Episode 14 – “Unseen Cracks”
915 Words
(Third-Person POV)
The room was a wreck.
Glass pieces shimmered on the floor, books thrown haphazardly, her favourite cushion torn at the seams. Among the chaos, a soft cry echoed through the silence.
In the far corner, a girl sat with her arms wrapped around her knees, tears spilling endlessly.
It was Ruhani.
Her eyes were red, voice cracked from hours of sobbing. She clutched her phone like it was the last string to the world, her heart shattered beyond recognition.
Everything inside her screamed for a miracle, but none came.
The door creaked open. Heavy footsteps followed.
Veer entered.
He paused. What he saw broke something inside him.
His sister—his bright, ever-smiling, lively Ruhani—was reduced to a shadow. The message on the phone caught his eye, glowing dimly on the shattered screen. One line:
> “I’m sorry, Ruhani… but I can’t force a love I don’t feel.”
His chest clenched. The words were simple, yet they had gutted her completely.
He walked to her, slowly knelt, and placed his hand on her head, gently, like he used to when she was small. She looked up at him through swollen eyes.
Then came the words that hit harder than any bullet:
“He doesn’t love me, bhai…” she whispered.
“He loves someone else.”
Veer didn’t speak.
“I can live without him, bhai… but I cannot live without Sanchit…” she sobbed, burying her face in his chest.
He hugged her tightly, swallowing the lump in his throat.
He would fix anything for her.
Except this.
---
Veer’s POV
What do you do when you’re a warrior everywhere… but completely powerless in front of your sister’s tears?
I held Ruhani in my arms, and in that moment, I would’ve given anything to take her pain away. I would’ve begged, fought, threatened—anything, if it could make Sanchit love her.
But I can’t control hearts.
I saw the message. It didn’t have a name. But I know my best friend. I know when he falls—he falls deep. And this time, it wasn’t for Ruhani.
He hasn't said it out loud, but I’ve seen the shift in his eyes. I don’t know who the girl is… and maybe that’s for the best. Because part of me wants to stay blind, for my sister’s sake.
And the other part?
The one that’s been through death, betrayal, and blood?
That part wants to stand by Sanchit too.
Because he's family.
Because I want him to be happy.
Even if his happiness isn't with Ruhani.
But damn it... that doesn’t make this any easier.
---
Ruhani’s POV
I don’t even know what time it is. Or how long I’ve been sitting here.
All I know is that I read his message… and everything inside me broke.
I can still hear his voice in my head. The way he used to tease me, make fun of how I drink my coffee. The way he used to smile when I got nervous.
But now I wonder—were those just my illusions?
He doesn’t love me.
He loves someone else.
I told Bhai I could live without him. But that was a lie. A stupid, desperate lie.
I can’t.
I don’t want to.
He became my dream before I even realized I was dreaming. And now I’m wide awake… with nothing left.
I know Bhai is hurting too. For me. For him. But he doesn’t deserve to be stuck in the middle of this.
I just wish I could go back.
To before my heart got involved.
---
Sanchit and Veer – Rooftop Conversation
Late night. Wind brushing past. Silence stretching between two men who once never needed words.
Veer stood by the edge, arms folded, eyes fixed on the stars that refused to shine tonight.
Sanchit walked in quietly, guilt heavy in every step.
“Ruhani cried herself unconscious,” Veer said, not looking at him. “You could’ve told her.”
“I didn’t know how,” Sanchit replied, voice soft.
“She’s not a stranger, Sanchit. She’s family.”
“I know. That’s why it hurts more.”
There was silence again.
Sanchit inhaled. “I never meant to fall for someone else, Veer. I swear. I didn’t plan this.”
“I know you didn’t,” Veer said, turning to him finally. “You don’t even need to say the name. I can see it… in your eyes. You’re already hers. Whoever she is.”
Sanchit dropped his gaze. “I didn’t want to hurt anyone. Especially Ruhani. I care about her… a lot. But not the way she wants me to.”
“And you’re sure about the other girl?”
A quiet pause. “Yes.”
Veer nodded slowly.
Then, after a beat:
“Then be sure about your decision, too.”
Sanchit looked confused.
Veer placed a hand on his shoulder.
“She’s my sister. But you’re my brother too. If she’s not the one for you… I won’t force a lie. I’ll hate the pain it causes her. But I won’t hate you for being honest.”
Sanchit’s voice cracked. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Veer warned. “Just don’t disappear. She deserves closure. A goodbye that doesn’t come through a screen.”
Sanchit nodded, guilt heavier than ever.
Because breaking a heart was one thing.
But breaking one protected by Veer Singh Rathore… that had consequences.
- Writer
