The Oberoi mansion may have been ruled by Arnav, but its second-in-command, Anirudh, was no less intimidating. If Arnav was the dictator, Anirudh was the enforcer—strict, disciplined, and always watching.

Unlike Arnav’s cold detachment, Anirudh cared deeply for his siblings, but his love came wrapped in rules and expectations. Unfortunately, his younger siblings didn’t see it that way. To them, he was nothing more than Arnav’s puppet—a shadow of their ruthless elder brother.

The Unwanted Guardian

It was late afternoon when Anirudh stepped into the living room, his sharp lawyer’s suit still perfectly pressed despite a long day in court. He dropped his briefcase on the table and rubbed his temples. The moment he walked in, he spotted Aryan and Avni lounging on the couch, their eyes glued to the TV. The sound of blaring music videos filled the space.

"Aryan," Anirudh called. "Did you even open your books today?"

Aryan stretched lazily. "Bro, exams are over. Chill."

"And your results?"

"They'll come when they come."

Anirudh sighed, already exhausted. "And you, Avni? Did you finish your school assignments?"

Avni barely acknowledged him. "Not your problem."

His jaw clenched. "It is my problem when you fail, and Arnav expects me to deal with it."

Avni smirked. "Oh please, like I care what Arnav thinks."

Anirudh knew there was no point arguing with her. She had spent most of her life in hostels, growing up without real family discipline. She didn’t understand responsibility—only rebellion.

Before he could push the topic further, Ayush walked in, dressed in ripped jeans and a leather jacket, ready to go out.

"Where do you think you’re going?" Anirudh asked.

Ayush smirked. "Out."

"Out where?"

"None of your business."

Anirudh crossed his arms. "It is my business when you keep getting into trouble."

Ayush rolled his eyes. "Oh, here we go again. The great Anirudh Oberoi, acting like our dad. News flash—I don’t need your permission."

Anirudh stepped forward, lowering his voice. "You were drunk last night, Ayush. You insulted Arnav at the breakfast table. If you keep this up, even he won’t protect you when things go wrong."

Ayush scoffed. "Like I need his protection. Or yours."

Before Anirudh could say another word, Ayush turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Avni smirked. "Ouch. Looks like Mr. Perfect lost control."

Anirudh shot her a sharp look. "Enough, Avni. I may not be Arnav, but I’m still your brother."

Avni leaned back, unfazed. "Doesn’t feel like it."

Anirudh clenched his fists, the words hitting deeper than they should have. He had given up so much to keep this family together, but no matter what he did, his siblings saw him as nothing more than an extension of Arnav's control.

He was their brother, but they only saw him as their warden.

With a sigh, Anirudh picked up his briefcase and walked away. No matter how much he tried, his siblings would always hate him.

But he wouldn’t stop trying. Not now. Not ever.

To Be Continued...