Chapter 15 — Brothers Before Everything

Veeresh arrived at Qureshi Industries later that afternoon.

He walked straight into Arnav's office, where Arnav was reviewing some documents.

Arnav looked up from his desk.

Arnav: What brings you here?

Veeresh walked inside and shut the door behind him.

Veeresh: I'm going to be your brother-in-law, you bastard. At least treat me properly.

Arnav stared at him for a moment before giving a faint smile.

Arnav: Sure.

Veeresh pulled out a chair and sat down.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Veeresh's expression became serious.

Veeresh: Arnav, I don't know what happened.

Arnav looked at him.

Veeresh: You started maintaining distance from me. I know you're hiding something. I only know bits and pieces, but after whatever happened, you changed.

Arnav: There is nothing, Veer.

Veeresh watched him carefully.

Veeresh: Fine. Leave it.

He leaned back in his chair.

Veeresh: I don't want to confront you about it now. But if there really is nothing, you wouldn't have blocked me and Poornima.

Arnav remained silent.

Veeresh: You stopped ordering from Poornima's bakery. You stopped coming to business parties. You started avoiding everyone. You even stopped talking to me the way you used to.

Arnav: I didn't block you.

Veeresh: Bastard, leave it.

Veeresh sighed.

Veeresh: Whatever happened, I'm not going to force you to tell me.

He looked at Arnav sincerely.

Veeresh: But I'm genuinely happy that my sister is marrying you.

Arnav looked at him.

Veeresh: I know you will treat her well.

He paused.

Veeresh: And Rishi too.

Arnav gave a firm nod.

Arnav: I will.

Veeresh: If you ever want to tell me something, you can. Don't keep everything inside and push everyone away.

Arnav remained quiet.

Veeresh: I want you to be happy, Arnav.

Arnav looked at him for a moment before casually asking:

Arnav: What's your sister's favourite colour?

Veeresh stared at him in disbelief.

Veeresh: Bastard, I'm talking about something important!

Arnav: I was asking because of the wedding tradition. We have to send her a saree and bangles.

Veeresh: I don't know.

Arnav raised an eyebrow.

Arnav: What kind of brother are you?

Veeresh immediately replied.

Veeresh: What kind of husband are you going to be if you don't know anything about your future wife?

Arnav shook his head with a faint smile.

Veeresh stood up.

Veeresh: Anyway, I'll find out and tell you.

He reached the door before turning back.

Veeresh: And Arnav...

Arnav looked at him.

Veeresh: I hope you'll at least come to see my baby when the baby is born.

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: I will.

Veeresh smiled.

Veeresh: I'll look forward to it.

He walked out of the office.

Arnav watched the door close behind him.

For a moment, his expression became thoughtful.

Veeresh was still the same.

Still irritating.

Still stubborn.

Still caring.

And despite everything that had happened between them, Veeresh had walked into his office not as a rival, but as the brother of the woman Arnav was about to marry.