14 chapters to go.

Next update after 350 votes and comments. We have a snow storm coming this weekend. As long as it does not effect our power supply, I will continue to give daily updates. In case of power disruptions, I will make an announcement to keep everyone informed about the delay.

I hope my lovely readers will understand that weather is in no ones control.

Have a happy weekend.

The clock struck midnight when Dhruv returned from the restaurant. A part of him did not wish to return. He wanted to stay away, but home was the only place he had. As he closed the door, he could not shrug off the feeling of dread. Home did not feel like Home anymore. He dreaded another conversation with his twin. He was not ready for it, emotionally.

No matter how hard he tried he could not forget Dhriti's accusations. What made the feeling worse was she believed every one of them. She believed he was selfish. She believed he had given their mother a tough time. A part of him knew where she got the idea from, but he did not wish to acknowledge it. If he acknowledged it, he did not think he could live with it. He needed to keep his sanity. He needed a break from the madness.

When the lights turned on he tensed further, hoping it was not Dhriti, but luck was not on his side. She was waiting for him, like she usually did. The twins' eyes met, Dhriti crossed the distance between them, he could see the spark of anger in her eyes.

"Phone kyun switch off hai tera? (Why is your phone switched off?)"

Dhruv's body stiffened. She made everything into an accusation. He never minded the attitude before. She was always a straightforward person, but then a straightforward person did not lie and deceive. They did not harbor resentments for years. For once he wanted a break from her, and that hurt him more.

He tried to walk away but she blacked her way. "Stop acting so damn insensitive, Dhruv." Her eyes sizzled in anger. She was worried sick about him. He usually came back home by eleven. She had been calling him for an hour but the phone was switched off. She knew he was doing it on purpose and that filled her with resentment.

"Yes, I am insensitive." Dhruv stepped back looking equally angry. "If you stayed up to tell me that, save your breath. Go sleep. You look like you will collapse."

"Well I would be in bed if you did not insist on behaving like a child!"

Dhruv's eyes glinted. "You are taking it too far, Dhriti."

"No, Dhruv. You are taking it too far. Why is your phone switched off?"

Dhruv grabbed his phone from his pocket and thrust it in her hands, and walked away without giving her a chance to speak. He was not in the mood to go out with her. If he opened his mouth, their relationship would take a hit. At that moment he was not even sure if they had anything to savage.

Dhriti looked at the phone and gasped. It was cracked. She tried to turn it on and realized it won't. It was destroyed beyond hope. She did not know how it happened, but he could have at least called and informed her. If Dhruv thought rationally when he was upset, then lives would have been much better.

Try as she might she was not able to let go of resentment. Since the day Dheer stepped back into their lives, all those memories that she kept buried inside her came back to haunt her. Every time she saw the boy she was reminded of her mother's tears.

"Us Anjali ke wajah se tere papa ko ghar chodna pada, aur aab uske bete ke wajah se Dhruv humse door ho raha hai. (Your dad had to leave his house because of Anjali and now her son is separating Dhruv from us.)" Shanti's words came back to haunt her. "Woh marke bhi apna badla le rahe hai, Riti. Maarke bhi wahe jeete hai aaj, aur main haar gaye. (Even after death, she is taking her revenge, Riti. She is winning even after death.)

"Tere Bhai ke leye uske maa se badhke, woh Dheer hai, aur tere Dad ke leye humesha se woh parewaar he important raha hai. (For your brother, Dheer is more important than me, and your Dad always prioritized his family.)"

"We don't matter to them, Riti. They only care for Anjali, because she is a Maheshwari."

Dhriti tried to block out her mother's pain, but she could not. For years she had seen her suffer. Cry in silence. No one saw her tears. She did not let anyone see them other than her. The world thought her mother had the picture perfect life. The celebrity wife, who had everything, only Dhriti knew differently.

Her father was always busy with his career. Shanti worked as Abhishek's Manager until she fell pregnant with them. She chose to be a stay at home mom. She loved them enough to give up her career for them, but their father left her alone. Her position was quickly replaced by another man. Abhishek did not even think that his mother would be hurt by doing so. All he cared about was his career.

