Chapter- 22

Radha looked at her brothers. The three of them were huddled up in her ward, fussing over her every fifteen minutes for something or the other. It hadn't even been a day since she woke up, and God knows how she would survive the remaining days with their overly protective behavior. Though it was heartwarming yet, at times like this, like now... it felt completely annoying.

It seemed Abhi had made it his life mission to make her gain weight even before she got discharged. He was stuffing her with fruit salad and different sorts of juices that made her feel like puking right on him just so he would back off, but she held herself. But now she had had enough of it all.

"Enough, Abhi," Radha said softly as he reached for another piece of apple.

And as usual, the boy ignored her words. "Have it," he ordered, bringing the piece near her mouth.

Radha sighed deeply and looked at Arjun, her savior. "Bhaiyu, please tell him. Mera pet phat jayega. (My stomach will burst.)"

Arjun looked up from his phone. "Finish it, Radha. It's just one apple. You need to recover fast."

"With the pace you both are stuffing me, I'm sure I'll gain weight rather than quick recovery," Radha scowled.

"Yeah right. Come on now, have it," Abhi drawled, forcing the apple into her mouth.

Radha looked at Mahir, her ultimate weapon. "Bhaiya!" she called out cutely.

Even though she knew Mahir was angry with her and a long talk was waiting, the assurance he had given her earlier made her act more like herself instead of drowning in guilt or self-loathing.

Mahir saw the puppy-eyed look aimed at him and melted faster than ice kept under the scorching sun. He glanced at Abhi, who was already prepared to shove another apple slice into her mouth. "Abhi," He called out, his voice soft yet firm.

Abhi's hand froze mid-air. He looked at his sister, who shot him a teasing grin. With an annoyed roll of his eyes, he stuffed the remaining fruit into his own mouth. Obviously, going against their Bhaiya's princess was never the best option. Abhi knew exactly when to cut his losses.

"When will I get discharged?" Radha asked casually and frowned when three heads whipped in her direction, staring at her as if she had suddenly grown horns. Had she asked something wrong?

Ignoring her question entirely, the brothers went back to whatever they were doing. Radha shook her head. "Bhaiya, I want to go home."

Before Mahir could answer, Arjun replied firmly, "You aren't even conditioned to move properly. Once the cast is removed, there will be a small therapy session to check if your nerves are working fine or not. Everything will take around one or two weeks. Before that, don't even think, let alone ask, about going home."

Radha looked away. The warning in his tone was unmistakable. She had thought he might cut her some slack now that their Bhaiya was angry with her. But deep down, she knew she shouldn't expect anything different from Arjun. The man believed in honesty. If he was her savior, he also knew exactly how to reprimand her for her actions, no matter the situation.

She looked at Mahir, who was already watching her. Giving in to her urge, she offered him a pleading look. She understood her condition, how severe it was, but that didn't lessen the discomfort she felt staying in the hospital. The space, the smell, the white walls... everything reminded her of the dreadful day she lost her parents, of those last words her mother spoke.

Radha hated dwelling in memories that were anything but beautiful.

Mahir nodded, rising to his feet. "I'll go and talk to the doctor."

Arjun looked at his brother, agitated. "But Bhaiya—"

"It's okay, Arjun," Mahir intervened gently. "If she wants to go home, she can. Ghar par hum sab saath hi rahenge. (We'll all be there for her.) The change in environment will help her recover faster."

Arjun was reluctant but gave in. All he wanted was for his sister to get well soon. Home or hospital, it didn't matter. They could arrange the same medical facilities at home if Radha wanted to leave this place so badly.

"What about her dressing, Bhaiya?" Abhi asked worriedly. "And who will help her move around and do other things?"

He looked back at Radha, frustration edging into concern. "Just a week or two, Radha. Kyu zidd kar rahi hai? (Why are you being stubborn?) Without a nurse, how will everything be handled? And I'm sure Mom won't help or even look at you if you're expecting any affection from her."

The room chilled into silence. 

Radha blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears burning her eyes. She hadn't been expecting affection or help from Sakshi; she knew better than that. But hearing it aloud still stung far deeper than she expected. As if some part of her, still trapped in that fragile bubble, kept wishing that one day everything would be fine... that she would finally receive love from everyone in her family.

At this rate, even Radha knew she was behaving pathetically, longing for love from people who openly hated her. Her self-worth had slipped so low it physically hurt.

"Abhishek!" Arjun pulled his younger brother back sharply. "What the hell are you talking about? Is this even the time for such a conversation?"

Abhi yanked his hand out of Arjun's grip. "I was just giving her a reality check," he shot back, bitterness dripping from every word. "We all know the truth; even you and Bhaiya do, but Radha refuses to acknowledge it."

