“What did you tell her that she fainted?”

Veer sighs scratching his forehead with his index finger, he didn't look that surprised or concerned with the whole situation “She fainted?”

“I can see that too! I am asking — what did you tell her that she fainted!” I ask, my voice rising.

When Jasmine called me, I didn't expect to see the horrified expressions on her face. Her difficulty in breathing as she tried to tell me something before she passed out in my arms.

“She is overwhelmed, this wedding is a lot about me adopting Aryan” He replies, his tone calm and practiced. Just that little boy? Upon hearing about him — Jasmine fainted.

What's this all about?

Jasmine already looked troubled when she saw that boy running towards Veer and calling him papa. Jasmine is already petrified about the amount of things she has been kept away from.

Her uncle's taunts have increased her insecurities and Veer's behaviour isn't helping to calm her down either.

“Look, I understand it's your personal matters. However, she is family. You have known her more than me, you know about her thoughts and insecurities—”

“I know!” He interrupts me, his expressions sorrow while he looks at Jasmine still unconscious “I don't wanna burden her with things happening in my life”

His words reminded me of Liam. Liam would do the same thing, bear everything silently so his worries don't burden others.

“It's not good for either of you. If you share, Jasmine is the kind of person who would respect your wishes and support you. Help you too! The more you hide, the more she gets affected!” I explain, hoping he understands it

My eyes land on Jasmine, her breathing has gotten calmer. She rests on her bed yet her face lacks the light which I saw this morning.

A sudden feeling of frustration takes over me. At this point, I don't like Veer's behaviour. While I know Veer has been the most supportive of her — he should understand her better.

“Be truthful Veer or just don't make her feel like she isn't family anymore” I mutter, my tone colder than I expected. His face flickers with an emotion I couldn't read but if he is hurt I would care less about him.

I sit on the chair kept near her bed. The twisted feeling I got in my gut when she suddenly fainted upon me comes back. I gently take her hand in mine, feeling them still cold in his warm weather.

“You yelled at her too” I recall when Veer's tone raised when she asked something. I saw her flinch too.

“And I regret it. I should’ve controlled myself better. I have apologised”

“Not just an apology. When she wakes up you will explain to her nicely and carefully. Without any secrets, if you have something you can't say then you will tell her beforehand. Okay?”

His eyes narrow at my words. I know he doesn't like my tone but I couldn't care at all. “You are quite worried about her. Ordering me around and all” Veer scoffs, shoving his hands in his pocket. His jaw tight in anger “She is my sister first, the way you look at her explains a lot but you aren't in the position to order me around, Lucas” He warns.

An annoyed scoff escapes me. I don't get angry this often but I am right now. My fingers are still rubbing over her knuckles and he sees it clearly.

“We both care for her. And we both know a conversation will help her” I point out looking at him with a serious expression.

“I know. I understand and I will talk to her” He agrees, stepping forward “She is fine. She has always been. You don't need to hover over her like she is glass that could break any moment. She is a lot stronger than you know”

My jaw tightens, I slowly lower her hand “I know she isn't made of glass. But that doesn't mean she deserves to break alone!” I snap out. I need people to stop looking at her like she could bear anything.

Just because she understands doesn't mean she wouldn't get hurt

“I know how strong she is. But even the strongest people fall when no one is looking” My voice almost cracked. Veer's expression flatters as he looks away avoiding my gaze.

He understood what I meant

I remember her tears when her uncle defamed her. Kept such disgusting accusations about her. I know her family supported her but they should do it verbally instead of this physical appearance.

How is that any assurance?

Two years ago when Jasmine came back from her holiday visit to her home. She looked lost, she locked herself in her room and didn't come out for a while. She even wanted to leave but mom and aunt Lia stopped her.

I wondered what happened but now I know. Her uncle said more hurtful things that made her stop going back to her home

A soft sound broke the air

Jasmine stirred up slightly and my whole attention shifted back to her. Her eyelashes fluttered, a soft groan escaping her mouth.