Abhishek was a great father. Despite her mothers tears, Dhriti could not stop loving him. Abhishek was there for them for every little event. He made sure to attend every school function. He took them out for vacations, he made sure they wanted for nothing, but as she grew up, her mother made her realize that her father had a different side. No matter how much he loved them, he loved his own family more.

Abhishek who was with Sheetal was a different man then they knew. Whenever their grandmother visited, Abhishek's face beamed with happiness. He spent hours in her company, taking days off to spend with her. He planned special trips to make her happy. Though they were always a part of those trips, Shanti made her realize that Abhishek did it only for Sheetal.

Her grandmother was kind and generous, showering them with gifts every time she came. She visited them three times a year for a few weeks. Dhriti looked forward to those visits, until she realized how much her mother was hurting. When Sheetal took them out for shopping or games, Shanti always felt left out. Though Sheetal tried to include Shanti in those activities, Shanti could not gel. There was a time when Dhriti thought that Shanti was being mean to her grandmother but as she grew up she realized that Sheetal always loved Anjali more.

Even when she was with them she called Anjali four times a day, and they spoke for hours. Even when she was visiting them Sheetal bought gifts for Anjali and Devansh. She was always telling them about the other couple and her grandfather. It was clear that she loved them more. Shanti felt left out.

"She does this on purpose, Riti. She is doing this to show me my place. For her only Anali matters. The day she has another grandchild she will stop visiting us. Don't get attached, beta. You cannot trust the Randhawa's. Dhruv is very innocent. He will not understand, and he is very much influenced by your father and grandmother. Men do not understand anything. You have to be careful with her."

Dhriti wished she had taken her mother's advice and stayed away from the woman, but like Dhruv she was easily deceived by her loving aura. Even now, she could not stop craving for her grandmother's warmth. Despite the woman's vindictive nature, she could not stop loving her, and for that she hated Sheetal more. The one person who should have been there for them, deserted them in their time of need. Only after that Dhriti realized that her mother was always right about the Randhaw's. They were two faced people. Dhruv never got it, but she refused to be deceived again.

What added to her fury was Yash Randhawa's offer to take them back to New York. They just lost their father, her mother was grieving and all the old man cared was talking them back to New York. The man who did not care to look back at them for 18 years suddenly wanted them back. When her mother refused he offered her a share of Randhawa property, making her into a gold digger.

"All that man cares about is money, Riti." Dhriti could never forget her mother's sobs. "Now that he lost both sons, he wants Heirs. Dheer is turning crazy, so he wants Heirs to carry on his legacy. Dhruv- this is all about him. He wants Dhruv. Maybe even Dev. If I take you there, he will take your brothers away. Even the money he offered came with conditions. I will be nothing more than a guardian. He thinks I am a gold digger. Who asked for his money? Why can't Dhruv see this? How can he let the man come into our home? Dhruv is turning into a fool. Anyone sheds a few tears and he falls for them. We will have to look out for him. You will have to look out for him, Riri. You are the only one I can trust. If something happens to me you have to make sure your brother does not fall for their lies. You have to protect both your brothers. Promise me you will do it. Promise me, Riti. You cannot let the Randhawa's win. If Dheer dies now, that old man will go to any extent to get to Dhruv and Dev. You cannot let him win. The man never accepted me as his daughter-in-law. He cannot win. You cannot let him win."

Dhriti shut her ears to block her mother's sobs. Her mother's fears had come true. Dheer was there to get them back to New York. He was there to fulfil his grandfather's agenda. He tried to buy them and when it did not work he blackmailed her. By getting close to Dhruv and Dheer he was proving her fears right. He was there to take them away from her. If Dheer was not there, things would have been much different. Dhruv would not have acted out. He was always on their side no matter what. Dheer was manipulating Dhruv. She knew that. Her twin never trusted outsiders, but Dheer had won his trust. She was sure he was doing everything in his power to manipulate Dhruv and like always her brother was falling for it.

