The Rathore's Family

palpable tension

Advait leaned back into the plush cushions of the sofa, his eyes narrowing as he watched Vihaan, who had just finished a hearty meal. With a teasing smirk, he asked, "So, you're full now?"

Vihaan looked up, his face breaking into a sheepish grin. "Ab aap se kya chhupa hai, Bhaiya," he said softly, rubbing the back of his neck, as if trying to downplay the moment. Advait couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head at his younger brother's endearing manner.

Silently, Advait tapped the empty space on the sofa next to him, his fingers brushing against the fabric—a wordless invitation. Vihaan immediately caught the gesture and slid over to sit beside him, the two brothers now shoulder to shoulder.

"You know what I'm trying to say, don't you?" Advait's voice was calm but carried the weight of unspoken responsibility. His eyes softened as he glanced at Vihaan, waiting for a response.

Vihaan gave a small nod, sensing the seriousness behind his brother's casual tone.

Advait sighed, his gaze shifting to the floor. "I just want you to understand how important it is to protect everyone... to make sure they're safe." His hand clenched briefly, then relaxed. "We can't go anywhere without security, but we also can't have our family feel like they're constantly being watched. If I can't be there..." Advait paused, his voice growing quieter, almost as if admitting a vulnerability. "Then it's your duty to make sure they're alright."

Vihaan nodded again, his throat tightening at the gravity in Advait's words. He admired his brother's protective nature, but it was rare for Advait to be so direct about it.

Advait leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Especially Drishti." His eyes flickered with something Vihaan couldn't quite place—concern, maybe something more. "She has to go to college every day, and there might be times I'm not able to be there for her. You need to be aware... to make sure she's safe. I'll always try to protect her, but..." He hesitated, his gaze distant, "she's more comfortable around you and Ma. She'll talk to you more openly than she will with me."

Vihaan studied his brother for a moment, a quiet smile playing on his lips. There was something in the way Advait spoke about Drishti that stirred a thought in him. Without warning, he blurted out, "When are you going to tell her?"

"Tell her what?" Advait's brow furrowed in confusion.

"That you care about Bhabhi."

Advait's expression shifted, his defenses immediately rising. "I care about everyone in our family," he replied, his voice flat, as if trying to brush the topic away.

Vihaan wasn't convinced. His eyes sparkled with a knowing glint. "No, Bhaiya... this is different." He leaned in, studying his brother's face for a reaction.

"Nothing's different," Advait shot back, irritation creeping into his tone. "I'm just making sure she's safe. I don't want anything to happen to her because of me." His jaw clenched as he averted his gaze, his fingers tapping restlessly on his knee.

Vihaan's smile grew wider. "Maybe you don't realize it, but the way you act... your rudeness... Bhabhi has had to endure a lot."

Advait's head snapped toward Vihaan, his eyes narrowing. "Like what?"

Vihaan's tone softened, sensing he had touched a nerve. "Like how Dadi never lets her sit in the puja. We all know it's not for religious reasons—it's because she has grudges against Bhabhi. And making her wake up before dawn every day, and creating drama over her going to college." Vihaan's voice was gentle, but firm, as he spoke the words that had been buried in the household for so long. "Despite all of that, she still goes. Everyone notices, Bhaiya. I noticed, and I know you did too. But no one says anything."