Page 202 of The Redemption
That’s why, the next morning, I head downstairs looking for Ayaan. He’s in the living room, already on a call with someone. The second he notices me, he wraps up the conversation and hangs up.
“I need to talk to you,” I say.
“I wanted to talk to you too,” he replies immediately.
“But what Ihave to say is more important.”
His eyebrows shoot up.
“And how exactly have you decided thatyourtopic is more important than mine?”
“Because I’m ten minutes older than you. And definitely wiser.”
Ayaan scoffs. “By only ten minutes. Not ten years.”
“Still older,” I say, holding back my grin.
“Fine.” Ayaan throws up his hands in surrender. “Am I supposed to spend the rest of my life listening to you remind me that you’re older?”
He’s just being overly dramatic now. We’ve had this argument many times, and despite all his complaints, he’s never really minded me pulling the ‘older brother’ card whenever it suited me.
When I don’t reply, Ayaan finally gives up. “Okay, you go first.”
The amusement fades from my face as I exhale. “What happened last night shouldn’t have happened.”
His expression changes instantly, knowing what I’m talking about, but he still smirks.
“Really?” he asks casually. “You pointing a gun at the Singhal man and almost shooting him in the middle of a public street where half the city could’ve witnessed a murder? That part?”
“All of it,” I reply. “The fact that the Singhal men, or anyone from the underworld for that matter, got close enough to the family, close enough to keep a watch on them because of me… none of that should have happened.”
The teasing vanishes from his face as I continue. “But this won’t happen again. I know I brought this upon the family. However, I won’t let anyone suffer because of me.”
I pause, locking my eyes with his. “Marrying Siya was my decision, and I don’t regret it for a second. But maybe… the way I did it… I went too far. The underworld learning that I’m alive is now a threat to everyone around us… that’s the fallout of my choices. And I’m going to fix this.”
Ayaan becomes serious too. “I know you will,” he says with a nod. “To be honest, ever since you married Siya, I was really pissed off. Maybe because I never expected something like this from you, Raghav.” He pauses. “But in the last few days… I’ve realised something.”
I frown slightly.
“I think whatever happened… happened for the best. I mean the marriage part. Siya’s a good woman. She’s perfect for you.”
I stiffen, not sure where this conversation is heading. But Ayaan keeps going.
“Ever since you both came here, the way I’ve seen you around her, and her around you… it never once felt like this was a mistake. Yes, the way it happened wasn’t right. But I still think it’s the best thing that could’ve happened to both of you.”
He smiles softly while I stand there, processing his words.
“The family already loves her, and I like her a lot too. You have no idea what a power couple you two make. And you… you’re different around her. When she’s near you, you make decisions from here…” He taps a finger lightly against my chest, right over my heart. “That’s why you’ve been so different from your usual broody self ever since you married her.”
“What the f*ck is that even supposed to mean?” I mutter. “Looks like last night’s hangover is still talking.”
“C’mon, Raghav,” he grins. “We’re twins. Nobody knows you better than I do. We spent nine months glued together inside Mom. Our connection runs that deep. So, I know what’s going on inside your heart. You probably don’t even realise it yet, but I can sense it.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?” I ask dryly. “Because I have no interest in listening to your theories about my own heart.”
“Fine, then. Figure it out yourself.” Ayaan chuckles.
“The thing I actually wanted to say was…I am sorry.” The smile slowly fades from his face as he continues, “I’m sorry for deciding to send Siya to New Zealand behind your back. I shouldn’t have done that. But at the time, I honestly thought it was the best decision for all of us. Keeping Siya away meant keeping my brother away from his past life. When you married Siya, I thought you had strayed from your new life… from your redemption. I judged you without even trying to understand what was going on inside that thick head of yours. We should’ve talked it out like brothers instead of throwing punches at each other.”