“Careful, Milaya” I breath out

She blinked her eyes, a bit unfocused and confused at first before finding me. I sigh softly in relief “How are you feeling?”

“Better?” She asks back, she tries to sit up. I quickly get up to help a pillow behind her back and passed her a glass of water. She takes the glass and takes a few sips, her eyes avoiding Veer.

Her expressions changes with every sip like she tried to recall everything

“Okay she is better—” Veer holds back his words when I give him a glare. Not the time to speak. After finishing half a glass of water, I take it back from her and place it on the nightstand.

“I am sorry for giving you these shocks” Veer starts carefully while Jasmine stares forward with an expressionless face. He says something in Hindi to which Jasmine's head snaps in his direction, her eyes widened.

Veer's gaze flickers to me before looking at Jasmine again. There is another awkward silence and from Veer's expressions I understand that I should leave. “I will be outside” I mutter turning to leave

Suddenly, Jasmine's fingers curl around my hand holding me back “He will stay. Talk in English. He will hear too” Jasmine says in a monotone

I blink in surprise and look at her “It's okay—”

Before I could stop her, Veer starts speaking. Accepting my presence and willing to share. However, Jasmine's doesn't let go of my hand, her grip tightens instead. She tugs my hand a bit, asking me to sit. Without any resistance I sit back on the chair.

I wrap my hand around hers in a silent support.

“Mira and Kunal dated in university. It was very serious from what I know, Kunal was in Delhi so none of us had an idea about him having a girlfriend. Result? Aryan. However when Kunal got to know about Mira's pregnancy he refused to continue the relationship”

Jasmine looks at her brother with wide eyes and open mouth. Same reaction as mine honestly. “Saala kutta kamina” Jasmine mutters rubbing her forehead, with her tone I could easily guess that she is cursing.

[Translation - They are curses. Not translation needed]

“Jasmine” Veer sighs

“What? I know you would have said or even done something a hundred times worse! And the fuck? How could he leave her? And Mira she raised Aryan alone or you helped her?” Jasmine rants out in one breath. I hand to squeeze her hand gently to calm her down before she gets overwhelmed again

Veer takes a deep breath and nods “Yes, she left, raised Aryan alone and started her own business and became one of the most successful billionaires of India”

I raise my eyebrow at his description and her achievements. Jasmine mentioned her only a couple of times as she also didn't know much. Judging by her expressions, Jasmine is also proud about Mira's decision.

We don't say anything and let Veer continue “I didn't know about this whole thing. I wanted her help for the Singapore expansion as she has a better connection. During this I got to know about Aryan being Kunal's biological son. This marriage is more of a beneficial one, I get something and she does too. However I can't reveal more. It's about her personal matters and privacy”

Jasmine looks at him in disbelief “You mean a contract marriage? Like Lucas and I were fake dating?” She asks, realizing drawing upon her.

Veer nods silently

Is this a sibling or something?

His head suddenly turns to Jasmine, eyes narrowing with suspicion “Were? Why the past tense?”

Jasmine's eyes widens but she doesn't let go of my hand when Veer's eyes lingers on us “What? You can keep a hundred secrets and I can't even have one?” She scoffs looking away. Veer tried to say something but she cuts him off “Don't change the subject! Does, Does Kunal Bhai know about this?”

Veer mutters something under his breath “Mira told him about her pregnancy when she found out, however he broke up with her instantly and cut off all ties with her. It's Mira's choice that she doesn't want him in Aryan's life after that. Anyways, he doesn't even deserve them” Veer's face contracts in anger with each word

Jasmine blinks “I don't remember him being this kind of bastard, coward or whatever you call him! Does anyone else know?” Her shoulders are straight and rigid. A pillow on her lap and her fingers digging into it due to anger.

