Chapter 81
Big Sis
To the rest of the world, Arnab and Madhu Dobriyal were blissfully celebrating 25 years of marriage. But underneath those happy faces, and with the presence of their familyâs greatest secret at that very party, the joy wasnât able to fully manifest upon their faces. Guilt, and anger, it dominated the waves of the room, enough for the vampires to sense it.
Abhay quietly sipped on his champagne, taking the smallest glances at Piya. His instincts were trying to warn him of some impending problem, but he couldnât quite tell what it was. At least he was close to her this time.
With a slight grimace, Siddharth turned away from the Dobriyals and drowned out their conversation. He nudged Abhayâs shoulder, and gestured towards their general direction. The mood for the Raichands had soured before they even got there. Mandu was trying to distract herself by doing what she did best, talking with other people, tactfully avoiding a conversation with any Dobriyal.
âThe fact that Piya is able to stomach this astounds me. I canât even stand him anymore, and weâre not remotely related.â
Abhay nodded, emptying his glass. The waiter came by and took it with. Piya was only able to drown out her negative thoughts by means of her friendsâ jokes. Kabir was in an especially good mood today, and continued to make her and Ruhi laugh. Abhay was thankful towards him, for once. His own humor needed some work. As long as she was happy.
âIâve never seen a more shameless man. Celebrating his marriage anniversary in front of her.â
âPiya cut all ties with him after her mother passed. Sheâs more worried about Misha finding out, than she is about him.â
Piya looked at him, and shook her head. She felt that same wave of strong negative emotion from him.
Are you okay?, she asked, in his thoughts.
Iâm fine. Are you?
Piya couldnât say anything and let the silence answer for her. It was then that Misha excused herself upstairs, just before the cake was to be cut. She carried a CD in her hands. Piya didnât know why, but she felt an uneasiness looking at that CD. Her palms began to sweat. Abhay followed her eyes.
âWhat happened, Piya? Youâve been very quiet since you got here.â Ruhi asked, holding her shoulder. Piya nodded and took in a deep breath.
âIâm okay. Donât know why, but Iâm feeling a little uneasy.â
âDo you want anything? I can get it for you? Water, or juice?â Kabir pressed. Piya shook her head.
âNo itâs okay. I can go by myself. Itâs just right thereâŚ..â
She mindlessly began to wander to the bar. Abhay followed. Appearing just behind her, he took her hand and squeezed it gently. Piya looked up at him, realizing that she had been standing alone and empty-minded. How many minutes had passed again? She wandered off from the rest of the group, now standing at the bar like she said she would, but without a perception of time and space. With all the what-ifs floating in her mind, she quickly forgot her own words and actions. The bartender pushed a glass of juice to her.
âYour juice, maâam.â
âMine?â She asked. She couldnât even recall ordering.
âCanât remember? Are you okay?â Abhay asked, as he cupped her cheeks.
âNo. ThatâŚâ
Every thought in her mind erased itself. She turned around and pointed at the stairs, where Misha just went minutes ago. That CD. Abhay looked up again.
âDo you know whatâs in it?â
Piya pursed her lips and shook her head. She had no idea. That is what scared her.
âIâll be back.â He said, kissing her cheek. Some noticed and began their gossip, taking more notice of Piya. It was no news by now that the youngest Raichand was now engaged. Everyone wanted a glimpse of Piya now. Abhay shot them all with subtle glares and ascended the steps. Something was wrong with that CD, and what Piya was feeling was a weaker version of a vampireâs intuition. She couldnât see as much detail as him though, only sense it.
Sameer saw Abhay heading towards the office, and excused himself from a conversation with some of their longtime business partners. Deciding to follow, he separated himself several steps behind Abhay.
What is he up to?
ââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââ
Misha popped the CD into the laptop, and began to check the slideshow one last time. She only got to see the first few pictures on the projector before the party started. If this gift wasnât perfect, she would first go and scold the clerk who put the CD together.
He better have done a good job. I paid good money for this.
It looked so much nicer on the bigger screen, the photos of her parents. Arguably the best parents in the world. She couldnât wait to see the nostalgia and happiness on their faces when they relieved those memories.
