Evening — Over Dinner
Dinner felt the same on the surface: the clang of spoons, Ammi’s scolding, Vansh whining about too many bhindi pieces, and Dadi’s muttering about rising vegetable prices.
But across the table, Veer’s eyes didn’t miss a thing.
Just as Haseena reached for water, her hair shifted.
Veer’s gaze flicked, quick and sharp, to her lips.
A tiny swell, barely there—yet impossible to hide from him.
His brows lifted, a single silent question that made her chest clench.
She immediately ducked her head, staring fiercely at her plate, pretending dal was the most fascinating thing in the world.
---
But Dadi noticed something too.
Her gaze narrowed like a hawk that smelled a secret.
“Kya hua, Haseena?” she asked, voice deceptively calm.
“You’re hiding your face.”
Haseena forced a laugh. “Nothing, Dadi. Just tired.”
Dadi’s stare burned like iron on skin. “Tired? Or hiding something?”
Haseena shook her head so quickly it almost hurt.
“No, Dadi. Really.”
Dadi’s eyes lingered, sharp and suspicious, but she didn’t push further—maybe distracted by Vansh dropping his glass with a loud clink.
The truth stayed hidden. But barely.
---
Later — The Corridor
The night had quieted. The TV’s buzz floated from the living room.
Haseena tiptoed past, praying Veer had forgotten.
“Baby,” he called softly.
She froze mid-step.
Veer leaned against the wall, arms folded, one eyebrow arched with all the elder brother authority in the world.
“Who?” he asked, voice calm but firm.
She blinked, heat rushing to her face. “W-what?”
Veer tilted his head, eyes landing pointedly on her lips.
“Who did that to your mouth?”
She could lie. Should lie.
But this was Veer—the same brother who used to carry her school bag when she cried about its weight.
Her voice barely came out. “Anubhav,” she whispered.
“The professor?” His jaw tensed for half a second.
She nodded, heart in her throat.
Veer sighed. Not angry. Just... older.
“You love him?”
She swallowed, voice breaking. “Yes.”
He stepped closer, flicking her forehead lightly.
“Next time, tell him to be careful. Dadi’s eyesight might be old, but her suspicion isn’t.”
She blinked. “You’re not mad?”
“I’m your brother,” Veer said, voice softer than she’d heard all week. “Not your jailer. My job isn’t to choose for you. Just to make sure you don’t get hurt.”
Tears pricked at her lashes. “Veer bhaiya…”
He ruffled her hair roughly. “Bas. Don’t cry. Or I’ll start too, and Vansh will think we’re weird.”
She giggled through the tears, hugging her bag closer.
Next Morning — Over Breakfast
The kitchen smelled of paratha and fresh chai.
Haseena sat quietly, still floating between last night’s kiss and Veer’s words.
Veer dropped into the seat beside her, grabbed a slice—and smirked.
“Baby,” he drawled, too casually.
She stiffened. “What?”
“You sleep okay? No... romantic dreams?”
His grin was wicked.
“Veer bhaiya!” she hissed, glancing at Ammi and Dadi.
“Relax,” he teased, lowering his voice. “You’re blushing already. Hope Sir knows he signed up for a tomato, not a girlfriend.”
She kicked him under the table. He didn’t even flinch.
Instead, he leaned closer, whispering:
“Next time, try the other side of your lip. This side’s a bit obvious.”
She gasped, eyes wide. “Bhaiya!”
Veer laughed so hard he nearly choked on his paratha.
Dadi looked up suspiciously.
“Kya hua? What are you two whispering about?”
Veer wiped his mouth, face the picture of innocence.
“Baby was telling me about... Mughal treaties, Dadi.”
Haseena’s mouth fell open. “You—!”
But Veer just winked, soft but teasing.
And in that moment, despite Dadi’s gaze and the secret she carried, Haseena felt a little braver.
Because sometimes, even forbidden love felt safer...
when your brother was on your side.
आप पढ़ रहे हैं
༺ 𒆜Ishq Ka Pehla Saya 𒆜 ༻
फैनफिक्शन✧ Phase One: A childhood full of mischief, secrets, and survival. ✧ Phase Two: A college girl's battle between forbidden love and family duty. Haseena was born into rejection. But she was also born to fight. With two brothers who love her, a grandmo...