Veer shakes his head “Not even Nikhil or anyone else in the family. He didn't tell anyone and Mira didn't care. They didn't have contact for years. I don't know if Kunal knows Mira is getting married to me”

“But if that's revealed wouldn't that bring more chaos?” I ask in between. Veer nods “Yeah but who will tell? Mira and I won't reveal Kunal and Aryan's relationship. Kunal wouldn't open his mouth because if he doesn't than our uncle will disown him in a second” He replies “Also, I want you both to keep this a secret too”

Jasmine looks at me in a silent question, I give her a small nods before she looks at Veer “Yeah, we will”

“After this marriage, we would be able to expand the royal crest to Singapore and a few other Asian countries. No one knows about this except our family” Veer explains. From what I know is Royal Crest is a franchise of five star hotels across India. The North branch belongs to Jasmine's uncle and South one belongs to Jasmine's father and now her brother.

Jasmine wants to join her family in handling the business. And if they get this Singapore expansion successfully then she will be incharge of that branch.

Her dream

“Due to this and the whole situation, even after our uncle gives the position to Kunal or Nikhil — they wouldn't try to take over our branches” He adds hopefully. Jasmine sighs in relief, the weight slowly lifting off her shoulders as I see her relax.

“However, Kunal and Nikhil seem to be in a competition right now regarding who will be the next successor. This could work in our favour or go totally against us. So we gotta be careful and not let any of this information slip”

As Veer completes, the silence stretches in the room. The rustling of the curtains due to wind blowing through the window can be heard. I glance at Jasmine — who is in deep thoughts.

Veer is looking at her with a mixture of worry and concern. The exhaustion and slight fear visible in his eyes.

I squeeze her hand gently, encouraging her to say something. Jasmine simply nods, slowly letting her hand slip away from mine. My fingers curled into a fist before releasing it — remembering the softness mixed with the cold on her skin which I had against mine.

“Well, I am an aunt now!” She says, stretching her lips into a wide smile. “I don't know what and how you learnt about being a father but I am gonna spoil my nephew and be the best aunt!” she announces huffing herself

Veer chuckles and nods “Sure. I give you the rights” he replies with a thumbs up. Jasmine nods in satisfaction “Well, give me sometime. Hm I need to fix myself before dadi comes. Shoo away” She flaps her hand to Veer gesturing her to get out of her room

“Yeah, but we are gonna have a conversation about your both situation” He calls out before walking out of the door. I watch Veer until the door is closed, his words indicating a serious talk about Jasmine and my relationship.

I might have angered him previously.

I glance back at Jasmine who is looking at me with a smile “I always wanted to faint in a guy's arms dramatically” she giggles softly “Ah had my dream come true atleast, between all these things”

“Jasmine”

“What?”

I stare at her, wondering how long she will keep up this ‘I am alright’ facade. Her smile flatters for a second before she composes herself “What? Stop staring into my soul!” She gently pushes my arm.

Yet the tears in her eyes betrays her words.

“I am fine, Lucas”

I slowly sit on the chair “You don't have to pretend to be fine all the time, Jasmine” I mutter, brushing a hair strand away from her face “Not with me. Never with me”

Her body shuddered as the first sob broke through her lips. She takes a deep breath and nods, closing her eyes. A few tears slip down her cheeks “My brother is doing good. He is doing everything. Handling the company, taking care of our parents, getting married to help Mira and becoming a father to Aryan”

I immediately wrap my arms around her pulling her closer. She didn't resist, her fingers curled at my shirt — clenching it tightly.

“Why does everyone think I will be fine?” She chokes out “I really try, I am trying everything to prove myself. That I am capable of handling things like my brothers. Why am I being kept away from these things?”

I run my hand down her back, slow and steady to ground her “You should’ve been told about it”

“I would have accepted it. I would understand and support Veer at his decisions. If he took this step then it might be because he thought everything through it. It's not about marriage or Aryan or Kunal but just about being kept away from these things!” She whimpers

I know her fear about being parted away from her family

“Just a heads up, a small clue, a bit of information or even a discussion or maybe including me. That's all I wanna ask! Everytime something matters, I am the last one to know. If we weren't there then I don't think Bhai would have even told me anything. Like I am some kind of decoration to be kept away from truth!” She whispers against my chest.

