Dear Readers,

Thank you to everyone who has voted and has taken an active part in the comments section.

This is an unedited draft of the book, meaning there will be several grammatical errors, name mismatches, plot discrepancies, and other sematic errors. If that is something you find offence, please do not proceed further.

The book is made available on Wattpad for feedback, once feedback is collected the book will be pulled from the platform, sent for professional editing and then published on Amazon kindle as a part of its unlimited program.

NEXT UPDATE AFTER 350 VOTES AND COMMENTS Thursday after 8 P.M

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Good day,

Swati Sandeep

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the lawn, as the stars twinkled like diamonds on black velvet sky. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves of gulmohar trees, carrying with it the faint scent of blooming jasmine and freshly cut grass. A small smile graced Dhruv's lips as he made his way to Driti. The stars never failed to work their magic. He could feel his mother's presence. He knew she was watching over them. That gave him all the courage he needed.

Dhrti looked up from her perch on the swing and looked away. She was not ready to make peace with him. She knew he would come. That was Dhruv Singh Randhawa. First he yelled and then he grovelled. She was not ready to forgive him.

"Dinner kyun nahi keya? (Why did you skip dinner?)" Dhruv placed the tray beside her and sat down next to her. She did not acknowledge his presence. Dhruv shook his head. "You guys were playing with food, Riti. That is a big no in our home."

"We were having fun, Dhruv." Dhriti glared at him. "You did not have to act like a moron about it."

"Wasting food is not fun."

"How will you understand fun? You are like that boring uncle who can do nothing more than yell at everyone. Go away."

"Uncle?" Dhruv winced, his ego took a big hit.

"Yes Uncle!" Dhrti insisted. If the Kid called her Aunty that made Dhruv Uncle. There was no argument about it. They were twins!

"You bruise my ego, Riti. I guess I should take the ice-cream back."

That is when Dhriti noticed the ice cream tub and grabbed it quickly. She could not trust her twin. He could act like a moron for no reason. Dhruv let her eat a few scoops before gently taking the ice-cream away from her.

"Pehle khana khale. (First eat.)" He switched the ice-cream for dinner. Dhriti shook her head. She was not ready to ease up. Dhruv needed to apologize. He yelled at her in front of the boys and that was completely unacceptable.

"Khane pe gussa nahi utartey. Khale. (We never take it out on food. Eat.)"

"Ya, you only take it out on me! Sastey me mile na. (You got me for cheap.)"

Dhruv gave her a gentle whack for her efforts.

"What?" Dhriti's eyes glinted. "You can't hit a woman." That earned her another whack.

"I am your twin, moron." Dhruv raised his hand, but Dhriti grabbed a cushion to defend herself. Her twin was born a moron.

"You behave like a child, I will treat you like one." Dhruv said with a firm shake of his head. "You should have stopped them, Riti."

"Haan Bhai, jaise mere baat maan letey tere woh chote chote bache. (Right bro, as if your kids would listen to me.) Both are idiots."

"So is their elder sister." Dhruv tore a morsel and brought it to her lips. "Sulk later eat. I made Rajma for you."

"Wow! You made something I liked. How did this wonder happen?"

Dhruv ignored her sarcasm and continued to feed her. She had the right to be upset. He had indeed lost his calm when he saw the wasted food. Now that he thought back he knew he should not have yelled at her in front of the boys. It was too late for regrets. He would have to make sure to have a better grip on his temper.

Dhriti wanted to be mad, but the Rajma was so delicious that it was hard to hold a grudge. "Scape off the dish duty and I will forgive you." She bargained.

"Don't forgive me" Dhruv stuffed another morsel in her mouth, "The kid needs to learn to be careful. The punishment stays. I can handle your sulks."

Dhriti huffed and looked away. Dhruv never relented. That was what made her apprehensive. Her twin had a big heart but he was stubborn and set in his ways. It was difficult to change his mind once he made it up.

"Kya ho gaya, Riti? (what happened, Riti?)" Dhruv was quick to notice her sadness.

Dhriti shook her head. Dhruv wrapped his arms around her shoulder and pulled her closer. "Sorry, Yaar. I should not have yelled."

Dhriti snuggled closer. He was her greatest strength. She loved him more than anyone in this world. By deceiving her she was deceiving herself, but she could not bear to see her younger brother sad.

"You have every right to yell at me, Dhruv. You don't have to apologize."

"Then why are you upset?"

