Hacking the Heart

Chapter 5

I sat stunned, warring with wanting to shield Indira from my web of deceit yet also yearning to genuinely connect after too long carrying crushing burdens alone. As she searched my conflicted eyes, I made a reckless split-second decision, grasping her hand.

“Actually, there is something you could do that would mean the world...” I began slowly. “With your permission, I’d love for you to meet my sister, Asami. Your kindness tonight would lift her spirits immensely knowing others care out here. And well, meeting an elegant lady like yourself would make her year after everything she’s endured.”

Indira's eyes misted instantly. “Oh my goodness, I would be honoured! Please, whenever she’s feeling up to visitors, I would love to come meet Asami.”

We hugged tightly and Indira insisted on picking up the cheque despite my protests. We parted ways outside the restaurant, Indira reminding me brightly to text her to arrange to visit Asami soon.

Driving home, euphoria warred violently with guilt. Introducing Indira and Asami further enmeshed this web of secrets and ethical quandaries. But seeing Indira’s instant warmth at the mention of my sister’s suffering resonated deeper than fear of what messier entanglements loomed ahead. For now, I tucked away the nagging what-ifs and rode a rare wave of optimism at the thought of two extraordinary women soon lighting up each other’s days.

Later that week, Asami mustered extra energy, eager to meet my mysterious new friend. While helping her get dressed, I paused hesitantly. “You know, Indira kind of has a...public reputation I should prep you for. She’s been all over TV, magazines and the like.”

Asami paled, shoulders instinctively hunching with insecurity. “Wait, she’s famous? Why didn't you tell me?” Her voice tightened anxiously. “I can’t meet someone like that looking like this.”

I knelt swiftly, gripping her hands. “Hey, listen to me. Indira truly wants to meet YOU - my brave, beautiful sister. Not the shell this disease wants you to feel reduced to. Don’t you go hiding that radiant light inside you?”

Asami sighed shakily but nodded, squeezing my hands back. At the buzz of Indira’s arrival, Asami stiffened again. I gave an encouraging wink and headed to greet our guest at the door.

I stepped aside allowing Indira to breeze inside, arms overflowing with gift bags and flower bouquets. Asami’s eyes widened taking in the vision gliding into our modest apartment wearing a dazzling smile and I imagined a hundred grand in couture dresses and jewellery.

Indira made a beeline for Asami, kneeling to embrace her like a long-lost sister. They seemed to instantly connect - Asami was enraptured listening to Indira chat energetically.

Halfway through Indira detailing her recent trip to Paris, her phone buzzed persistently. With an apologetic look, she stepped aside to handle the call. Asami eyed me over Indira’s shoulder mouthing “She’s wonderful!” My heart swelled seeing my sister captivated by charm and normalcy after too long starving for both.

Indira returned looking regretful. “Guys, I’m so sorry but duty calls. I have an organisational crisis only I can handle at the office.” We protested her having to rush off but Indira drew Asami into another long, tender hug. “We’ll do this again soon darling. Kai has my number so text me anytime for anything at all!”

After Indira swept out in a flurry of air kisses, Asami collapsed back against the sofa, exhausted but glowing. “Well big brother, no clue how you met her, but don’t you dare let that one go.”

I chuckled rubbing Asami’s shoulder, elated at her rare challenge of a good day yet dreading the dangerous line I walked bringing Indira fully into our secret world.

"Sorry, I had to rush out on you both last time. But thank you for sharing Asami with me. She's a gem - so much light and grace despite her challenges.”

“Yeah, my sister has always been the strongest person I know. But that strength gets tested a lot lately.”

“I understand more than you know...I had a sister too you know.”

“Had? Oh, Indira, I'm sorry, I didn't realize...”

“It's alright. Her name was Suki. We were as close as two sisters could be growing up - practically connected at the hip from toddlers to teens.”

“What happened...if you don't mind me asking?”

“Leukaemia, just like Asami. Except back then, the options were much more limited even for an heiress. We fought hard those two agonizing years - every experimental trial, holistic route out there. But ultimately the disease won the war.”

“My god, I can't imagine how devastating losing her so young must’ve been...”

“It was. I felt like it robbed me of half my soul when Suki passed. We were nineteen - just on the cusp of truly embracing life. After she died, I spiralled hard for a while there. My parents tried therapy, and travel distractions. But nothing filled that void or quieted nightmares of watching her fade day by day.”

“Indira...I had no idea you endured something so traumatic. You hide it well behind your glamorous success.”

“I eventually channelled grief into building my company so no other girl would lose a loved one unjustly for lack of access or options. Suki is why I pour so much into medical research foundations now too.”

“That explains what drives your incredible compassion and philanthropy...”

“In many ways though, losing my sister shaped me far more deeply than gaining billions ever could.”

"Suki would certainly be so proud of the inspiration you've become, Indira.”

“And meeting you and Asami feels strangely like divine intervention giving me a chance to redeem past helplessness. I swear I’ll do whatever it takes this time to protect your sister, Kai. You both deserve that hope back.”

“Indira, I...I don't know what to say right now...”

“You don’t have to say anything. Just know you’ll never have to handle this alone again. Not when you have me in your corner now. That’s a solemn vow.”

Things progressed smoothly over the next few weeks between my blossoming friendship with Indira and Asami’s treatments. Colour returned to my sister’s cheeks as her strength and appetite improved. Soon she felt well enough to query me again about our mystery donor.

“So have you decided to share anything more about this generous person saving my life?” she asked one evening while I prepared our dinner.

I kept my eyes fixed on chopping vegetables. “Oh um, no real updates. You know they wish to stay anonymous.”

“Do I at least get a hint if it’s a company donation or an individual?” Asami pried. “I’d love to write a thank you letter. Seems unfair they’re investing so much for a stranger and get no recognition.”

I shifted uncomfortably. “It’s just not that simple, Asami. This donor values privacy and discretion above all. Some powerful corporate interests want no publicity tied to their generosity.”

Asami frowned, not fully buying my vague excuse. “Well, whoever they are, I at least want you to keep them updated on my progress. They should know I’m not taking this second chance lightly.”

I forced a smile. “You let me handle all that. I’ll pass along every good report. Just stay focused on getting back on your feet, okay?”

Over the next few weeks though, Asami’s curiosity resurfaced as medical bills kept getting mysteriously paid overnight.

One afternoon reviewing her chart, she remarked “You sure we didn’t accidentally get combined with some billionaire’s file? These invoices make no sense getting handled so easily when we’ve always scraped by.”

Laughing nervously, I dismissed it light-heartedly. “Even I don’t totally understand the bureaucracy behind these donor funds. Let’s just call it a paperwork miracle, shall we?”

Asami studied me for a lingering moment with newly sceptical eyes at my transparent anxiousness to dodge her probing. My pulse quickened hoping she wouldn’t dig any deeper. Because unravelling this web of secrets could complicate everything if she knew just how illegally the money fuelling her recovery came about. Or how dangerously close I now danced with the primary donor whose funds I continued diverting to keep my sister alive.