Chapter- 14

New day brought back new charm and new beginnings for the Seghal siblings. They were still in the process of healing, rebuilding their bond. But the shadows that loomed over their heads were finally fading away after long five years.

Eshita sat on the counter top, munching on chips as Ekansh prepared her favourite breakfast, a domestic task that was their daily routine. The only difference was once it was their parents dancing around the kitchen preparing meals and children enjoying; today it was just Eshita and Ekansh basking in what was left with them.

“Waise aapne itne saalon mein koi ladki nahi patayi?” Eshita asked out of nowhere.

Ekansh almost choked on the air. He glanced at his sister, amused, “What did you just say?”

Eshita shrugged her shoulders casually, “What? I just asked aapne koi ladki nahi patayi abhi tak. What’s so amusing in that?”

Ekansh exhaled sharply. It was like he had to remind himself that his sister talked without filter. All that calm and think-before-you-talk self she displayed in the last few weeks evaporated into thin air, she was back in her own unfiltered element, chaotic self in full form.

He shook his head, “I didn’t.”

Eshita shot him a judging look, “That’s quite annoying, you see. You are 28 bhaiya. Find yourself someone and get settled.”

Ekansh raised an eyebrow, “Why are you so interested in my love life?”

Eshita sighed, “I want to play with your kids.”

A startled gasp escaped from behind.

The siblings looked back only to find Ekta at the door. The look on her face bubbled laughter out of Eshita, the girl looked terrified as if she had heard something completely forbidden.

“Chill out girl!” Eshita waved her hand dismissively, “This is normal. You will get used to it.”

Ekansh whacked his brat, annoyed, “Learn to keep your unruly mouth in control, will you?”

Ekta looked away, embarrassed. She didn’t mean to hear the conversation, she just came for breakfast, but what she heard was too much for her to process. Eshita and Ekansh shared ten years of gap, still they behaved more like friends than brother and sister. The way Eshita talked about babies... she couldn’t imagine herself crossing that line. It was a sin according to her. She had always respected Ekansh as an elder brother, always maintaining a sense of distance and formality, so such openness felt completely unfamiliar to her.

Ekansh picked up the sandwich he served and thrust the plate in Eshita’s hand, “Go sit outside. I am coming.”

Eshita shook her head stubbornly, “Saath mein chalo.”

“Tujhe juice nahi peena?” Ekansh countered.

Eshita nodded, “Haan peena hai, isliye toh bol rahi hu. Bana lo tab tak I will eat here...”

“What are the rules of the kitchen, Esha?” Ekansh cut her off firmly.

Eshita rolled her eyes, hopping down from the platform. Obviously, she couldn’t forget them, their mother never allowed them to eat inside the kitchen like a buffet system; they had a dining room for proper meals. Like an obedient sister she wasn’t, she still walked out.

Ekta walked up to Ekansh and peeked in on what he had made. There were so many workers around the house, but she had noticed Ekansh not once asked the staff for help with anything. Back in shimla he had to do it alone here atleast he can take help.

“Aapne itna kuch kyun banaya?” She couldn’t help but ask. He had made sandwiches for Eshita, something the girl was obsessed with and could have every day, but with different fillings.

But parathas were her favourite. She couldn’t digest eating just plain bread. Her bhaiya kept both her and Eshita’s preferences in mind, but she was never picky, not when he had to double the work in the kitchen.

“Tu sandwich kha leti?” Ekansh asked, pouring the juice into the grinder.

Ekta sighed, “You can ask the staff, bhaiya. Mere liye vo bana dete.”

Ekansh felt a pang in his heart, but he shrugged it away, “Ktchen mein sirf ghar ke log khana banate hain. Mumma ka rule tha. The staff are allowed to do cleaning and other work, but for the rest, mom used to do everything.”

Ekta nodded quietly. That was new for her, but she understood his mother’s feeling, cooking was an emotion for every woman. She had never met Avnita, only seen her in photos, but the values she instilled in her children, she respected her for that. Despite having the world at their feet, Ekansh and Eshita were the most humble people she had met, not like others who wanted something in return just to help her rescue her from the devil and...

“Kya hua, kaha kho gayi?” Ekansh asked, shaking her shoulder gently.

