Prisoner of her darkness

                                        

                                              
Aditya (on call): I've lost her. She ran away from her house.
Adarsh: I know where she might be. I'll get her back.
Aditya was surprised by his words but chose not to question him, given the situation. Adarsh clung to the belief that he'll find her, and she'll be safe. He got the biggest shock of his life when he saw Mr Ren and his friend at the shore. They had rescued Aanya. He watched as the ambulance took off for the hospital. He couldn't get a clear view of Aanya. Mr Ren noticed his confusion.
Ren: Ansh is my best friend and Aanya's elder brother. 
Adarsh was too shocked to give any reaction. He tried to process the 'fact' that Mr Ren had just put in the picture. He thought he knew everything about Aanya. 
Ren: I remember he had a sister, but I wasn't expecting it to be Aanya.
Ansh: You're Adarsh, right?
Adarsh(surprised): How....do you know?
Ansh: Adarsh Rathod? Aanya's childhood bestie? You both used to fight like cats and dogs. I've never seen Aanya be so competitive as a child, except when you were around. Your facial features haven't changed much, otherwise I wouldn't have recognized you. I must say you've grown more taller and handsome.
Adarsh went numb. It was her! No wonder he felt a sense of connection with her. Realization hit him like a truck. She was her long-lost soulmate. 
Adarsh(stunned): How couldn't I recognize her?!!!!!  
Ansh: You guys separated when you were five. She used to miss you a lot and has still kept the teddy bear that you gave to her on her fifth birthday. She might not remember your name.
Adarsh: She used to call me Penguin back then. She definitely doesn't remember my real name. 
Ansh: She still cherishes those memories.
Adarsh(softly): How is she?
Ansh(sighed): Alive! Barely alive! I didn't realize that she was suffering. I should have taken her away along with me. If she hadn't insisted to stay with our parents, I would already have.
Ren: They don't deserve to be called 'parents'. Aanya was suffering all along and she even hid it. Poor girl, she must have suffered a lot. She was so bright and talkative as a kid. 
Ansh(laughed): Savage and blunt! She did get into troubling for beating up her classmates. Adarsh might remember it.
Adarsh(smiled): I do!
Ansh (serious tone): I don't think Aanya will open up to me. Do you know what's going on?
Adarsh narrated him the whole incident he had witnessed at Aanya's house. There was one thing common between Ansh and Adarsh- the fury ignited at the thought of those who've hurt her or put her in harm's way. It was their love that pushed them to fight, endure, and risk everything for her. 
Ansh: By the way, why were you following my sister?
Adarsh(sheepishly): I was worried about her. 
Ansh: Are you sure there's nothing more?
Adarsh: Yes, I am sure!
Adarsh(in mind): So, he is her brother. I thought he was interested in her at the hospital. That hug literally caused a misunderstanding.......Where's your focus Adarsh?! Aanya is not an easy girl to deal with. You gotta be calculative to save her from distractions and trouble. She's never gonna accept your help directly.