He pointed at her, voice cracking with a mix of anger and helplessness. "She stepped out of the house because Mom said something to her. She did tried to—" he stopped, swallowing hard, unable to finish the sentence. "She still thinks everything will be alright. She still thinks our parents will love her and adore her, and by hoping for something so ridiculous, she is the one suffering the most. This is the result... she's lying here in the hospital. And I don't want to see her here ever again." Pouring out all his frustration, fear, and anger, Abhi turned around and stormed out of the room.

Angry not at Radha but at her thoughts. Angry not at his brothers, but at their parents and their selfishness. Angry not at an innocent daughter craving love, but at the family he was born into; a family that handed him everything without him ever having to ask... while Radha grew up fighting for every scrap of affection, every tiny bit of care. He hated that; he hated every moment of watching it unfold through the years.

Arjun rushed after his impulsive brother, leaving Mahir and Radha alone. For the first time, even Arjun agreed with what Abhi had said... but was there really no better way to say the truth? He wasn't sure.

Radha and Mahir looked at each other, both silently hoping the other would speak first, both waiting for someone to break the heavy, aching silence hanging between them.

"Well, that was quite a good speech, no?" Radha said, forcing out a smile, one she instantly regretted as she caught the flash of hurt in Mahir's eyes.

"Can you for once stop pretending, Radha?" Mahir asked softly, his voice surrendering under the weight of her words.

"Aur usse kya hoga, Bhaiya? (And what will that change, Bhaiya?)" Radha countered, meeting his gaze with a steadiness that shook him more than any tears ever could.

Mahir took a step back as if struck by thunder. The rawness of her question hit him right in the heart."So that I can be there for you, bacche," He managed to say calmly, pushing aside everything he felt.

Radha looked away.

"It's okay. I'm fine, Bhaiya," Her voice barely above a whisper. "Why do you all have to be so sentimental all the time? Whatever happened, I survived the accident. And that should matter. Not me pretending, not me hoping... or whatever I'm thinking. I'll manage it myself. As far as I can."

Mahir turned, walking out of the room. 

What he heard was more than he had ever wanted to. His sister always gave chances to her parents, to his parents, always hoping, always forgiving, always letting them in. But when he was the one asking for a single chance to set everything right, she refused. She preferred managing her pain alone or giving up entirely rather than sharing it with her brother.

Mahir walked down the buzzing hospital corridor in a haze, colliding with passers-by but paying no mind. After hours of holding himself together, after swallowing every word, every fear, Radha's refusal was his last straw.

Adrenaline surged through him, sharp and wild. His shoulders tensed, eyes moist, as he stopped in front of the small temple tucked into the corner of the hospital.

Mahir stared at the idol. He didn't believe in miracles, but today he did. Just for his sister, his child, the one person he couldn't bear to lose even in his worst nightmares. Goddess blessed him, giving him his sister back. He whispered a promise: he would take care of her, protect her, bring her back fully to life. He would face any pain, any danger, endure whatever the world threw at him just to see his child safe, whole, and alive again.

And Mahir got what he wanted. Radha was up. He was grateful for that. But the other part... How could he help someone who had already given up? How could he help someone who didn't trust him? No matter how agonizing it was, it was the truth: Radha didn't trust him. That was why she always pulled back, choosing to suffer in silence rather than give him a chance.

Mahir finally lost his battle against the tears. His eyes overflowed as the harsh reality settled in. Even though he had come to thank the Almighty, words failed him, and he simply stood there, hands joined, head bowed.

A gentle hand on his back broke his trance. Mahir instantly recognized the touch. He turned, burying his face in her curls, letting relief surge through him, letting it wash over his entire being as tears spilled freely. Tears that had been held back now finally released, flowing like a river, carrying away the weight of everything all alone.

Shreya smoothly guided him away from the prying eyes to a quiet corner. Her heart ached for him, seeing the ever-strong Mahir so disheveled, shaken, but she didn't stop him. She let him pour out everything he had locked inside for hours: the fears, the helplessness, the guilt, every emotion he rarely showed.

Arjun, passing by on his way to Radha's ward, witnessed the scene and slowly stepped back, giving them space. Just like him and Abhi, even Mahir needed someone; a shoulder to cry on, someone to let go with. And knowing their Bhaiya, Arjun understood the man would never let his burdens fall on his younger siblings. Though he hated that fact, he was quietly grateful that at least Shreya was there for Mahir. 

After all, even the strongest man deserves a moment to break, to be himself, and to release the weight of his trials.

Ignorance is bliss. One of the best things human beings can do is avoid. Avoid the much-needed conversation. Avoid the confrontation. Avoid the rush of emotions, and that's what Mahir decided to do.