"The boy is the problem, Riti. He is not your blood. Dhruv will never understand. A cousin can never take a sibling's place. Dhruv should not love him. Who puts their life at risk for their cousin? Your brother is an emotional fool. We have to protect him, Riti. I will do everything in my power to convince Dhruv to stay away from the boy, but if I fail you have to step in. Dhrv never says no to anything you want. Convince him to stay away from the boy. If he does not listen, stop talking to him. He might love the boy, but he loves you more. He will always need you. He cannot make the right decisions, you will have to look after him. You will have to stop him from becoming a pawn in the Randhawa's game. You don't have to feel sorry for Dheer, the boy is paying the price for Anjali's sins. The Randhawa's wanted an heiress, they would have to deal with the threats that come with a heiress. We don't have to share the burden or their curse. I want my children safe. I want the three of you safe. The only way to keep you safe is to cut ties with them. Dhruv will not listen. Help me. We need to protect your brother. Promise me you will protect your brother. Promise me, Riti. You are the only one I can trust. Promise me."

Promise me.

Promise me.

Promise me.

Promise me.

Promise me.

Promise me.

Dhiriti wanted to shut the voices but they would not stop. Her mother's pain, her trauma, her pleas could not be forgotten. The Randhawa's were responsible for her mother's pain. She could not let them win. Dhruv and Dev were much more than Randhawa heirs. They were her brothers and she could go to any extent to protect them. Dheer was the main problem. She had to get rid of him, and she would. She was determined!

Dev knocked on Dhruv's door but there was no response. He knew his Bhaiya had come back home. He was waiting to talk to him, but the lights were out. He knew Dhruv's routine. After he came back from work he took a shower and then came to check on him. Dev was not expecting him to do that, but he wanted to give Dhruv time to take a shower, but he had waited a little too much. Dhruv was already asleep.

He tried to open the door but it was locked. Dev leaned against the door fighting tears. He wanted to call out and plead, but held his sobs back. He could not guilt trip his brother into forgiving him. Dhruv could never bear to see them distressed. If he cried his brother would forgive me, but Dev wanted to earn his Bhaiya's forgiveness the right way. He wiped his eyes and stepped back. The talk could wait until morning.

Inside Dhruv sighed in relief as the footsteps faded away. He did not want another ugly argument with his twin. It was best if they stayed clear of each other for a few days. When he did not agree with something Dhriti wanted, she always fell silent or stopped having her meals until they resolved the issue or he gave into her demands. When she did that Dhruv always gave in because no arguments were worth her health. His mother often did the same, he was used to the behavior, but the sudden outburst put him on the edge. It felt as if did not know his twin any longer. They most often were on the opposite ends of things. She thought emotionally and he always thought about the rational aspects.

He often thought that they balanced each other well. She didn't let him go overboard with his ideologies and he kept her from giving in to Dev's demands. Now he realized that they were only compromising to co-exist. He could not help but question himself if he had done anything right. He could not be a good son to his mother, he already failed one child and was now failing another, and it was obvious that he was no good as a brother as well. The only thing he was good at is keeping his family provided.

"Had you known the truth, you would not have given the money for admission."

Dhriti's words resonated in his ears. His mother also believed that he prioritized money over relationships.

"It's money, Dhruv. Why are you cribbing? You are just like your dad. He was obsessed with making money and so are you. Aisa to nahi na ke hum bhooke mar rahe hai. (It's not like we are starving.) Every year we perform the annadan. We will do it this year, too. If we don't, how will I face the people? Hasn't your father embarrassed me enough? Why do you want me to suffer? For once, put my emotions before money. Don't end up like your father."

Two people he loved the most believed the same. How could they be wrong? Maybe he was like his father? Maybe he did not know how to give importance to people. His mother and sister both could not be wrong. He had already lost his mother, if he did not change himself he would lose Dhriti and Dev. The fear made him numb.

He was glad he did not fall in love, any woman who married would end up resenting him. He was just like his father, selfish and self obsessed. He needed to change. He needed to take a step back and let his siblings live their lives. He needed to prove to them that he did not have any intention of controlling their lives. Money did not matter to him. If Dev had told him about his wishes he would have given him the money. He might have argued but he would not have denied the boy the opportunity.

"You would make him feel guilty, the way you are right now trying to make me guilty."

Dhruv shut his ears, wishing he could forget, but it tortured him more. Helpless tears rushed to his eyes. He buried his face into the pillow to muffle the sobs. If he cried she would think he was trying to make her feel guilty. He did not know what he should do. All he felt was shattered and lost.

