Chapter- 41

Mahir entered Radha’s room as soon as he heard from Shreya. He rushed there, and as expected, he found his sister sitting on the bed, staring at nothing, blankly. The tears streaming down her face told their own story.

Quietly, he closed the door behind him and approached her. She didn’t move, sitting still like stone. He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her.

Grief was supposed to come with pain, with longing, with a void that screamed the absence of someone you loved… but when you don’t feel that for someone who is gone, except for confusion in your heart, that kind of grief is heavier, guilt-ridden, something you don’t even know how to name or accept.

He had agreed to the party because Radha said yes, and denying her anything was not his cup of tea. That was the reason he was both accepting, yet cautious, knowing she was still fragile beneath the surface, even if she pretended otherwise.

“I am fine, Bhaiya,” Radha mumbled against his midriff. ”Their words don’t hurt me. They shouldn’t hurt me… right? Dekho toh main kaise bachon ki baat par rone lag jaati hoon. Ab main un purane zamaane ki auntiyon ko kaise samjhaun ki maine apne maa-baap zarur khoye hain, par unke liye woh aansu kabhi nahi ro payi jo ek bachche ko rone chaiye. (Look at me, I start crying over such childish things. How do I explain to those old-fashioned aunties that yes, I lost my parents, but I was never able to cry the tears a child is supposed to cry for them?) I couldn’t cry the tears of pain at the loss of my parents. All I cried was because finally I felt free from my shackles… So selfish of me, right?”

Mahir pulled back and knelt in front of her, wiping her tears gently with his thumb, ”You are not selfish, Radha. No one is ever selfish to feel relief after being hurt for so long. You reacted the way anyone in your place would have. Usme teri koi galti nahi hai. (There is no fault of yours in that.)”

Radha’s gaze dropped, fixing on her trembling hands resting in her lap. The soothing words shouldn’t affect her, yet they were breaking through every wall she had built, making her feel everything she had been trying so hard to suppress.

“Do you want to go down or end it here?” Mahir’s tone softened like cotton candy.

Radha shook her head. ”Aap jaayein. Bade Papa ne party aapke liye… (You go. Bade Papa arranged the party for you…)”

“Maine poocha, tu neeche jaana chahti hai ya nahi, Radhika? (I asked whether you want to go downstairs or not, Radhika.)” Mahir cut her off, a bit firmly.

Radha averted her gaze. She knew if she denied, he would also stay back for her, and she couldn’t let him miss his own moment because of her again.

Mahir rose to his feet. He could read his sister too well, she would say yes for his sake even if she hated every second of it. He held her hand and made her stand before the long full-length mirror in the room. She wanted to go for his sake, but he would make sure she went for herself, at her own comfort, on her own terms.

“Smile,” Mahir said sternly, locking his eyes with Radha through the mirror, standing behind her.

Radhika looked at him, confused. ”What?”

“I said smile, Radhika,” Mahir commanded.

Radhika forced out a smile, staring at herself in the mirror.

“Now cry,” Mahir said in the same tone.

Radhika stared at him, baffled.

“I said cry, Radhika!” Mahir ordered.

Radhika pulled back, annoyed, and turned to face him. ”What is wrong with you, Bhaiya? I am not a robot, but a human being. How can I switch my emotions so easily?”

“Took you so long to realize the facts,” Mahir said sarcastically, stepping back and crossing his arms over his chest. ”Life teri hai, Radha. Emotions tere hain, decision bhi tera hona chaiye. (It’s your life, Radha. Your emotions, your decisions.) I can help you, guide you, but you are the one who will be living the moment, not me. You are the one who will experience the ups and downs on a personal basis, not me. Kisi ne kuch kaha aur tu upar aa gayi, kyun? (Someone said something and you came up, why?) Are you a puppet? A robot? Or an animal who can’t speak but will take orders from everyone without even realizing what their motive is behind it?”

Radha looked down, her voice small. ”She was Mom’s friend…”

“So?” Mahir asked calmly. ”Still, they is an outsider, bacche. No one can force you to leave a party, a family function, not even your own family, when you want to stay there. The lady said something to you, and you just walked out like that.”

