Chapter- 15

Ekta looked around the mall; Galaxy Mall, one of Mumbai’s top famous shopping destinations, filled with luxury brands, designer outlets, and high-end showrooms. The mall wasn’t crowded, maybe due to the riots that happened or because it was still early evening.

Each shop that came into her view seemed expensive and over the top; she was sure no one would buy such overpriced items so casually. Everything fascinated her as she was seeing it all in real life for the first time, but it also made her feel out of place and small in a world she didn’t belong to.

She still felt awkward walking with Eshita and Vanya. Both the girls were chatterboxes; the whole ride they had been talking and talking like there was no pause button in their system. While she sat there trying to grasp their conversation, one minute they were going on about college work, then some reality show, then suddenly jumping to what to eat... Ekta struggled to keep up with their pace, feeling lost in between their effortless bond.

Quietly, she stepped into the elevator, following Eshita. Since the moment they had stepped into the mall, Eshita had been holding her hand, even when her focus was on Vanya, continuing their conversation. Ekta felt relieved at the constant reassurance of that touch. The strangers scared her; their unknown presence made her feel uneasy and overwhelmed, but for the first time, there was a hand holding onto hers to ground her, that she wasn’t alone, that nothing would go wrong, and Ekta held onto that hope like a child on Christmas.

The moment they stepped out of the elevator, Ekta promised herself she would enjoy every moment. The fears would linger in the corners of her mind, the shadows she left behind might reach her sooner or later, but today she would give herself a chance to feel, to live, even if it meant it was her last moment of peace.

“Aur do teen ghante late aate aap dono.” Rishan, Ritvik’s younger brother, hissed annoyed.

Eshita raised an eyebrow, amused, “No greetings, no hello hi, direct complaints shuru. Bad manners, Rishu.”

Rishan rolled his eyes. He glared at Vanya, “I am trying to call you for tickets, phone use nahi karna aata toh phek kyun nahi... Ouch!” He yelped in pain, turning to glare at his brother who had just whacked him.

Ritvik glared back, “Badi hai tujhse vo. Zara bhi tameez nahi hai na baat karne ki.”

“Ask her to behave like one then.” Rishan retorted, only to earn yet another whack for his efforts.

“It’s okay, Ritvik.” Vanya intervened softly. She looked at Rishan with a charming smile, “Your highness, aapna net on karenge toh aapko send kiya hua msg bhi deliver ho jayega. Basic cheezein bhi check kar liya kar dusro ko bolne se pehle, no?”

Rishan bit his tongue, embarrassed, “Vo.. vo haa. Yaha network issue hai isliye warna mujhe kya Bhagwan aa kar bolenge ki bete aapna phone check karo.”

Vanya shook her head in disbelief; the boy had an answer for everything, no matter how ridiculous it sounded.

Eshita chuckled softly. She looked at Ritvik, “Where is Siyara...” She trailed off as a pair of hands covered her eyes from behind.

She smiled softly, “Siya.”

“Oho, aapko itni jaldi nahi batana tha di.” Siya whined, a small pout adoring her face.

Eshita ruffled her hair affectionately. Siyara, the sister of Ritvik, his cousin, just like her name, the girl was gentle and radiant, with a playful innocence. She glanced at Ekta, who stood there stiff and hesitant. Without meaning to, she subconsciously wished for Ekta to be so carefree and open, without any fear holding her back.

“Kya ho gaya, kaha kho gayi aap...” Siya paused as she noticed Ekta, “Yeh kaun hai?” She asked warmly.

Eshita pulled Ekta towards her, draping her arm around Ekta’s shoulder casually, “Ekta... my sister.”

Rishan frowned, “Your sister? But aapki toh koi bhen nahi...” He paused as Ritvik held his hand in caution. He looked at his bhaiyu who shot him a glare. Realizing his slip of tongue, he looked back at Eshita, “Sorry di... I didn’t mean...”

“It’s okay, Rishi.” Eshita cut him off, “You didn’t know. But now you do.” There was a tint of warning and protectiveness that lingered in her tone, everyone heard clearly.

