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INAYAT'S POV:

I was in my room when Rhea came in with a plate of my favorite food in her hand. Today, Aahana and she had decided to make my favorite food to welcome me, with Aahana just standing and looking at her. Aahana, Advik, Adwit, Advay, bhai, and Aryan bhai are having dinner in the dining room, but I came to my room as I was not feeling well and I was also angry with Rhea. 

She came and sat near me and said, " Inu yeh le tera favourite "(Here, Inu, take your favorite.)

I looked at her, frustrated. I was very angry with her because she was not behaving as my best friend but was behaving like she is HIS best friend. I closed my eyes to control my rising anger and turned to face the other side, saying, " Wahin pe rakhde mera abhi mann nahi hai. Jab mann karega mein kha lungi." (Just leave it there, I don't feel like eating right now. I'll eat when I feel like.)

So she again said, " Inu par tujhe dawai bhi leni hai yrr." (Inu, but you also need to take your medicine.)

Now the situation was getting worse, so I couldn't control my anger anymore and yelled, "Stop this, Rhea! Don't act as if you care because you actually don't. Many things have changed now, and one of them is also you". 

She was shocked by my outburst, and even I was shocked because I had never shouted at her like this before, but right now I was feeling betrayed. I know maybe I am overreacting, but she was my only family, and I had always thought that she would support me, but she didn't do that. Instead, she... ughhh... leave it.

She stood up and came near me, asking, " Inu kya hua ese kyun bol rahi hai. You know that I care for you right." (Inu, what's wrong? Why are you saying this? You know that I care for you, right?)

I chuckled a little and said, "Yes, that's why you are supporting him rather than me, right?" 

Then she again said," Nahi yrr ye kya bol rahi hai tu esa kuch bhi nahi hai." (No, why are you saying this? It's not like that.)

To which I retorted, "What do you mean it's not like that? Since I regained consciousness, this is all I've been seeing. Every time I tell you to ask him to leave, you never say anything to him. Instead, you just keep on standing there, staring at him. Why? Earlier If someone used to say anything to me, you would destroy their world, but now why aren't you saying anything to him?"

To this, she sighed and said, " Esa kuch bhi nahi hai Inu its just that mujhe uske andar wo regret dikh raha hai and jab tu hosh mein nahi thi he has suffered a lot for you and usne tere liye bahut kuch kiya hai thats why mein usko kuch nahi bol rahi hun. I just want him to try and win you again. I want him to repent and regret hard. I am still with you just giving him a chance." (It's not like that. It's just that I see regret in him, and when you were not conscious, he suffered a lot for you. He has done a lot for you, and that's why I don't say anything to him. I want him to try and win you back. I want him to repent and regret hard. I am still with you, just giving him a chance.)

I sarcastically asked, "Oh, and what has he done for me? May I know that?" 

She just shook her head at this and said, "It's his part to share, but he has done a lot." 

I now completely moved towards her and said, "Rhea, he has done wrong to me, so what he has done is a lot or not that I will decide, not you. And honestly, I don't even want to know what he has done because the most he could have done is use his money to get work done from other people. 

And as for giving him a chance, I will again say that wrong has been done to me, and whether to give him a chance or not is also my decision, not yours or anyone else's. And I just don't want to give him any more chance. I want to move on with my life rather than being stuck to the past, to him and destroy my future."

To which she quickly spoke, "Inu, it's not like that; he loves you, and about money..." 

But before she could complete, I interrupted yelling at her, "Oh, please don't tell me he loves me and all that bullshit because love is definitely not like this. Just a month ago, he was talking all wrong about me and blaming me and on the top he even slapped me in front of the whole hospital staff, and now,  suddenly he loves me because I ended up in the hospital. Have you ever seen such love anywhere? " 

Then I said "It's just his guilt which he is framing as love and nothing else. And you are still supporting him." This time it came as just a mere whisper.

Then I left a frustrted sigh and again said "Rhea, have you ever wondered that why I always tell you to ask him to leave and not anyone else, thats because those people are his family but you, you are my only permanent family and you are supposed to be on my side but you... anyway, just leave, Rhea, please."

She tried to make me understand, but I was not in the mood, so I said again, "Rhea, please, I don't want to hear anything right now. I need some space, so please leave. I will have my dinner and take my medicines. You don't need to worry. But for now, just leave." 

And this time, she didn't say anything; she just looked at me with hurt and tears in her eyes. But I was not feeling guilty. Was I becoming selfish? But why do I always have to understand everyone? Can't someone understand me too? I don't expect anything huge from her I just expected her to be on my side but even that didn't happened. 

So why should I feel bad about saying all these to her when she didn't feel bad taking his side. Thinking this, I just turned my face to the other side. I could hear her breathing heavily, and then, within no time, she left.

After she left, I got up from bed and had my dinner. I didn't feel like eating at all, but why should I ruin my health by skipping meals just because of their mistakes? I am capable of standing on my own; I don't need anyone by my side. I can fight this battle alone. 