He turned Radha to face him again. ”Yeh party mere liye rakhi gayi hai, Radha. (This party is being held for me, Radha.) And Mahir Dhanrajgir wants his sister to be there with him. I want my child to walk back into that room with her head held high, focusing on her brother rather than people who don’t even matter. I will never impose my wish on you. In the end, it’s your decision to take.”

Mahir walked away. He gave her reasons, choices, everything no one ever did. He still stood his ground, he would never force Radha into anything. If she wanted, she could. If she didn’t, she didn’t have to. He could fight the world for her… except her own fears and the walls she had built within herself.

✨✨✨

The room buzzed with guests, the murmurs filling the air blending with soft music and clinking glasses, creating a restless hum of celebration.

Ronit picked up the mic, moving to the center of the room. He wanted to make the most important announcement. His gaze drifted to his wife, she was not happy with his decision, it was visible in the tightness of her expression and the disapproval in her eyes, but for the first time, he didn’t care.

After everything that had happened, the way his sons had turned away from him, their resentment, their distance and unspoken anger, Ronit couldn’t take it anymore. His heart knew the announcement he was about to make might snatch his sons away from him completely. For now, there was at least a fragile rope holding them together, but after this, even that thin thread might snap beyond repair.

But he was prepared, determined to take the right step even if it meant losing them in the process. He could be the father who chose to love his sons from a distance, bearing their anger and rejection, rather than the one who would watch them break apart in the future for reasons he could prevent today.

Just as he raised the mic, lights dimmed abruptly. The sharp click of heels echoed through the hall, drawing every ounce of attention toward the staircase. Eyes darted to the figure descending down the stairs, silhouetted against the soft glow above.

The brothers froze, stunned. It was Radha.

Dressed in the ombré gown Mahir had chosen for her, her hair left open in soft curls. There were no expensive bracelets or earrings for show, just a small butterfly pendant adorning her neck, enhancing her beauty and giving her an effortless grace that needed no embellishment.

Radha kept her eyes fixed on her brothers, on her bhaiya. Her heart pounded in her chest like a drum; she could hear its beats loud and unsteady in her ears. Her hands felt sweaty, her breath uneven, but for the first time in whatever small life she had lived, she had gotten ready by herself, without restrictions, without her mother, without the need to prove she was a Dhanrajgir, without molding herself into someone she wasn’t.

All because she wanted to… for herself.

Her brother was right, it was her life. She had the right to take command over it, and she was doing just that. A few weeks back, when for the first time she called out Riya and her mother for their behavior, taking a stand for herself, it was a new feeling; she felt pride surging through her veins, but also nervousness.

Again, a few weeks back, when she went against the team and took a stand for herself, snapping at Jaanvi, she felt fear mixed with a strange sense of strength she had never known before.

Today, there was no fear, no nervousness, no hesitation, just her, trying to be herself without overthinking every step. Each time she took a stand for herself, she was slowly finding pieces of who she truly was, the version of her that didn’t need permission to exist.

“You look beautiful, baacha,” Mahir said softly, as soon as she stopped before him. He reached out to hold her hand in his, a silent support, a quiet reassurance.

He understood it was not easy to break free, to unlearn years of fear and expectations forced upon you, but Radha was doing that, and he was there for every step she took forward.

Radha smiled faintly. ”Are you happy?” she asked hesitantly.

Mahir cradled her face. “Tu khush hai? (Are you happy?)”

Radha nodded without missing a beat.

Mahir kissed her crown tenderly. ”Jab tak tu khush hai, main khush hoon. (As long as you are happy, I am happy.)”

Radha’s face beamed. She glanced at Arjun, who looked away. He was supposed to melt now, not be his irritating, rigid self.

She looked at Abhi. ”How am I looking?”

Abhi shrugged. ”For the first time… human, I guess?”

Radha glared. “Aaj tak bhoot ki tarah dikhti thi main? (So till now I looked like a ghost?)”

Abhi draped his arm around her shoulder casually. ”You want me to tell you the bitter truth? I can’t do that to my baby sister.” He pulled her cheeks playfully.

Radha swatted his hand, annoyed. ”Get lost!”

Abhi chuckled softly. “Not so soon, dear sister. How about a little dance?”

Radha’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Have you finally lost it?” She glanced at Mahir. ”Call the ambulance, we need to... ahhh!” She shrieked as Abhi suddenly pulled her to the center of the room, already spinning her.

