Tevin had never witnessed Rehaan in such a state of intense anger before. It was a first for Rehaan to lash out and strike Tevin. As Tevin gingerly touched his cheek, he gazed at Rehaan. Rehaan, in turn, quickly realized the gravity of his actions.

"What have you done, brother?" Maahi inquired. Sam, taken aback, approached Tevin and embraced him.

Tevin wept silently, locking eyes with Rehaan, who seemed to be on the verge of apologizing profusely, yet remained speechless. Rehaan had not meant to resort to violence, but it had happened nonetheless.

"I should go now," Rehaan announced before exiting the house.

Maahi turned to Tevin. "I apologize for that," she expressed before following Rehaan.

"Tevin, are you okay?" Sam checked in.

"Yes, I am," Tevin replied.

Rehaan, still in disbelief, hurriedly made his way to the waiting cab outside and left for home with Maahi.

[Home]

Rehaan and Maahi entered the house, and a storm brewed within her. As they stepped into the hall, Maahi reached out and grasped his hands.

"Brother, we need to talk," she said firmly.

"Maahi, let's discuss this later," he replied, attempting to evade the conversation.

"You know, I have always held you in high regard, but what you did today was beyond comprehension," she expressed, her voice filled with anger. "Why did you have to slap him so forcefully?"

"I admit, I made a mistake. It was unintentional," he confessed, remorse evident in his words.

"Why, brother? Why did you do this? The brother I have known all these years was not like this. I did it because I wanted your happiness. That's why I..." she trailed off, her voice filled with confusion and concern.

"Did I ask for your opinion?" he interrupted sharply. "Maahi, being with him would hurt me the most. You don't understand anything."

"Then tell me, brother. You have always confided in me, so why can't you share this with me?" she pleaded, gripping his hand tightly. "I can see the pain in your eyes, but I don't know its source. Let it out... Tell me," she urged, her voice filled with empathy.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Tears streamed down Rehaan's face as he embraced Maahi, seeking solace in her comforting presence. He finally mustered the courage to reveal the hidden truth about Tevin and himself, a story he had kept concealed from her until now. Maahi listened intently, her anger simmering as she learned of the betrayal.

"That Tevin...he did that to you back in college?" she inquired, her voice laced with disbelief.

Rehaan simply nodded in response.

"You're too kind, Rehaan. If it were me, I would have done much worse than just a slap," she admitted, her protective instincts kicking in.

Rehaan managed a small smile, grateful for her unwavering support. "Maahi, please don't tell mother about today," he pleaded.

"Of course, brother. You have my word," she assured him, her tone filled with regret. "I'm sorry, brother. I misunderstood your relationship with Tevin."

"It's alright. You acted out of concern for me," Rehaan reassured her, his eyes reflecting gratitude.

"Good. I promise I won't let you face Tevin again," Maahi vowed, her determination shining through.

"Maahi," Rehaan called out to her.

"Yes?"

"I realize now that I was wrong. I should have listened to Tevin's side of the story, as mother suggested. But I couldn't control my anger when he kissed me unexpectedly," Rehaan confessed, his words hanging in the air.

"What! He kissed you?" Maahi exclaimed, rising from the bed in shock. "Brother, what happened next?"

"I just left the room. But there's still something unclear," Rehaan replied.

"That scumbag! I need to see him," Maahi said angrily.

"Maahi, that's a bad word. Let's not use it," Rehaan cautioned.

"Bad words are for bad people," Maahi insisted.

Rehaan smiled, "Not everyone wishes us well."

"I completely understand, brother. Betrayal by friends is the worst," Maahi sympathized.

To be continued...