A Silent Car Ride

The drive back to the Oberoi mansion was suffocating.

Arnav was at the wheel, his jaw clenched, eyes locked on the road. Anirudh sat beside him, his arms crossed, his anger simmering just below the surface.

Ayush, sitting in the back, could feel the weight of his decision.

He had chosen to leave with Arnav. But had he made the right choice?

Devraj’s words still echoed in his mind. "Your brother isn’t protecting you. He’s hiding his own sins."

The file sat heavy in Ayush’s lap.

Finally, unable to take the silence anymore, he spoke.

"You said you’d tell me everything," Ayush said, his voice cold. "So start talking."

Arnav’s grip on the steering wheel tightened.

Anirudh let out a sharp breath. "You don’t get to demand answers, Ayush. Not after what you just pulled."

Ayush’s temper flared. "I don’t get to demand answers? Are you serious? I just found out our so-called perfect brother has been hiding things from us!"

Arnav suddenly pulled the car over, the tires screeching against the road.

He turned in his seat, his gaze burning. "You think you know everything because Devraj handed you some files?" His voice was dangerously low. "You don’t know a damn thing."

Ayush glared at him. "Then tell me!" He threw the file onto the dashboard. "Tell me what’s in this that’s a lie! Because right now, it looks like you’ve been running your own dirty business behind our backs."

Arnav’s gaze didn’t waver. "I have done things you wouldn’t understand. And I’d do them again if it meant keeping this family safe."

Ayush scoffed. "Oh, so now you’re a saint? A savior?"

Arnav’s patience snapped. "I AM THE ONLY REASON YOU’RE STILL ALIVE!"

The car fell into stunned silence.

Arnav exhaled, trying to control his rage. "You think this is about power? About control? Devraj isn’t some noble man handing you the truth out of kindness, Ayush. He’s using you."

Ayush swallowed. "Then explain. Because I’m done with blind loyalty."

Arnav looked at him for a long moment. Then, finally, he nodded.

"When we get home," Arnav said quietly. "I’ll tell you everything."

Ayush leaned back, his heart pounding.

For years, Arnav had kept his secrets locked away.

But tonight… those walls were finally about to break.

To Be Continued