"You grabbed everything you need?" Asked Ehan, looking at his tablet screen, having a face time with Ira.

"Yes, I think"she replied, glancing into her open bag once again.

"Now you better grab breakfast on the way and reach college on time. Remember to message me once you reach there" he said, as she nodded and zipped her bag.

She stood up, taking her mobile with herself. Flashing him a genuine smile, she said, "Ok, Ehan. Bye for now. Have fun with your family and lemme know everything later"

His smile did faded a bit but he covered it up and said, "Sure, love. Be safe"

"You too. I love you" she yelled, making her way out of her tiny apartment, pulling the door to lock behind herself.

"I love you too" he blew her a kiss and hanged up.

As he lifted his head from the screen, his peripheral vision caught a figure standing at his door. His head snapped at the direction and he stood up as a flash, finding his Mom at his door step, smiling at him.

His face heat up and he looked elsewhere, feeling slightly embarrassed at being caught chatting with his girlfriend, by his Mom. Being always away from his family, he don't know which kind of patents he have. He have no idea how they take such matters.

As she walked towards him, he refused to meet her eyes, which made her let out a laugh.

"O my God! Look at you. You're all red" she laughed, pinching Ehan's cheeks.

When he still didn't looked at her, she said, "Don't worry, I'm not one of those typical mothers, who keeps poking their nose in their kids' life"

A bitter chuckle escaped Ehan's lips as he heard his Mom. He couldn't help himself from mumbling, "I couldn't agree more"

He didn't intended on taunting her but she heard it and her face paled. She didn't took long to cover it up with a smile and say, "Abhi is waiting for you at the dining area. Let's go".

Hearing that, Ehan's heartbeat quickened. Meeting his Dad, after so many years. He don't even remember his face exactly.

"Let's go" his Mom held him by his upper arm and walked out, leaving him no option but to force himself and walk with her.

His nervousness grew with every step they took downstairs. His Mom kept talking but he could hear nothing. He could feel his heart thump in his rib cage. They went downstairs and took a left turn, taking the corridor which leads the way to the dining area. Ehan gulped, rubbing his fingers together. He don't even understand what he's nervous about.

A little part in him was scared of his Dad's reaction when he would meet him. At the same time, he know it doesn't matter.

As they stepped into the dining area, there was a pin drop silence, though there were a couple of maids who were placing the plates and breakfast on the table.

What caught Ehan's breathe in his throat was the man, who sat on the head chair of the 14 seater dining table. He was dressed into formals, reading a news paper, which kept his face hidden.

Ehan wanted to stop when his Mom started taking him towards him but he had no time. Before he could do anything, he was already standing next to him.

"Abhi, see who's here" Nisha Sinha, Ehan's Mom said excitedly, making him pull the papers away from his face and look at them.

Ehan felt a shiver run down his spine as those deep dark orbs met his exactly same ones. He stood quiet, straight and unfazed, looking at his Dad, whose face almost faded from his memories.

He looked slightly different, probably a little old. There were few grey hair, which could be seen among the black ones. His face was old, slightly wrinkled. But his body looked as fit as ever, as he stood up from his chair. There was an emotion in his eyes, which Ehan couldn't decipher at the moment.

"Ehan" a low whisper escaped his lips and a tiny smile appeared. It took Ehan by surprise as he stood right infront of him, matching his height and meeting his eyes.

"You're here" Abhi Sinha's voice was low and as authoritative as ever.

There was some awkwardness in the air. Both of them had nothing to say.

"Ho.... How are you?" He heard being asked, but he was numb. His senses weren't working. He could feel his cold fingers as they touched each other.

He couldn't bring himself to reply but managed to respond with a single nod, keeping his blank eyes glued at his father.

Abhi Sinha took all his time to look at his son, after years. He unknowingly placed his hands over Ehan's shoulders, holding him.

"Welcome home" he said in a whisper, not finding any other word to tell him.

Ehan's Mom sniffed behind them, unable to control her eyes from flowing.

Clearing his throat, Ehan's Dad asked, "Where's Ansh? Call him. We'll have breakfast together"

It was one of the wishes Ehan had as a little kid but now, he wasn't sure about it.

A maid rushed out to call Ansh whilst Ehan's Mom made him sit on the chair, left to his father. She herself seated beside Ehan. When three of them settled down, a maid started serving. When she reached for Ehan's place, his Mom stopped her, "I'll do it" she smiled politely and dismissed her.