Dhriti closed her eyes. She could not keep the truth from him any longer. It was crippling her from the inside.

"I did something I should not have done." She whispered softly.

Dhruv pulled back and looked at her. "What?"

Dhriti's throat went dry. The words refused to form.

"Riti..."

The buzzing phone interrupted Dhruv's statement. It was the hospital calling. Driti closed her eyes in frustration. Every time she gathered her courage something came in the way. She wanted to turn off the phone but the hospital called only in case of emergencies. Someone's life could be at a balance. She could not take risks.

"I need to go."

Dhruv did not argue. As a doctor's brother he knew the drill. He had to make sure she was fed, so as she got ready he made sure she finished her meal. That was the least she could do.

Akshu leaned into Aman's warmth as she saw Dhruv running behind Dhriti with the food tray. They looked adorable.

"He looks so cute right?" She looked at Aman with a soft smile playing on her lips. There was something about a man showing affection that hit her hard. She knew her brother loved her just the same but the moron went over and above to hide his affections. She did not want Aman to change, but she could appreciate what she saw in Dhruv.

"I think she is cuter" Aman's eyes danced in amusement. Akshu laughed and gave him a swat on the arm. "Careful bro, she is a firebrand. Not to mention that she would be having three dragons guarding her gates."

"Two. The other one is a cute pup. Harmless."

"Dev?"

Aman nodded his head.

"It's often the silent ones that are more dangerous, Aman. You need to watch out for them. Never know what surprise they would spring up. At least the other two are predictable."

"Predictable?" Aman rubbed his brows. "Do you think the Chef is predictable? Heck I am more predictable than the guy."

Akhsu looked down from the terrace. She could see him waving his sister off. The guy was any girl's dream, but he was definitely not predictable. That is what made him more intriguing. If they were in the US she would not have hesitated to chase him, but Dhruv was a thorough alpha man. She had a hunch that he would choose his own woman. She did not know what kind of a woman would catch his attention, but she was sure she would be one lucky one!

Dev walked into Dhruv's room looking for him, but found him sleeping peacefully on the couch. He looked so peaceful that Dev did not have the heart to wake him up. Dhruv rarely got a chance to unwind. The last few days were not easy on him. Dev gently pulled the blanket around his brother. The man took care of everyone but there was no one to look after him. Dhrti did her best but she was mostly busy. Dhruv never let Dev do anything for him.

One day soon Dev would be capable of sharing his Bhaiya's burdens. Then Dhruv would not have to handle everything on his own. Dev wanted to be there for his Bhaiya, but more than that he wanted to find a good partner. Someone who could always put him first. Someone kind and generous but equally tough. An ordinary woman would not be able to handle his Bhaiya. She would either take offense, or subdue herself to please him. Dhruv needed someone who could stand up to him and yet shower him with love. Someone like his Di. He did not know if such a woman existed but he could always hope.

Dev knew his Bhaiya's routine well. The first thing Dhruv did in the morning was to check his diary for upcoming orders. He picked up the diary and placed the letter on the current page. Making sure his Bhaiya would find it without fail. He placed the diary back on the bedside table before he lost his courage. His Bhaiya needed to know the truth. He thought he could tell him everything after he got through VoN auditions, but could not gather the courage. They could not wait any longer.

Dev wanted to go back to his room, but he did not feel like sleeping on his own. He needed to be held, and comforted. There was only one person who could give him comfort. Dev settled down beside Dhruv in the bed, trying his best not to disturb his brother. Dhruv opened his eyes as soon as he felt the boy's embrace.

"Tu soya nahi, beta? (You are still awake, beta?)" Dhruv rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Dev buried his face into Dhruv's warmth and shook his head. He could not sleep, not when he felt agitated.

"Can I sleep here tonight?"

"Do you have to ask, bachcha?" Dhruv moved back so that Dev could snuggle closer. The boy felt at peace as he felt his bhaiya's warm embrace.

"Is there something troubling you?"

Dev shook his head. At that moment all he needed was his Bhaiya's warmth. The truth would come out soon. Then Dhruv would be upset. Maybe he would not wish to talk to him, Dev would have to be strong. For that he needed to feel the security of his Bhaiya's love. He was ready for the consequences, but at that moment he craved the love that only Dhruv could offer him.

Dev closed his eyes and rested his head on Dhruv's chest. He could feel his Bhaiya's finger combing through his hair. Like always the touch comforted him and he slowly drifted off to sleep in the knowledge that he was safe. No matter what the next day brought with it, he would deal with it. He was finally ready.