Ekta shook her head, “Kuch nahi! I received mail from the school. I came first in semesters.”

It took Ekansh a minute to grasp the unexpected news informed to him in such a normal way. He pulled Ekta into a warm hug.

“I am proud of you, baccha.” His tone laced with pride and happiness. He checked the mail in the morning but there was nothing, maybe it came just now. He was extremely proud of his sister.

Ekta wrapped her arms around him, confused. Every time Ekansh said he was proud of her, she didn’t know what to feel out of it. What do people feel when someone acknowledges their efforts and celebrates their success? She was yet to understand that emotion. He was the one who helped her study, he was the one who stayed late at night with her teaching her difficult concepts, he was the one who woke her up in the morning for revision. All she did was write the exams... not a big deal according to her.

Ekansh pulled back, placing a tender kiss on her forehead, “I will fill up the admission forms for the new school. Within a few weeks you can continue your studies from here.”

Ekta nodded with a small shrug; she didn’t mind that.

Ekansh noticed the gesture and sighed. He would truly rejoice the day he could help Ekta lift off the weight she carried on her shoulders that didn’t let her move freely or feel worthy of happiness.

“BHAIYA!” Eshita yelled from outside.

Ekansh shook his head, “Chal jaldi, nahi toh yeh ladki poora ghar sar pe utha legi.”

Ekta quietly followed behind. Eshita was the most impatient person she had come across, the girl was always on edge and kept the people around her on edge too. That rare calmness was the eighth wonder to see.

“Kya hai yaar, itna time lagta hai kya.” Eshita busted, as soon as eEkansh walked in, “Bhook lagi hai mujhe, mere sandwich thande ho jayenge aap dono ke chakkar mein. Gossip karni hai toh jagah aur time dekh kar karo na. Khama kha mujhe wait kara...” She trailed off as Ekansh stuffed the sandwich in her mouth.

“Bass meri maa, chup ho jaa.” Ekansh exhaled sharply, annoyed, “Kitna bolti hai. We weren’t gossiping. Ekta came first in her semester...”

“What?” Eshita rose to her feet, her mouth full of sandwich, she pulled Ekta into a bear hug, “Congratulations girl!”

“First eat and then speak.” Ekansh hissed.

Eshita sollowed the bite pulling back, She looked at Ekta, “Yaar mere baad bhaiya ka naam tu hi roshan karna. All that torture you might have gone through during exam days finally paid off.”

She glanced at Ekansh, “Now that’s call for celebration.”

“Torture huh?” Ekansh asked, ignoring her excitement, his sister just insulted him and that didn’t sit well with him.

Eshita gave him a sheepish grin, “Not my fault bhaiya, I just said the truth. Mujh par vishwas nahi toh isse puch lo.” She pointed at Ekta, turning to her, “Sahi kaha na maine Ekta? He might have scolded you, annoyed you, woken you up early, sat beside you late at night, whacked some sense into you...”

“Wrong!” Ekansh interrupted, “I woke her up and helped her, baccha, but I didn’t have to use my hand. She was smart as well as knew enough that studies are important, unlike someone who hated studies like bitter medicine.”

Eshita’s eyes narrowed at him, “Did you just roast me? Main aapko pareshan karti thi? Aur aap jo mera dimaag kha jaate the uska kya? Ek concept ko das baar samjhate the jaise ki main paanch saal ki bacchi hoon.”

“Jiska jaisa dimaag hota hai usko waise hi samjhaya jaata hai,” Ekansh drawled lazily.

Eshita fumed. She looked around, grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl, and hurled it at her brother without a second thought.

Ekansh caught it with ease, already expecting it. He knew his sister like the back of his hand, he could predict her next move without even trying, just by reading her expressions.

Eshita’s cheeks puffed up in annoyance, she quickly picked up an orange, throwing it at him with equal force. However, Ekansh ducked just in time.

Unfortunately, the orange flew straight past him and hit Virendra’s chest, who had just walked into the room.

Silence filled the air. Ekansh, Eshita, and Ekta froze, eyes wide, holding their breaths.