She filled Ehan's plate with a scrambled egg toast and some grilled veggies. She poured him a glass of warm chocolate milk and said, "Here you go. Your chocolate milk only as warm as you like"

Ehan frowned deeply. Firstly, he don't know why she was saying that he likes milk when he really don't and secondly, even if he liked it, how was she supposed to know when he don't remember a single time she would have helped him with meals. It was always his nanny, who forced him to eat.

Ehan's frown made her answer quickly, "You liked it very much as a child".

Mentally rolling his eyes, Ehan mumbled, "I'm not a child anymore"

His parents exchanged looks, before his Mom forced a smile and said, "I'm sorry. I'll take it away". She distant the glass of chocolate milk away from his plate.

"Good morning lovely people" a muscular voice boomed throughout the dining area. Ehan looked up to find his brother, Ansh pull a chair right infront of him to sit, looking much better than the previous night.

"Morning" Abhi smiled, glancing at Ansh.

"Good morning sweetheart. How are you now?" Nisha asked, gesturing a maid to pour some lemon juice for him.

"My head is slightly heavy Mom..." He was about to sit but stopped when his eyes met Ehan's.

"Who..."

"Ehan. Ansh, see Ehan's here" Nisha cut him off, as quickly as she could.

Ansh in reply, rose his eyebrows, looking surprised.

"Ehan?" He looked back at Ehan, who was blankly looking up his brother, clearly not knowing how to react.

"Ow! You've grown up so much" he looked completely surprised, as he kept taking in a good look of Ehan who averted his eyes and shifted them back to his plate. Ansh took his seat on the right to Abhi Sinha.

"When Mom said you'll be coming, I was expecting you to be the same little, anno... I mean, naughty guy" Ansh laughed, gulping the lemon juice down his throat.

"How silly of you" his Mom laughed, trying to lighten up situation but a thick silence enveloped the atmosphere. Ehan didn't felt like saying anything and he started eating, just to ignore everyone.

There was quietness in the dining area, except the sound of spoons or forks clicking over the plates. Everyone started eating. Ehan could sense his parents and brother glance at eachother every now and then. He was the only one who wasn't looking up, as if he was the odd one among them.

"How are you doing in studies now, Ehan?" His Dad asked, breaking the ice.

"Fine" was all he said. After all, his Mom did disclosed the fact that lawyer Smith report them about his studies. What's the point in telling them the same thing again.

After that, his Mom and brother made efforts to ask him a few things and only brought him to answer with a single word.

At that moment, Ehan lived the real meaning of the word; suffocation. It was getting too much for him. He wanted to dash out right away but he kept his exterior calm and composed. He didn't give them a single hint about what's going on in his mind.

Gulping some water, he wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood up to leave, when his Dad spoke, "It's our wedding anniversary party in our hotel tonight. You're coming, aren't you?"

Ehan nodded in reply, meeting his eyes for a second.

"Good. I would like to discuss a few things with both of you. Let's go to my office and talk there" his father stood up as well and Ehan groaned mentally. He no way wanted to spent some more time with them. He needed some air.

"Yeah! Let's go" Ansh stood up excitedly, dabbing his mouth with a napkin.

"I have to make a few calls. I'll join you guys later" Nisha grabbed her mobile and left, patting at Ehan's back and flashing him a smile, which obviously wasn't returned.

Finding no other way, Ehan followed them to his father's study. He remembered the last time he stepped into that room. It turned out to be the last day he spent with his family.

Taking in a deep breathe, he stepped in and glanced around as his Dad and brother took a seat. The study looked entirely different. It was renovated for sure.

"Have a seat, Ehan" Abhi said, pointing at the chair bedside Ansh.

He hesitantly took the seat, thinking what might the 'thing' his Dad wanted to discuss, involving HIM. He thought it would be something related to the ulterior motive behind which he was invited to the party.

When his Dad was about to open his mouth, his mobile went off. "Just a minute" he said, before answering the call and getting busy talking about business.

Bored, Ehan swiveled a little in his chair and found his brother looking at him thoughtfully.

"What?" He couldn't help but asked in a whisper, not wanting to disturb their Dad's conversation and became a victim of his wrath.

"Nothing" Ansh shrugged, averting his eyes. Ehan looked elsewhere, waiting for Abhi Sinha to end the conversation and set him free after wherever discussion he wanted to make.

"You know..." Ansh started, feeling bored. Ehan faced him, paying some attention, "I used to think that you're adopted" Ehan's eyes went wide for a second. That's exactly what he thought a lot of times.