When Dev woke up the next morning he found the bed empty. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked around. Dhruv was nowhere to be found. His heart pounded in his chest as he remembered the letter. He looked at the bedside table and found the diary untouched. He grabbed the diary and flipped through the pages. The letter was right there. Did his Bhaiya not read it?

He set the diary aside and rushed down to the kitchen. If his Bhaiya had not read the letter then he would have to tell him the truth himself. Now that he finally found courage he did not wish to delay further, but when he found the kitchen empty he felt disappointed. He looked around for his Bhaiya but the man was nowhere to be found.

Dev grabbed his phone to call him, and realized that Dhruv's phone was ringing in the kitchen. He frowned and picked up the phone. His Bhaiya never forgot his phone before. He hoped Dhruv was still at home, when he noticed the dishes on the dining table. He quickly checked them and discovered that both breakfast and lunch were already prepared. Even his lunch box was neatly packed. Dhruv only did that when he had to leave early.

Dev looked around for the note that his Bhaiya left behind on the days he had to leave early and did not find one. He was getting restless when Dheer came down, fully dressed. Dev was surprised to see him ready for work.

"Aap restaurant jaa rahe ho? (Are you going to the restaurant?)"

Dheer shook his head. He needed to meet his uncle. That meeting could not be put off any longer. The more he prolonged it, the more it would become complicated. "I have to meet my uncle. He will pick me up in twenty minutes. Did you have breakfast?"

Dev shook his head. "Aapne Bhaiya ko dekha?"

Dheer nodded his head. He had seen his Bhaiya leaving a few minutes ago. He looked in a hurry. "Bhaiya has a busy day today. He will not be back before seven."

"Why?" Dev's eyes narrowed into a frown.

"There is another corporate party. The restaurant is booked for the day. Raman Bhai told me about it a few days ago."

"Oh!" Dev could not hide his disappointment. Dheer held his hand and made him sit at the table. "Did you give the letter to Bhaiya?"

Dev nodded his head. "But he did not read it."

Dheer assumed the same. If Dhruv had read the letter he would not have walked away without a confrontation. "Maybe it is for the best, Dev." Dheer gave his back a gentle pat. "Bhaiya needs to be at his best today. This is a big event for the restaurant. Once he comes back then talk to him. Since the letter idea failed, it's best to talk to him directly."

Dev tensed. Dheer gently cradled his hand. "I will be there with you, Dev. I know it's not easy but you can do it. You can ask Dhriti to be there as well. I know you want her there with you. Let's do this today."

Dev bobbed his head. It was for the best. And since he had both Dheer and Dhrti by his side he could handle his Bhaiya's disappointment better. Or so he hoped. Dheer sat down to have breakfast. His uncle would be there soon, and Dev did not like eating on his own. It was best if they ate.

When he saw the number of dishes his eyes widened in surprise. He could see a whole buffet.

"Yeh Bhaiya kitne baje uthey the? (When did Bhaiya wake up today?)"

Dev shrugged his shoulders. He had no clue. "Bhaiya usually prepares the same dish that he serves at events. It helps him relax before a big event."

Dhruv nodded his head. Made a lot of sense. The dishes were as usual the best. There was no better way of starting the day than with his bhaiya's cooking. The day looked a lot brighter for him.

Aman walked down from the penthouse, getting bored. He had nothing planned for the day. The client he was supposed to meet had cancelled the appointment at the last minute. His team worked at US timing, meaning he could not sink with them in the morning. Other than lazing around he had nothing much to do.

He was hoping Akshu would join him at the beach, but the girl wanted to go shopping. Aman was smart enough to stay clear of his sister when she was on a shopping spree. His sensitive disposition could not handle her craziness.

He was making his way to his car when he heard the muffled curses. Her voice was as melodious as her looks. Even an angry Dhrti looked like a dazzling princess.

"Tughe abhi kharab hona tha? (Did you have to break down today?) Dumb girl! How can you betray me now?"

Aman's eyebrows shot up in amusement. He did not know that cars had genders. If he had to associate a gender with a car it would definitely not be feminine. And especially not to a SUV version. It was thoroughly masculine.

"I am pretty sure that is not a girl." He could not keep his opinion to himself. Dhriti turned around and looked at him, her eyes flashing with annoyance. She barely got two hours sleep, she was not in a mood to entertain her cousin's allies.