With these thoughts in mind, I forced myself to finish my dinner and then lay back on the bed. However, those thoughts kept swirling in my mind, and I couldn't shake them off. Once again, my mind wandered back to what happened today.

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FLASHBACK:

The bell rang, and Rhea opened the door. There stood Mr. Kapoor with two big bags. I had decided just today in the hospital that I wouldn't even look at his face, but here he was standing in front of me again. But what shocked me even more was the two huge bags he carried. 

Did he also came here to stay? I just couldn't understand why he couldn't leave me alone. Now, like earlier I didn't feel those butterflies inside me when I looked at him instead all I felt was irritation. After everything that had happened, how could he even think that everything could be normal? How could he act so casually? Why was it so difficult for him to stay away from me?

 But it's okay; this isn't the hospital, this is Rhea's house, and he's not allowed here without her permission. And I'm sure she would never allow him because she's my best friend, my family.

But what happened next shocked me. She just allowed him to enter without saying or asking anything. What the hell? Doesn't she know what he did to me? And Mr. Kapoor, when she allowed him to enter, he started walking directly towards me. 

Why couldn't he just let me forget all these things and move on? But I composed myself and said sternly, "Mr. Kapoor, this is my friend's place, not your property. You can't enter like this. Just get out."

But still he didn't stop walking, so I stood up and said, looking at Rhea, "Rhea, ask him to leave. Or just throw him out of here." Yes, his brothers and sister were sitting here, and they might have felt bad, but I couldn't tolerate his presence just to make them feel good. 

They are grown up enough to understand what's right and what's wrong, and they must know that even if it's someone like their brother making a mistake, they will also have to face the consequences.

I expected Rhea to pull him and kick him out, but to my disbelief, she didn't even move from her place. So I said again, "Rhea, I said something." 

Now I saw Mr. Kapoor looking at her, and she also stared at him but didn't do or say anything to him. If I was disappointed earlier, now I felt betrayed.

I was filled with immense anger, and I just felt like unleashing it all on him. I wasn't someone who lost her calm so quickly, but I couldn't understand what was happening to me now—I just couldn't control my anger. 

So anger taking the toll over me,I approached him with furious strides, and with all my force, I pushed him, hitting his chest. He stumbled from the force, but before he could fall, I saw Advay bhai catching him, stabilizing him. 

Both of them looked at me with utter shock. I'm sure not only those two, but everyone present in this room right now would be watching me like this because it would be the first time they'd see me like this.

 But I couldn't help it. I felt frustrated because ever since I regained consciousness, he had been hovering around me, and right now, I didn't even want to see his face.

 When he didn't give me a single chance to explain before assuming things and directly accusing me, why does he expect me to listen to him and understand him now? Why would I?

I went near him, snapped my fingers in front of him, and said in a slow yet strong voice, "Don't you dare come near me." With that, I quickly left from there and went to my room before anyone could say anything. 

I locked my room and lay on the bed. I wanted to cry, but I didn't want to waste my tears on these kinds of people anymore. I think about an hour later, Aahana called me and knocked at the door. I knew it wasn't her fault, so I had no right to be angry with her, so I went and opened the door.

She asked in a very low voice, "Inu dii, are you okay?" I nodded as I looked at her and smiled. She seemed very nervous, and I realized I might have scared her. 

Then she asked, "Dii, are you angry at me?" Oh God, did I make her feel that way? Even if I did, I shouldn't have.

 I gently cupped her face and said, "Baby, I am not at all angry at you. Whatever happened there, that reaction was just for your brother, not for anyone else. And why would I be angry at you people? You all are just so sweet." 

She smiled upon hearing this, and getting excited, she continued, "By the way dii, Advay bhaiya and Aryan have also come, and they are also going to stay with us." 

Then, in a softer voice, she added, "Ansh bhai had come to deliver their luggage, and now he left." Hearing this, I only nodded.

Then she said, "They all are waiting in the dining room for you to have dinner. Come, let's have dinner. It's your favorite today." 

I wanted to meet them, but I didn't have the energy to face them or to put on a fake smile, pretending as if nothing had happened. Moreover, I didn't want to ruin their mood with my sour mood. Above all, I didn't want to see Rhea. So, finally, I decided that I would have my dinner in my room. 

I said, "Baby, you all have your dinner. I will have it in my room as I am not feeling well and feeling very tired."

 Concern immediately appeared on her face, and she said, "It's okay dii, you take rest and don't stress too much. Okay? And yes, they have settled their things in the flat opposite to ours, so after dinner, all the boys will go there, and we three will stay here." I nodded in response.

I could still sense her nervousness, so I asked, "Bacha, are you sad because of all that happened that time and the way I behaved with your brother?" 

She nodded and replied, "Dii, I am sad, but maybe he deserved it." With that, she turned to leave, saying that she would send the dinner to my room.

