Bhaiya = Elder brother
Beta = Son, Beti = Daughter

The girl was lost in thoughts, the piece of paper clutched in her hand, and a gentle smile playing on her face. The dusty morning air was full of the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the soft lapping of the river against the bank created a soothing melody. Her mind was a thousand mile away, replaying the stranger's words when a familiar voice pierced her ears.

"Ira!!" Nakul, her 24-year-old brother, stood a short distance away, panting heavily, as if running from ages. He bent forward, his body forming a bow from his intense exertion. Drenched in sweat, he took a moment to catch his breath. Then, with a deep sigh, he approached her. His footsteps firm on the grassy bank.

"What is this, huh!? Do you have any idea how worried we were!?" His eyes filled with a mix of fear and frustration. "And you are wandering in the town alone!? Don't you know how dangerous it is!?"

Ira's gaze dropped to the ground. Her clenched fists and pressed lips were mirroring her inner emotions. Nakul took a deep breath, calming himself. "Listen, Ira, I understand you are going through a tough situation, but it doesn't mean you'll strom out of the house like that."

Ira's fingers tightened around the paper, her thoughts a jumble of emotions. She lifted her gaze to look into his eyes, her voice devoid of any emotions. "Get out of my way. I'm not in the mood to fight."

Nakul narrowed his eyes at her words and mockingly replied, "Huh? Like you'll win."

Ira clenched her jaw. Her greeted teeth were reflecting her irritation. She hissed in a whisper, "Shut up."

Nakul rolled his eyes annoyingly and gently put his hands on her shoulder. "Ok! Let's not fight. Come home with me. Mummy and Papa are worrying for you."

Ira retorted and removed his hands harshly. "No! I won't!"

"Really, then what will you do here, catch fish and sell them for living?" He commented nonchalantly on her rebellious behavior.

She didn't utter a word. She turned her head to the side. Nakul gently stroked her hair, his voice softening. "Ira, c'mon, let's go. I promise, no one will say anything to you."

She ignored him and continued gazing at her surroundings. The river's water reflected the sun's warm rays, creating a sparkled diamond-like effect. The gentle breeze blew through her hair, carrying the scent of nature in its lap. The morning blue sky, so soothing, stood in contrast to her turbulent emotions. They seemed much more satisfying and peaceful for her at that moment.

Nakul pulled her hair in frustration, making her yelp due to the sudden encounter. "What the hell!? Are you planning to make me bald!?"

"Why are you ignoring me!?" he asked annoyingly.

"Isn't it simple? Cuz I want to ignore you, duh," she replied with the same intensity, rubbing her head.

"Shut up!"

"You shut up!"

The silence that followed was oppressive as none of them spoke anything. Ira took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. "Listen, you go. I'll come... "

"Shut up and come with me!" Nakul held her hand and was about to drag along when she yanked harshly.

"No!" Ira's words spilled out like pent-up strom. "They don't want a daughter... they want a robot. They want results but wouldn't let you study. A garden left unwatered, yet expected to bloom." Words were coming out of her mouth in a desperate mocking tone.

"Ira..." Nakul's voice trailed off.

She sniffled. "No, Sometimes, I really think, why in the world they got married? And if did, why did they have to have us when they can't handle parenting!?"

Her voice laced with pain and conviction, a tear rolled down her cheek. "Even when I was dying, they didn't bother to call me once to ask me if I'm alright, not even once."

Nakul's shoulders slumped in exhaustion, but he tried to compose himself. He gently wiped her tears away. "They care about you, Ira. They love us equally. It's just that they were busy-"

"Busy? Busy in what - fighting, arguing?" She cut him off, clenching the fabric of her dress in her fists.

Nakul raised his hands in defeat and took a step backward. "Ok, you win, I lose. It's their nature. we can't change it. Beside, you also have never expressed yourself in front of them. Isn't this partly your fault, too? You've always been so aloof, even with me and our parents. How could you expect someone to express emotions when you yourself never show it?"

Ira's eyes flashed with defensiveness, her voice rising. "That's not the point, Bhaiya! They're my parents, they're supposed to understand me!"

