Two Brothers: Shadows of Deception

Chapter 56

Lost and Found: A Desperate Search for Belonging

(Priyadarshini)

I sat by the window, gazing at the tumultuous sky, as the thunder roared and rain mercilessly poured down to the earth. Questions plagued my mind, questioning why my life had to be filled with such struggles, and why happiness seemed so elusive. It felt as though everyone I loved eventually left me, leaving behind a void that seemed impossible to fill.

In the past few days, everything had unraveled, and I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of self-hatred for what I had done to Sid. It was a difficult decision, but I couldn't afford to risk his safety. I had to protect him, even if it meant hurting him in the process. The memories of that moment still haunted my mind, and the pained expression on his face etched itself into my soul, a constant reminder of the pain I had caused.

After the chaotic scene unfolded, I stumbled out of Vedant's office, my legs trembling with the weight of what had just transpired. The events that had taken place inside still lingered in my mind, vivid and raw. When we had initially entered the office, filled with hope and excitement to clear Niharika's name, I never could have anticipated the disastrous turn it would take.

I found myself in a daze, leaning against the wall near the office door, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions. Suddenly, the door swung open, causing me to gasp in fear. To my surprise, it was Vedant sprinting past me, racing towards the elevator with an urgency that mirrored his inner turmoil. Moments later, Mrs. Aryan hurriedly followed, taking the staircase.

The receptionist's shocked expression was mirrored by my own, but I quickly composed myself and made my way back to my cabin before she could inquire about the commotion. Inside, I sat for what felt like an eternity, Siddharth's absence in his office and his untouched car in the parking lot weighing heavily on my mind. I couldn't help but worry about him and the toll that recent events were taking on him.

Glancing at my watch, I realized that time was slipping away. With a resigned sigh, I gathered my belongings and headed towards the exit. Standing near the elevator, I pressed the button, waiting for it to arrive. As I stood there, I found myself drawn to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows opposite the elevator, peering outside in search of solace.

Furrowing my brow, I approached the window, straining to see clearly. And then, a wave of relief washed over me. There he was, Siddharth, standing on the rooftop, his hands resting on the concrete railing. A smile of reassurance graced my face.

Without wasting another moment, I hurriedly stepped into the elevator as it arrived and pressed the button for the top floor. As the doors opened, I made swift strides towards the staircase, determined to reach the rooftop. However, my progress was halted when I heard the sound of someone sobbing, their cries echoing through the corridor.

I stood in stunned silence, my heart pounding in my chest as I witnessed the confrontation unfolding before me. Siddharth and Mrs. Aryan were locked in a battle of words, and the intensity of their emotions hung heavy in the air. I instinctively pressed myself against the wall, my breath caught in my throat, afraid to interrupt the raw display of anger and pain.

Mrs. Aryan's tear-streaked face trembled with desperation as she pleaded with Siddharth, her voice cracking with remorse. "Sid, please, you have to understand. I made a terrible mistake trusting Nakul. I never imagined Varun would go to such extremes. I regret what I did."

Siddharth's eyes blazed with a mixture of rage and hurt as he turned to face her, his voice seething with bitter resentment. "Regret? Is that all you can offer? Regret for betraying your husband, for betraying our family? You shattered his dreams and made your own son's life a living hell!"