It’s rare to see Eshita Seghal get into her protective stance, and if she stood up like this for Ekta, that meant only one thing, the girl already held a special place in Eshita’s heart, whether she accepted it or not.

“Movie ka time ho raha hai. Let’s go.” Ritvik said gently, trying to cool off the sudden tension.

Eshita nodded. She looked at Ekta, who looked too shocked for her liking. Did she utter something wrong? The girl was her brother’s sister, which eventually made her hers too. They didn’t share anything specific to be called that, and Eshita didn’t know if they ever would, but she had just said what she thought was right.

“Tumhe kuch khana hai?” She asked, shaking Ekta lightly out of her daze.

Ekta blinked, startled. Quietly, she shook her head. What Eshita said... she tried to tell herself that it was nothing, that it was just said casually, shrugging away the warmth spreading in her heart, but a simple statement was doing wonders on her.

But she pushed those unfamiliar emotions rising within her away. Eshita said that because she couldn’t say that her brother had taken a roadside girl under his wings, now calling her his sister. Ekansh Seghal was the kindest soul for her, her saviour, and she or Eshita wouldn’t want people calling him a fool for helping someone like her without any reason.

Ekta had witnessed that help came only when it was convenient, people could tag big stories, write articles, even protest, whatnot, to show the world their goodness, but when the real time came to step up and help someone, the greed for recognition and benefit came first.

She was grateful that Ekansh was nothing like that. He was selfless and genuine, and she would always be grateful to the almighty for sending her a family... her bhaiya. Someone she could call her own, without any conditions attached.

✨✨✨

One hour later, Eshita was ready to sprint out of the theatre. Watching a horror movie with a 3D experience was plain suicidal. She tried to close her eyes, cover her ears, but nothing worked. Every other minute she was jumping in her seat.

Who the hell on earth invented such terrifying horror movies? And if inventing them was not enough, people had a kick to watch such heart-thumping, nightmare inducing things.

The option of walking out was open, but everyone was enjoying the movie. She knew if she said she wanted to go out, others would follow her for her sake, not wanting to leave her alone. She didn’t wish to spoil their fun.

However, what got on her nerves was Ekta. The girl sat beside her as calm as a still lake, relaxed, leaning on the seat, watching the movie. She didn’t once flinch, except for in the beginning, and that was something Eshita didn’t like. Bloody hell, back in Shimla the girl had told her she couldn’t handle horror movies, and now she watched it as if it didn’t affect her at all.

Finally, the interval came as a relief. Eshita removed the 3D glasses. She reached out to shake Ekta when a startled scream blasted through the speakers. 

“Ahhh!” Eshita yelped, the popcorn tub in her hands flipping over, spilling everything right onto Ritvik who was sitting beside her.

Eshita gasped, horrified. She immediately leaned forward to clean him up, “Sorry... I am so so sorry.” She stammered, “Vo awaaz achanak se aayi and I just lost it for a second...”

“Wow bhaiyu, you look handsome.” Rishan teased, already clicking pictures on his phone despite the glare his brother shot him.

Siya chuckled, helping Ritvik brush off the popcorn from his shirt.

Ritvik sighed, “You just can’t see me at peace, right?” He muttered, dusting off his clothes in resignation.

Eshita bit her tongue, giving him a pleading look, “Sorry... Arey maine jaan ke thodi kiya. Inn gadho ki galti hai sab. Ads mein kaun itne loud terrifying sounds rakhta hai? Curse them, not me.”

Ritvik shook his head, rising to his feet. Eshita and her chaos, no matter what he did, he somehow always ended up being the victim of her unpredictable disasters.

Eshita turned toward Ekta who sat there as if nothing happened. She shook the girl not so gently, “Tum toh mujhe keh rahi thi tumhe horror movies kuch zyada pasand nahi. Now what happened suddenly?”

No response. Eshita frowned. The girl didn’t even move a bit, sitting there like a stone.

Eshita shook her again.

“What happened to her?” Vanya asked, gathering around with Ritvik and his siblings.

