Ishani pov:-

(After 2 weeks)

---

Finally! Exams were over. I stretched my arms wide as I stepped out of the hall. The heavy weight of stress lifted off my shoulders.

“Ooohhh, finally,” I whispered to myself. “No more torture, no more late-night studying. I’m free from this hell.”

But as the joy of freedom rushed in, an ache tugged my heart. It’s boring when you’re alone in high school. I used to have a best friend—beautiful, kind, someone who felt like my safe place. But that was in another life, in another city.

“I don’t think I’ll ever meet her again,” I mumbled, my smile fading. My throat tightened. “Ohh… I miss you.” ☹️

Shaking my head, I forced a smile. No sadness today. It’s the last day of college and summer vacation is starting. And most importantly… bhaiya’s wedding is coming! The thought instantly brightened me.

---

[At Home]

I reached home around 1 p.m. The familiar warmth of our house calmed me.

“Did you have your lunch?” my brother’s voice came from behind, firm yet gentle.

I turned and shook my head. “No, bhaiya.”

“Come then, let’s eat together.”

“Okay, but let me change first,” I said with a small smile.

“Go on,” he said, already walking toward the kitchen. “I’ll plate the food.”

Ten minutes later, I walked downstairs, freshened up. On the dining table, I saw a bowl of dahi tadka—the aroma instantly making me grin.

I sat down. “Bhaiya… you made my favorite dahi tadka? Thank youuu!” ☺️

He smiled, serving me. “Your exams just finished. You deserve something you love. Tell me—how did they go? I was so busy I couldn’t even ask.”

I sighed. “It was… well. I hope the results don’t betray me.”

He chuckled. “They won’t. You’re my smart choti.”

I picked at my food for a second, then cleared my throat. “Bhaiya… I want to plan your wedding preparations. If you don’t have any problem.”

He raised a brow, amused. “Why are you asking me? You can do anything you want, choti. You don’t need my permission.” His tone softened. “Besides, I’m too busy with office work. I trust you with this responsibility.”

My heart swelled. “Really? Thank you, bhaiya! I won’t disappoint you, promise.” I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. 😘

We ate together, laughing at small things. After lunch, I stood up to do the dishes.

But bhaiya stopped me, placing a hand on my wrist. “No. Leave it. I’ll do it. You go sit on the couch.”

“But—”

“No arguments.” He gave me his strict look.

I giggled and raised my hands in surrender. “Okay, fine.” I walked to the couch and sat down, hugging a pillow.

“Bhaiya,” I called as he rinsed the plates, “when will Anuj bhai, Anjali bhabhi, and Samir bhai come? I can’t plan everything alone. I need their help.”

He dried his hands and joined me on the couch. “Anuj has some issues in his company, so he’ll come next week. As for Samir, he’s landing today.”

“Really?!” My eyes lit up.

“Yes. Can you pick him up, choti? His flight lands at nine.”

“Of course!” I said, happily leaning my head on his lap. “I’ll pick him up.”

Bhaiya gently brushed my hair away from my face. His hand stilled. His eyes softened.

“Are you okay, choti?” His voice held quiet concern.

I forced a smile. “Of course I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be?”

He hesitated, then asked, “Do… the nightmares still hurt you?”

The fake smile slipped, but I forced it back. “No. Not anymore.”

“Don’t lie.” His voice dropped. “Last night, I heard you. You were saying something in your sleep. You were sweating.”

My heart skipped a beat. I turned away quickly. “Bhaiya, y-you must have heard wrong. I don’t have nightmares.” My voice cracked.

“Choti…” His voice was firm now.

I bit my lip, avoiding his gaze. “I-I’m okay, bhaiya. Really. I’m going to my room—”

Before I could stand, he caught my hand gently but firmly.

“You can tell me, choti. I won’t judge you. I’m always here. To listen. To protect.”

My throat burned. I looked at his face—his eyes filled with love and worry. And I broke. Tears spilled before I could stop them.

I threw my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. “Thank you, bhaiya. I know you’re always with me…” My voice shook.

A single tear rolled down my cheek, soaking into his shirt.

He wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight like he was shielding me from the world. We stayed like that for a long time, silent, just holding on.

Gradually, exhaustion pulled me under. My eyelids grew heavy. I drifted into sleep on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

Because yes… it was true. I couldn’t sleep at all last night. The nightmares—the shadow of him—still haunted me.

But at least, in bhaiya’s arms, I felt safe… if only for a little while.

---

______________________________________________

Enjoy this chapter.😁 I hope you like this chapter.

Happy reading guys. 💟

Please vote comments and share☺️

Instagram:- author_ananya_09

Wattapad:- author_ananya_09