Loved by the Gang Leader

Episode # 10:- Burnt

Aastha stood at the edge of the terrace, her tears flowing freely as she stared down at the ground. RV and Swathi, their hearts heavy with sadness, quietly left to find Karan. Rishi and Shayan remained, their expressions somber and reflective.

Shayan and Rishi exchanged a silent understanding, their eyes communicating what words could not. Shayan, with a gentle but firm touch, reached out and took Aastha's hand.

"Come with us," Shayan said softly. He led her towards the back of the terrace, with Rishi following a few steps behind them. They descended the back stairs to the pool area, the night air cool against their faces.

Shayan guided Aastha to sit at the corner of the pool, the soft gurgling of the water a faint backdrop to the quiet of the night. Shayan and Rishi positioned themselves on either side of her, their presence a quiet show of support.

Aastha continued to weep silently, her gaze fixed on her lap. Shayan glanced at her, then at Rishi, both of them understanding the weight of the moment.

"You already know who we are, Aastha," Shayan said, his voice steady but compassionate. He kept his gaze forward, not demanding an answer but allowing her to process his words. Aastha, her eyes still filled with tears, looked at him and nodded slowly. She had already learned about their identity as the "Black Tigers" from Karan.

"I know when Karan told you about us, you must have been scared," Rishi said, his voice gentle. Aastha nodded again, her gaze still fixed on her lap.

Shayan, lost in his thoughts, spoke softly. "Aastha, our relationship was forged through a thin thread of pain." He glanced at her briefly before looking away again.

Rishi continued, "We've never cared for anyone other than ourselves, because we've faced so many betrayals that trust has become a rare commodity for us. The only people we trust are those you've met."

Shayan nodded in agreement, his tone remaining flat. "We've all lost something significant in our lives, but more importantly, we've found support in each other. That support has been more valuable than the pain we've endured."

Rishi added, "We are labeled as ruthless and heartless monsters because of our role as the 'Black Tigers.' But that's not the whole story. People don't see what we truly are."

Aastha listened in silence, her tears slowly subsiding as she absorbed their words.

"You know," Rishi said with a light chuckle, "when Karan announced in the mall that you would be his sister, his family, I felt a twinge of jealousy." Aastha looked at him, puzzled, while a small smile crept onto Shayan's lips.

"Why jealousy?" Aastha's eyes conveyed her confusion, her mouth remaining silent.

Rishi's tone turned a bit wistful. "It was because Karan got such a cute little Barbie doll as his sister without any effort, and I didn't get one."

Aastha's eyes widened in surprise. "You felt that way?" Her gaze moved between Rishi and Shayan, trying to grasp the depth of their feelings.

Shayan nodded, adding, "Not only Rishi, but RV was also a bit envious of Karan for the same reason."

Aastha opened her mouth to speak but realized no words would come. Rishi continued gently, "I know we haven't shown you the same kind of bond that Karan has with you. But today, I'm telling you that RV and I are also your elder brothers."

Aastha's eyes softened, tears brimming once again. Rishi's voice was filled with sincerity. "Even though we don't have the same bond yet, remember this: you can always come to us for anything. Don't hesitate or think twice."

Rishi, with a small yet teary smile, gently held Aastha as she cried in his arms. Shayan watched as Aastha's tears flowed freely, her sobs shaking her fragile frame. Rishi patted her head and back soothingly, aware of the depth of her pain and the comfort she needed.

"Ssshhh, Aastha, relax," Rishi murmured as he gently pulled back from the hug. Aastha, still sniffing, made signs indicating her concern about Karan's anger. Shayan's confusion was quickly cleared as Rishi responded with a reassuring smile.

"Relax, he will be fine. It's just that he's hurt right now," Rishi explained, and Shayan understood that Aastha was worried about Karan.

"I think we should go inside," Shayan suggested. Rishi nodded in agreement and stood up, taking Aastha's hand gently. Shayan observed her with a mixture of relief and peace as she seemed to be calming down.

As they walked back towards the house, Shayan felt a sense of tranquility knowing that Aastha was starting to feel better and that they were there to support her.

The trio walked inside, and Aastha's gaze fell on RV talking with Swathi. Rishi's words echoed in her mind, prompting her to release Rishi's hand and run towards RV.

RV, surprised by Aastha's sudden embrace, quickly composed himself. He looked at Rishi and Shayan, who both nodded with approving smiles. Understanding their silent encouragement, RV returned the hug with a warm smile, while Swathi beamed with happiness.

Aastha, her face lit with a bright smile, pulled back from RV and looked at him expectantly.

"Never do that ever again," RV said, his tone a mix of affection and firmness. Aastha responded by holding her ears in apology, her eyes filled with sincerity. RV chuckled and hugged her again, his earlier surprise melting away into warmth.

Aastha then turned to Swathi, who gave her a loving yet firm slap on the arm, mirroring RV's warning. With a smile, Swathi pulled Aastha into a tight, comforting hug.

Aastha broke the hug and scanned the room for Karan. RV noticed her search and informed her that Karan was in the dining area. Aastha nodded in acknowledgment and headed towards the dining area, followed by the others.

When Aastha arrived, she saw Karan sitting at the dining table, his hands resting on it as he stared blankly ahead, lost in thought.

