Hello! Araina here! So, IPL has started! 💃💃My bids are on the Punjab Kings👳‍♀️👲! Loved the way boys batted; even though the bowling and fielding side is yet to reach their full potential...Also, loved Sanju Samson! Well scored century. I've always been a fan of his game 🥰 What's your bid?

Think carefully while reading this short character 😊

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'What?' My brother's voice echoed all over the house. 'And you took that decision without consulting any of us?'

I looked at him surprised. Never in my life had I expected Rahul to burst this way after listening to my recruitment as the Physio of an IPL team!

I shook my head trying to explain him. 'Rahul, It was proposed just today and it wasn't just me. In fact, Khushed and ..'

'I do not care about anyone else, Esh! You...You are barely 20 and you think it's okay for us to allow you to hang out with a cricket team and lodge and stay with people you barely know!' Rahul said authoritatively.

I frowned. First off, I'm 21 and secondly,

'Rahul, I told you not to worry about that. Remember, I told you I'd be going for the Kings Eleven!' I explained calmly.

'No way! You are going nowhere near Kings Eleven!' Rahul said loudly  almost making me gasp in shock. 'You aren't going anywhere to be a Physio. You have to Mumbai, you wanted to pursue your dream in Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, you got it. That's really good but that doesn't mean, they can impose anything on you. You got to have an opinion too.' Rahul said now pacing himself to the other side of the room.

'And I said yes.' I replied. 'Rahul, I don't understand why are you reacting so much about it! It's not like I have never stayed without you all ever! I had my school days, my college days, my
..ugh!' I questioned now feeling irritated.

Rahul looked at me with annoyance. 'Oh! You really forgot about the days mom and Dad decided to change Bhavna's school just so that she could be at the same school as yours to take care of you. And we also didn't send you to your college till Uncle Rathan clarified that his daughter Shriya was also joining. And in here, we only allowed you to take up this job because I stay here.' He said like I was a 3 years old naive prone to getting lost in the crowd.

What's wrong with him?

'Now, be quiet. I guess I have Mr. Raman's number. If I request him, he will understand...' Rahul said picking up his phone and scrolling through the contacts.

That made me so so so angry.

'Stop this Rahul. I'm not a kid anymore. Seriously! You barely talked with me all these days. I went to my hospital alone, ate alone, slept before you came back and now, you feel like I need a guardian or someone to protect me. You are such a hypocrite!' I didn't know how that word slipped off my mouth.

Rahul dropped his phone and looked at me wide-eyed.

'Oh! So, this is what you've learnt by doing things alone? Talking to your elder brother this way?' He fumed in anger as I shook my head in nervousness.

'Rahul, I didn't mean...'

'And who's teaching you this? Your new friend Kavya? Of course, you don't need anyone's suggestion now. You are an independent, strong lady and I...I am a hypocrite, right?' He said with a mix of anger and sadness in his tone.

Tears rolled down my eyes.

'Rahul, you..are misunderstanding me!' I said through my sobs.

'I don't want to understand anything Esh. I'll be calling Dad and refer the whole matter to him. This is completely off my jurisdiction. Now, if he feels it's right for you stay in Mumbai and enjoy your independent company, he'll let you and if he feels otherwise, may you pack your bags for Mangalore.' He said throwing me one last glare before leaving for his room and slamming the door hard.

I burst into tears as I involuntarily fell on the couch. How can something that small lead to something like this?

Was I that wrong? Would it have a good impression on my career if Rahul called  Mr. Raman to cancel the deal in my behalf?

My phone rang. It was Kavya. I was in no mood to pick a call. I threw my phone away not knowing what else to do.

^^^^^^^

Hardik had no idea about the whole tussle that was going on in the livingroom between his best friend and his sister. All he could say was, he has never seen Rahul shout that loud ever. Was he angry on his sister?

Hardik gave it a thought. Did the crazy bird do something again? No. As much as he has studied Eshaanvi, she doesn't have the guts or permission to do something that would earn this much of yelling from her brother. So, is Rahul overreacting? He still remembers the sore mood of his best friend while talking about Chris and Samrat. May be that has affected...

Ugh! Why would he care anyway? He's a guest in here and he has had enough mess with that already. So better to pretend you heard nothing.

^^^^^

It was 6 in the evening when Hardik dressed up to visit his brother's apartment at Panvel. Krunal and Pankhuri were supposed to come the next day and Hardik was urged to see if everything including the electricity and water supply of the apartment was fine.   Someone was asked to clean the house as well and Hardik needed to check if that was done well.

He himself knew that he would be the worst person in the world to look at these things but then, he may disobey Krunal but never disobey his dear bhabhi Pankhuri.