Virendra slowly picked up the orange, his gaze lifting to his daughter, sharp and displeased. “Aise khaana phekte hain? Kisne sikhaya tujhe yeh sabh?”

Eshita immediately pointed at Ekansh, feigning innocence. “Aapke bete ne.”

Virendra’s eyes shifted to his son. The sass in Eshita’s tone was testing his patience. He was guilty of many things, but he wouldn’t allow his children to cross limits in the name of anger.

Ekansh stepped forward, taking the fruit from his father’s hand. “Sorry, Dad. We were just messing around... and a wild cat possessed her soul for a moment. It won’t happen again.” He shot a warning glance at his sister. “Right, Eshita?”

Eshita swallowed hard, the warning in her brother’s tone was not lost on her. She immediately nodded.

Virendra shook his head in disbelief, taking his seat. The trio too settled down without a word.

Eshita looked at Ekansh, “I am going out with Vani and Vik.”

Ekansh frowned, “Abhi kuch din pehle jaane wali thi na? Tab nahi gayi thi?”

Eshita shook her head, “He was busy with work and so was Vani with assignments. Aaj shaam mein hum log movie dekhne jaane wale hain.”

“Who is he, Esha?” Virendra interrupted her gently. He didn’t mind his daughter hanging out with her friends, but Vik... was the only one that caught his attention.

Eshita met his gaze, “Ritvik Kashyap. Avinash Kashyap’s grandson.”

“And why are you friends with him?” Virendra’s tone sharpened without meaning to, “Avinash was caught in a brawl with the Home Minister. If the news comes out that you are hanging out with his grandson, it will add your name to unnecessary controversies and scandals.”

Eshita raised an eyebrow, amused, “Did you perhaps forget, Dad, that you are the one who asked him to tutor me? And now that he has become my friend, you have a problem with that? Quite strange, nahi? Mujhe jin logon se problem nahi hoti, un sab se aapko problem hone lag jaati hai. Either it’s Ritvik or Bhai. You just want me to dance on your tunes.”

Virendra stiffened; he heard the underlying accusation behind his daughter’s words. He couldn’t bring himself to defend himself after that. There was a time when he didn’t let the Mehra siblings talk to Eshita, but Eshita fought back, facing the consequences, yet standing her ground. In the end, when he was in a sane state of mind at times, he let her be, already regretting what he was doing, but still, he didn’t change himself. That was his cross to bear.

“I am not dictating laws for you, Eshita,” Virendra explained calmly, “All I want is for you to be cautious. There are many eyes watching your every move. I just want your name to not be dragged into something unnecessary and scandalous.”

Eshita let out a small scoff, “You should have thought that before announcing me as your heiress in front of the world. Thinking what kind of spotlight and scrutiny you were throwing me into. No matter what I do, people will judge me, and I don’t give a fuck....”

“Eshita!” Ekansh interjected sternly, “You want to taunt, yell, scream... do all of that, but keep your language in control. Yeh maat bhul ki tu Dad se baat kar rahi hai.”

Eshita’s gaze lowered; it was just a slip of the tongue, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

Ekansh kept a reassuring hand on hers. He looked at his father, “If she has chosen her friends, then I trust them, Dad. Don’t worry jaisa aap soch rahe hai, waisa kuch nahi hoga.”

Virendra nodded. If his son said that, he could be at peace a little, but for his own sake, he would still make sure security stayed around his daughter, protecting her from the sharks.

Eshita shrugged away her thoughts and looked at Ekta, “Tum chalogi mere sath?”

Ekta looked at her, shocked. She shook her head immediately. Already, whatever was happening was too much for her to take, the dynamics between the father and daughter were still tense, yet they were coexisting, and that she found hard to comprehend and adjust to.

Eshita frowned, “Arey chalo na. Waise bhi ghar par bore ho jaogi. Jab se aayi ho, apne room ke bahar bhi nahi aati ho. It will help you feel relaxed.”

Ekta shook her head, focusing on her food. Firstly, she didn’t want to bother anyone with her unwanted presence. Secondly, she hated the outside world, which was unsafe and filled with monsters. She stayed inside the house, in her room, locked up, not because she liked it, but because for her, that was her only sanctuary after her bhaiya.