Because when people find it hard to breathe, when the weight on their heart becomes too heavy, when their fears of breaking down become greater than the desire to fix the situation, that's when they choose to run.

That didn't mean Mahir was running away from the battle. Well, battle, because soon Mahir Dhanrajgir was going to fight Radhika Dhanrajgir for her own happiness. For her freedom, for shaping her into someone in front of the world who bowed down when Radha walked into the room. That's what he vowed to himself!

So eventually, it was hard, as firstly the person he was going to fight for had already given up, and Mahir despised that word. You don't give up on yourself, on your dreams, on your happiness just because you are tired or someone wants you to. And Mahir was ready to teach that life lesson to his child a little bit harder way. He was just waiting for Radha's injuries to heal, for her to get well soon. As no matter how desperate he was to set his stubborn child right, he believed in prioritizing her health.

If Radha had been shocked seeing her brothers walk into her ward the next day, acting as if nothing had happened the previous night, as if she hadn't pissed off Abhi or disappointed her Bhaiya with her words, then she was more utterly stunned right now.

She was hoping to see the indifference, the distance, and the anger filled with silence. Even when she yearned for attention and affection. At times she was annoyed at herself, but whatever she was doing was for her brothers only. The more they maintained distance, the more her hopes would lessen, and she could keep herself locked in a hopeless shell like before.

But soon she realized how everything backfired. Abhi was packing her stuff in the bag he brought. The boy hadn't uttered a word yet; he fed her fruits last night, her Bhaiyu fed her soup, and Mahir gave her the medicines. The same routine followed in the morning too.

The three of them slept in her ward, refusing to leave her side. Her brothers were fulfilling their duty just with silence, and that, in some crazy way, calmed her down. Not the silence, but their presence. And again she was unsure if she should hold the hand her brothers were extending her way or just retreat.

"Are we going home?" Radha asked as soon as Mahir entered the room, followed by Arjun with a wheelchair.

Mahir nodded. "You wanted to go home, right?"

Radha glanced at Abhi, who was still busy with something, but the tension in his figure gave away everything. He was right in his point yesterday. She looked back at Mahir, hesitant, "Yes, but... it's okay. You will have to ask for a nurse and..."

"There is no need for a nurse," Sherya interrupted, gently walking into the room, gaining the siblings' attention.

"What do you mean?" Mahir asked, confused.

Sherya smiled softly, walking up to Radha's bed. "What I mean is that you don't have to look for a nurse when I am here. I will help Radha if you guys don't mind?" She turned to Mahir. "No nurse will stay by her side 24/7, and anyway, it's hard to find one. If you are looking for a nurse, then look out someone for Radha's dressing. With other things I can help her."

The siblings looked at her stunned. Mahir shook his head immediately. "I appreciate your help, Sherya, but you don't have to take so much trouble."

"Your words are troubling me, Mahir." Sherya frowned. "Radha is your sister, but she is no different for me. She is like a younger sister to me, and I can do this much for her." She looked back at Radha. "You tell me, bacha... do you have a problem with me helping you?"

Radha looked in a fix. The offer was tempting for her, taking help from Sherya, who was practically family, and her Bhaiya's best friend was better than taking help from a stranger, but still, it should be Mahir's decision, not hers. She would follow whatever he decides.

Mahir noticed the troubled look Radha gave him and sighed inwardly. She can't say no to Sherya, but she won't override his words either. Exhaling sharply, Mahir gave in, "Fine!" His tone softened as he looked at Sherya. "You don't have to go home and come just to help her like an outsider. If you are comfortable, you can stay with us for a few days."

Sherya nodded. Anyway, her parents lived in Delhi, owning their own business there; she herself came to Mumbai for work before flying back to her home. A few days in Dhanrajgir house is better than her leaving in a hotel miles away from the mansion. Even her parents wouldn't mind; she knew that. All she wanted to do was help the Dhanrajgir siblings. Knowing them all for so long through Mahir, she somewhere understood each of their thoughts and hoped she could encourage them towards each other as their unity is their biggest strength.

With the delicacy of a flower, Mahir laid Radha on his bed once they reached home. His room was big and, more importantly, soundproof. She would be able to rest without any disturbance, as no one entered Mahir's room without his permission. For now, all his attention, all his breath, all his heartbeat belonged only to Radha's recovery.

Radha looked around her brother's room quietly. Compared to hers, her Bhaiya, despite being a rockstar, didn't have such tacky taste. But still, the cream-white walls and the wide glass balcony opening to sunlight... everything brighter, softer, and closer to light made a discomfort rise within her chest. She suddenly wanted to change it... all of it.