"What do you want Aman Shekawat?"

"Always so charming are we?"

Dhriti closed her eyes, counting back to 1. Dhruv told her that backward counting helped to control emotions. She did not understand how it helped when all she felt was even more annoyed.

"I take it that the car is troubling you?"

"How is that your business, Mr, Shekhawat?" Dhriti tried hard to not sound rude. She needed him gone. All she wanted to do was go and rest, but Dev's principal had called her and asked her for an urgent meeting. She did not know what happened, neither did Dev. She was mentioned as the primary guardian in Dev's college, that is why she got the call. She needed to be there a good thirty minutes back, but her dumb car acted on her.

"Well if you ask me nicely, I can help."

"Are you a mechanic?"

Aman was about to give her a befitting reply when Dhriti's phone buzzed. She answered immediately. "I will be there in twenty minutes, bacha. Apologize to the principal on my behalf. I am trying to get a cab."

Aman saw her tensing up at whatever Dev said and knew what bothered her. Kids could come up with all sorts of mischief in college. He never thought of Dev as a trouble maker but like his sister said looks could be deceiving. He was sure the kid was giving Dhriti trouble.

"I will be there soon. 30 minutes okay. I promise."

Dhrti cut the call and scrolled through the app. It was a busy hour. The next available cab was 20 minutes away. She could not wait for so long.

"I can give you a lift," Aman offered generously. He had a very big heart and could not see a damsel in distress. He told himself.

Dhriti wanted to refuse, but held her tongue. Dev sounded stressed out, she needed to go to his college. It didn't matter if Aman was the enemy. She needed to be there for her brother.

"I need to go to Dev's college. It is fifteen minutes from here. If it's on your way, I would appreciate the life."

"Wow! So you can speak politely as well!" Aman removed his sunglasses and looked at her. He had to be sure he was not dreaming. "Could you pinch me please?" He extended his hand.

Dhriti shot him a dirty look. She was right about him, he was not just the enemy, he was the devil! His handsomeness could not compensate for his annoying persona. "I don't need the lift. I will take the cab."

"At this hour? Best of luck lady."

Dhriti wanted to wring his neck but grabbed her bag from her car instead. Anger would not get her anywhere. She needed to be on her way. She stormed away without a backward look. The moron could take his car and drown in the sea for all she cared. She did not need his help.

Aman made his way to his car and hopped into it. The small argument with the lady brightened up his mood. He felt a lot better. He fired up his engine and started the car. He could see Dhriti walking away. At that time of the day she would definitely not find a ride. He was counting on it, so he drove the car at snail's speed trailing behind her. In the US it would be considered stalking, he was well aware. In India, well Dhrtiti would have to file an official complaint. He was sure the lady did not have that much time.

"Got the cab?" Aman asked once he lined up to her. Dhriti's eyes glinted but she did not reply.

"My offer is still open. All you have to do is ask nicely, lady."

"I don't need your help Shekhawat" Dhrti hissed at him. "Stop stalking me or I will not hesitate to call the cops on you."

"You will call the cops on your own tenant, that's a cruel lady."

Before Dhriti could come up with a retort her phone buzzed again. She saw Dev's number and sighed. Her brother needed her. She was desperate, so she set her ego aside and looked at Aman.

"Want the lift?"

Dhriti nodded her head. One day she would take great pleasure in punching the smirk from his face, but the day was not today. She needed his help.

"Say Please" Aman stopped the car for her.

Dhriti's eyes narrowed. The moron knew how to take advantage of the situation.

"Please" She swallowed her ego and blurted out.

"See that was not so hard." Aman flashed her a smile and opened the door for her. "Get in. I will get you there in no time."

Dhriti got inside cursing him colorfully in the head. She almost bolted when the car zoomed ahead without warning. The moron did not wait for her to buckle up. She grabbed the seat belt before he could get her killed. Justin Beber's voice filled the car, annoying Dhriti further. She wanted to shut her ears, but did not wish to give Aman the satisfaction. She had a hunch that he was trying his best to annoy her. She did not understand why but she refused to let him win.

Aman turned up the volume to annoy her more. The spark in her eyes when she got upset was something that he loved to see. His smile deepened when he noticed the spark. Dhriti Singh Randhawa was a beautiful mystery. He would enjoy unravelling her, one layer at a time. He put on his glasses and drove on. He had annoyed her enough for a day and decided to cut her a little break. He did have a generous heart.