“No, don't think like that” I lean back to cup her face, wiping her tears away “You aren't a decoration. You are the heart of this family who should be protected. I know you should be included and informed. But in Veer's case I feel like he is going through something which he wanna handle alone and not burden you”

She looks at me, searching for something. Her eyes wide and vulnerable “I know but this is so overwhelming. Think about it — first the Singapore deal and then my brother is getting married and I get to know that a few weeks before. Now, I get to know that this marriage is contractual, my further sister in law has a son from my cousin?” She lets out a loud breath after saying that all

Her tears have calmed down yet she looks uncomfortable. She wipes her tears “I don't wanna be an unwelcoming sister in law or aunt to both Mira and Aryan. But I need time to process stuff. I also don't wanna make things hard for Veer but I don't think I could handle another twist”

“I am sorry for that. I know I couldn't do much but I promise to be right by you whenever you need me. I will be here to listen and help you whenever you ask. And even if you don't want those then I will be present silently” I still hold her, gently rocking her into a rhythm.

She quiets down, her raw cries dulled into slow breaths. Her tears soaked the front of my shirt but it didn't matter.

“Everything will get better soon. Don't stress yourself. You are doing great” I whisper, pressing a kiss against her forehead. She relaxes into my arms.

Eventually, Jasmine pulls back. Her face is neither sad nor happy. Her finger released the fabric of my shirt as she turned to lay on her stomach burying her face in the crook of her arm “Maybe I just need some sleep” she mumbles

I nod, leaning a bit closer to brush her hair away from her face. “I am here” I whisper, unsure if she heard me or not.

She nods “You know, it was so much better in our childhood. We just had fun, waited to visit each other. We considered each other really siblings and not just cousins. No competition, just fun” She mutters “How can I just accept that the brother who used to be so caring and understanding has left a woman whom he loved pregnant? No regrets? No remediation?”

“People change with time. It's the cycle of life. To grow and change. That's why we hold memories to always remember what we were and what we are becoming. We can't just make someone to always stay their old self”

She nods at my words, her eyes fluttering close. Her eyelashes were still damp from earlier tears. Watching her relax and even out gives me a sense of relief. Yet the tension of what's about to come next still lingers.

I pull up the sheets to cover up till her upper back. She doesn't say anything but I know she is awake. Right in the moment she didn't need words but just presence. Maybe she is sorting out things in her mind.

I move my hand closer to her. My fingers slowly carding through her soft hair. After this long, her hair has finally dried — naturally just like she wanted.

She turns to her side, clenching the blanket closer to her as sleep consumes her. Making sure she is comfortable, I get up to leave.

When her cousins come it will be more exhausting so it's better for her to rest.

“I can handle the truth” I hear her say in a low tone, I stop my track and turn around only to see her still sleeping but talking “I can't handle being lied by the people I love”

My throat tightened. She said it unconsciously, in sleep and pain — it wasn't what she said but how she said it. Like a plea to understand.

I step back closer to her. The feeling of guilt and confusion stirring up again.

How can I comfort her about her family when I am also doing the same with her?

It's not out of cruelty or deceive but because I don't know how to tell her. I don't want to lose the look in her eyes whenever she sees me — not the way she used to see me before but right now.

“I am sorry” I whisper, my voice barely audible. I still haven't accepted this hidden version of myself, how can I expect you to accept it? “I haven't lied to you but I haven't told you everything about me”

This wouldn't justify my actions but I am a coward. Every time I love someone dearly, they leave. Everytime I opened up to someone, they looked at me differently.

“I promise to tell you everything one day. You deserve all of me, not just the pieces”

“Are you sure you are feeling better?” Lucas asks again, his concern evident. “Yes, I am” I assure him while adjusting my dupatta

I can't say I am completely calm but after sleeping a bit my headache has subsided. I am grateful that Lucas was present to hear my feelings.

His presence has eased my pain.

My heart beat increases with thoughts of facing Kunal during this situation.