Nakul tried to remain calm irrespective of the anger building inside him due to his sister's stubbornness. Putting both of his hands on his either side of his waist, he darted his gaze everywhere but her. Exhaling a deep breath he broughta hand in front of her and started explaining. "I'm not saying it's entirely your fault, Ira. But if you had opened up to them, they might have responded differently."

Her face crumbled, eyes welled up with tears. "It's hard for me, okay! Not everyone is like you!" Her voice cracked as she spoke further wiping those pearls harshly off her cheeks. "Not everybody handles things like you do!"

Nakul's face fall, watching his younger sister crying. He extended his arms to envelop her in a warm embrace. "Why are you crying. It's okay. I'll be there for you next time."

Ira removed his arms, feeling drained and overwhelmed. "You don't understand. It's just so hard for me to talk about this stuff."

Nakul's hold around her tightened, his voice filled with compassion. "It's okay. You don't have to bottle everything up, you know? I'm here to listen and help if I can. Take your time."

Ira put her head on his shoulder and held him by his waist. She nodded quietly, not wanting to speak, but tears were still streaming down her cheeks, followed by sniffles.

They remained like that to calm down their emotions. Nakul felt her breath turn back to normal. So he opened his mouth, and his words came out nonchalantly. "Okay, now let's go home. And cook something delicious for me for tolerating your drama."

Ira slapped his arms a little harshly. "I'm not your servent, okay!"

Nakul slapped her back and said manipulatively. "Then be one. I'll give you a salary, 5 rupees per month."

Their bickering was a reflection of affection, their words playful jabs rather than hurtful blows. They walked in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the warm sun on their faces and the gentle breeze rustling the tree.

💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫

In the dimly lit doorway of their two-tiered house, a middle-aged couple stood frozen in the vortex of despair. The woman in her early 40s rubbed her hands together anxiously, her eyes fixed on the streets.

The man in his early 50s, paced back-and-forth beside her, his face etched with worry and frustration. His eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep, darted towards her as he muttered under his breath. "You can not even handle a child. How many times... how many times I have told you not to lash out at them. Is it that hard to understand?"

The woman's glare was a razor's edge, slicing through the air with venom. "Do not dare pretend to be the perfect father!" She pressed each word, her voice trembling with rage. "If you had shown even a fraction of care, we would not be facing this nightmare."

The man's face fell, and he looked away, continuing his anxious walk. The woman's gaze lingered on him, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and sadness.

As their gazes drifted back to the streets, the silhouette of a boy and a girl emerged from the fading light. The woman heart skipped a beat as they grew closer, and she rushed towards them with a mix of relief and worry.

"Ira! Where have you been? You are becoming more reckless day by day!" Her voice was firm, but the tremble beneath betrayed her sternness.

The man followed close behind, his eyes filled with concern. He gently placed a hand on his daughter's head, his touch calming her frazzled nerves. "Who does this, beta? What if something had happened to you? Did you not think about us, about how we would be worried sick?" His voice was soft, yet laced with a deep-seated fear.

Ira gaze fell to the ground, her eyes welling up with tears again, but she tried not to let it fall. "Sorry."

Her mother expressions remained stern and voice firm. "Just a sorry will not work. You need to tell me what is going on there in your mind?"

Ira's gaze shifted between her parents and brother, her eyes pleading for understanding. Nakul's gaze lingered at her for a moment before he turned to face his parents. "Mummy, can we talk later? We should give her a break." His voice was laced with a hint of desperation.

Her mother expressions turned neutral, but eyes filled with seriousness. "Okay. We can talk later. But promise me, you will share what is bothering you. We can not help if we do not know what is going on?"

Ira just nodded, and her father placed a hand on her head. "Take all the time you need, beta. We are here for you whenever you are ready."

With a small nod, Ira turned towards her room, seeking solace in the quiet sanctuary.

A/N: Hey, guys!

Hope you're all doing amazing today! Just checking in on your well-being. Remember, happiness is a choice! In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, 'beast' the blues and become a 'paws...itive' thinker. Yoo!!!