Two Brothers: Shadows of Deception

Chapter 43

Fragments of Forgiveness

(Niharika)

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, observing the aftermath of the accident. The black crop top tank top and sweatpants contrasted with the discolored bruise that marred my right shoulder blade. Its circular shape stood out against my pale skin, a vivid reminder of the impact. Tentatively, I reached out with my left hand and touched the tender spot, a sharp pang of pain shooting through me. It was clear that I had hit something during the fall.

Feeling frustrated, I grabbed the tube of anti-inflammatory gel, hoping to soothe the throbbing ache. But as I tried to apply it with my left hand, I realized the challenge of reaching that area on my own. After several unsuccessful attempts, accompanied by winces of discomfort, I abandoned the gel in irritation, opting for painkillers instead. My head throbbed from the emotional turmoil and the tears I had shed since returning from the office.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I left the bathroom, the bruise serving as a silent reminder of the recent events that had taken a toll on both my body and my spirit.

I settled onto my bed, feeling a mix of restlessness and worry. Glancing at the clock on my phone, I noted that it was already quarter past midnight, and there was still no sign of Ved and Arohi. A knot tightened in my throat, and a sense of unease washed over me. Why were they taking so long? A barrage of anxious thoughts flooded my mind, but I desperately tried to push them aside, knowing that dwelling on them wouldn't help the situation.

Shaking my head as if to physically dismiss the intrusive thoughts, I made a conscious effort to divert my attention. I took a deep breath, willing myself to calm down and trust that everything would be alright. However, despite my attempts to distract myself, the worry continued to gnaw at the back of my mind, making it difficult to fully relax. The silence in the room felt heavy, amplifying the uneasiness that lingered in the air.

Stretching out on the bed, I found myself staring up at the plain white ceiling. The silence in the room was broken by the sudden buzz of my phone, indicating a new notification. With a hint of curiosity, I grabbed the device and unlocked it. The message was from Kavya, and I furrowed my brow as I read her words: "You definitely need to read this article." It was accompanied by a link to a news article.

Intrigued, I tapped on the link, and it opened up a local business news article. As my eyes scanned the page, they landed on the headline, and a sense of apprehension started to settle within me.

"The Rise and Fall of Ace & Hammer Builders: Legal Woes and Bankruptcy Loom"

Pune, 23/06/2020 - Ace & Hammer Builders, once hailed as one of the leading construction companies in the city, is now facing a dire situation as their illegal construction activities have led to a series of legal battles and a potential bankruptcy looming in the near future. The company's reputation has been severely tarnished in recent months, culminating in a devastating blow dealt by the High Court's order to demolish three of their apartment complexes within the next three months.

The safety violations observed in these apartment complexes have prompted the High Court's stern decision, leaving Ace & Hammer Builders with no option but to comply. The ruling has sent shockwaves throughout the real estate industry, raising concerns about the company's compliance with regulations and the welfare of its residents.

News of the impending demolitions has sparked panic among the buyers who have invested in the company's ongoing projects. Many of them are now demanding refunds for their investments, expressing apprehension and dissatisfaction regarding the legality and safety of their future homes. The company's financial stability has been significantly shaken by these demands, with potential repercussions on their ability to meet their obligations.