Eshita was already being too kind, quite a contrast to the words she had uttered a few days back. She didn’t know what to expect from Eshita, neither was she interested in hearing something that could hurt her all over again. She didn’t need pity, sympathy, or even love, she was fine calling Ekansh her only family, and she would stick to that.

Anyways, Vanya was right, Eshita had done more than enough, more than anyone else could have done. The girl had tolerated her constant presence, and Ekta didn’t wish to intrude anymore.

Eshita nudged Ekansh silently but he shook his head, making her stop. All she wanted was for the girl to feel the world and open up a bit, but it seemed next to impossible.

Ekansh looked at Eshita, her sad face didn’t sit well with him, neither did Ekta’s fears. He wanted her to soar high freely like birds rather than being caged in her own fears and insecurities.

Breaking his own resolves, he reached out, resting his hand on hers, “Tu jaana chahti hai?”

Ekta looked at him, startled. She shook her head again, “I- I am fine at home.”

“Esha rahegi tere sath baacha.” Ekansh added softly, “Our fears and hesitations are natural, but if we don’t step out of those chains we ourselves bind around us, the same comfort zone starts to feel suffocating. I will not force you, I never did. Choice is still yours beta. But all I will say is... we have to step out in the sunlight to get rid of the shadows we carry within ourselves.”

Ekta acknowledged with what Ekansh said but couldn’t agree with him. Some shadows never fade away, they haunt you no matter how much light you tried to surround yourself with.

✨✨✨

Eshita looked up as Vanya entered her room, ready to leave. They had to join Ritvik at the mall straight away. However, they were girls, and like their usual selves, they were late, but neither of them cared a damn about it. Ritvik Kashap was too good to be true to get annoyed at them for such a small delay.

“You look hot!” Vanya exclaimed, throwing herself lazily on Eshita’s bed.

Eshita looked down at her outfit and then back at her friend, “We are both wearing t-shirt and jeans, What’s so hot in that, girl?”

Vanya rolled her eyes, “The world is falling over you, Eshita Seghal. Aisa mat bata ki tujhe kuch pata nahi hai.”

Eshita frowned, “Kya pata nahi hai?”

Vanya sat up straight, watching her idiotic friend like a hawk, “Check out the comments on social media. Everyone is praising you, babes. The beauty with brains, Eshita Seghal. Cracking up the high-stakes merger deal, carrying herself with an elegance of confidence and authority. You are FAMOUS!”

Eshita shrugged it away, “I don’t care about the critics or fans. I did what I was asked. I was never interested in business... it’s an imposing task for me. But now I am free, and that’s the only thing that matters rather than what others think about me.”

Vanya nodded with a resigned sigh; she couldn’t agree more. It was just a phase of attention anyway. She was happy and proud of her friend.

“Arey aa na.” Eshita called out to Ekta, who had turned to leave.

Ekta stopped. She bit her lips nervously before entering the room. She had come to return the night suit Eshita gave her last week. She was hoping to find the room empty since the girl was going out but... luck was not on her side.

“Vo main yeh dene aayi thi.” She kept the clothes on the bed quietly, “Thanks for them.”

Eshita nodded. She wanted to urge her again, but she couldn’t bring herself force Ekta. She didn’t have that right.

“Ekta.” Vanya called out carefully, rising to her feet as the girl turned to leave.

Ekta looked back cautiously. The last conversation with Vanya played in her mind yet again; the memories of her indifference towards Eshita flashed before her eyes, making her feel like kicking herself. She was the one who was an outsider, not the others.

“Can we talk?” Vanya asked, her tone gentle. She didn’t wish to spook the girl. Eshita had told her about Ekta, how the girl got startled at even the smallest noise. Vanya didn’t feel pity, as that was not something her bhaiya had taught her.

However, she did feel bad that she had been such a rude ass towards Ekta when the girl needed comforting words, not her harsh words.

“Look, Ekta. I am really sorry.” Vanya said honestly, “Whatever happened... I didn’t mean to say all of that nonsense. I just...”

“What is this all about?” Eshita quipped curiously, “Is there something I am not aware of?”

Vanya sighed. She recited everything she had said to Ekta, in her worry and frustration, letting her emotions get the better of her.