"But I was wrong. You look so much like Dad" he laughed lowly like it was some sort of joke.

Ehan's stare turned into a glare, which remained on Ansh until he stopped laughing and composed himself. "I'm sorry. But it's just that.... Dad wasn't very fond of you. So I thought..."

He stopped when Abhi Sinha placed the mobile on the glass table, paying both his young sons all the attention. Ehan's eyes were still on Ansh, wanting to know what he was about to confess.

"So I wanted to talk about..."

"Do it later" his Mom entered the room, making Ehan groan inwardly. He don't know why his family is very much into cutting eachother off. He wanted to get this whatever discussion over and leave.

"Why?" Abhi asked, looking at his excited wife.

"Because the designer I was waiting for is here, to design Ehan's outfit for tonight" she clapped her hands.

Ehan looked at her in disinterest. He wasn't very fond of designer items.

"Can't he wait?" Abhi asked hopefully.

"He can but I can't. Come, baby" she pulled Ehan to stand up.

"Just a second, Nish. Ehan, sign these papers" a black zipped file was forwarded to him by his father p and Ehan's narrowed deeply.

"What's this?" He asked in a sharp tone.

"Some important documents in which your signature is necessary..."

"I told you to discuss it later. He'll sign afterwards" Nisha said, taking the file with a hand and dragging Ehan out with another.

Ehan doubtfully looked back, only to find both his Dad's and brother's eyes on him, looking at him as he leave. They didn't looked okay letting him go, without having the discussion.

---

Ehan couldn't help but glance at the file placed on his study table every now and then as the designer took his measurements for the outfit. He doubted if those were any kind of property papers. Not like he was interested in any but he wanted to know what's in it. He felt like those papers and his signature may be the reason he was invited home.

As soon as the designer was done with taking measurements, his Mom asked, "Have a look at the designs of these suits and decide which one..."

"I'm fine with anything" Ehan said, not even taking a look at the catalogue she was showing. She was disappointed but she knows very well, she couldn't complain.

"Okay. I'll choose the best for my baby" she smiled and touched his cheeks, longingly looking at him. He tilt his head a little, making her hands lost contact with his skin. He didn't made any effort to hide the unpleasant feeling from appearing on his face.

Masking her pain, she left, not before sparing at him another teary glance.

Rubbing both his hands over his face, Ehan sat on bed. He don't know what's happening nor he have any idea what's in his parents mind, especially his Dad's.

Pulling his mobile out of pocket, he checked Ira's messages. There were three. Instead of replying them, he called her knowing that it was break time and she'll be free. He walked to the balcony.

Talking to her was always peaceful. Just her voice brings a strange kind of satisfaction to him. It lifts his mood effortlessly.

Their talk was disturbed by a knock on the door. It was Ansh. Unwillingly, Ehan hanged up, saying a quick bye to Ira.

"I'm going to get a gift for Mom and Dad. You wanna join?" Ansh asked, glancing behind himself. He looked like he was forcefully sent.

"No" was Ehan's reply.

"What do you mean no? Have you got them something already?"

"No" Ehan repeated himself, feeling annoyed.

"Then what? Let's go"

Ehan thought for a second. He didn't got anything for his parents. He don't know if he should gift them something or just let it be.

"Come on" Ansh dragged him out, walking past Nisha, who stood by Ehan's door hiding herself. Her eyes remained on them as they stepped down the stairs and made their way towards the hall.

She gulped the lump formed in her throat, her moist eyes not ready to dry yet.

---

Ehan and Ansh went out. A car was ready for them, which took them to a mall. Ansh directly made his way to a jewellery store. All Ehan could see around was diamond jewellery of beautiful cuts and designs.

"Show us the best" Ansh said to a politely smiling lady dressed in a black suit, who greeted them as soon as they went in.

"Sure Mr Sinha" she lead them to a room and displayed many diamond sets. Ansh busied himself in choosing something whilst Ehan realised how big of a mistake he made by joining him. He had his savings from the couple of years he has been working. He saved that for his and Ira's future. He doubted if he wanted to spend that yet. He would loose all the savings if he chose to buy even a single thing from the place.

"How's this bracelet?" Ansh asked, showing him a delicate looking diamonds studded piece of jewellery.

"Nice" Ehan mumbled, restlessly.

"Fine then. Pack these two" he handed the lady the bracelet along with another velvet box.

"A pendent from me and a bracelet from you" he stated, scrolling through his mobile.