I never thought of my cousin to be like that. Did he just leave Mira or did he have his reasons? Or was it because of his father? I wouldn't be surprised if my uncle was behind this stuff but if he knew then he would disown Kunal instantly.

He has done it before.

Okay, stop thinking about that!

Pull yourself together, Jasmine. You can do it!

“Lucas, stop” I sigh softly, I don't even need to turn to see Lucas trying to convince me to go back to bed. I would have gone but my dadi is arriving! I am meeting her after years! I missed her so much.

“Okay, sorry. Just be careful and don't stress too much” Lucas requests, his eyebrow furrowed in concern.

We both reach downstairs, I quickly fix my hair and dupatta again before pushing the door open. As the door opens, the chatter of my family reaches my ear. But I only focus on one person in the room.

“Dadi!” I call out, all my sadness vanishing when I see her.

[Translation - Grandmother!]

My dadi turns around, a warm smile forming on her lips as she notices me. She is dressed in a pale cream saree, her silver hair tied neatly in a bun. A face of calmness and warmth.

I rushed into her arms without worrying about anyone. She hugs me with the same welcoming feeling since childhood. A content sigh escapes my lips as she pats my head.

“Aare Mera baccha” She pulls back slightly and holds my face, her soft wrinkled palm brushing against my cheeks “Bahut yaad aayi aapki” I mutter.

[Translation - aww my child.

I missed you so much]

She smiles, her eyes shimmers with slight tears “Mene bhi, lekin dekho kitni kamyabi kama rahi ho” she says gently pulling my cheek.

[Translation - Me too, but see how much success you are earning]

She would always appreciate my smallest to biggest achievements no matter what

Slowly, her eyes flicker to someone else. Lucas standing back at a respectful distance — letting me have a moment. Dadi looks at me, waiting for an introduction, she knows about him.

The infamous Pat Cummins she called him

“Hm dadi, this is Lucas. My boyfriend” I introduce without any hesitation. Now that we are actually official, I don't see the reason to not call him boyfriend around others.

Lucas steps forward, he joins his palm together like practiced “Hello, Ma’am” He greets politely with a small bow of his head. Yet behind his composed smile I could see the nervousness about acceptance

I glance at my dadi, watching her study Lucas for a bit. Her expressions are serious in starting but gentle when she sees past through the cool, quiet man to the softness beneath.

“Bilkul rasgulla jaise hai!” She comments with a little smile, nudging me lightly with her elbow. I bite down a laugh at her comment.

[Translation - He is just like a Rasgulla

Rasgulla is an asian sweet dish]

“Haan dadi” I whisper, my eyes flickering to Lucas with a new found feeling. His assuring words and unconditional love towards me. He looks between us confused and unaware of what rasgulla means “Mera rasgulla”

[Translation - Yes Grandmother.

My rasgulla]

It is true, he is fair, soft and sweet.

Just like a Rasgulla

My favourite

Lucas frowns trying to understand “That sounds like something I should be concerned about…”

Dadi chuckles, shaking her head “Oh don't worry young man. As long as you are taking care of my granddaughter, you have nothing to worry about”

Lucas's expression turns serious as he nods “Every chance I get” He replies, looking at me with the most tender gaze.

“Aww, so cute!”

My eyes widen at the familiar tone, I turn my head frantically. My mouth opens in disbelief, if I am seeing it right or just hallucinating.

“Jasmine!” She cooed softly, eyes glinting as she pulls me into a tight hug. I freeze in disbelief, if she is touching me then this isn't a hallucination “Kitni badi hogayi ho! Gosh I sound like those aunties but still!” She chuckles “aur kitni sundar! Mujhe toh nahi bhooli na?”

[Translation - You have grown up so much!

And so beautiful! Hope you didn't forget me?]

I shake my head, forcing out a smile while my world starts spinning again. “Nahi…nahi Maya di”

[Translation - No…no Maya]

Maya

Maya singhania

My uncle's only daughter whom he

disowned long ago after divorcing his first wife

Kunal and Nikhil’s half sister.