“Abhi, there are guests,” She hissed, already feeling countless eyes on them.

“It’s Bhaiya’s party,” Abhi murmured, pulling her into a proper stance, matching the steps effortlessly with hers.

“So I don’t care,” He mumbled nonchalantly.

He noticed how his mother had been throwing daggers at Radha since the moment she came down, and this, this was his way of making a bold statement. There was nothing his mother could do as long as he was there for Radha, standing beside her openly, unapologetically.

Radha matched his steps. Luckily, she was a quick learner, and the boy had practiced his farewell dance countless times with her, dragging her into rehearsals even when she resisted.

She just didn’t understand why he had to flaunt his skills here, in the middle of guests who were business associates of Ronit’s company. She only hoped her Badi Maa and Bade Papa would ignore it… or better yet, forget it altogether.

The music changed, the rhythm slowing into something softer, more fluid. Just as Radha thought it was over, as Abhi stepped back, Arjun stepped forward, extending his hand toward her without a word.

She shook her head slowly. ”You can’t even dance. Mera pair tod ke maanoge. (You’ll only end up breaking my foot.)”

Arjun raised an eyebrow, his hand still extended toward her. ”Yes or no, princess. It’s that easy.”

Radha huffed, resting her hand in his. ”If I fall before everyone else, I won’t spare you.”

“Then teach me,” Arjun countered. ”Anyways, this is better than seeing the faces of old hags and judging them.”

Radha sighed. She looked around, only a few were staring at them like hawks, the rest busy in their chatter, luxury and appearances defining the night.

Parties were always like this for her. People would notice everything, pick on the next topic of their spicy gossip, twist it into something more dramatic than it actually was, and finally move on with their pretend sophistication and fake smiles.

She focused back on her brother. ”Fine! Start with your right leg… slowly. Follow my step and don’t drag your feet like that.” She explained calmly.

Arjun followed her instructions, in the beginning stomping on her feet a few times by mistake.

Radha remained patient, explaining again, correcting his steps one by one, before he got a hang of the rhythm. They continued at a small pace, busy in their own space.

“Aap abhi bhi gussa ho? (Are you still angry?)” Radha asked softly.

Fortunately, she was wearing heels, still, her bhaiyu was a few inches taller than her, so was her bhaiya. Despite her being of decent height for her age, all her three brothers were taller than her, which was both comforting and frustrating at the same time. She would make sure to drink Complan and grow to match their height level.

Arjun looked down at her. ”Radha, in your life, you can do whatever you want. Tu agar kisi ka murder bhi karke aa gayi, main usse cover up kar dunga. Tujhe teri zindagi teri marzi se jeene se koi nahi rok sakta. Tu chahe toh puri duniya apne khilaaf kar le, aur main kuch nahi kahunga. I will support you. Par ek cheez mujhe manzoor nahi hai aur na kabhi hogi, woh tera Bhaiya ko hurt karna. (Even if you commit a murder, I willl cover it up for you. No one can stop you from living your life your way. Even if you turn the whole world against yourself, I won’t say anything. I will support you.)”

He sighed deeply, ”But one thing I will never accept is you hurting Bhaiya. I won’t stand my sister or even Abhi hurting Bhaiya. Apne pita ka haath sar par hone ke baad bhi maine Bhaiya ko woh darja diya hai. (Even when I have my father’s hand over my head, I have given Bhaiya that position.) I respect him as my father, baacha… and I can’t stand anyone causing him pain, especially the people he loves the most.”

Radha nodded in understanding. ”I promise I will never hurt Bhaiya. Jitne woh aapke liye important hain, utne hi mere liye bhi. (As important as he is to you, he is just as important to me.)”

She understood that emotion. Even she couldn’t stand anyone hurting her bhaiya. No matter what, even if it was her brothers, they all felt the same unshaken respect and love for Mahir. Their protectiveness for him was as fierce as it was silent, something they never spoke about, but always proved.

Ronit picked up the wine, finishing it in one go as if gathering the last bit of resolve, before placing it aside. He again garbbed the mic, tapping on it lightly, gaining everyone’s attention.