âMusic is perfect, all of their favorite songs. Pictures are looking good too.â
She reached down to scratch her leg, taking peeks at the screen with the volume low. These stupid dresses always made her itchy. Perhaps it was the netting or sequins. Just a few more hours and she could change into her sweatpants, and wash off the makeup her mother put on her.
The song switched at a turning point in the video, the part she hadnât yet watched. Pictures of her childhood, and her parentsâ college days. Nothing but good memories. But one photo was all that was needed to ruin her happy family fantasy. That stain was then plastered upon the screen, bright and in her face. It was a photo of Arnab, and a lady that was not her mother. And a girl that wasnât her.
The confusion settled when she recognized who that lady was, and by relation, who that girl was. She fixed the screenâs angle and rubbed her eyes, making sure she was seeing things correctly.
âIsnât thisâŚ..Piyaâs mother?â
She stood up from the chair, hitting the pause button.
âHow is this possible?â She asked herself, trying to suppress the panic swirling in her head with humor. âDoes papa have a twin? He never said anything.â
Piya tooâŚ.thatâs her. But she too never saidâŚ..
âAbhay!â
Misha looked up, finding Abhay just outside the threshold of the office door. Sameer was behind him, pulling him back by the shoulder. Abhay glared.
âI need to talk to Misha.â He said, firmly.
âSheâll be downstairs soon. Please leave.â
Abhay was very close to hurting him. But he reigned in his beast, assuming control. Misha shook her head, her fingers shaking. She began to search the drawers for the photos she put back. It had to be there somewhere.
âLeave all that, both of you. Sammy, come here.â
Photos fluttered and swayed in the air, falling to the floor in a messy pile. Sameer stared at Abhay for a moment more, then went to Misha. His eyes widened as he looked at the screen, then at the mess of photos under his feet.
âMish, what are you--?â
âWhatâs this?â She asked, eyes filling with dread. Now her fingers were shaking violently, the offending photo in hand. Sameer shook his head.
âThisâŚ.â
âPapa! Mumma!â She yelled, without a care in the world. Piya heard it from downstairs, and shuddered. Abhay returned to her side. What was done was done. She knew.
Guests turned heads. An unnerving silence and gossip passed through the crowd in waves. Arnab and Madhu both looked at each other. Misha sounded upset. Or angry. Or both. They rushed upstairs, leaving the guests confused and worried. Her shouts to them got louder, and Sameer couldnât quiet her down. Piya pressed herself into the wall, staring at the floor, body shaking. Abhay held her shoulders, and helped her sit down. But she didnât want to sit down.
Upstairs, before the pair could process the mess Misha had made of the room, she began to question them. Arnab only needed one glance at his daughter to know she was very upset about something. His hands were shaking too. He never saw her this angry before.
âPapa, whoâs this?â Misha pressed, shaking the photo in her hands. She turned the laptop to show them the bigger image. Arnab was at a loss for words, and lowered his head in shame. She hated his silence. âPapa!â
âIâŚ.â
Downstairs, Piya couldnât stand around anymore. She ran up to the office, to the commotion and ensuing fight, and Abhay went after her. She entered at the wrong time. Mishaâs cutting stare pierced her heart. And Arnabâs, fueled her dormant anger. Her heart fell to her stomach.
âMisha dear, listenâŚ.we can talk about this laterâŚâ
From Madhuâs body language and tone, Misha was shocked. Why wasnât she angry? Did she know about this?
âYou knew all this time, mumma? You hid such a big thing from me and Sammy?â
Sameer didnât say anything to that statement. It had been years since he was able to express that frustration out in the open. All the pent up frustration, clearly out in the open. He grasped Mishaâs shoulders, but she pushed them away. She was angrier that he was.
Piya was sobbing. Misha looked once at her, and voiced her single thought without even meeting her eyes.
âPiya, just go. Iâm not in the mood right now.â
âButââ
âJust go!â She yelled. Piya flinched.
JaanâŚ.
Abhay took her hand and led her away from the chaos. The Raichands left the house immediately, shielding Piya from the countless eyes staring at her. Even her own friends gave her puzzling glances. Misha stared out the office door, heart breaking into a million pieces.
ââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââ
âShe hates me, Abhay. She hates me.â Piya sobbed, grasping at his shirt. She wanted to go somewhere far, far away. The fear she and Madhu shared, the fear of their family falling apart, came true. Misha looked to be the most devastated by the news, and Piya could never forget the way she looked at her.
Who told you to keep those photos? Who?!
She yelled at Arnab in her thoughts, things she couldnât say out loud. Abhay listened to it all, and shook his head. Despite their mutual dislike, and Abhayâs natural distance, he knew that Misha wouldnât ever turn her back on Piya like this. She just needed time to process the news. It was like a bombshell.
âNo, she doesnât. Misha is not like that.â He assured, ruffling her hair.
He made her look at him. Her eyes were dry, swollen, and itchy at the corners. A raging headache from the stress began to make her look ill. Abhay wiped her face with his handkerchief, and pressed a palm to her temple. Her headache cleared quickly with his healing. Mandu brought in a glass of water.
He cradled her in his arms and rubbed her back, helping her drink. Piya held onto his shirt, not wanting him to leave. Mandu mindlinked with Abhay instead of voicing her thoughts out loud. Piya needed rest, lest she stress herself out more.
Abhay, I think a nap would do her good. I donât want her to fall ill.
He nodded in agreement, and began to ease Piya into lying down. She looked up at him in confusion, then met with a focus of stormy cobalt blue. Her eyelids began to fall, with his comforting whispers. She could hear them in her head. He was putting her to sleep.
âGet some restâŚ.â He whispered, tucking her in. All their phones blew up with messages and missed calls. Siddharth was outside, having a shouting match with Arnab over the phone. Abhay turned his off, and threw it aside. He cleared Piyaâs face of stray hairs and kissed her forehead. The tips of their noses touched, and his fingers curled into locks of her hair.
Now able to sense her myriad of emotions, it only made sense to project his to her again. Forever within his heart, the love he felt for Piya would always remain strong. Letting control slip, he let the emotion out, in body language and in its manifestation. Piya looked more relaxed and calm, and stopped fidgeting in her sleep. Abhay stroked the softness of her cheeks for a few minutes more, until the negative emotions inside her were quelled for the time being.
Such an innocent girl like you doesnât deserve this much torment.
Piya, deep in sleep, felt like he was forever holding her in his arms. It made it easier to sleep that way.
But I am here for you. You arenât alone.
He closed the door, and let her sleep. Outside, he could see Siddharth still on the phone, and Mandu trying to calm him down. Piya was like family to them now. Anything that hurt her, hurt them.
âI would appreciate it if you didnât call us again, regarding this matter, Mr. Dobriyal.â
He hung up, and looked at Mandu, nodded and rubbed his temples. Abhay watched from the top of the step, hands balled into tight fists. Siddharth shook his head and trudged inside. Abhay stopped him by the shoulder.
âWhat was he saying?â
âHe wants to meet Piya. I said no, end of story. What a shameless man.â
âI--â
âYou will do nothing, Abhay. We have enough problems as is. Just stay with Piya. Thatâs all she needs right now.â
He opened his fists on his own, and stared at the steps. Only she knew how lonely she felt at this time. Abhay was now adamant that Arnab Dobriyal would have nothing to do with the wedding.
âLetâs stay here for tonight. Iâm sure Piya wouldnât mind.â Mandu said.
Even the three had nothing to say to each other. Abhay began to snoop around in the kitchen, since they left before dinner and Piya hadnât eaten since noon. He began to search the pantry, almost empty for the week. She hadnât picked up groceries either, but there was enough for one serving of pasta. He went to work immediately, before his rage settled in his mind and he hurt that man for real this time. Inside, Piya was waking. His compulsion didnât last too long, perhaps a miscalculation from just how powerful their blood bond was. And a vampire couldnât compel themselves, after all. She covered her head with the blanket, and forced her eyes closed again, holding the framed photo of Sugandh in her arms. She missed her a lot tonight. Whenever Piya was upset, she would play the violin for her. Now there was only silence.
MummaâŚ...come back. Please?
It was an impossible wish to fulfil. She curled up into a tighter ball, hiding. The smell of his cooking managed to sneak through the sheets despite it. Her stomach growled. Piya was too drained, emotionally and physically, to leave the bed, but she was just as hungry too. She rubbed her eyes and trudged out, blanket around her shoulders, frame in hand, and peeked outside the door. The three were talking in low whispers, some of which she could now hear. She looked at Abhay in particular, just as he was to crush a clove of garlic with the knife.