Biting her lip nervously, Aastha glanced back at the others. Her eyes met Shayan's, who gave her a reassuring look. Despite her anxiety, Aastha felt a small sense of comfort from his silent support.

Taking a deep breath, she approached Karan. When Karan felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned to find Aastha standing beside him with a nervous expression. She placed her hand gently on his shoulder, seeking his attention.

Karan's face remained expressionless as he brushed her hand away and said in a cold tone, "Now what do you want?"

Aastha's eyes welled up with tears at his harsh words. It pained her to hear him speak to her like that, especially since he had never done so before. Despite the hurt, she understood that the fault was hers. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she sat down on the chair next to him, determined to make things right.

Aastha, holding her ears and looking at Karan with a sad pout, was met with his blank stare. Karan turned his face away, completely ignoring her. Seeing the lack of response, Aastha looked towards the others for guidance, who encouraged her to keep trying.

Aastha then took a bold step; she held Karan's hand with one of hers and used her other hand to hold her ear, giving him an exaggerated puppy look. Karan shot her a death glare, clearly unimpressed.

She maintained her sad pout, her eyes brimming with a mix of hope and remorse. Despite her efforts, Karan pulled his hand away and turned his attention to his mobile phone. Aastha huffed in frustration and looked towards the others once more.

Shayan, noticing the stalemate, subtly pointed to Karan's mobile with his phone. At first, Aastha didn't understand the hint, but when realization dawned, she grinned widely and snatched Karan's phone from his hand.

"What the...," Karan exclaimed in frustration as his phone was taken from him. He shot a death glare at Aastha and attempted to retrieve his phone, but Aastha was already sprinting away, sticking out her tongue playfully.

Karan, now fuming with anger, chased after her. The sight of their playful chase had everyone, including Shayan, laughing heartily. Aastha darted around like a speedy squirrel, much to Karan's annoyance.

Eventually, Karan's frustration got the better of him. He stopped running, stomped his foot in exasperation, and stormed towards the stairs. Aastha, who had been laughing, saw him heading away and her smile faded. She followed him, concerned, as he made his way to the second stair.

When Karan reached the second stair, he felt a gentle tug on his shirt sleeve. He turned to find Aastha standing there, looking up at him with a mix of apology and concern in her eyes.

Karan turned around and found Aastha standing there, holding his cell phone, her face downcast. Tears were flowing down her cheeks. Gently, he took the phone from her hand. Before Aastha could turn to leave, Karan pulled her into a warm, comforting hug, the kind only a big brother could give. Aastha wrapped her arms around him, crying softly against his chest.

"I will forgive you only on one condition," Karan said, his voice filled with a mix of sternness and affection. "From now on, you will live here with us."

Aastha looked up at him, her eyes wide with shock. She turned to Rishi and RV, who both nodded in agreement. Although hesitant, the love in their eyes reassured her. Aastha nodded and hugged Karan once more.

Karan kissed the top of her head, tears mingling with his. Rishi and RV joined the embrace, creating a tender moment of sibling love.

Shayan, watching the scene, took Swathi in a side hug. She had happy tears in her eyes. Suddenly, a loud baby giggle broke the emotional silence. Everyone turned to see Ath in the arms of a maid, bouncing with joy.

Aastha eagerly went to Ath, who leaped into her arms, burying his face in her neck. Laughter filled the room as everyone watched the adorable interaction. Swathi then suggested they all have lunch since breakfast had been a chaotic affair.

Shayan excused himself, saying he was late for work. The others exchanged a sad glance, which puzzled Aastha, but she decided to focus on the positive.

After lunch, the boys left, and Swathi took Ath to change his clothes, which he had managed to get dirty during lunch. Aastha retreated to her room, feeling the sting of her wound. Swathi provided her with medicine and advised her to rest.

In her room, Aastha texted Priya, letting her know she would visit the next day and share everything. She then lay on her bed, reflecting on the dramatic shift in her life. Despite her painful past, she felt a deep desire for peace and happiness, now that she was surrounded by people who cared deeply for her. As she drifted off to sleep, she found solace in the thought that she was with those who would go to great lengths to ensure her happiness.

2 days later: -

Shayan called Rishi, RV, and Karan to his office. When they arrived, Rishi and RV were together, with Karan joining them a bit later. The trio wondered why Shayan had called them so suddenly.

"You all are forgetting something," Shayan said, playing with the paperweight on his desk. The trio exchanged puzzled glances as Shayan continued.

"You were planning to punish those goons that day when Swathi stopped you," Shayan reminded them. Rishi quickly responded that they hadn't forgotten but were waiting for the right moment.

"Today is the right moment," Shayan announced. "And I'll be coming with you."

The trio was initially confused, but as Shayan's words sank in, they grinned and followed him out of the office.

Two hours later, they arrived at their destination. They parked their car near the jungle and instructed the guards to stay put. Within 15 minutes, they stood before the area where Rishi, RV, and Karan had previously rescued Aa-yan.

To their utter shock, the hut was completely burned down. There was no longer any fire, only ashes. The place looked like it had been engulfed in flames just a few hours earlier.

The screen freezes on the stunned faces of the four men as they process the sight before them.

To be continued...