"No" Ehan almost yelled. He don't even know how much that bracelet costs and he highly doubt if he could afford it.

"Why? Anything wrong? You wanna see some more designs?" Ansh asked with a frown.

"No. Actually I..."

"Sir, signature please" the lady from earlier handed Ansh a file which he signed and another lady handed him two tiny bags.

"Thank you, sir" both the ladies politely smiled and left.

"Let's go" Ansh said, walking ahead.

"Payment?" Ehan couldn't help asked, standing still on his spot.

"Why should we pay?"

"Because we just shopped" Ehan stated the fact, looking at his brother as if he has gone crazy.

Ansh stopped and walked back to him. Keeping a hand on Ehan's shoulder, he said, "You know nothing about our businesses, do you?"

When Ehan didn't said anything, he said, "We own this mall, baby bro. All these shops are ours. We don't need to pay. Just a signature is enough to do the job"

Ehan wanted to argue, at the same time, he didn't. Letting it go, he went back home.

By the time they reached home, it was already lunch time. Eating again with his family was again a task for him. They were trying to make a little conversation and he replying with a single word or a nod.

The evening came in no time. Ira called Ehan and they had a long conversation until Ehan's Mom appeared at his door, showing him his newly designed suit asking him to get ready so that they could leave for their hotel, which was the venue for the party.

As they were on the way to the hotel, one thing was constantly nagging Ehan. He was going to leave the next day, back to Ira. And until now, he hasn't got any idea why his parents invited him all of the sudden nor he asked them what he intended to know since forever. They were behaving like they never wronged him and he's being all quiet. The file his Dad handed him flashed his mind and his frown deepened. He made a mental note of reading it as soon as he goes back home.

---

Ehan sighed, standing in a corner, wandering his eyes around the guests filled huge hall. His head was throbbing with pain. Since the time they entered, his parents have been introducing him to their friends and business associates. Some looked completely taken aback by the information, which was expected whereas some looked like they know about his existence, which was quiet surprising.

"Your mother always talks about you" some of his mom's close friends said.

"You had another son, Mr Sinha? We had no idea" most of his Dad's business associates said.

Too many people, much different reactions. He was sick and tired of everything. His parents weren't done with introducing him but he managed to corner himself with an excuse. Pulling his mobile out of his pockets, he thought of calling Ira.

"Hey, Ehan! There you are" a hard hand of Ansh over his shoulder stopped him. He turned back to spot his brother with a few people, who looked like his friends. Ehan groaned inwardly.

Not again.

"So guys, this is my baby brother; Ehan. And Ehan, these are my friends" the colour draining from Ansh's friends' face was nothing new. People have been giving him the similar reaction.

"You have a brother?" A blonde pretty girl asked, looking at Ehan with wide grey eyes.

"Yes, babe. Don't be surprised. Actually, he existed like he never existed" Ansh laughed wrapping his hand around her waist. Others laughed as well.

"I thought you're the only heir" she mumbled and Ehan mentally rolled his eyes.

"The thing is..." Ansh explained how Ehan was away for studies, his words nowhere describing how forcefully he was made to leave.

"Excuse me" he excused himself again and chose another corner by a bar to lean on.

He stood there in peace for a good few minutes until Ansh decided to disturb him again.

"Champagne?" He forwarded him a glass of liquor.

"No" Ehan shook his head, folding his hands across his chest and looking elsewhere.

"Red wine, then?"

"I don't drink" he stated straight.

"You're not serious, are you?" Ansh seemed quite surprised. His tone said it all.

Ehan remained quiet, not finding it necessary to make him believe it. With a laugh, Ansh said, "Come on, man. You can't be like this. You were given all the freedom to enjoy your life but you turned out to be like this; well mannered and disciplined. Difficult to belive"

Ehan still remained quiet, not wanting to lose his temper.

"You know, I always wanted to live your life" stated Ansh, leaning on the counter behind them, sipping on his drink.

"Why?" Ehan wondered. He never thought anyone in their right sense of mind would like to live how he was left to live; all alone for years.

"Because you were given everything a human would never need. Money, luxury, freedom, privacy,... everything. Whereas there's me, who lived under Mom's scrutiny and Dad's constant remainders"

"And you still turned out to be like this?" Ehan couldn't help but asked, eyeing his brother from head to toe.

Ansh laughed at it, filling his now emptied glass.

"This is nothing, baby bro. Trust me" he said, shaking his head.

"There's one more thing you're lucky at. You know what?" He asked, sounding serious.

"What?"