She stepped back just in time, dodging the punch Eshita adruptly threw her way. Her friend had a short circuit; those who knew her could easily predict her anger anytime.

“Sorry yaar.” Vanya held Eshita’s fist, blocking yet another blow, “I didn’t mean to say all of that.”

“Who the hell do you think you are to say that shit to her?” Eshita snapped, stepping back, “I understand a friend’s worry, Vanya, but that doesn’t give you the right to question a sixteen-year-old girl. Bhaiya asked you to comfort her, be by her side... not accuse her of something that wasn’t even her fault.”

Vanya nodded calmly, “I know, Esha. Isliye maafi maang rahi hu. I didn’t mean to...”

“Yet you did.” Eshita cut her off, “Tu bhi acche se jaanti hai, we both exist in each other’s life because of Bhaiya. Main isse nahi jaanti thi aur yeh mujhe nahi. We reacted the way we found it fit. We reacted the way we understood the situation in that moment. And you, being a moron, thought it was good to tell her off. That’s on you, Vani.”

Vanya nodded again. She looked at Ekta, “Dekh maaf kar de mujhe, isse pehle teri yeh bhen apne lectures se mere kaan se khoon nikaal de.”

Eshita looked away, flushed. She didn’t know what happened or how, her instincts had just kicked in. Even the thought of her childhood friend accusing Ekta for something that wasn’t her fault made her snap. Eshita didn’t know what it was; she didn’t share any bond with Ekta except empathy. More than that, they were still strangers, so her sudden protectiveness towards Ekta surprised her too. They weren’t sisters yet... she pushed that feeling away.

Ekta blinked, startled. The way Eshita took a stand for her against her own friend warmed her heart in ways she couldn’t describe. All that Vanya had told her weeks ago faded into the background in front of Eshita’s unwavering support and fierce protectiveness. They didn’t share any bond; they were still strangers living under one roof because of only one person, their brother, and because of the empathy Eshita felt towards her. They weren’t sisters yet... she pushed away that feeling.

“It’s okay.” She forced out the words, finding her voice. She was never angry at Vanya in the first place, maybe hurt, but now even that had wiped off.

Vanya grinned widely. She looked at Eshita, “Sorry?”

“Ek aur khana hai?” Eshita threatened, raising her fist.

Vanya stepped back instantly, “Not interested. Mujhe burger khana hai.” She looked at Ekta, “Tum aaogi humare sath?”

Ekta shook her head.

“Arey chalo na, maza ayega.” Vanya coaxed, “We won’t bite you yaar. I am non-vegetarian but that doesn’t mean I like human flesh.”

Eshita whacked her hard, “Stop scaring her, duffer.” She looked at Ekta, “Chalogi?”

Ekta contemplated. She hated saying no and disappointing them when they were so genuinely trying to include her. She wasn’t a people pleaser, but she couldn’t bring herself to refuse them outright again n again.

Thinking for a long moment, she nodded hesitantly. Her bhaiya had told her to get rid of the shadows she carried, maybe her perspective on what she thought could change, and she could learn to face the world a little.

“I will go and change.” She muttered, staring down at her clothes and back at theirs. Again, she didn’t have any special designer ones. No matter how many times Ekansh insisted, she was never interested in them, but now she regretted it.

She would look like a complete misfit walking beside Eshita and Vanya. Not that she minded, but she didn’t want people to look at the girls differently because of her.

“No need for that.” Eshita said, pulling her towards her wardrobe, “Mere paas kaafi kapde hai. Tumhare size ke bhi hai. Choose something from here.”

Ekta stepped back, shaking her head vigorously, “I can’t wear them.” I don’t deserve them. She didn’t say the latter part, something she strongly believed in.

Eshita rolled her eyes, “Relax okay. They are expensive because I bought them at that range. They aren’t from a high-end brand. These all clothes are made by local artisans and small-scale designers, womens who run small companies and promote their own work independently. Maine bhi aur Vani ne bhi unn se liye hai. Expensive clothes sirf brands ke wajah se nahi hote, we took them at that price to help them and support their livelihood.”