Before the sun rose, Dhruv got out of the bed. Sleep was far from his eyes. They were bloodshot. He did not want anyone seeing him that way. He took a quick shower and walked out of the room. He quickly prepared the meals without turning on the kitchen light. Dhruv did not wish to disturb anyone. Once done he cleaned the kitchen, making sure there was nothing left for anyone to do.

Dev would not have to lift a finger in the kitchen. The ridiculous punishment he dished out was another strike against him. He would have to make sure the boy did not feel pressured in any way. Once he was sure everything was clean he made his way to Dev's room.

His heart pounded in his chest as he pushed the door open. He wanted to hold the boy and tell him that he was not against the dreams, but he knew Dev would not believe him. If he was a good brother, a better person his brother would have not felt intimidated to come to him with his ambitions. Dev would not have thought that he would fund his education. A money minded person like him, was not worth anyone's love or respect.

Dhruv blinked away the tears and placed the consent forms beside the table where Dev could find easily. He reached for a notepad, wanting to write a quick all the best note, but stopped himself. Dev did not want his wishes, he did not even believe that he would support his ambitions.

Dhruv set the notepad away, wanting to leave, but he needed to see his child's face. Dev had pulled up the blanket on his face. Dhruv gently pulled the blanket down. Dev shifted in sleep, Dhruv tensed, not wanting him to wake up, but when Dev did not move, Dhruv gently caressed his face.

"I am sorry, bachcha." His voice was thick with tears. "I am sorry for everything." Dhruv could not stop himself from placing a warm kiss on his forehead. Even in sleep a big smile bloomed on Dev's face. Dhruv gently caressed his hair. He lived for the smile, and yet he became the reason to wipe the smile off his face. He was really a terrible person. Dev was better off without him.

Dhruv blinked off tears and stepped back. He did not know what the boy would need to pursue his passion. When he had chosen engineering, when Dhruv believed he had chosen engineering he researched for hours, looking for things boys his age would need. He ordered everything Dev would need, and told Dhriti to get whatever Dev's college asked for. Now he was clueless. Even if he asked them, they would not tell. He did not want them to feel obligated. He wanted his brother to have the best. It was not out of duty he provided for them. It was his love, he might not know how to prioritize his family but he did love them.

He needed to find out what Dev would need. He still was worried that Music would not give him a stable career, but he squashed the fear away. Dhriti knew better. He had to let her take the lead. If his baseless fears came true, he needed to make sure Dev would have something to fall back on. One thing he was really good at was making money. He could earn enough to give the boy a secure future.

With the decision made he walked out of the house. It was only six in the morning, but early prep never hurt. The alone time would help him calm himself down. He could not take his frustrations out on anyone. The staff did not deserve to have a grizzly bear on their head.

The metro as usual was busy but not over crowded. He did not mind standing, but a gentle voice called out his name, making him turn around. Ash tapped at the empty seat next to her. All seats were occupied except one. She did not mind sharing.

Dhruv did not want company but he could not be rude. She was Dev's tutor, so he took a seat beside her. The silence stretched awkwardly.

"Do you travel so early?" Ash broke the silence.

Dhurv shook his head. "I had to start early today."

Ash nodded her head. She didn't even know him, but from what she learned she respected him. People like him were rare to find, that was the reason why she wanted to know him.

"I heard about Dev's success. Congratulations. You must be proud."

Dhruv nodded his head.

"Though I have no hand in his success, I am proud to be his tutor. I hope he will resume his classes with him. He is incredibly talented, sir. You are blessed to have such a brother."

Dhruv felt a pang in his heart. He had never seen Dev play. Dev played a lot when he was a child, but then stopped suddenly. He realized his aversion to music might have compelled the boy to keep his passion to himself. His child felt suffocated in his own home. That was on him. He would have to carry the guilt to his grave.

"Is he really good?" he found himself asking.

"He is gifted, but he needs to work on his violin skills. Since he does not have a violin at home, it is difficult for him to practice, but with time he will master the skill."

Dhruv nodded his head. Now he knew why her face was so familiar. He had seen her face on several billboards. A few years back she had won several awards in music. She was very young then so he could not associate the child to the young woman.

"You are Alisha Dixshit."

Ash bobbed her head. "You know me?"

"I have seen your billboards. I am happy Dev has such a great teacher."

"The pleasure is all mine, sir."

