Wrapped

CHAPTER 5

MANASHWI'S POV:

"I AM SO GLAD TO SEE YOU HERE." When I eventually released the hug, I was thrilled to see Viraj. Though his expression appeared concerned this time, he usually made me laugh.

"DADAJI's health is getting worse di ." For a moment, it broke me completely. I care deeply about him, so even a little concern about his health disturbs me. As Viraj broke the bad news about Dadaji's health issues, I felt my heart drop. I knew we had to do everything in our power to assist in his recovery since the thought of losing him was unbearable.

"Wh-What's wrong with his health? What's with that expression, Viru (Viraaj)?" At hearing this news, my voice broke.

"I just met the doctor, and he said that his condition is getting worse." He took a deep breath and continued, "He mentioned that Dadaji's illness has progressed to a critical stage, and the doctor is concerned about his chances of recovery. We need to act quickly and explore all possible treatment options to give him the best chance at fighting this. Or else he would not be able to mak....."

"STOP IT... HE'S FINE. NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO HIM" I cut him off in the middle because I knew what he was about to say.

I could see the fear and worry in his eyes, but I couldn't bear to hear any more negative thoughts about Dadaji's condition. I needed to stay positive and hopeful for the sake of Dadi and Viraaj. My chacha-chachi would never care about all this. They were too consumed with their own lives to understand the gravity of the situation. It was up to me to be the pillar of strength for my family and ensure that we explored every possible avenue for Dadaji's treatment.

He continued, studying the obvious concern on my face. "They say that we have to make sure that he doesn't worry about anything and doesn't stress."

"That is not something to be concerned about. I am going to handle that. You should concentrate more on your semester exams." I made an effort to take his mind off the matter.

I knew that my family needed me to be strong and supportive during this difficult time. I reassured my brother that I would handle all the necessary arrangements and responsibilities so that he could concentrate on his studies without any added stress.

We continued to talk for a few more minutes, and then he hugged me one more time before leaving. I could see the relief in his eyes as he left, knowing that I would take care of everything. As he walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of terror in me.

I was so frustrated by everything around me that I wanted to scream hard and this time I couldn't even share with Viru as I didn't want him to stress out before his semester exams. I clenched my fists, trying to contain the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume me. It was difficult to bear the weight of my own worries and fears alone, but I knew I had to stay strong for Viru's sake.

I made my usual cool face and concealed my expression as I saw Anirudh walking into my cabin.

As soon as he entered my office, he started overwhelming me with questions.

"WHO WAS THAT GUY? WAS THAT YOUR BOYFRIEND? IS HE YOUR FRIEND OF SOMETHING? DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW TO LAUGH?" Anirudh's words pierced through the already fragile shield I had built around myself. I took a deep breath and tried to maintain my composure. "No, Anirudh, he's just my brother," I replied calmly, avoiding eye contact. I knew that arguing about Viru would be pointless.

"But based on my data, you are your parents' only child?" Curious, he asked again. But his questions were making me feel much more anxious than I already was. I grew impatient and yelled.

"WHY THE HELL ARE YOU SO INTERESTED IN MY PERSONAL LIFE? CAN'T YOU JUST DO YOUR OWN TASKS RATHER THAN POKING YOUR NOSE HERE?" I immediately regretted shouting at him.

 I don't know why, but unlike with my other staff, I don't feel like yelling at him. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I realized that my reaction was unwarranted and apologized to him for my outburst. Despite feeling guilty, there was something about him that made me want to treat him differently than my other employees.

"ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" he inquired with concern on his face. These replies seem to be everything I've been waiting for, yet I find it hard to believe that someone, especially a complete stranger, would care about me. I decide to say nothing and give a nod of approval.

ANIRUDH'S POV:

After today's encounter, I'm not sure why, but she was the only thing on my mind. I was wondering about her plans and what she was really up to. I arrived home early today. When I got there, I noticed that my entire family was seated in the hallway, laughing and chatting. I joined them as well, hoping to temporarily remove her thoughts from my head. Trying to force myself to ignore thoughts of her while I sat with my family, I couldn't help but wonder if she was thinking about me. It seemed odd how someone I hardly knew could have such a strong hold on my mind.

"SO DO YOU LIKE SOMEONE OR YOU ARE JUST PLANNING TO STAY SINGLE FOREVER?" Chachi said something sarcastically in between the talks.

"MANASHWI"

It was the last word I said before the entire hallway, which had been echoing with laughter, became entirely silenced.

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