His tone firm, ”Ladies and gentlemen, as we are all here to celebrate the deal Dhanrajgir Empire has successfully signed with the Home Minister about the upcoming infrastructure expansion project…”

He paused briefly, letting the weight of his words settle, ”This is the most prestigious collaboration for us, and also a statement to the rivals who doubted our standing and capabilities.”

His gaze drifted to Mahir and back around the room filled with influential faces, ”However, today I have one more important announcement to make. As you all know, I am getting all old and tired of carrying responsibilities alone. So it’s better that I pass on the empire my father had built and handed to me, his legacy, with trust and years of hard work behind it.”

“Today, I am passing that legacy forward to my elder son, Mahir Dhanrajgir, hereby announcing him as the successor and head of the Dhanrajgir Empire!”

Silence filled the room for a beat before loud, echoing applause broke through.

The news was unexpected. Everyone knew that the Dhanrajgir brothers had their own careers, Mahir was interested in singing, Arjun was a lawyer. Both elder Dhanrajgir’s had made their own name in their respective fields, built by their own efforts and passion, so this sudden shift toward the family business came as a complete shock to everyone present.

The brothers stiffened. Mahir could feel Arjun and Abhi’s anger, the silent waves rolling off them, strong and uncontrolled. He reached out, holding their wrists instinctively. They had discussed it in the afternoon; he had already warned them not to interfere.

His father had placed his last wish, his final condition, before him, if he signed and accepted being the CEO of the Dhanrajgir Empire, his parents wouldn’t ever interfere in Radha’s life.

They wouldn’t control her decisions or restrict her choices anymore. His acceptance came at the cost of his child’s freedom. He was fine with that, anything to give Radha the life she deserved.

He didn’t want any unnecessary drama, so he had shared the news with his brothers, not the details they couldn’t handle, but enough to let them know there was no space for arguments. Mahir never regretted what he did for his siblings, for his sister, he never would.

“Bhaiya?” Radha called, snapping him out of his thoughts. The shock in her tone wasn’t lost on them.

They glanced her way together. Mahir forced out a small smile, trying to reassure her.

Radha was confused. Her bhaiya had been looking after the business for the past few months because Ronit wasn’t well, then this sudden announcement… Her bhaiya loved music, that was his passion, composing songs that touched the deepest chords of the heart. Why was he choosing something he never truly belonged to?

“You knew about this?” She asked, uncertain. He seemed prepared rather than shocked like she was. Even Abhi and Arjun, it was like only she was unaware of everything happening around her.

Mahir nodded, patting her head. ”Dad told me this morning.”

Radha nodded. The whole day they were busy checking the arrangements, he might have forgotten to inform her.

“Mahir,” Ronit called out. As per the tradition running in their family, Mahir had to sign the official documents. Once his father had done that, the responsibility had passed onto him, now he was expected to do the same.

Radha reached out, holding his hand instantly. Her gut feeling told her something wasn’t right. She stood before Mahir, holding his hand in his.

“Are you sure, Bhaiya?” She asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

She had gone through the cycle of expectations; she had seen her brothers go through them all. They fought back, unlike her, but today, it didn’t seem like a choice… it seemed more like surrendering before something they never believed in, and she couldn’t see her bhaiya surrendering before anyone, not even the ones who were his parents, but just by name.

Mahir raised an eyebrow. ”Mujh par bharosa nahi hai? Ya itni badi ho gayi ki mujhse mere hi liye faisle par doubt kar rahi hai? (Don’t you trust me? Or have you grown so much that you’re doubting my decisions for myself?)”

Radha’s eyes lowered. She shook her head. ”Aap par khud se zyada bharosa hai, Bhaiya. (I trust you more than I trust myself.)”

She met his gaze. ”Aap bade ho, mujhse zyada acche se sahi-galat jaante ho. Lekin main nahi chahti aap woh karo jo maine itne saalon tak kiya. I have seen my Bhaiya taking a stand for what he wants, not surrendering to pressure or expectations.”

Mahir smiled faintly. ”Then remember one thing always, Radha. Your brother will never, ever surrender before wrong. What I am doing... it’s my decision. I want to do it.”

Radha searched for a lie in his eyes but found only honesty and truth. She let go of his hand, giving a small nod. Maybe she was thinking too much. If her bhaiya wanted to do this, then she would always support him.

