Three months had passed since Ayush left the Oberoi mansion. At first, the freedom felt intoxicating. No rules, no Arnav controlling his life, no Anirudh lecturing him about discipline. He had moved in with some college friends, rented a small apartment, and spent his days partying, drinking, and living the carefree life he always wanted.

But reality had a way of catching up.

The money Arnav had deposited in his account—his final act of silent care—was running out. His friends, who had once been eager to party with him, started avoiding him when he couldn’t pay his share. His internship, which he had barely attended, was on the verge of being terminated.

And worst of all, deep inside, he felt… lost.

One evening, he sat in a dimly lit bar, his head resting on his arms as a glass of whiskey sat untouched before him. His phone buzzed for the hundredth time.

Anirudh Calling…

Ayush let it ring. He had ignored every call, every message from his brother. He didn’t need another lecture.

But then, another call came. Not from Anirudh. Not from Arnav.

It was from his college.

Hesitating, he picked it up.

"Ayush Oberoi?" a formal voice asked.

"Yeah."

"This is the Dean’s office. We need to speak with you immediately. If you don’t attend the disciplinary hearing tomorrow, you will be expelled."

The call ended.

Ayush sat there, gripping his phone, his chest tightening. Expelled? His hands trembled. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. He was supposed to prove he didn’t need his brothers. He was supposed to succeed on his own.

But now, everything was slipping through his fingers.

Back at the Mansion

Anirudh stood near the balcony, phone in hand, staring at the long list of ignored calls. His patience was running thin, but his concern only grew.

"He still isn’t answering?" Arnav’s voice came from behind him.

Anirudh shook his head. "He’s spiraling. I can feel it."

Arnav’s expression remained unreadable, but his silence was heavy. He had given Ayush the freedom he wanted. Now, he was waiting for the inevitable fall.

"He’ll come back," Arnav said finally.

Anirudh turned to him. "And if he doesn’t?"

Arnav’s eyes darkened. "Then I’ll bring him back. Whether he wants it or not."

Anirudh exhaled, looking down at his phone once more. He could only hope Ayush realized his mistakes before it was too late.

But deep down, he knew—some lessons could only be learned the hard way.

To Be Continued…