A rush of adrenaline coursed through her. What was he thinking, handling garlic? Did he forget what he was? She sprinted to him, and snatched the clove and remaining bulb from his grasp.
âWhat do you think youâre doing!?â She yelled angrily, taking his hands and checking for any strange reactions. They were fine. No burns or scars. She was expecting something closer to the wounds left by silver.
âCooking you dinnerâŚ.?â He replied so naively.
He never had to think about garlic as a thing to avoid since it really wasnât a threat to them. In fact, he forgot that humans considered it so. It had no basis; vampires werenât evil spirits that could be scared off. It was just a crop. Siddharth couldnât help but burst into laughter, breaking the tensed atmosphere unintentionally, seeing the way she held the garlic away from him. Humans had their own silly interpretations on these things. Piya was still learning the correct ones. He took the garlic from her to reinforce the harmlessness of it, and placed it back on the cutting board. His hands were held up in front of her.
âSee? The garlic thing is a myth, Piya. It wonât hurt us.â Siddharth said, lowering his hands.
âReally?â She asked, wiping tears with her arm. She looked at Abhay and frowned. She was still upset with him. âYou tell me the most complex of things about vampires, and leave out the fact that garlic does nothing to you?â
âItâŚ.slipped my mind.â
The topic shift to garlic was just what she needed. A good distraction.
âI used to be addicted to the stuff, and wanted it to be added in all sorts of savory dishesâŚ.â Mandu muttered, recalling her childhood. Small laughs and giggles erupted from all, seeing her nostalgic expression. âWhat?â
âNothing, I just remembered how you used to sneak it into food after we got married. Even in things that didnât need it. At least you spared the sweets.â
Surrounded by the usual banter, Piya was starting to feel better, and held onto the backside of Abhayâs shirt. He turned back, kissed her head, and continued to cook. She watched quietly.
âHungry?â He whispered.
Her stomach growled on cue, though she wasnât in the mood. She hid her face behind his back and eventually nodded against it. He smiled, and took her hand.
âCome here.â
He lifted her onto the counter, meeting eyes, and finished plating the pasta. Her mouth watered just by looking. She made a note to ask him to teach her to improve her cooking someday. She watched quietly, hugging the framed photo again.
âTry it.â He said, holding up the fork.
She nodded and took the bite. Eating his cooking was something else. It made her feel good inside.
âItâs good. But Iâmâ-â
âNo talking. Only eating.â He scolded. She knew he wouldnât leave her alone without finishing her food. It tasted too good to waste too. She let him feed her, taking in a silence that was more comforting than the one hours before. Her eyes filled just thinking of it. How would she go to campus now? How would she face anyone?
Abhay placed the dishes in the sink and wiped her tears constantly. Piya looked towards the front door, feeling a premonition that something was about to happen. Heart filled with worry, not dread. The storm picked up and swirled outside. Rain poured from the sky like the tears from her eyes. Maybe half an hour passed. The doorbell rang once. Then twice. Then several more times. Working up the appearance and courage to answer, Piya went to check, rubbing her eyes. She opened the door, finding Misha. A flash of lightning cracked ominously, revealing the underlying sadness and tension between both sisters.
Misha was there, along with a suitcase or two. She wasnât here to fight.
âMisha, youâ-â Her voice shook again. Misha looked like she had been crying too. Soaked in rain and carrying a broken umbrella. Her scooter was parked down the steps. Piya was confused. Siddharth pulled Abhay back by his shirt, before he did anything he shouldnât.
Misha didnât know how exactly she ended up here. She felt bad, for herself and for Piya. Her parents betrayed her, even her own brother hid the truth from her. He made a mistake, telling her that in private. She never yelled at any of them in such a way before. Without thinking, she cleared her art supplies and clothes from her room, and haphazardly arrived at Piya's villa.
What have you done to yourself, Piya?
She thought she looked terrible after crying so much. Piya looked much worse. It was probably her fault. She was the one who told Piya to go so heartlessly. But she wanted to make things right. Afterall, Piya was the only family Misha could turn to. She didnât want to go back home anymore. An impulsive decision in the eyes of others, but one she stood firm on.