So, despite the reluctance, Hardik canceled his meet with Gianna and walked out of his room to make his way to Panvel.

But, he almost stumbled as his eyes fell on the couch in the living room. It was Eshaanvi leaning her fragile self on the handle of the couch as tears rolled continuously down her eyes.

Omg! The war was bigger than he thought.

At one point, he thought of asking her, what had happened but then his 'better sense' told him to stay out of it. Considering the mood, she's gonna burst on him anyway. So, watch who you are pitying.

He slowly crossed the region across the couch, knowing well Eshaanvi had seen him and without a word, walked out of the house.

Eshaanvi had thought of it all. She agrees to put down the offer and gets blacklisted by KDAH as well as the people who counted on her, next she takes the offer and gets blacklisted by her family. So, after her talk with Rahul, it was definitely a loss-loss situation for her. She felt no hopes emerging and no way settling. As much as she tries to think of her future tomorrow, her tears prick her eyes.

She had a missed call from her mother. She really didn't know how to face her. Yes, she was young but was her mistake so grave that everybody would lose trust on her.

As she saw Hardik suddenly pass by her, she really didn't know what to expect. Of course, someone like him could never solve her problem but he could have at least tried to talk. Is she so distasteful?

Of course, she is and that's what made her brother oppose her. Her parents and Bhavna might do the same.

She hugged her knees as her eyes started getting tired. She really didn't want a tomorrow in her life.

^^^^^^^

'Yeah bhabhi, everything is fine. I spoke to your neighbor as well. That guy who has a pretty daughter.' Hardik chuckled talking to his sister-in-law.

'Also, the cleaner did a fab job. No worry.' He said. 'Just make sure Krunal doesn't miss the flight like the last time.....bye.' Hardik disconnected the call. It was 9:30 and he already had his lunch at Rohit's place. It was a surprise visit from both ends.

Hardik pushed the door open, realizing that it had been left unlocked and entered the house confused. There was no sound, no reception. As he came across the living room, an unexpected sight came to his view.

Hardik, who was about to go, halted his steps and looked at the sleeping bird on the couch.

Eshaanvi had fallen asleep on the couch. Her tears had dried on her face and she seemed to be deep asleep. Hardik went near her, primarily to make sure she was alive and hadn't taken any stupid step as such.

Of course, she was breathing. She had cocooned herself in that small space and perhaps, was in her midnights now. Hardik couldn't help but smile.

Who'd say this innocent and serene sleeping baby can so monstrous at times?

'Eshaanvi!' He called not too loudly. He even proceeded to nudge her but stopped midway.

No. It's better to call Rahul. Hardik knew that the siblings hadn't solved their differences yet and it'd be best if they face each other at least.

Hardik softly pushed the door to Rahul's room and bang!

There was his best friend fallen asleep on his bed without a pillow.

'Ugh! These two! And they say I'm the one messy..!' Hardik muttered. He went near Rahul and got the pillow beneath his head.

It wasn't easy and Rahul did groan a bit but Hardik has his ways with sleeping people. He had handled many. He found the covers around and threw them over Rahul gently.

Sure thing, the two skipped their dinners and he would have to go through the same fate if not for Rohit.

The covers reminded him of something else but of course, his inner mind gave it a second thought.

He finally walked to the concerned room and got the pinkish covers smelling of lavender.

He walked to the living room and after a second of thought, threw the cover on Eshaanvi, making sure it covers her entirely.

'That'd do for tonight.' He sighed going to his bedroom, when suddenly his phone rang. Hardik was startled by the unknown number but decided to pick it up amidst his weariness.

'Hello!' He said.

'Hello! Hardik?' a lady said.

'Yes. Who's this?' Hardik asked not quite recognizing the voice.

'Hardik, it's Bhavna. Rahul's sister. Rahul and Eshaanvi aren't picking up the calls. So...' Bhavna's voice was filled with worry.

'They're fine, alive and sleeping.' Hardik yawned trying to console Bhavna in his own way. 'Don't worry.'

'Oh! Dhan'yavāda dēvare! Nīnu mahān!' Bhavna thanked God. 'Thank you Hardik. I was so worried after how Rahul reacted while calling Dad. I hope things are sorted now.' She said.

Hardik shook his head sarcastically. Only if they were matured enough  to sort things!

'Uh...by the way, if you don't mind, what was it all about?' Hardik couldn't help asking Bhavna as his curiosity got better off him.

Unlike others in Rahul's family, Bhavna somewhat trusted Hardik as Rahul's best friend and a well-wisher. Especially with him staying with her two siblings, she knew it was better to let him know.

'Short story made long......' Bhavna started.

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