Eshita rose to her feet, worried. She shook Ekta, removing her goggles. Her eyes were closed, and that increased her panick.

“Darr ke maare behosh toh nahi ho gayi?” Rishan muttered casually.

“Chup kar.” Ritvik and Siya snapped at him.

Eshita tapped Ekta’s face, “Ekta... Ekta get up.”

Her heart sank as the girl didn’t respond at all. She had brought Ekta out under her responsibility, and now this had happened. A strange, unfamiliar panic clawed at her chest, tightening with every passing second. It wasn’t just fear, it was something deeper, heavier, something she couldn’t quite name. Her thoughts spiraled uncontrollably... What if something actually happened? What if she missed something? What if she wasn’t careful enough?

For a moment, everything else blurred, the movie, the people, the noise... nothing mattered except the girl sitting unresponsive in front of her. A sharp guilt pierced through her, sudden and suffocating. She had insisted Ekta come along, pulled her out of her comfort zone... and now this.

Vanya passed Eshita a water bottle, “Paani maar uske muh par.”

Eshita complied immediately. She sprinkled water on Ekta’s face in panic.

Ekta flinched, her face scrunching. “Ekta... Ekta...” Eshita tapped her face again.

Ekta shrugged away her hand, “Sone do na. Kya hai!” She turned her face away lazily, relaxing in the seat more comfortably.

Eshita froze, shocked, so did everyone. Silence stretched for a long moment before Rishan burst out laughing.

“Shh! Chup kar!” Siya hissed annoyed.

Eshita fumed. She pulled Ekta up with a sharp jerk, startling her. “Dimag kharab hai tumhara? Yahan mujhe tension ho gayi thi, tum aankhein nahi khol rahi thi. Aur tum ho ki... How can you be so stupid, Ekta. Apne aas paas kya ho raha hai dhyaan bhi nahi de...” She stopped, noticing the tears swimming in Ekta’s eyes.

Eshita stepped back. If she stayed there a minute more, she would burst out even more. Turning on her heels, she walked away.

Ekta blinked away the tears that threatened to fall. She was too scared to watch the movie, and denying it meant disturbing others, so the best option was to sleep, and she just did that. However, she wasn’t prepared for a reaction like that.

She didn’t wish to embarrass herself in front of strangers. She followed behind Eshita immediately. Even though Vanya was Eshita’s friend, she couldn’t bring herself to stay around her, they didn’t know each other. Ritvik and his siblings were also strangers to her. All she had here now was Eshita, even if the girl had to yell at her, she could take it, but being left alone in between unfamiliar faces was not something she could handle.

“Ekta...” Vanya tried to call out, but she didn’t stop.

Eshita stood at the railing, looking down on the bustling crowd below. If anything had happened to Ekta, what would she have explained to her bhaiya? And here the girl was sleeping like nothing mattered. Idiot!

She turned around as she heard Vanya and Ritvik, only to find Ekta rushing towards her. The girl was scared of strangers, but the way she was pushing aside everyone felt like she was on fire.

“Vo log tumhe bula rahe hai.” Eshita snapped even before Ekta could say anything, “Kaan kharab hai? Suniye nahi deta? Or you just don’t care?”

Ekta flinched slightly. Eshita wasn’t even realizing the range of her own tone, the added anger in it cutting deeper than intended. She stood quietly, staring at the floor, unable to say anything. No matter what, she had to stick by Eshita’s side. She was suddenly feeling scared of everything. It was a bad, an even worse idea to step out of the house, of her room. She deserved to be caged in one place.

He was right... she wasn’t meant for the outer world. She was meant to live within the four walls, obediently, silently enduring everything.

She spoiled everyone’s mood, everyone’s day. It was better if she stayed quiet the rest of the day before returning to her bhaiya, even though she wanted to go to him right now. Then it clicked... He told her she could call him. She reached out for her phone instantly, ignoring whatever Eshita was saying. Her fear got the better of her, overpowering every rational thought.

Just as she tried to call, her phone was snatched away from her grasp abruptly. A startled gasp escaped her lips. She looked at Eshita with hurtful, teary eyes.

