Chapter 2

Vishnu's eyes widened. Anyone could tell he was shocked to see him. They were meeting after a year or two.

Neel: Hello.

He smiled and ruffled his hair. Vishnu peeked behind him as if he was searching for someone. His hair fell over his eyes, blurring his view.

Vishnu: Didn't Parvati tai come?

Neel glared at him, making Vishnu shrink back.

???: I'm here.

A beautiful girl appeared, trying to stuff her scarf into her bag. Her eyes were just as beautiful as her wavy hair. She pushed her hair away from her face, revealing her features, and saw both Vishnu and Neel staring at her.

Parvati: V.

She called out to Vishnu.

Vishnu: Parvati tai, you're here?

Parvati: Yes, we're very tired.

They continued their little conversation while Neel glared at them.

Neel: Shall we go inside?

He pointed out to Vishnu that they were still standing outside carrying heavy sacks. Vishnu muttered an apology and took some bags from Neel. He asked the watchman to help them, and the man helped effortlessly with a smile.

---

Character Descriptions

Nikash Mehta (Neel)

27 years old.

A renowned doctor and MD.

Very scary when angry and hates when someone is careless about their health.

The only person Vishnu is closely bonded to.

Tries to help Vishnu come out of his shell.

His mother had helped the Singhania brothers a lot after the death of their parents.

Parvati Shah

26 years old.

A Chartered Accountant.

A charming and intelligent girl who knows how to win hearts.

Neel's fiancée and a childhood friend of Abhimanyu.

Treats Vishnu, Adarsh, and Abhimanyu like her own brothers.

Saraswati Mehta

The caretaker of the Singhania house before Keerthi and Yash's death.

Though poor, she helped Abhimanyu in every possible way, even sheltering them in her home.

Passed away before the current events.

---

They both settled on the couch, and Vishnu served them water.

Vishnu: Um, bhaiya...

Neel hummed in response.

Vishnu: Can I use your phone to call bhaiya and inform him?

Neel: Where's your phone?

Vishnu: It's not charged. Please.

Neel: Here, take it.

Neel handed him his phone. Vishnu dialed Abhimanyu.

---

On Call

Vishnu: Hello, bhaiya.

Abhimanyu sounded slightly startled to hear him on Neel's phone.

Abhi: What happened?

His voice was plain and direct.

Vishnu: Neel bhaiya and Parvati tai have come. I called to inform you.

Abhimanyu cut the call after saying:

Abhi: I know they've come. Heat up the food and serve them.

Vishnu stared at the screen for a moment, then returned the phone to Neel.

Vishnu: You both freshen up. I'll heat the food.

He began picking up the books scattered on the couch.

Parvati: What were you doing?

She asked casually.

Vishnu: Studying.

Parvati: Then continue. I'll heat the food.

Vishnu: But—

He tried to protest but was interrupted by Neel.

Neel: GO.

Neel's loud tone startled Vishnu, and he ran to his room immediately. Parvati, who had been sitting beside Neel, gave him an angry look.

Parvati: Why are you behaving like this? Are you mad? You know he gets scared by loud voices!

She scolded him without hearing his side.

Neel: I'll tell you, but only with him present.

He went to freshen up, leaving Parvati to heat the food. She knew there must be a genuine reason for Neel's anger.

---

Time Skip to Evening

It was 6:00 p.m. Vishnu was pleading with Neel for forgiveness, but Neel remained firm.

Vishnu: Neel bhaiya, please understand. I can't do it anymore.

Neel: Your problem is that you never listen to your own heart! Why didn't you attend dance class for the past six months?

He yelled at him.

Vishnu: Bhaiya, please don't...

His voice cracked.

Vishnu: I know what I did, and I'm firm in my decision. I don't want to continue dancing anymore. I can't. I'll tell bhai and bhaiya too.

Neel: Vishnu, you loved dance! It was your passion! Why are you leaving it?

He yelled again.

Vishnu: Because it was Dad's dream for one of us to become a sportsperson. Bhaiya had to give up his passion because of me. I can't pursue mine, knowing my mistake took his dream away. He had every chance, but he sacrificed it for me. Even though bhai and bhaiya are okay with my dancing, I can't do it.

His voice shook, but he held back his tears.

Neel: Vishnu, how many times do I have to tell you? We've discussed this before. Why can't you understand? Why do you keep blaming yourself for Masi's (Keerthi's) death?

Vishnu: Bhaiya, please...

Neel was frustrated. He had already spoken to Abhimanyu about Vishnu's passion, and Abhi had agreed, saying, "I don't want history to repeat itself. Dad always wanted us to follow our talents. I made a mistake, but Vishnu can fulfill his dreams."

Neel: Very good. One is regretting, and the other has a chance but still neglects it.

He said sarcastically to Parvati. A tear slipped from Vishnu's eye, which he quickly wiped away. Neel walked away, leaving Parvati to console Vishnu. She made him sit down.

Parvati: Calm down. Forget about everything else and close your eyes.

Vishnu obeyed. Parvati played a song on her phone and held it close to his ear.

Parvati: Now tell me—can you go your whole life ignoring this rhythm and forcing yourself to run away from it? Do you really want to leave your passion behind?

She continued, "You have a golden opportunity, yet you're leaving it. Your brother Abhi didn't have a choice and cried for nights over it. Now you have the same chance to follow your dreams, but you're giving it up out of guilt. This isn't your fault; it's destiny's doing. Neither Abhi nor Adarsh ever blamed you for their sacrifices. Do you want to regret this for the rest of your life?"

Vishnu: No.

Parvati: Then don't force yourself. Follow your passion. Neel will calm down; he's just worried about you. For now, stay away from him to avoid another argument.

She left, leaving Vishnu on the couch, deep in thought.

---

To be continued...