Aman was praising himself when the poster caught his eye. At first it did not register, but no one could overlook the life size poster or the vibrant banner.

"Congratulations Devansh Singh Randawa. The youngest Von Contestant." Below printed in bold was the name of the music college where Dve was enrolled.

Aman pulled the car to a screeching halt. He had no idea that the kid was so talented. Silent waters did indeed run deep. Dhriti's eyes flashed in annoyance. They were already getting late. She did not understand why Aman had to stop. The look of shock in his eyes annoyed her further. "Did you see a ghost, Shekhawat?"

Aman pointed at the poster. Dhrti looked up and her face lost all color. For a second she could not breathe. How could the college make a public announcement without informing her? She was furious. Dev was under age. They could not flash his pictures without consent. If Dhruv saw the poster.... She closed her eyes in frustration. There was no if about it. Dhruv would have known about the posters. If the college had installed cutouts in the middle of the city, the media would win. It would be all over the news. Soon Dhruv would find out. She did not want her brother finding out the truth from someone else. She regretted not confessing earlier.

Her phone buzzed again and she answered the phone on the first ring "Did you see it?" Dheer's voice filled with agitation. Dhriti looked back at the caller id. She had not read the name before answering.

"See what?" She tried to play it cool.

"Don't play games, Dhriti. Dev's face is all over the news. The college made an announcement 30 minutes ago. I can see posters of him all over the city. What the hell is happening?"

Dhriti wished she knew what was happening. Now she understood why the principal wanted to talk to her. They wanted to inform her about the announcements.

"The college cannot use his face to promote themselves. Sue them."

Dhrti's eyes filled with panic. It was not important any longer. All she could think was Dhruv would find out. How the hell would they face Dhruv now?

"Where are you?"

Dhriti did not know where she was but she knew where she should be going. She diconned the call and asked Aman to change directions. The college could go to hell, all she cared about was Dhruv. He did not deserve to find the truth from someone else. Aman saw the panic in her eyes and drove without giving her any trouble. He thought her brother's success would make her proud but she looked terrified. Nothing made sense to him. 

Dheer got down from his uncle's car and rushed towards the restaurant. Dev was already headed there. The boy was terrified as he should be. The news could not come out in a more terrible way. He was making his way to the main door when he was the paps. They were all over the place flashing pictures. He could see every popular news channel there. He wished for once the media was not so proactive.

What broke his heart was the sight of his brother surrounded by mikes. Dhruv stood in absolute silence outside the restaurant as the media bombarded him with questions. Dhruv could see the pain in the amber eyes.

"One brother is a celebrity chef and another a Rockstar in the making." A female reporter asked with a smile. "How does that make you feel Mr. Randhawa?"

"Your brother is following in your father's footsteps. It must be a proud moment for the family." Another reporter chimed in. "Your father would have been very proud."

Dheer closed his eyes. That was the wrong question to ask. His Bhaiya was already hurt, the media was just making it worse. The damage was already done! They could do nothing to undo it. He heard a gasp and turned around. Dev was standing right behind him. All Dheer could do was hold his hand in silent support.

As the media continued to torment Dhruv with questions Aman's car reached the restaurant. Dhriti rushed out of the car, in a hurry to reach Dhruv. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the media. "Your brother is the youngest, VoN contestant, Mr. Randhawa. How does that make you feel?" The lady reporter pressed again.

Dhruv took a deep breath and looked up, but his eyes met Dhriti. The pain in his eyes said it all. Dhriti could not hold his gaze and looked away. She was already too late. Her eyes filled up with tears. That was not what she wanted. Why was life always unfair to them?

1- Who is wrong?

2- should Dhruv distance himself from his family? 

3- Should he forgive easily?

4- Dhruv was at fault because of his rigid beliefs, does that give the siblings the right to deceive him? (Give an unbiased answer forgetting the cast I used. Usually in books we form an opinion of characters based on what we read. I am only looking for honest reader feedback. If you are reading this as a fan fiction, please do not answer.)

5- A parent figure should never be too rigid or too unapproachable. Answer this question only if you are a teenager under the care of a guardian.

The feedback is collected only to enhance the quality of the book. Let everyone voice their opinions. Please do not start arguments here. PEACE!

Please provide feedback on time. (Before 5 PM.) I have doctor appointments tomorrow. If the feedback is not there by the given time, I will skip the updates as I don't work without taking into consideration the audience sentiments.)