Ekta was stunned. That was new for her. All this time she thought Eshita was a typical rich, arrogant girl who only cared about brands, however her perceptions about Eshita were changing slowly.

Eshita sighed as Ekta didn’t budge. Taking matters into her own hands, she buried her face in the wardrobe to take out the best outfit for the girl.

Vanya made Ekta sit on the chair before the dressing mirror and opened her hair...

Within half an hour, Ekta found herself ready, dressed up in a pearl top in blush pink, soft and elegant, matching with light blue denims. Her hair was tied in a loose braid, a few strands of hair framing her face.

Eshita picked up her favourite perfume, spritzing it lightly on Ekta.

“Perfect!” She and Vanya muttered in sync, sharing a high-five.

A gesture, a simple bond, that came naturally to Eshita and Vanya, without any malice, thoughts, or favours waiting in return, just pure friendship. However, for Ekta, it meant way too much than just a casual moment.

She stared at herself in the mirror, trying to recognize herself. She was still Ekta, the same girl who carried fear, insecurities, and pain in her heart, but today she seemed different... lighter, almost hopeful.

An unfamiliar feeling spread through her heart, what was it, she was yet to understand.

Stepping out of the room, they collided with Ekansh in the corridor.

Ekansh paused. He looked at Ekta, the girl looked beautiful and radiant in a way she never allowed herself to be. He glanced at his sister, who raised an eyebrow at him. She told him earlier she would change Ekta, breaking her walls, and she was doing just that.

He held back because he understood Ekta’s emotional fragility and guarded nature. Sometimes, having a sister or mother could bring a whole lot of change to a girl’s confidence and sense of belonging. He was grateful that Eshita was filling in where he was hesitant to step forward.

“Main bhi jaa rahi hu?” Ekta asked rather than informing him directly.

Ekansh smiled faintly, nodding his head, “Esha ke saath rehna. Agar mann na lage toh call me, I will come and pick you up immediately. Hmm?” He wanted her to have an option to leave anytime if she didn’t feel comfortable, keeping both his sisters’ emotions in balance.

Ekta nodded.

Ekansh looked at Eshita, “Keep your phone on. Be around the security, don’t dodge them. The riots are over but the danger is still there. So be careful and...”

“Don’t talk to strangers?” Eshita asked, teasing, “Right? And yes, don’t take chocolates from anyone blindly? Aur kuch hai ya itna kaafi hai?”

Swiftly, Ekansh got hold of her ear, giving it a good twist, “Ab bol kya bol rahi thi? Kal shaam se kuch zyada hi zubaan chal rahi hai teri. Batau tujhe abhi?”

Eshita winced, bouncing on her toes, “Accha sorry... please chhod do, lag rahi hai bhaiya. I was just joking yaar.”

Ekansh left her, annoyed, “Jo kaha hai woh yaad rakhna. I am warning you... repeat any of your stunts from a few days back and you won’t like the consequences.”

Eshita nodded instantly; the threat sounded too real to be ignored.

“That boy is coming here to meet you?” Ekansh asked casually.

Eshita shook her head, confused, “Kyu?”

“I want to meet him.” Ekansh stated, “Once you are done with everything, while coming back, bring him home.”

Eshita’s eyes widened. She exchanged a look with Vanya, “Par kyun? I mean, there is no need for that bhaiya. He is a good guy.”

“Let me decide that, Esha.” Ekansh interjected firmly, “He is your friend, I don’t have a problem with that. But I want to know him. Clear?”

Eshita nodded. There was no use arguing back. In her school days, her brother always made sure to know everything about her friends. She wasn’t allowed to talk to boys due to his EPPB self, extremely possessive protective brother. So him wanting to meet Ritvik wasn’t new to her; at least he asked rather than keeping quiet like last week.

Ekansh watched her go and sighed deeply. Soon he was realizing he couldn’t keep his protective instincts at bay. He trusted his sister, even her choice of friends, but still, he was an elder brother.

Earlier he tried to stay calm when he found Eshita talking to Ritvik, even when she told him she was going out with him. But that was his last restraint, especially now when she was actually going out. He wanted to see who was this Ritivk that made his sister’s eyes light up and her tone soften whenever she talked about that mysterious guy.

✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰

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