," she whispered against his shoulder.

He chuckled, ruffling her hair with affection.

"If you missed me, you could've called. Or were you too busy playing road vigilante yesterday to remember your brother even exists?"

Anaya's expression froze. She knew she was caught. Before she could weave an excuse, a deeper, more serious voice filled the room.

"Yes, we want to know about the little stunt you pulled yesterday... Anaya."

Her father, Dr. Vikram Gill, stood at the doorway beside her mother, Vaani, who looked at her with concern rather than anger.

Vikram's expression was unreadable—equal parts pride and worry. He admired Anaya's fierce compassion, but he feared that someday, her heart might lead her into trouble too big to undo.

Vaani stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on her daughter's head. "Baby, Papa asked you something. I know you meant well... but why take such a risk?"

Anaya sat cross-legged on her bed and began explaining the events of the previous day. Her voice was quiet, but steady. By the time she finished, her parents looked at her with pride shining in their eyes.

Veer sat beside her, a soft smile curving his lips. "I'm proud of you, Monkey. Don't lose that heart of yours."

"Stop calling me that!" Anaya huffed, grabbing a pillow and swatting him.

Laughter filled the room. Vaani and Vikram exchanged a look that only parents could understand—the look of pride, love, and a hint of worry that never truly fades.

"Okay, enough now. Get ready and come down for breakfast," Vaani said with mock sternness. "And no more drama, hmm?"

"Yes, ma'am!" the siblings chorused, earning a fond shake of the head from their father.

Soon after, Anaya was dressed and heading out with Veer. As he dropped her at the hospital gates, she turned and said, "Don't wait for me, Veerji. I've got a surgery later, it might run late."

Veer raised a brow. "Okay, but how will you get back? Papa's tied up in the afternoon, and I'm only free after four. Do one thing—text me when you're done. I have to meet Krish anyway."

"No need," she replied, a soft blush creeping on her cheeks. "I've made plans with Abhi... dinner."

Veer grinned mischievously. "Oooh... dinner, huh?"

"Stop it! It's not what you think. We're just friends."

"Sure. Just friends," he mocked, wiggling his brows.