FLASHBACK ENDS:

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After sometime Rhea came with dinner and again those exhausting conversations took place. I am just so tired thinking all these now but I am not able to block these thoughts. Thinking about this again and again finally sleep welcomed me

The next morning, after freshening up, I went outside to finally meet everyone. They were all seated in the dining hall, and Rhea was in the kitchen, presumably preparing breakfast. Advay bhaiya and Aryan bhaiya were ready for the office, while Advik and Adwit were set for college. Aahana seemed like she had just woken up. 

Aryan bhaiya was the first to notice me and smiled, asking, "How are you feeling now? How's your health?" I replied positively, saying, "I'm feeling better now, thank you." He nodded and asked me to take a seat, but I declined, saying I would just check on what Rhea was doing. He nodded in understanding.

Until now, Advay bhaiya hadn't even glanced at me once. I think he was disappointed in me for yesterday's events; after all, whatever happened, it's natural for a brother to feel bad. So, I decided I would talk to him later, alone.

I went to the kitchen to talk to Rhea. When I entered, I saw that she had put milk to boil, which was about to spill, but she seemed lost in her thoughts, unaware of her surroundings. I quickly went there, turned off the gas, then shook her shoulder and asked, "Rhea, where are you lost? What are you even doing?" 

She suddenly snapped out of her reverie, hugged me tightly, and said, "Inu, I'm sorry, but whatever you're thinking, it's not like that at all. I'm always with you, always. And I'm not taking his side either."

 I could feel her tears wetting my shoulder. Yesterday's events had affected her deeply. I hugged her back and said, "It's okay now, stop crying. I know you weren't wrong. You were just thinking about my well-being because you wanted me to be happy. I realized that, and I'm also sorry; maybe I said too much in anger yesterday." 

She broke the hug, wiped her tears, and said, "No, it's not your fault, it's mine. But I promise from today onwards, I'll never let you feel like that again."

Rhea is usually very strong and bold, but when it comes to me, she becomes very emotional, and her brain doesn't function properly.

I smiled at her, wiped her tears, then pointed at her playfully, saying, "Yes, you better take my side from next time, or else I won't talk to you ever again." 

She saluted me and said, "As you say, my lady." We both laughed, and then I sat on a chair in the kitchen while she made breakfast and coffee, and we talked about lots of random things.

Finally, breakfast was ready, and we made our way to the dining hall. We took our seats and began to eat. Till now also, Advay bhaiya didn't even glance in my direction or engage in conversation with me. He is just looking down at the table. Feeling a sense of disappointment, I let out a sigh and quietly focused on eating my breakfast.

After breakfast, I cleared my throat to capture everyone's attention. "I want to say something," I announced, prompting everyone to focus on me, including Advay bhai.

 I said "My entire business operates in the USA, with the main branch here in Mumbai. And I can't ignore my work any longer, so I've decided to start overseeing our operations here. Additionally, an important investor from the USA is coming to India to conduct a conference for a crucial deal. Our company has received an invitation, and I've accepted it, so I believe it's time for me to join now."

Everyone looked at me, and suddenly, and then started to collectively deny me, giving different reasons why I should not join now. The reasons ranged from my health to my security. But still Advay bhai still didn't say anything. 

Then suddenly, Rhea said, "Yes, Inu, you shouldn't go now. I will handle the conference; you should rest." I let out a tired breath, listening to all of their concerns.

 But now, I can't ignore my work anymore. I know I can fully trust Rhea, but there are still some things that need to be done by me. Moreover, sitting idle here and just thinking about those things won't help. It's better if I join work.

So I said, "I am okay now, and the doctor advised against heavy tasks and excessive walking, but here I'll be doing everything while sitting, so it won't be a problem. Moreover, it will distract my mind and make me feel better."

 Finally, they all reluctantly agreed, but then Aryan bhai said, "But you better not exhaust yourself." 

To which I nodded and said, "Okay, I promise I won't." 

We were still discussing this when Advay bhai suddenly got up and left, asking Advik and Adwit to go with him as he would drop them at college. They bid us goodbye and left. Now, I really feel the need to talk to Advay bhai as soon as possible. He seems very hurt.

Then Aryan bhai said, "By the way, are you talking about the Arch Capital Group for the conference?"

 To which I nodded, taking a sip from my coffee. Then he continued, "I think our company and Shivansh's company have also received invitations."

 I looked at him and said, "I know about that. Despite knowing everything, I have accepted the offer." 

Then he asked, "But then he will get to know about your real position." 

To which I smirked and replied, "Let him know. Anyway, it's high time, and now he should know both his and my position." 

Then I looked at him again and said, "But promise me you won't say anything to him right now." 

He promised me, then got up to leave, saying he was getting late. Rhea and I waved our hands towards him as he reciprocated the same. Then he looked at Aahana, and she also looked at him, and I think she was blushing. Is something going on between these two? No, no, that's not possible, Aahana and Aryan bhai, no, not at all.

 I shrugged off these thoughts and focused on the more important thing, which is to get everything ready for the conference which is in four days. I need this deal, and I will get it. With this determination, I went to my room and started my work.

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