The Unbreakable Bond

Chapter Thirty

Mirza rolled over to the edge of the bed, opening his eyes to the blinding light that shone from the window. Glancing around the room, he croaked out, "Baba?", weakly.

"Bhaiya?"

His voice echoed in the room with silence following suit. Mirza groaned, sitting up, he reached to hold the desk before standing up. He balanced his weight and walked up to the door, ready to open it but lost his footing when the door was pushed in his direction.

Maaz caught him before he could kiss the ground, "Careful! Are you ok?"

Mirza bobbed his head slowly, leaning his weight on Maaz, who stroked his hair softly, "What are you doing out of bed?"

"You weren't here!" Mirza whined, resting his head on his brother's shoulder.

Maaz hummed, "Alright, let's get you to bed!"

Mirza jerked away from him, nearly losing his balance if it wasn't for Maaz grabbing him, "What are you doing?!", the doctor hissed stabling his younger brother.

"Let go of me!"

"Enough! Stop with whatever you are doing!", Maaz's firm voice cut through his grumbling.

Maaz hoisted him up by his hips and gently dropped him on the bed, "Now tell me, what's going on with you?", he asked, looking quizzical.

Mirza royally ignored him and rolled on his stomach, resting his eyes. Maaz exhales silently, wondering if the behaviour is being displayed because he is unwell or if there is another reason for it.

Mirza peeked open his left eye to gaze at his brother, closing it almost instantly when Maaz glanced at him. "...ba"

Maaz leaned down to hear his brother's mumbling but failed to grasp the message he was trying to convey. "Mind repeating it? I didn't catch that," he voiced his thoughts.

Mirza picked up his head slightly, "Want baba!"

Maaz feigned hurt, "Aur main?"

{And what about me?}

Mirza firmly turned away, uttering a resolute "No".

Maaz found himself growing increasingly perplexed with each passing moment. "What's going on, baby? Why are you so upset with me?"

Mirza remained turned away, yet he voiced out his discomfort, "You gave me an injection. Mujhe dardi hui thi! Mujhe apse baat nhi karni!"

{I was in pain! I'm not going to talk to you!}

Maaz took a moment to steady himself before gently pulling Mirza into his lap, enveloping him in a protective embrace. "I had to do it, Mirza. If I hadn't given you that dose, you wouldn't have recovered," Maaz explained.

"But it hurt!", Mirza whined, trying to squirm out of the firm hold.

Maaz held Mirza close to his chest, ensuring he was comfortable on his lap. "I know it was painful, but it was necessary for your health. I won't compromise when it comes to your well-being. You wouldn't have needed an injection if you hadn't consumed two boxes of ice cream!"

"B-But.." Mirza reluctantly rested his head on his older brother's shoulder, conceding that he couldn't argue with him.

"I don't like injections bhaiya!" Mirza voiced out vulnerably, his eyes stinging with tears, he added, "Dardi hoti hai!"

{They hurt}

Maaz sighed, turning him sideways on his lap before cupping his face, "I know bacha! But you were so strong, more than your bhaiyu".