“I am talking to you.” Eshita hissed, “What is your problem, girl?” She looked down at the phone before glaring back at Ekta, “Ghr jaana hai? Fine, I will call bhaiya myself. Go and complain to him all you...”

“Eshita, enough!” Ritvik’s sharp voice cut through the anger like a blade.

Ritvik turned towards Ekta, his tone softened, “Aap Vanya ke saath rukogi please... mujhe aapki bhen se do minute baat karni hai.”

Ekta contemplated. She couldn’t say no, it could annoy Eshita more. She nodded her head reluctantly.

Ritvik glanced at Vanya, “Food court jao. Order something for everyone. We will come till then.” He didn’t wait for a reply. Holding Eshita’s wrist, he guided her away from there.

Eshita could do the worst in the name of doing good, in worry and concern, but she herself didn’t realize what means she chose that could hurt the other person deeply, and he wanted to make her understand that. That was a side of her everyone was aware of, even understood, but maybe Ekta was still too fragile to handle it.

Eshita pulled back from Ritvik’s grasp, “What are you doing? She can’t stay alone...”

“And yet you left her behind inside?” Ritvik shot back squarely.

Eshita looked away, running her fingers through her hair. She had nothing to say. She didn’t want a younger sister, she didn’t want the responsibility of being the elder one. All her life she was the youngest of the family, she was the pampered one, she was taken care of, she was the one protected and shielded from everything. So suddenly, after five years, this new change... these unfamiliar feelings rising in her once carefree and guarded heart, unsettled her.

If she had slept like that in the theatre, worrying her bhaiya, he would have been worried like she was, but after finding out she was just sleeping, he would have laughed it off rather than making a big deal out of it, pulling her into his arms and scolding her lightly instead of letting his fear turn into anger. She wasn’t used to handling fear like this, she only knew how to react, not how to respond.

“What is happening, Esha?” Ritvik asked calmly, noticing her distressed face. “Kuch bataogi? We all are aware of your nature. But Ekta... maybe she doesn’t know. Why did you...”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Eshita cut him off, “Can we please go to the food court.”

Ritvik stared at her for a moment before he gave in. Any other time, he would have pressed her into talking, but now the look on her face clearly said she wasn’t ready to open up, so he stepped back, giving her the space she needed.

✨✨✨

Eshita paused as she noticed Ekta sitting stiff and quiet, compared to Rishan who was blabbering continuously, so was Siya. Both were Ekta’s age, it would be easy and natural if they could befriend Ekta, but the way Ekta kept herself withdrawn and guarded, it was next to impossible.

Shaking off her thoughts, she moved towards their table. She was no one to force her comfort or choices, Ekta could decide for herself. She made a mistake bringing the girl out; next time she wouldn’t. It was better to keep her distance than doing something that could create rifts and misunderstandings.

Apologies weren’t that hard for her. If she was wrong, she could say sorry and clear things, drawing a firm line, closing the matter, that was the last time she would let herself get emotionally involved in something that wasn’t hers to carry... or so she told herself.

Eshita took her seat beside Ekta, which was the only empty one left. She noticed how Ekta stiffened slightly and straightened up immediately. Eshita closed her eyes, ignore, she told herself, and focused on her food.

Just as Eshita reached for the sandwich, Ekta reached for the pasta. Their hands brushed against each other, and Ekta pulled back immediately as if struck by thunder.

“S–Sorry.” She mumbled, staring at her hands, fidgeting with them.

Ignore. Eshita repeated... “You didn’t order white sauce pasta?” She asked Vanya, unable to hold back.

Vanya frowned, “You don’t like it... none of us do.”

Ignore... ”She likes it.” Eshita blurted out before she could stop herself.

Silence filled the table. Vanya and Ritvik shared knowing glances, they knew exactly what was going on between the two girls.

“I will go and order,” Rishan said, rising to his feet.