âYou know, I always wanted a sister. Sammy was always irritating. Where were you hiding all this time? Huh?â She started, trying to crack a joke in this awkward circumstance. The rain was hiding her tears, but Piya could tell.
Piya held the door, and squeezed it tight. The suitcases were concerning to her. She couldnât stop looking at them.
âMisha IâŚ.I never wanted this to happen. You werenât supposed to know.â
âOh please! Donât hide the truth like my family did. Iâm not a kid anymore.â
Piya shook her head, waving her hands in front of her.
âThatâs not what I meant-----â
âI donât want to stay in that house. So I ran away. Donât ask me to go back, otherwise Iâll never talk to you again. I promise you that.â She asserted, holding a finger up to Piyaâs face.
Mandu excused herself to the bedroom, feeling a strange upending of emotions. She wondered if she and Maithili could reconcile like that. Probably not, but it was a nice fantasy. Her little sister was no longer the one she loved. At least Piya could have the happiness she couldnât. Siddharth followed her inside to check on her, and to let the two talk it out alone. Abhay wouldnât budge.
âDoes my big sis still love me?â
Piya nodded, and threw her arms around Misha. She couldnât describe the feeling of relief she had within her heart. Some things were still okay between them. Abhay was right, after all. She shouldnât have doubted Misha in the first place.
Misha looked over Piyaâs shoulder, and noticed Abhayâs staring. She found it awkward, and directed her next sentence to him.
âHey Raichand, eyes over there. Donât ruin the moment.â Misha flicked her finger in the other direction. Abhay held in his smirk and walked off, checking on Mandu and Siddharth. Piya took her hands, which were shaking from the cold, and gestured inside.
âCome inside. Before you get siââ
Before she could complete her sentence, Misha sneezed loudly. Piya jumped, and then the two burst into laughter. Just like their good days. She helped Misha pull the suitcases inside, and went in and out of the bedroom with a towel in hand. Draped around Mishaâs shoulders, she closed the door behind them. The Raichands began to excuse themselves for the night, but Abhay lingered for a few more minutes.
He was mildly upset that he had to separate for the night, even though he knew how important this moment was for her. He stood at the doorstep, her face resting between his palms.
âTake care of yourself, alright? Make sure to eat and get rest. Iâll come see you tomorrow.â
âI will. Promise.â
âGood night. I love you.â He whispered, kissing her forehead. She whispered an âI love youâ back, and waved him goodbye as he went down the steps. Misha watched them quietly, pretending to warm herself with the towel. Once Abhay walked outside, she went after him, while Piya went to fetch her a fresh set of clothes before she got too sick. Organizing her belongings would take too much time.
Misha opened the door, and called out to him as he descended the last step. The rain began to soak her hair again. She groaned. This had better be worth it.
âHey, AbhayâŚ..â
He stopped in his tracks, and turned around. She didnât call him âRaichandâ this time. A strange surprise. Misha went down as quickly as she could, holding the towel above her head as an umbrella. He didnât even offer her his for just a minute.
âYou sound awfully polite for once. Good. Piya is already shaping up to be a good influence on you.â
âThis isnât time for jokes. IâŚ.I just wanted to thank you.â
Intrigued, he turned back completely, and looked at her. Never did he think he would see the day, but thanks to Piya, anything was possible.
âFor what?â
âFor being with her. Especially tonight. I canât excuse the pain that...my father has caused her, but I can at least thank you all for standing by her when I couldnât.â
Abhay looked towards the villa with a small smile and chuckled. He wanted to mess with her for the sake of their dynamic, but held it in. Even he could read a room somewhat well.
âIs that a compliment?â
âSure, it takes a lot to get a compliment from me.â
She hesitated for a moment, but then extended her hand. Abhay wasnât sure what to make of it. This was out of character for her. And this was so awkward for the both of them. He cleared his throat and glanced at the door. Piya would relentlessly tease him if she saw. Misha was thinking the same thing.
âAcquaintances?â
Abhay stared at the outstretched hand, and took it for its genuinity. They shook on it.
I guess I can get along with her, for Piyaâs sake.
âAcquaintances?â He said.
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