Hope

6.Emotion

I found myself wandering into my studio, lost in thoughts provoked by my brother's inquiries. A dawning realization had settled within me - my disdain for Aryan was not as intense as it once was. Now, if he's absent from the dining table, my eyes instinctively search for him. Gradually, I'm beginning to understand his nuances, witnessing the silent battles he wages. Yet, I tell myself, forgiveness ,acceptance is a bridge too far. After all, in four years, he will leave for his graduation and likely never return. I shouldn't dwell on these thoughts. To me, he remains a stranger, viewed through a lens of basic humanity, nothing more. I was sure that my empathy is just as stranger who has been living in our home just that , I convinced my self

I resolved to return to my previous facade, maintaining that Aryan could never truly be a part of our lives.

Meanwhile, Agni was getting ready to meet Arnav, still processing the fallout from the party. The arrival of Aryan into his room was a first, marking a surprising moment given their usual distance. The shock on Agni's face was evident, fueled by the recent events which he blamed himself for, albeit erroneously placing some of that blame on Aryan.

Agni remarked, with a hint of irritation, "Perhaps you've forgotten your room; this is mine, located right next to yours, okay?"

Aryan: My eyes are perfectly fine, thank you. And no, I haven't forgotten anything, nor am I prone to whimsical forgetfulness. I came here for a specific reason.

Agni: Really? Seeking me out in broad daylight, are we now dreaming up encounters? What could you possibly need from me? Planning to sue someone and need a lawyer? Well, let me be clear, I'm not your guy. So, kindly leave.

Aryan: As much as I'd love to file a case against you, I have more pressing matters. Namely, I need you to drop me at school.

Agni: Have you lost your mind? Why on earth would I agree to ferry you around? Whatever grand delusion led you here, discard it. This room is my sanctuary for peace, not for tolerating nuisances like you. I have enough messes to clean up without adding your presence to the mix. Please, leave.

Aryan: Let's just say I'm not exactly thrilled to be making this request either. But with Devansh uncle unavailable and the other drivers occupied, your car is the only one left. And since I can't exactly hail an Uber – thanks to the protective bubble you all insist on – it seems you're my only option for getting to school today. So, essentially, you don't have much choice in the matter; you're driving me there and back.

Agni: Marvelous, truly. So now my day's agenda should revolve around your needs? Speak to Arnav about this. I'm not your personal chauffeur. Get out of my room.

Aryan: After yesterday's incident, they messaged me today not to go out without someone accompanying me. Understand? And since there's no one else available, and Ishan would take two hours just to get here, it looks like you're it.

Agni: Are you even listening? I don't care about your problems. Do whatever you want, go or don't go. Just don't drag me into this. Yesterday's drama was enough for me. For the first time, they raised their hand on me because of you, so no, I don't think so.

Aryan: Blaming others for your own mistakes is quite the habit of yours, isn't it? I didn't do anything. You chose to come, not me. So, you need to take me.

Agni: And why should I be the one to take you? Stop irritating me and get out! He was nearly shouting now, clearly exasperated by the ongoing argument.

Nirav, who was just heading to grab some water, overheard the commotion and entered the room. "What's happening here? Why are you yelling?"

Agni: Tell him to leave me alone. I'm already on edge.

Nirav: What's going on?

Aryan: Please convince him to drop me at school. I really don't have any other option. He then explained the entire situation, making Agni even more frustrated.

Agni: Get out of my room for the last time!

Nirav: Bhai, please listen to me. Just drop him off; it's not that far. Plus, he just started high school; he shouldn't miss his lectures. Besides, considering the rumors circulating about us knowing Aryan's situation and not disclosing it, taking him with you could actually work in our favor by portraying a positive family image.

Aryan was taken aback by Nirav's support. It was a new experience for him. He didn't know whether to feel happy or sad. Realizing that harboring expectations from someone was a path to disappointment, he reminded himself that he was on his own.

Agni: Have you lost your mind? One day of giving him a ride won't change anything. As for the reporters, let them write what they want. I'm not taking him, understand?

Nirav: But, Bhai, you're going to the school anyway for the orientation since Arnav Bhai is addressing new students, and he's the school owner. It's a small gesture. And honestly, Aryan won't even be in your way; you know he'll keep his distance. Plus, it might even give you a chance to speak with Arnav Bhai. So, in a way, it's a solution for you. Take it or leave it. Otherwise, I'll book an Uber and take him myself.

For a moment, Aryan thought Nirav was genuinely on his side, explaining his situation. It was a novel feeling for him. He knew better than to expect anything from anyone, understanding that loneliness was his only constant companion. Yet, Nirav's words hinted at a small glimmer of connection, a brief respite from his isolation

Agni was taken aback by Nirav's unexpected support for Aryan, bewildered by the sudden shift in family dynamics. He wondered, "What magic has Aryan worked on them that even Nirav is siding with him now? What's happening?"

Nirav said, "I know what both of you must be thinking—why am I agreeing to this, right? First, if I had refused, it wouldn't change the fact that Aryan would miss his lectures and not reach on time. Since you're heading in the same direction anyway, why not take him along? What difference does it make? Yesterday, if Aryan had wanted, he could have revealed the truth as soon as the presentation was hacked. But he chose to say only what Arnav Bhai wanted. He could've exposed everything then and there, highlighting how society still won't accept him, showing how narrow-minded people are. So, if he's not dwelling on it, you shouldn't either. What harm is there if you drop him off just this once? Go ahead and do it. Besides, Nishant is at the campus next door; you'll have to pick him up anyway, and Devansh Kaka is out."

Agni was irked further by this reasoning but couldn't deny the logic behind Nirav's words. The situation forced him to reconsider his stance, realizing that Nirav's support for Aryan might be based on more than just family obligations—it could be an understanding and acceptance that he had not yet come to terms with himself

Agni gradually came to understand that Nirav's actions were not just about accepting Aryan out of obligation but rather a gesture of evolving acceptance, albeit reluctantly. Agni thought, "So, it boils down to Nirav slowly starting to accept him. But for me, it's like a condition. I don't have a problem with taking him, but every time I see Aryan, I'm reminded of Mom. How can he bear such a resemblance when he's not even her son? Those eyes... That's why I want to keep my distance. I don't want to hate or love him because that's what my mother deserves." However, he also realized that agreeing to take Aryan wouldn't change the truth nor his acceptance of Aryan. It was merely an act of humanity.

Sometimes, Agni saw himself in Aryan, feeling as if he was looking at a mirror image of his younger self. But then he'd remember why he distanced himself. Agni thought, "Alright, what's the harm? I tolerate him every day, a little longer won't hurt. Let's use this situation to my advantage and annoy him so much that he never thinks of coming with me again."

His thoughts then drifted to Arnav, his twin. He knew he had hurt him deeply. Agni realized he couldn't be at peace until he had a conversation with Arnav, explained his side, and heard what Arnav had to say. He pondered, "How do I make amends? He won't even speak to me, furious as he should be."