He didn’t know much about Ekta, but whatever he was witnessing was hilarious for him rather than complicated like Vanya, Ritvik, or even Eshita were making it out to be. When you love someone or even care for them, what was the issue in saying it directly? Why do elders love to play pretend games, that was out of his knowledge.

“It’s okay,” Ekta stopped him instantly, “Aapko preshan...” She paused as Rishan laughed out loud like a maniac. Was the boy suddenly possessed by the ghost from the movie, she wondered.

Rishan wiped off the tears of laughter, realizing he was the only one laughing. People would call him crazy, just like his siblings, and even Vanya and Eshita; their faces said it all.

He looked at Ekta, “Aap? I am your age yaar. Kyu mujhe budha banana chahti ho. Call me Rishi, Rishu, Ahan, or even Rish! But not that ‘aap’ or ‘tum’... I am a cool dude, girl.” He lifted his collar for effect, and extended his hand toward her.

Eshita rose to her feet, ignoring the creature, just like Ekta ignored the extended hand. Good. The boy behaved like a celebrity who had done nothing worth the attention he was demanding.

“Main abhi aayi,” She mumbled before walking away. She had noticed Ekta didn’t prefer spicy food. Whatever Ekansh made for her had its own spice level, or if it was extra spicy, he added cheese, something Ekta loved. She was doing it for herself, not for Ekta; she had already decided to keep her distance after this. Better to say sorry after this and end it.

Ekta tried to stop her, but Eshita had already left. She leaned back in the chair, not knowing what to do. Eshita was confusing her in ways no one ever had. At times she was angry, plain rude, and then suddenly soft, caring, keeping up with her needs and comfort.

Ekta didn’t understand what she was supposed to feel. Was Eshita hating her, caring for her, or just doing all this out of pity or for their bhaiya? Nothing made sense, and the more she tried to understand, the more tangled everything felt within her heart.

“Can we go to the gaming zone after this?” Siya asked Ritvik and Eshita once she returned.

Ritvik glanced at his watch and shook his head, “Aaj nahi, baccha. It’s already late. We can try another time.”

“Next time mumma nahi maanegi.” Siya whined, “I was grounded, still she agreed because you asked. Next time she won’t.”

“Arey wah, itna bharosa hai tujhe khud par ki tu koi na koi khaand kiye bina nahi reh sakti?” Rishan teased.

Siya glared at him, “Nahi, itna bharosa hai mujhe tujh par. Ki teri sangat mein reh reh kar main bhi teri tarah ban jaungi.”

Rishan raised an eyebrow, “Tu mujhe roast kar rahi hai ya khud ko? Waise bhi maine tujhe car start karna nahi sikhaya... At sixteen you have quite the adventurous spirit. Not my fault!”

“You did what?” Vanya asked, shocked.

“Arey aapko nahi pata?” Rishan said excitedly, “She wanted to try something new. So my dear sister thought driving bua’s car would be fun. When bua was not at home this girl actually took the keys and tried to drive it herself, luckily bhaiyu time par aa gaye. He scolded her but bua found out from the guards and the rest is history. Bechari ko ek do chaapde bhi pad gaye free free free.”

“Tujhe bhi chaiye?” Ritvik asked firmly, “Maine kaha tha na, don’t tease her about this. It’s not like you are any better. Tu koi kaam kaand nahi karta.”

Rishan whined, “Aap mujhse pyaar he nahi karte bhaiyu. Main aapka chota bhai hoon. Kisi sadak ke kinare se nahi leke aaye ho mujhe. You always defend her.”

Eshita chuckled softly, “Tu kyun pareshan hota hai. Main hoon na tere side. Anyways every elder brother has a soft corner for his sister, elder or little, it doesn’t matter.” She served him the pizza, “see I am on your side. Come on, have it.”

Rishan leaned on Eshita, poking his tongue out teasing his brother on purpose. He knew he was well loved but at times like this he didn’t mind getting the attention he receives from Eshita. She and Vanya were like elder sisters to him; he adored them both but loved it more when they pampered him like that.

Ekta felt a sting, the casual ease and closeness with which Eshita treated Rishan and even Siya.... She didn’t understand what that kind of bond felt like, obviously they had known each other for years whereas her bond with Eshita was new and uncertain.