"Nani's fortune"

"Which nanny?" Ehan was puzzled. Why would any of his nanny would leave her fortune to him.

Chuckling, Ansh replied, "Not nanny. Nani; our grand mother. Don't you remember her?"

Ehan shook his head as no. He know only three memebers from their family; Mom, Dad and brother.

"She raised you"

"When?"

"When you were too little. As far as I remember, you could barely walk when she passed away" Ansh thought deeply before saying.

"I was with her until she passed away?"

"Yeah! Actually, Mom left you with Nani when you born and we, Mom, Dad and me came here; to UK to settle our business. But after some time, Nani became sick and decided to leave all her fortune for you. How unfair she was" Ansh clicked his tongue, taking another sip.

Ehan's mind went blank for a moment. He was left with his maternal grandmother as a baby. Why? His parents only took him with them after she passed away. He could now understand why he was never really close to anyone.

Before Ehan could question anything, Abhi Sinha's voice boomed throughout the hall, silencing the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please..." He gestured Ehan and Ansh to near them. Unwillingly, Ehan followed Ansh, who stood beside Abhi and he with Nisha.

Abhi started thanking everyone for joining them on the occasion of their anniversary. He went on to announce that Ansh was taking over the business. Ehan stood patiently waiting for the announcement to end, so he could either get his answers or leave. His head was throbbing already.

His Mom dragged him to stand bedside her as the cake was brought out and his parents cut it.

"Happy anniversary" he heard Ansh wish their parents and feed them a bite of cake but he couldn't bring himself to do the same.

Nisha brought a piece of cake to Ehan's mouth . Her eyes twinkling with tears, feeling overwhelmed as he opened his mouth and took a little bite, his moist eyes staring back at her. She hugged him whilst he still couldn't brought himself to hug her back. He felt like pushing her away right at the moment and ask many things.

He gulped down his anger, wanting to stay patient until they reach home.

---

Ehan reached his room and closed the door with a thud. Everyone was still at the hotel, partying. He was feeling like his head was gonna burst, the piece of information Ansh gave him only added more to it.

He quickly made his way to the table, where laid the file his Dad gave him to sign. He unzipped it and started reading the documents.

His jaw clenched as read ahead, not missing a single word.

"So this was the reason I was called here" he whispered to himself, gritting his teeth.

Shutting the file, he threw it, which hit the couch and fell on the carpet.

"I so knew it. They'll never change. Everything is a drama" he whisper yelled in a painful tone. Sitting on the bed with a thud, he held his head with both his hands. He was feeling like his wounds were healed and ripped again. He laughed at the stupid thought he got whenever he looked at his mother's teary eyes, the thought of letting go of the past and start afresh with his family.

Tears formed in his eyes as the headache increased with each passing second. He wanted to call Ira or just run back to her but he couldn't do both. It was too late in the night to call and his heavy head was not cooperating with him to leave.

Groaning aloud, he did what he usually do when he felt like the situation is not in his control and the pain gets too much to bear, not thinking about the effects it might leave on him. As he felt numb and sleep took over him, Ira's face flashed in his eyes and he regretted being selfish.

---

Ira checked her mobile for God knows how many times. There was no message nor a single call from Ehan since morning. She called him again, pacing back and fro in her room. The call went to voice mail, again. Her worries were turning into fears and negative thoughts started filling her mind.

"Where are you, Ehan? Please talk to me. I'm scared" She whispered, being at the verge of crying.

She felt helpless, having no idea of Ehan's whereabouts. She decided to get his parents' or brother's number from Lily and try contacting them. To her bad luck, Lily didn't had any of their numbers. When she thought of calling Ms Bella and asking for her help to find Ehan's parents' number or something, her door bell rang, along with a loud bang.

Ehan is the only one who visits her often but he's not there. Frowning at the thought, she took the few steps from bed to the door and twisted the knob. She wasn't given any chance to pull the door open as someone barged in nearly falling on her, making her step back.

As eyes widened in shock as she looked at the person stood infront of her, completely unstable. She suppressed a fearful scream before it escapes, taking another step back.

---

Assalamualaikum everyone,

How was the chapter?

What do you think of Ehan's Dad now?

Any guesses about the file Ehan was given?

What did Ehan do to himself?

Who barged into Ira's room?

Do lemme know your views and don't forget to hit the 🌟

Ps: To those who were asking about the sequel, no guys. I have decided to drop the idea of splitting the story into two books. I'm gonna complete IrHan's journey in this book itself :)