Replace the bright walls with deep, muted colors, the balcony drapes with dark curtains, the smooth surfaces with something rougher, heavier. Nowadays she preferred shadows more than sunshine, dark corners more than open light, places where no one could see her clearly... places where she couldn't see her own shadow at any angle. Just like her room!

"Can't we... go back to my room?" Radha asked softly, almost childlike.

Mahir shook his head, adjusting her pillow first, then tucking the blanket around her properly.

"Once you're fine, you can go back to your room," He murmured. "For now, I want you resting without any noise. No disturbances. Nothing that will make you uncomfortable."

"But your room is... too bright, Bhaiya," Radha whispered, her fingers twisting the bedsheet. "I... I like darkness around me."

Mahir and Arjun stiffened; the brothers shared a glance. Even before Arjun could ask the maids to clean Radha's room, Mahir had already seen the scattered pills on the floor. It felt like a devil whispering in his ears, a sharp reminder of what had taken place in his absence.

But hearing Radha's words now, so soft, so heavy, carrying meanings deeper than she intended, he had reached his limit. The words, the command, the tone... everything that could force his sister to comply was right there on the tip of his tongue. But he held back. He restrained himself again. She needed to recover first. Only then would he bring up therapy, and this time he would make sure Radha agreed. He would not let her slip away again.

Arjun forced out a small smile when Mahir subtly shook his head. He and Abhi had been asked to behave normally, and they were willing to do so, trusting their brother's decision.

Arjun stepped closer with a gentle attempt to lighten the mood. "We can close the blinds for you," He said softly. "And there are dim amber lights installed. There won't be any harsh brightness. Ab zyada andhera raha toh hum gir jayenge, (If it gets any darker, we'll trip) and crash into the furniture... and then who's going to take care of you?"

Radha rolled her eyes. "Please, you and Abhi would bump into things even in broad daylight. Don't blame the room."

"Wow, the appreciation in your tone is unbelievable," Abhi drawled as he walked in.

Radha shot him a glare. "You don't get to talk. You can't even find your own phone half the time."

"And yet we always find your favorite novels on time that you leave behind in any corner of the house, like a little mouse," Arjun teased.

"You are supposed to be on my side," Radha hissed.

Abhi chuckled, "Bhaiya hai na tere side, leave Bhaiyu for me. (Bhaiya is on your side. Leave Bhaiyu for me.)"

Radha looked at Arjun. "Now you have to choose Bhaiyu. He has just hurt my feelings. Tell him you are on my side or I won't talk to you."

Abhi leaned on Arjun heavily just to rile her up. "She won't talk to you, Bhaiyu! Breaking news of the year. So bad... But before you make any decision, just ask her, aapna maun vart kitne minute ke liye rakhengi yeh? (For how many minutes she will give you silent treatment?)"

Radha glared at her moron of a brother harder. "For forever!"

Abhi snickered out loudly. Arjun tried to hold back his laugh but failed. That was the most impossible task for their sister.

Radha whined, ultimately turning her gaze at Mahir, who was looking at them peacefully, enjoying the show but... not anymore.

Mahir knew exactly what was coming and tried to glare down his shameless brothers who, of course, stood there completely unaffected.

"Ahhh!" Radha shrieked dramatically.

In the blink of an eye, all three brothers were around her.

"Tu thik hai? (Are you fine?)" Abhi asked in panic.

"Kahi dard toh nahi ho raha? (Is it paining?)" Mahir checked her cast.

"I'll call the doctor," Arjun said, already half-standing.

But then the brothers froze at the same moment, as Radha... giggled like a mischievous five-year-old. Their panic shifted instantly into realization and then straight into anger as three identical glares landed on her.

Radha burst into laughter, unfazed by the looks, absolutely delighted with herself. "What? You were teasing me, so I did the same," she declared proudly. "Now we're even."

Abhi huffed annoyed. "If only you weren't injured, I would have tickled the life out of you."

Radha grinned widely. "Guess I'm safe then."

"Not so soon," Arjun chided, folding his arms. "For the stupid stunt you just pulled, you'll have to drink two glasses of vegetable juice. Buy one, get one free."

Radha's face fell instantly. "That's unfair..."

Her eyes flickered to Mahir, and she pulled out the best puppy-eye look she could manage. "Aap bhi gussa ho? (Are you also upset?)"

Mahir shook his head. He sat beside her, and Radha instantly leaned into his warmth like she always did.

"But that doesn't mean you'll get away without drinking the juice," Mahir declared firmly, though the tenderness with which he creased her head completely contradicted the tone.

Radha sighed dramatically. "I know, I know... you're The Hitler Dhanrajgir. No need to remind me."

Abhi and Arjun chuckled. Only Radha can get away with calling their Bhaiya names. Otherwise, with them, his killer looks are enough to shut them up, just like now!

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