"Dhruv. You teach my brother. Please don't call me sir."

"You are way too older than me, sir. I can't call you by your name. Can I call you Bhaiya?"

Dhruv was taken aback by the request but he nodded in agreement. She looked like a kind lady. Dev would learn a lot from her.

"If Dev has his own Violin, will it help him?"

Ash nodded in agreement. "He can practice at home, that always helps."

"Can you suggest a good model? I can order it now." he reached for his phone and realized that it was broken. Dhruv sighed and looked at her. "I don't have my phone with me, but if you tell me the model name and number I can order it from my office."

"Dev will need an advanced model. You can order one online, but It's best to get them from a local music store. That way they take care of the serving as well. If you want I can suggest a good store. They are open on weekends as well, you can take Dev there and let him pick what he wants."

Dhruv sighed. If things were different he would have done just that. Now that day may never come.

"Or if you want to surprise him I can give you the model name. Dev can have it changed if he does not like it."

Dhruv liked the idea better. She opened her purse and grabbed her music pad, and very neatly wrote down the shop name and model number.

"This one will cost 30,000"

Dhruv's eyes widened in surprise.

"I know it's expensive, but it's a long time investment." He tore the page and offered it to him. "But if you ask me, Dev needs an advanced Guitar more than a violin."

Dhruv nodded his head. There were so many things he did not know, but he knew about guitars, and he knew they did not come cheap. An advanced model could cost anywhere between 60000 and 200000. He did not know which one Dev would need. The best he could do was give Dhriti the money.

"My destination has come." Ash rose to her feet. "It was nice talking to you, Bhaiya. If you have any questions regarding the model you can call me. I have written down my number."

Dhruv was grateful, but then he was also worried. After the last mortgage he had taken, they were really short on funds. The guitar and Violin were way over budget. He would have to find a way to get the money. A few more orders would help. He needed to find a way.

Dev got up feeling happy. He turned around looking for the familiar warmth but the smile faded away when he realized he was in his own room. For a fleeting second he had the feeling that his Bhaiya was there with him.

"Good morning." Dheer set the coffee cup beside the bedside table.

Dev looked at the coffee and back at Dheer. "Aapne banaya? (Did you make it?)"

Dheer shook his head. "I only heated it. Bhaiya prepared everything. Breakfast is also ready. Go get ready, we can eat. I need to go to the restaurant early."

Raman called from the restaurant. Dhruv had taken up a big order at the last minute. It was all hands on deck. Dheer did not understand why Dhruv was overworking. At a time when the man should be sorting out the misunderstandings he was busy chasing orders. The current order would take Dhruv out of the city. A week back his Bhaiya turned down the same order because he would keep him busy on the weekend. He was not fascinated by the idea, now he had accepted out of blue, knowing they were understaffed.

He wanted to go there and give his Bhaiya a peace of mind, but before that he had to eat. He felt famished.

"Coffee pe le, thandi pad jayege. (Have the coffee, it will turn cold.)"

Dev reached for the coffee and saw the forms. His eyes widened in surprise as he grabbed them quickly, almost spilling his coffee. When he saw the signatures, his eyes filled up.

"Kya hua? (What happened?)" Dheer reached for his hand quickly. He hated seeing the boy in tears.

"Bhaiya ne forms sign kar deye. (Bhaiya sighed the forms.) He agreed. Di convinced him."

Dheer ruffled Dev's hair. That smile was worth killing for. "Why won't he sign, Dev. Isme unke bache ke khushi hai. (His child's happiness lies here.) I told you he would agree. All you had to do was ask."

Dev shook his head. "Di convinced him. Woh nahi hote to Bhaiya ko mannana assaan nahi hota. (If not for her, Bhaiya wouldn't have agreed.) She always knows how to make things right. Di is the best."

Dheer nodded his head, but something seemed off to him. "Bhaiya ne yeh tere leye keya hai, Dev. (Bhaiya did this for you, Dev.) If you had asked, he would have done it without hesitation."

Dev sighed. Only once did he ever ask Dhruv for music lessons. His Bhaiya sat him down and explained to him that they could not afford them. He felt hurt, but Dhruv promised him that he would get him the lesson in a few years if he still wanted to learn. At that time Dev was not aware of Dhruv's dislike for music. So he agreed to wait, but then his mother stepped in to fulfil his wishes.