Mahir picked up the pen and glanced at the documents. His vision blurred, fogging for a heartbeat. Everything he was putting on stake flashed before his eyes, the weight of the responsibility he was taking on pressing down on his shoulders like an invisible burden.

The Dhanrajgir Empire was not a small company; it was an empire of generations, passed on by his ancestors one after another, a legacy carried through time, a name built on ruthless discipline, power, and unquestioned authority.

Everyone in society still respected his grandfather, however inside the house, he was an orthodox man, an unyielding patriarch.

Today, people feared his father because he commanded respect and fear in equal measure, having the sharp mind and authority to make decisions that never went wrong. But inside the house, he was a controlling father who carried forward his own father’s old-school thinking.

Mahir wanted to break many cycles running through his family, the ones spreading like poison and, unfortunately, touching Radha too. But he was determined to end them with himself, no matter what it cost him. Exhaling sharply, he finally signed the papers.

That was the last day he would let anyone control his siblings, his sister. They were free to live how they wanted, without being crushed under the burden of expectations they never chose for themselves. That was his first step toward something new, like a storm finally breaking its own thunder, choosing to quiet down, not because it lost its power, but because it decided where to rain and where to spare.

✨✨✨

Radha looked around. Her bhaiyu was talking to someone, her bhaiya was busy with business associates, and Abhi had gone to the washroom. She sighed. She needed water.

She had been standing near the pillar, tucked into its shadow, hiding herself perfectly. With her brothers around, she didn’t feel uncomfortable, but when they weren’t there, and someone approached her or even smiled her way, she didn’t know how to respond. She was an introvert creature. Good for her own quiet self, but definitely a sin for her parents.

Shaking off her thoughts, she turned to go to the kitchen only to gasp stratled lips, finding Sakshi right behind her.

“Ba-Badi Maa…” She whispered, stepping back instinctively.

Sakshi’s eyes narrowed at her, piercing through her soul. ”What do you think you are wearing?” She snapped, ”I gave you an outfit that was suitable for this function. Something that matched the status of our family. Aur tum ho ki yeh do kaudi ke kapde pehen ke aa gayi ho… (And here you are, wearing these cheap clothes and showing up…) Do you even realize what you are wearing? There’s no class in the dress, no standard…”

“Badi Maa, bas. (Badi Maa, enough.)” Radha interjected, her tone firm, her gaze fierce. ”I understand you don’t like what I am wearing, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to insult someone’s intentions.”

Sakshi looked at her, stunned. That was the first time the girl had back-answered her. The first time there was a spark of confidence. Her tone was polite, but her words were unwavering, and for the first time, Radha didn’t stammer, there was no fear in her gaze. Sakshi didn’t like this new version. She hated it.

Her glare hardened. ”Now you have learned how to back answer me as well… how dare you?”

Radha joined her hands, looking straight into Sakshi’s eyes. “I raised my voice, I am sorry for that, Badi Maa. I know you don’t want me to stay in this party, or wear clothes that don’t match the Dhanrajgir status. But I don’t have a choice. Bhaiya chahte hain ki main iss party mein rahun, and I can’t deny his wish. The dress I am wearing, it’s his choice, his effort for his sister, and I can’t let anyone insult his feelings like that.”

She took a steady breath, ”I can’t leave or change. It’s Bhaiya’s success party, and within a few hours, it’s his birthday. Main unhe phir se hurt nahi karna chahti. (I don’t want to hurt him again.) Jo galtiyan maine pehle ki hain, main phir se unhe repeat nahi karungi.(I won’t repeat my past mistakes again.) I am sorry, but I can’t help it.” Saying, she turned on her heels and walked away, leaving a fuming Sakshi behind.

Shreya reached out, resting her hand over Mahir’s. They had heard each and every word, standing just far enough to not interrupt, yet close enough to witness everything.

“Are you fine?” Shreya asked softly.

Mahir nodded. He was, in fact, more than fine. Birthday gift… that was the best birthday gift his sister was giving him, standing up for herself.

There was no fear in her eyes, no hesitation. She did that for him, and he was fine with that. He just wanted her to keep choosing herself like this. Her words were kind and firm, not impolite. She didn’t cross her lines; she didn’t scream like his brothers. His sister was plain honest, and that warmed his heart. He was proud of her in ways he could never fully put into words!

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