Kaira FF- As a brother- to protect my sister- Part 3 Updated on Page 3

It was a restless night. Keerthi's blood stained face and teary eyes kept haunting Karthik in his sleep. He could not believe that he had been completely oblivious to his elder sister's pain. The sister who had stood by him all his childhood; the sister who took up the role of a mother at a tender age after his mother passed away. The sister who adored him and loved him like a kid. He cursed himself for being blind to her pain. He cursed himself for not trying to contact her for two years when he was away from home and cutting off from her. Had he known it he would have never allowed her to suffer. It tore him apart that he had no red signals even when Naira had brought out the truth. Hot tears stung his eyes as he felt a warm hand over his face; wiping his tears. Naira was silent and held his hand as he drifted off to a broken sleep.

He was woken up by the sound of bursting balloons as he saw his love sitting next to him wearing a big smile on her face "Happy Birthday!!!"She squealed like a kid who was ten years old. Karthik smiled and hugged her tight "I love you" He said for which he knew the retort that would come "I love you more" She shouted. He knew it was hopeless. They would never end this competition.

They broke apart the hug. Naira saw the grin on her husband's face fade away. She felt guilty for trying to celebrate when Karthik was stressed about Keerthi He seemed to understand her.

"Naira, No, don't feel bad. What you did was not wrong. I know you are trying to cheer me up and I loved the little surprise of yours." He said cupping her face with both his hands.

Karthik walked to the small painting of his mother and him " I am sorry Ma; I have been a bad son. I have been the worst brother. Please forgive me . I am also responsible for your daughter's misery.I have let you down. However I shall make things right. I promise" He said and closed his eyes in prayer.

"Karthik we have to get ready for the puja which Dadi has arranged" Naira said.

"Yes, there will be puja today. For whom and how, we shall know in a while" Karthik told his eyes blazing red with anger as he left the room.

He walked to Keerthi's room and slowly walked into the room. She was still sleeping peacefully. Karthik sat behind her on the bed and caressed her head "Sleep. You must be sleeping peacefully after a long time. Take your time. Today is a new beginning for you. Remember, your little brother is always there for you. Though I am younger than you, it is my duty to protect you. Today I shall fulfil my duty of protecting you."

He walked out to the hall and saw the man behind his sister's miseries sitting while he was being fussed over by the elders of the family. The anger nerve took over him once again as he closed his fists. He knew that he could not do anything now and his family would never believe that their own daughter was being tortured unless Aditya was caught red handed by everyone.

He took blessings from the elders; as they wished him for his birthday yet again; pointedly avoiding Swarna and Manish.

"Good morning Jeejaji" Karthik told; his voice failing to hold the sarcasm.

Aditya just smiled. He was definitely scared to meet Karthik's eyes after Karthik's warning to him last night before the party.

"Slept well" Karthik asked; continuing his mock concern.

Yes" Aditya chose to maintain short conversations with him

"Good. Because I don't think you shall have a good sleep tonight" Karthik told once again his voice clearly mad; but decided to add something more lest Aditya should get a doubt.

"I mean you must have missed Keethi yesterday right? " He asked faking a smile.

"Kittu, is this the way to talk to Damadji" Dadi scolded." Waise bhi, the merger papers are being signed today right? I shall ask Pundit for the good time to sign the papers. I am so proud of our Damadji. He is capable of doing so many things. Very Talented"

"Yes Dadi, Adityaji is very talented; we all do not know what he is capable of us; but we shall know soon. I mean his talent in his business"

Karthik was eyeing his brother in law with a loathing. He could not wait to catch him in action and bring his true colours out in front of the entire family.

Keerthi came down and was scolded by her grandmother for sleeping in late.

"Dadi, Keerthi is a very good actress you know" He told. Keerthi was sharp enough to pick up something wrong in his voice

"What do you mean Karthik" she asked

Karthik was angry with her too. For hiding everything. "I meant she was enacting stories to Luv Kush yesterday and they did not allow her to sleep for a long time yesterday. That's why she got up late.

"Today also we shall have a performance; a very special performance. My birthday special" Karthik declared; looking at Naira who was silent all the time now. Naira was worried about Karthik's anger ; that he might do something drastic.

"Hey Bhagwan; please make sure everything happen alright" Naira prayed.