He did not think so. His di and mumma always told him that his Bhaiya was very set in his ways. He had learned to keep his thoughts to himself, worried about upsetting his Bhaiya. His Mom always insisted that he could not ask Dhruv anything directly, because Dhruv would only worry about money.

She fought for his happiness and convinced Dhruv to pay for the classes. Only after he got the admission, his mother explained that Dhruv hated music, and that he should keep his ambitions to himself. Both Driti and his mother insisted that he should not play before Dhruv and antagonize him more. His mother firmly believed that the music would create a divide between him and Dhruv.

So, very early he learned to ask either his mom or di for things. Never his Bhaiya. Only his sister could convince Dhruv to change his mind.

"Look at me, Dev" Dheer gently lifted his face. Dev smiled but the smile did not reach his eyes.

"Do you really believe that Bhaiya will not agree if you asked."

Dev looked away.

"You believe that." A shocked gasp escaped his lips. From what he had seen. Dhruv always thought about the boy first. He was a strict guardian, but Dev was painting him in a different light.

"You think he doesn't care for you?"

"Aisa maine kab kaha? (When did I say that?)" Dev's eyes widened in surprise.

"But you think he will not respect your ambition...."

Dev shook his head. "Unke music pasand nahi hai, Bhai. Jab woh kisi cheez se nafraat kartey hai na to usse zinidgi bhar nafrat kartey hai. (When he hates something, he hates it for life.) He is set in his ways."

"Then why did he sign these papers, Dev?" Dheer pulled away. Something was very wrong. He could feel it in his heart. He once convinced himself that Dhruv was selfish, but a few days in Dhruv's company made him realize his foolishness. Dhruv raised Dev and yet the boy harbored similar sentiments. He did not call Dhruv selfish, but it came pretty close.

"Di convinced him. She always knows how to convince him. I have to go thank her." Dev rose to his feet.

"And Bhaiya does not deserve your thanks?"

Dev nodded his head. He did, but Dhruv would not have agreed if Dhriti did not convince him. She deserved his thanks more.

Dheer did not question further. He did not have the right to intrude, but he could not shrug off the feeling that Dhruv was being wronged. A man set in his ways would not go over and beyond to keep his family happy. He would have cut off funds the moment he realized about the deception. A man who cared for a stranger, offered him a home, could not, would not turn a blind eye to his child's desire. When he could see it, why couldn't Dev? What was happening in the family?

Before giving feedback please understand that the story deals with a sensitive and stigmatized topic. 'Parent Alienation' 

No one talks about it because 'A parent can never be wrong!'

Not all parents are wrong, but as an educator I have seen both sides of parenting. This story voices the abuse that is not even recognized by our society. It is not an attempt to demean any parent, but to bring to light the evils that we may overlook. I have always based my stories on my experiences. I do not write drama for the sake of drama. The one reason I chose writing was to voice the society's concern. I might not make a difference in everyone's life, but if I have helped at least one person, I would be happy both as an author and an educator.

"Aise kaunsi maa/baap asisey hote hai. This is not realistic." That is what I often hear when I go for seminars. 

Let me tell you, some of us are extremely blessed to have caring and loving parents. Please celebrate them and respect them.  Do not over look someone's trauma. Knowingly or unknowingly if you come across such people (Victim/Abuser), do not judge. Parent Alienation is more damaging then Sexual abuse. I have attached some pictures for your refrence.

I am not giving lectures, only voice to the victims that suffer in silence. Just because it never happened to us does not mean it doesn't happen.

Stay safe. Stay blessed.

Swati Sandeep

1- Do you see any hope for these siblings?

2- Who is the real victim according to you.

3- What will Dheer do next.

4- Should Dhruv be the one to take the next step and apologize? 

I know a lot of aghast! Some of you asked for lighter moments, at this point I don't see it coming. At least not for the next chapter. Once the siblings patch up slightly, I will put in lighter scenes. Please DM plot requests to insta account- Swati.sandeep.books. Any requested posted on Wattpad will not be incorporated in the story. 

Don't forget to check out the teaser for the last 15 chapters. Though I will continue to post teasers when I can. This one will be the Mega teaser. Don't forget to leave your insights on the teaser.