However she couldn’t ignore the fact that Eshita wasn’t even ready to look at her properly, always keeping a distance, always snapping at her. She shook her head, focusing on her food when a slice of pizza was served on her plate, startling her. She looked at Eshita who served it but the girl wasn’t even looking at her, as if it didn’t matter at all.

“Bhaiyu... I want to play shooting.” Siya said softly, “Please... just one game and we will go back.”

“Fine!” Eshita intervened before Ritvik could reject. She looked at him, “It’s okay. Main bhaiya se keh ke aayi hoon I will be late. There is no need to worry. There is no curfew as long as bhaiya is there.”

Ritvik understood what Eshita didn’t say. As long as her brother was there, her father wouldn’t interfere like he used to. It helped him relax but being Eshita’s friend who was worried for her, he couldn’t bring himself to understand her brother ever. Ekansh Seghal... he had heard the name, even seen Eshita’s photos with him but how the man was in real was still a mystery to him.

If a brother loved his sister so much, he wouldn’t leave her behind. A father’s promise matters but definitely not at the cost of his sister’s happiness and emotional well-being.

Once done with their food, Siya happily dragged them to the gaming zone chattering excitedly about all the games she wanted to try. Ekta followed behind reluctantly; she wanted to go back home. All she felt now was discomfort and uneasiness. The earlier eagerness to try something new, to step out of her fears, took a back seat. What remained was the reality that she was a stranger who didn’t belong anywhere in their high-class world.

Ritvik paid for the shooting game tickets. Siya picked up the gun excitedly, the rule was simple, burst the balloon and get the prize within the given time limit under the instructor’s watch.

Rishan followed suit, he looked at his sister, “So? Wanna compete, dear sister?”

Siya scoffed, “Just watch and learn, loser. I’m going to win this easily.” She sassed, aiming carefully and firing... it hit the balloon perfectly.

Siya squealed in excitement, Rishan smirked in mock annoyance yet impressed at the same time.

Eshita noticed how Ekta flinched at the noise of fire each time the trigger was pressed.

“I think we should try something else.” She said, looking at Rishan and Siya. The duo turned toward her, confused.

Eshita looked around, her gaze landed on the claw machine, she pointed at it, “That one... let’s go there. Take out the toy from inside. The one who takes it out in the first try will be the winner.”

“And what will the winner get?” Vanya asked, draping her hand around Eshita’s shoulder, “How about a treat... Beach ke paas kulfi milti hai na. Vo. What say?”

Eshita glared at her, “They will fall sick.”

Vanya glanced at Ritvik. “Ek kulfi se kuch nahi hoga, Esha.” Ritvik played his part perfectly, “Are you in or not? Say that.”

Eshita groaned, they knew her too well, it was her typical guilt-driven apology style to say sorry. Whenever she messed up, she would take that person to her favorite kulfi stall, rant out everything sitting on the beach and apologise, ending it all by throwing away her frustrations into the waves.

Sunset points were her place of, comfort and closure, whereas beach and kulfi were her place of, silence and reflection. Both held special emotional significance. With a resigned sigh, she nodded, she could apologise to Ekta, she should and she would. It’s not for herself. It’s for... Vanya, Ritvik or even her bhaiya. But not herself, she repeated.


✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰

Was Eshita right in bringing Ekta out despite knowing her fears?

Did Eshita’s anger in the theatre come from genuine concern for Ekta or was it more about her own fear of failing as an elder sister?

Was Ritivk right in stepping in and pulling Eshita away, or should he have let her handle things with Ekta on her own?

Should Ekansh intervene between Eshita and Ekta, or is stepping back the right choice to let their bond grow naturally?

On the basis of today’s chapter, what’s your take on Ritivk and his siblings?

✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰

I am not setting any targets just genuinely looking forward to your honest feedback, Please do let me know your views. It would really help me improve and understand your perspective shaping the story further.

Next Update: Wednesday!

Thanks for reading!!!

 

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