The Ardent Embrace: Bhaiya, My Eternal Kinship

Soup

[At about 1:20 pm.]

Vijay: (softly) Do you hungry, Mumma?

Aarya: (murmuring) N... ooo..... Don't... hurt.....me.... I've not killed them...

[He held her close, rubbing her gently as if she were a fragile doll. His mind raced with guilt and the desperate need to make things right.]

[Vijay gently lifted Aarya from the bed, her small body feeling fragile in his arms. He cradled her close to his chest, her head was resting on his shoulder. He walked over to the armchair by the window. As he sat down, he adjusted Aarya so that she was nestled against him, her legs draped over his lap.]

Vijay: (Softly) It's okay, Mumma. I'm here. Just close your eyes and try to sleep.

[Aarya whimpered, her eyes fluttering open briefly before closing again. She clung to Vijay, her small hands gripping his Waistcoat. He began to rub her back and started a lullaby.]

Vijay: (Whispering the lullaby) Hush, little baby, don't say a word, Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird...

[Aarya's breathing started to slow, but she still seemed restless, shifting in his arms.]

Aarya: (Sleepily) Bhaiya... I am alone.

Vijay: (Kissing her forehead) Who said to you? Hmmm? I'm here with you. (Whispers) Now sleep.

[Aarya nuzzled closer to him, her body finally beginning to relax. Vijay continued to smudged her gently, his voice a soothing balm in the quiet room.]

Vijay: (Continuing the lullaby) And if that mockingbird won't sing, Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring...

[While singing the lullaby Vijay was remembering her mother's last words to him. Suddenly a strand of tears wet his cheeks.]

[Aarya's eyelids drooped, her small body going limp against his chest. Vijay felt a mixture of relief and overwhelming guilt. He knew he had to make things right, not just with words but with actions.]

Vijay: (Softly) You're my world, Aarya. I won't let anything hurt you ever again. I'll be the brother you deserve.

[As Aarya finally drifted into a deeper sleep, Vijay leaned his head back against the chair, exhaustion pulling at him. He removed his specs and closed his eyes, his mind replaying the events of the night, but with a new resolve. He had to change, for Aarya's sake and his own.]

[Vijay: (Whispering to himself) Tomorrow will be better. I'll make sure of it.

[Holding Aarya close, he finally allowed himself to relax, the steady rhythm of her breathing against his chest a comforting reminder of what truly mattered.]

[At about 7 O'Clock, Aarya was gaining her consciousness and found herself over Vijay's chest. She tried to get down from his grip and suddenly Vijay woke up.]

Vijay: (rubbing her head) Heyy you wake up? Good Morning. (Smiled)

[As she tried to free herself, Vijay loosened his grip, allowing Aarya to slide off his lap. She stood a few feet away, her eyes weary and filled with hatred. As she slipped off, she was about to leave his room.]

Vijay: Aaryaaa (followed her).

[She turned and looked at him.]

Aarya: (Firmly) I don't want you near me.

Vijay: (in a gentle tone) Aarya, I know you're angry. You have every right to be. But I promise, I'm going to........

Aarya: Angry!! I hate you.. I hate you honourable Mr. Vijay.